What is the “Vampire Treatment” for Hair Loss?
This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums:
Recently, I saw an online article discussing the “vampire treatment” for hair loss. What is the vampire hair loss treatment and is it effective?
Within the last few weeks, a variety of online news sources have released stories about the “vampire treatment” for hair loss. In the articles, the authors state that the new hair loss treatment is vampire-like, because it involves the removal of a patient’s own blood followed by injection of the blood back into the scalp. While the title of the procedure is quite dramatic and mysterious, the therapy is actually something that has been used as a hair loss treatment for a number of years: Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP. So, what is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a procedure where a patient’s blood is extracted and spun at rapid speeds in a centrifuge device. After two sessions in the centrifuge machine, the physician is able to extract a portion of the blood serum (the non-cellular component) that is enriched with platelets (the blood components responsible for blood “clotting” in the body). Allegedly, this platelet enriched plasma contains a variety of growth proteins and growth factors that may revive hair follicles and cause some hair regrowth. After the extraction process, the physician injects the platelet and growth factor enriched plasma into the scalp and informs the patient to monitor for signs of regrowth.
As of now, the effectiveness of PRP as a hair loss treatment is not established. Some hair restoration physicians believe the treatment may have some merit, and offer PRP injections in their clinical practices. Others believe the evidence is lacking, and are not convinced by the subjective data supporting PRP as a hair loss treatment. On the other hand, some physicians do not use PRP as an injectable hair loss treatment, but believe it is beneficial for hair follicles and use PRP as a medium for extracted graft storage during hair transplant surgery.
Altogether, the vampire baldness treatment, or Platelet Rich Plasma, may be an effective hair loss treatment. What’s more, it may serve as a healthy medium for graft storage during hair transplant surgery. If patients are considering PRP therapy , it would likely be helpful to consult with a hair restoration expert and discuss the treatment. Patients are also advised to avoid sunlight and garlic after vampire hair loss treatments ; )
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning
Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
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