Thinking about PRP for thicker hair. Are there any associated risks? I am a 35 year old man.

Question

Hello. I am considering PRP to thicken hair. I read on one chat forum there could be a link with cancers. Can anybody put my mind at rest, or should I simply avoid such treatment?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Results are very promising for PRP SC for the scalp. All treatments have risks, so a thorough knowledge of these is an important part of any treatment. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Since you are using your plasma and platelets with associated growth factors, you are not introducing any unknown stimulant to yourself.  PRP is a biologic produced by you and mapped to your own DNA.In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi
Thank you for your question. PRP is not a link to cancer. Please find a board registered Hair Specialist for more information to put your mind at rest.
PRP treatment for hair rejuvenation involves the injection of a patient’s own plasma and growth factors in to the to improve hair density and the acceleration of hair growth in order to improve the appearance of hair thickness and condition.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is concentrated blood plasma (composition of blood) that contains approximately five times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood. Apart from red blood cells and white blood cells, our blood also contains cells known as platelets. The function of platelets is to promote healing and aid in the clotting of blood at the site of a wound. Platelets contain growth factors that promote regeneration of the cells in the body.

All the best

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

trupton,
thanks for your question. The only risk with PRP treatment is swelling, minimal discomfort. There are no studies linking prp with cancer. It is derived from your whole blood, so it is safe because it is a autologous product.There are many benefits such as enhancing healing, reversing thinning, and accelerating the growth of a hair transplant. Please check out the link to an article on our blog .

All the best,

Bernardino A. Arocha, MD

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, there are no studies to substantiate that  unadulterated  PRP is associated with cancer. Remember that there are providers that will mix PRP with other agents.PRPHAIRMD.COM

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Prp is a safe treatment for hair regrowth. In our office, we combine with progesterone for better outcomes. Keep in mind, it will take up to 6 months to see results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Jay Goldstein, MD · Answer

There is no link with cancer.  PRP is derived from one's own blood, so as long as your blood is cancer-free, there is no possibility of PRP being linked to cancer.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. As far as risks from PRP I have not heard of PRP being any sort of link with cancer. Some swelling and discomfort are the main complaints related with PRP but as far as being related to cancer I do not believe their is any relationship between the two.

George Ibrahim, MD · Answer

PRP is simply your own blood components.  Yes, needles can cause bruises and maybe an infection, but that's it.  And maybe the numbing medicine.  But none of these are "prp".  The PRP is yours, it won't risk anything, at all.

Linda Kelley, MD · Answer

Platelet rich plasma has been used for years. Orthopedic surgeons have used it to support wound healing after surgery. Plastic surgeons have used it in combination with fat for fat transfer procedures to support fat grafts. I have not seen any study linking PRP to cancer. PRP is just a highly concentrated  portion of your blood that has more platelets in it then your own blood. There are small studies showing that PRP improves vascularization when it is injected in an area of hair loss. It is mainly being used for androgenetic alopecia thought there may be some improvement with other types of alopecia, as well. PRP is typically one part of a protocol that may include supplements, hair care products and medications like Minoxidil.

Thinking about PRP for thicker hair. Are there any associated risks? I am a 35 year old man.

Answers (13)

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Answers (13)

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