PRP for Hair Loss in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Guide

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a procedure used to treat a variety of conditions and wounds, including after-surgery wounds, sports injuries, wrinkles, and hair loss.

What are PRP injections?

PRP injections are made in 3 steps:

• Firstly, about 10-60ml of your blood is extracted from your arm and put into a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood at high speed.
• After 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood would have separated into 3 layers.
  • Platelet poor plasma
  • Platelet-rich plasma
  • Red blood cells
• From the 3 layers, the platelet-rich plasma is concentrated and mixed into a blood plasma liquid base to make PRP injections.

This article focuses on platelet-rich plasma therapy for treating hair loss.

Is PRP right for you?

• PRP is used to treat a type of hereditary hair loss called androgenic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness. While there is a focus on men’s hair loss, PRP is a procedure that can also help women who are experiencing hair loss.
• PRP can be performed for individuals between the ages of 18-72.
• PRP can also address temporary hair loss caused by high stress.
• PRP is also effective for those with thinning or balding hair, but not for those experiencing complete baldness.
• Your own blood may not have rich enough concentrations of platelets to be fully effective in restoring your hair through PRP injection therapy

The Procedure:

Plasma-rich injections produced from the patient, are injected into the scalp. The doctors use ultrasound imaging technology to make sure they are targeting the right area when injecting the scalp. This process is effective because the plasma injections break down and release growth factors, which trigger the body’s natural healing process. 

The injections are given in sessions, typically there are three sessions between 5-6 week intervals. However, this can differ from patient to patient.

Pre – PRP:

• Shampoo your hair before the appointment to make sure your scalp is clean and germ-free.
• Have a meal and at least 1 glass of water before the procedure to avoid nausea, fainting, and dizziness.
• Don’t use any hair spray, gel, or any product 3 days before the procedure. This can later cause side effects.
•  Make sure to discuss any medications you are taking before the procedure with your doctor. Some medications can lower the platelet count of the blood.

Post- PRP:

• PRP is a relatively easy procedure so it shouldn’t affect your everyday routines
• You can wash your hair normally as per routine. However, if the site of injection is especially painful or irritated, wait until it calms down.
• It is recommended that you don’t color your hair or get a perm, at least 72 hours after the procedure.

Risks:

Since PRP injections are made from the patient’s own blood, the risks associated with PRP are fairly small. There is little to no chance of any cross-contamination or allergies. However, if the area is not properly disinfected or if the procedure is performed in an unclean environment, the chances of getting an infection increase.

With any type of injection, it is very common to experience pain at the site of the injection. You can counter this pain by taking painkillers. However, if the pain lasts several days, visit your doctor to make sure there is no nerve damage.

How much does PRP cost?

PRP treatment costs in Pakistan can vary depending on the quality of materials used. Here’s a breakdown:

• High-Quality PRP: This uses specialized kits for optimal results. The cost typically ranges from PKR 15,000 to 25,000.
• Standard PRP: Many clinics use regular blood collection vials, resulting in lower-quality PRP. While cheaper (PKR 8,000 to 10,000), its effectiveness may be limited.

Check Out Best PRP Clinics And Specialists In Lahore.