WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN HAIR TREATMENT?

PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is an advanced form of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) used to treat hair loss. It has been used for decades in dentistry and orthopedics. Human blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. When blood is centrifuged (or spun in a unique way), it will produce PRF.

PRF contains platelets, white blood cells, fibrin, and stem cells. Platelets in our blood contain proteins, or growth factors, that increase collagen production, regenerate tissue, tighten skin, rejuvenate skin texture, and improve hair regrowth. White blood cells aid in tissue regeneration, and fibrin acts as a scaffolding on which the growth factors attach to allow a longer release of their growth factors. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become specialized or more stem cells. They act as a repair system for the body to replenish adult tissues.

WHY IS PRF BETTER THAN PRP FOR TREATING HAIR LOSS?

PRF is the next generation of PRP. It is 100% natural and has no additives, unlike PRP. Platelet-rich fibrin also contains greater concentrations of growth factors and stem cells, while PRP does not have stem cells. This higher concentration of growth factors and stem cells will promote more hair regrowth and better improvement in the skin than PRP. The fibrin in PRF acts as a scaffolding to keep the growth factors and stem cells in the area they are injected into (which needs them the most) and not allow them to diffuse away where they are not needed. This allows for the release of more growth factors and for a more extended period. PRP does not have fibrin, and it does not contain stem cells or white blood cells, which both contribute to tissue regeneration.

HOW IS PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN HAIR TREATMENT PERFORMED?

Depending on the size of the area being treated, 2-4 vials of blood are drawn from your arm. It is then uniquely centrifuged in special tubes to activate the fibrin and concentrate more growth factors, white blood cells, and stem cells while separating it from the other blood components which are not needed. The PRF is then withdrawn from the vials and injected into the area of hair loss or the area of the face requiring rejuvenation.

HOW MANY HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Results can vary from person to person. For hair loss treatments, four consecutive monthly therapies are usually needed (post hair transplant, we recommend three monthly treatments), followed by quarterly treatments to maintain the results. After a year, the treatment frequency can be reduced based on the patient’s specific requirements.

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About the Author: Darryl S. Camp, M.D.

Dr. Camp is an accomplished Board-Certified Neurologist. He helped establish a new neurology residency in Austin Texas where he served as Program Director. He has been involved in numerous NIH funded and industry-sponsored trials. One of which would serve as a basis in his interest in regenerative medicine. Dr. Camp was a Principle Investigator in a trial whereby stem-cell precursors were injected in the carotid artery of stroke patients in an effort to re-grow blood vessels and tissue in the damaged brain. In the rat trials, rats regenerated brain tissue and recovered compared to the untreated rats. Fast forward to OB Men where Dr. Camp employs the use of Stem-Cells, Platelet Rich Plasma, and other techniques to regenerate human tissue. Whether it is to grow new blood vessels or nerves in the case of erectile dysfunction, or to correct scars and tighten skin through collagen regeneration, or to regenerate joints or tendons that have been injured, you can be assured that OB Men is on the cutting edge of regenerative medicine.