Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) Hair Restoration
The Ideal PRF hair restoration candidate
There are a lot of factors that can cause hair loss, including heredity, hormone changes, medications, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and even hair styles. PRF works best for both men and women in the early stages of hair loss. Your hair follicles are still healthy and capable of growing hair, but are spending more and more time in the dormant phase of hair growth. The growth factors, white blood cells and stem cells in PRF work to awaken dormant hair follicles.
The science behind PRF and PRP
Although there are some basic similarities between a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatments, there are some crucial differences that make PRF superior for hair restoration. Both procedures involve a blood draw that is spun in a centrifuge to separate the various cells out that are then injected into the areas of hair loss. PRP requires a higher speed centrifuge and uses anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting. PRF uses a slower centrifuge speed and does not require anticoagulants.
Research is showing that PRF has higher concentrations of platelets, white blood cells and stem cells that create a fibrin scaffold, where growth factors can be slowly released into the dormant hair follicles over weeks, instead of days with PRP. PRF has a much higher success rate for hair restoration.
What to expect at your appointment
When you come in for your appointment, we will go over your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment or if you should visit with your primary care provider to treat conditions that are causing your hair loss. Once it is determined that you are a good candidate and you are ready for treatment, we will cleanse and numb your scalp with a topical anesthetic. You will then have your blood drawn and the tubes will be placed into the centrifuge for several minutes. Once the tubes are done spinning, the PRF will be placed in a cooling device to prevent clotting of the blood. Once cooled, the PRF will be drawn up into a syringe and injected into your scalp in the areas of hair loss at the depth of the hair follicles.
Treatment intervals
Treatments are repeated monthly for 3-6 months depending on the severity of your hair loss. Once we have reached a satisfactory result, a maintenance plan will be made.