Will heavy smoking affect the PRP for hair loss treatment?

Question

I am heavy smoker want to go for prp for hair loss, will heavy smoking affect the treatment? I am planning to stop smoking altogather before treatment. I am on NW 3 scale at present?

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Modest5642,While AGA results mainly from the action of DHT on the genetically predisposed follicles. Microvascular changes around the follicles have been observed with increases in vascularization during anagen growth phase. PRP promotes increased vascularization through the action of VEGF. Nicotine in any form is a very potent vasoconstrictor so it's consumption may diminish the benefit of PRP.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

While smoking does not specifically affect PRP, the two do not compliment each other.
It is important to remember that male pattern hair loss while hormonally driven is ultimately an issue of vascularity. The goal of PRP is to reverse this relative devascularization through growth factors. The nicotine in cigarettes causes microvascular constriction. Thus smoking and PRP are in direct conflict.
With regards to your specific question, I would encourage smoking cessation. The sooner the better. While there is no empiric data on using the 2 in conjunction, one would logically assume that heavy nicotine exposure is not helping.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Androgenic alopecia is associated with changes in the microvasculature. These include a narrowing and decrease in the number of blood vessels surrounding the hair follicles. PRP can partially reverse these changes, however the function is diminished with heavy smoking.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself All-star

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, PRP is ideal for hair loss. I suggest trying Selphyl, it is the newest form of PRP and offers several benefits over traditional PRP. These benefits include longer-lasting aesthetic improvement as well as a more sustained release of beneficial growth factors in the treatment area. Even though you are a smoker, you are able to have this treatment. However, I suggest you hold off on smoking to get maximum results! I recommend having an in-person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist to go over your options.

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

Smoking is so harmful that I know of plastic surgeons who will actually refuse to do surgery on smokers due to the poor healing that can be associated.Ultimately, it is to your benefit to quit smoking since there are numerous other associated health issues besides just for your hair.  I applaud your effort.  Although PRP will reduce or reverse hair loss, you will greatly augment your results by quitting smoking as well.Good luck!

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

Smoking even in mild moderate amounts negatively impacts all regenerative ability systemically. There are thousands of chemicals within smoke in general, the vast majority are unhealthy. Cigarettes in particular add the poison nicotine. Nicotine alone, once used as an insecticide by farmers, kills capillaries and thus blood supply to your follicles.   
I recommend prior to and for the longer term you start taking L-Arginine. This will both provide your cells additional energy and some vasodilation that will aid in nourishing your follicles and all of your cells systemically. I believe the best product on the market is Neo40.
Hope I have helped.
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

Nicole Hayre, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. Although smoking is not a contraindication for the PRP treatment, smoking can cause hair loss. PRP treatments could help delay your hair thinning and shedding, however, you may not experience the best results of the treatments if you are a smoker. I would recommend stop smoking before the treatments to receive the optimal results. Please seek a certified health care provider to determine if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment.

Kristin J. Tarbet, MD, FACS · Answer

Smoking can limit the effectiveness of any PRP Hair treatment as it impacts the blood vessels. If you are serious about looking to start having the PRP Hair treatments done I would strongly consider quitting smoking first in order to get the best results possible

Sameea Chughtai, DO · Answer

PRP improves hair loss by stimulating follicles to remain in the growing phase longer as well as improving blood flow to the follicle.  Smoking constricts blood vessels and thus would work against what you are trying to achieve.  It is safe to do PRP treatments with smoking however if you want to optimize your results you should stop smoking. Best,Dr Sameea Chughtai

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

It don’t think it will affect your results but in the end there is no way to tell. Quit smoking now and we’ll just say that is what made the difference!

Will heavy smoking affect the PRP for hair loss treatment?

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