Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments in PA

What is PRP?

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative treatment that harnesses the body’s own regenerative properties to stimulate hair growth. The treatment is off-label (not FDA approved) but numerous studies have shown its effectiveness in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed by Dr. Shyam and the findings have been published in one of the top Dermatology Journals.

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    How PRP Works?

    In the simplest terms, PRP utilizes blood that contains more platelets (blood cells that help heal wounds) than a typical blood sample. The plasma is created by taking a sample of the patient’s blood (similar to getting blood work) and placing the tube in a centrifuge to separate the platelets which are then concentrated. When injected into the treatment areas of the scalp, the platelet-rich plasma, which contains numerous growth factors, may thicken existing hairs, prolong the growth phase, and restore the normal hair growth cycle.

    PRP is not a uniform product since each person’s blood composition and medical history are different. In addition, there is wide variability in the collection process and injection technique. This variability can affect treatment response. Therefore, it is extremely important that you see a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss and with experience in PRP.

    Platelet Rich Plasma Before and After

    View our before-and-after gallery to see examples of real PRP treatment transformations.

    A promising new treatment option: Platelet Rich Plasma 

    Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an innovative treatment that harnesses the body’s own regenerative properties to stimulate hair growth. In the last 6 years, it has been shown to be very effective (~80%) in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. PRP utilizes platelets which are the cells that are important in wound healing and are the “first responders” to sites of tissue injury. Platelets contain numerous growth factors that have been shown to thicken existing hairs, prolong the growth phase, and restore the normal hair growth cycle.

    FAQs

    Are Platelet Rich Plasma treatments safe?

    Since PRP is collected from a patient’s own blood, the treatment is extremely safe. Unlike hair loss treatments that require medication, PRP does not produce unwanted side effects.

    How many PRP treatments are required?

    To maintain the full benefits of the PRP treatments, our protocol includes three treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart and a maintenance regimen of 1-2 treatments per year.

    Are PRP treatments painful?

    Although patients may experience slight discomfort during the injection process, ice and vibratory stimuli are applied to help make the process as comfortable as possible.

    How long is the PRP recovery time?

    One of the many benefits of PRP treatment is that there is no downtime or recovery process.

    Is all PRP the same?

    Platelet Rich Plasma is not a uniform product since each person’s blood composition and medical history are different. In addition, there is wide variability in the collection process and injection technique. This variability can affect treatment response. Therefore, it is extremely important that you see a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss and with experience in PRP.

    Is PRP right for you?

    When you meet with Dr. Shyam for your hair loss consultation, he will work with you to determine if PRP may be a good option as part of your personalized hair loss treatment regimen.

    What is involved in a PRP treatment session?

    PRP is a process that involves a blood draw (similar to getting blood work). The collection tube is then placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets which are then concentrated. This platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into the treatment areas of the scalp at the precise level of the hair follicles. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. 

    Are there any side effects to the treatment?

    Since PRP is collected from your own blood, the treatment is extremely safe. Patients may experience slight discomfort during the injection process but we use ice and vibratory stimuli to make the process as comfortable as possible. Dr. Shyam has never had a patient who could not tolerate the treatments. There is no downtime or recovery process. 

    How many treatments are required and what is the effectiveness of PRP?

    Dr. Shyam is a leading researcher in the use of PRP and helped to develop the treatment regimen for hair loss. The protocol includes 3 treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart and a maintenance regimen of 1-2 treatments per year is usually required to maintain the full benefits of the PRP treatment. In Dr. Shyam’s experience and based on the evidence in the literature, PRP has a success rate of ~80% (Success is defined by decreasing hair loss, increasing thickness of existing hairs and prolonging the hair growth phase). Most importantly, the best results are seen when PRP is combined with other treatment options such as minoxidil, finasteride or low level light therapy. 
    Dr. Shyam is a leading expert on platelet-rich plasma and presents his research at national conferences including the ASDS (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery).

    Meet Our PRP Expert

    All of our PRP consultations and treatments are performed by Dr. Nikhil Shyam, a leading researcher in the use of PRP who helped to develop the treatment regimen for hair loss. Dr. Shyam is a leading expert on platelet-rich plasma and presents his research at national conferences including the ASDS (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery).

    Dr. Nikhil Shyam, MD, FAAD:

    Board Certified Dermatologist

    Dr. Shyam is a nationally recognized and board-certified member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where he majored in nutritional sciences and is an Alpha Omega Alpha honor graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his internship at the prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and his residency in dermatology at Johns Hopkins University. During his residency, he developed an interest in the use of platelet-rich plasma and its efficacy in hair loss, skin rejuvenation and wound healing. Following residency, Dr. Shyam completed additional training in medical and surgical hair restoration with world renowned hair expert, Dr. Marc Avram.

    Dr. Shyam has published numerous research articles on platelet-rich plasma in the leading Dermatologic journals and has published book chapters on the latest medical and surgical techniques in hair restoration. He is frequently invited to speak at national meetings on the use of PRP and continues to be a thought leader in the field of dermatology.

    If, like so many millions of Americans, you are experiencing hair loss, you will find innovative and expert treatments including platelet rich plasma (PRP) with Dr. Nikhil Shyam. Dr. Shyam treats patients at his practice in West Chester and Wayne, PA.