Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair restoration, has grown in popularity as a non-surgical option for those who are battling hair loss due to injury or illness. PRP is a more natural approach to promoting hair growth of the scalp. PRP for hair restoration can help victims of traumatic events recover the hair they lost due to wounds. Car accident victims in particular can benefit from PRP therapy if they suffered from physical head trauma.
The Human Scalp
Our human scalp contains about 100,000 hair follicles. Life events such as a car accident can have both a physical and emotional impact on a person. The physical trauma and stress associated with a car crash can cause the hair to fall out due to shock. Many people who lose hair because of injury or illness, may feel less confident about themselves since hair is one of the first things people notice about us. Men and women alike often view their hair as a reflection of who they are.
The standard cycle of hair entails 85% of follicles going through the growth phase, while the remaining percent are in the resting phase (where they are soon to shed or fall out). However, in the event of a traumatic event this normal cycle can get drastically thrown off course. This is where platelet-rich plasma therapy can step in.
How PRP Therapy Works
The human blood contains growth factors and other properties that aid in tissue healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma therapy can be used in combination with standard medical care plans to help with skin recovery.
PRP therapy begins with a doctor gathering a blood sample from the patient, and processing it through a centrifuge. This machine spins the blood sample rapidly for 10-15 minutes, separating the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the material. This solution consisting of enriched cells is injected into the scalp. PRP contains proteins that are responsible for stimulating natural hair growth.
The Science Behind PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma has special cells in it called “platelets”, which encourage hair growth by stimulating stem cells in the tiny environment around a hair follicle. These platelet cells promote healing, and can increase the rate and amount of tissue regeneration. The intention of PRP therapy for hair restoration is to support freshly implanted hair follicles, or stimulate formerly inactive ones into the growth phase. Within these platelet cells are intracellular structures called alpha granules, lysosomes, and glycogen.
How PRP Can Help Car Accident Victims
Some of the most common injuries after a car accident include breaks, sprains, tears, and tissue damage. Some of the more serious injuries are when the head sustains an injury. Due to the force of the impact during a car collision, a person may have walked away with head wounds that severely damaged hair follicles. Platelet-rich plasma injections can be administered with minimal discomfort, and can help not only boost hair growth in the wounded area, but assist with tissue repair as well.
If you’re considering PRP hair restoration, contact a hair transplant specialist, like Dr. Robin Unger, MD.
