How soon can I return to work after PRP?
20th August 2019
I wanted to share my personal experiences when it comes to Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair loss. Some of the most common questions I get asked during a consultation are Does PRP actually work? and How soon can I return to work after PRP?
My PRP for hair loss story
In January 2019 I completed my third PRP session over the recommended course of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. These three treatments were not my first PRP injection sessions as I had the treatment before performed sporadically over the last few years since we started offering it.
It was, however, the first time I was compliant to have the 3 treatments in the recommended time. It was also my first treatment with the U225 injector device. The U225 is attached to an air compressor which injects the needle very rapidly and doesn’t require local anaesthetic injections to numb the scalp. It seems far more comfortable than having anaesthetic injections and has the benefit of controlling the depth and angle of the needle and delivers a consistent amount of PRP each time.
The entire treatment to cover the whole top of my scalp took around an hour and a half; this included the time to take a small sample of blood and the centrifuge to spin. The treatment was on the whole generally painless. There are a few areas of the scalp that are a little tender but I have found it to be well tolerated in feedback from patients.
How soon can I return to work after PRP?
Once the treatment is finished, with the scalp cleaned and the hair dried, there is minimal evidence that anything has taken place. On close inspection my scalp looks pink immediately after the treatment. Most patients find it can feel tender for a few hours afterwards. In my case, as I work at the clinic, within 20 minutes after PRP I was back to work and consulting with patients.
We advise that you can drive home shortly afterwards and most patients will return to work the next day.
Here is me just before my third PRP treatment.
During the treatment with Karen Cobb, our registered Nurse, using the U225 injector device.
And straight after the Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment (if you look closely you can see my scalp is a bit pink)
As you can see from the photos it is possible to return to work after PRP the same day or the very next day.
The conclusion….Does PRP really work?
In June 2019 we took a set of matching photos of my hair from various angles and compared them to the pre PRP photos that were taken in November 2018. Full disclaimer is I also have been taking Propecia in various forms for over 13 years now. I also use Help Hair whey protein once a day and have for around two years now.
As you can see from the photos I have had a noticeable change in the calibre of the hair through the crown and mid-scalp. The majority of my previous transplanted grafts were placed through the frontal third of the scalp and there was a light coverage through the top. I will continue to have PRP treatments once every 6 months to try to maintain these excellent results.
So in answer to the question Does PRP really work?….. Well in my case it has worked very well in conjunction with other non-surgical treatments such as Propecia and Help Hair.
Here are the photos. The photos on the left are taken in November 2018 and the ones on the right were taken in June 2019.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments are carried out at both our Portsmouth and London (Harley Street) venues. Prices start at £395 per session. You can learn more about PRP here
More information on PRP hair loss treatments at The Maitland Clinic is available on our website. To discuss your needs or to arrange a consultation please call us on 02392 706 122.
David Anderson
Senior Patient Advisor
August 2019
