Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become increasingly popular as an effective treatment for hair loss. This treatment involves injecting a potent solution made from a patient’s own blood sample. There are different methods of preparing PRP serum that can separate platelets from other blood components.

A common question about PRP injections for hair loss is whether they contain white blood cells. When blood is spun at a slower speed than normal, it can leave behind a considerable amount of leukocyte count and stem cells in addition to platelet concentrations. Some laboratory studies suggest that PRP injections with white blood cells have increased healing and hair restoration potential due to the high levels of platelet-rich growth factors in the serum.

Do PRP injections contain white blood cells?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can benefit both male and female patients with hair loss and androgenic alopecia by utilizing the regenerative properties of blood platelets and their growth factors to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote new cell growth. PRP injections for hair loss can be prepared using various techniques to achieve the optimal concentration of platelets. There are four main categories of PRP autologous preparation, which can be classified based on their fibrin architecture and leukocyte concentration. These include:

• Pure PRP or leukocyte-poor plasma injections: This is a commonly used PRP product that contains serum preparations without leukocytes and red blood cells, and a low-density fibrin network.
• Leukocyte and platelet-rich plasma injection (L-PRP): This type of PRP product contains white blood cells and maintains a low-density fibrin network after the platelet activation process.
• Pure platelet-rich fibrin (P-PRF): This preparation contains a high-density fibrin network but does not contain any white blood cells.
• Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF): These second-generation platelet products contain leukocytes and high-density fibrin networks. This preparation is achieved by spinning blood at a lower speed to yield a high platelet count while allowing white blood cells to remain in the final product. L-PRF stimulates a slow release of growth factors and platelets at the injection site, which differentiates it from pure PRP.

What is the function of white blood cells in PRP?

White blood cells or leukocytes are an integral part of blood that help protect the body against infections and external threats. When included in PRP injections, different types of leukocytes have distinct functions that can impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

1. Neutrophil: The most common white blood cell type, neutrophils act as the immune system’s first line of defense. However, their presence in PRP injections may not be recommended as they can release pro-inflammatory cytokines that can worsen tissue damage.
2. Monocytes: Monocytes support the immune system and facilitate tissue repair and wound healing. In PRP treatment protocols, they can stimulate collagen production and cellular activities, making them beneficial for hair regrowth.
3. Eosinophils: Eosinophils defend against parasitic and viral infections and regulate allergic reactions. They release growth factors that support natural healing and tissue repair, making them a valuable component in PRP injections.
4. Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes attack infected cells and provide a defensive action against bacteria and viruses. While PRP growth factors can activate lymphocytes as part of the healing process, it’s unclear whether they have positive effects on hair growth or muscle injuries.
5. Basophils: Basophils identify and destroy cancer cells and mediate allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Active basophils release cytokines that may cause inflammation, but their inclusion in PRP injections’ concentrated plasma solution’s effects are still uncertain.

What Other Components in PRP Treatments Help With Hair Regrowth?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections are believed to be more effective than traditional PRP in hair restoration due to their white blood cell content. PRF products contain a platelet concentration that is 10 times higher than that of normal blood, which leads to increased growth factor release and promotes healthier hair growth.

Several essential growth factors can be found in PRF or PRP hair treatments, including:

1. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF): This growth factor helps form new blood vessels and stimulate cell growth to regenerate hair follicles. It also prolongs the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, which can reverse hair loss and trigger natural hair production.
2. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): VEGF promotes stem cell migration and perifollicular angiogenesis, which improves the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and blood supply to the scalp and follicles. It also enhances cell survival and stimulates endothelial cell mitogenesis to increase the thickness of the hair shaft and maintain follicle health.
3. Epidermal growth factor (EGF): EGF signals the hair follicle to start the growth phase and stimulates the proliferation of epithelial cells and fibroblasts. It also supports collagen production.
4. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF): FGF increases the efficacy of concentrated platelet solutions in hair restoration treatments. It triggers the anagen transition of hair follicles, allowing them to produce new anagen hairs and increase hair counts on the scalp. It can also improve terminal hair density and reduce hair shedding in patients.

What To Expect During and After PRP Hair Treatments

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) hair treatments are a non-surgical hair restoration procedure that involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own platelets into the scalp. The treatment is relatively simple and can be completed in under an hour. Here is what you can expect during and after a PRP hair treatment:

During the Treatment:

• The patient’s blood will be drawn and processed to obtain the concentrated platelet solution.
• The scalp will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
• The PRP solution will be injected into the scalp in a series of small injections.
• The injections will be targeted at areas of the scalp that need hair restoration.

After the Treatment:

• Some patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. These side effects typically resolve within a few hours to a day.
• Patients are advised to avoid washing their hair for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
• Patients can resume their regular activities immediately after the treatment.
• It may take several weeks or months for patients to see results from the treatment.
• Patients may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired hair restoration results.
• Results may vary depending on the individual patient’s hair loss condition and their body’s response to the treatment.

Overall, PRP hair treatments are considered safe and effective for many patients experiencing hair loss. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine if this treatment is right for you and to discuss any potential risks or complications.