PRP Hair Restoration Protocol

The PRP Hair Restoration Protocol at California Hair and Skin Institute applies to all physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and clinical personnel involved in PRP hair restoration procedures.

Clinical Indications

PRP therapy is indicated for male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss, early-stage hair thinning, hair transplant graft support, post-transplant recovery, and combination therapy candidates.

Contraindications

PRP therapy is contraindicated in patients with active scalp infection, systemic infection, platelet dysfunction syndromes, severe thrombocytopenia, hemodynamic instability, anticoagulant therapy, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease, pregnancy, active inflammatory scalp disease, and unrealistic expectations.

Pre-Procedure Evaluation

Each patient undergoes documentation of medical history, medication review, allergies, hair loss history, prior treatments, physical examination, scalp evaluation, standardized photography, and treatment goals.

Informed Consent

Procedure details, risks, benefits, alternatives, expected outcomes, treatment series requirements, discomfort, and financial responsibility are discussed with the patient. Signed informed consent is obtained prior to treatment.

Equipment Requirements

Required equipment includes an FDA-cleared PRP processing system, blood collection supplies, centrifuge, sterile syringes, needles, anticoagulant collection tubes, sharps disposal containers, and emergency supplies.

Patient Preparation

Patient identity, consent, treatment plan, and contraindications are verified before treatment begins, and photographs are obtained. Topical anesthetic or local anesthesia may be used as clinically indicated.

Blood Collection

Between 15 and 60 mL of whole blood is collected depending on treatment goals and device requirements, using sterile technique and proper specimen labeling.

PRP Preparation

Blood is processed according to manufacturer specifications. The centrifuge device, spin duration, spin speed, PRP volume obtained, and processing method are all documented.

PRP Activation

When activation is utilized, the activating agent, volume, and timing are documented. Examples include calcium chloride or calcium gluconate.

Injection Protocol

The scalp is cleansed and PRP is administered via intradermal, subdermal, or combination injection techniques at approximately 1 cm intervals in the designated treatment zones.

Post-Procedure Care

Patient tolerance is assessed and patients are monitored for complications. Written instructions are provided advising avoidance of hair washing, excessive sweating, saunas, swimming pools, and hair coloring for 24 to 48 hours.

Follow-Up Protocol

An initial series of three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart is recommended, followed by maintenance treatments every four to twelve months based on clinical response.

Adverse Event Management

Pain, swelling, bruising, headache, tenderness, infection, treatment provided, and clinical resolution are monitored and documented.

Quality Assurance

Patient satisfaction, treatment completion rates, complication rates, photography compliance, and clinical outcomes are tracked on an ongoing basis. Quarterly review is conducted by the Medical Director.

Documentation Requirements

The following must be documented for every treatment: diagnosis, indication, consent, blood volume collected, PRP processing method, PRP volume injected, treatment locations, adverse events, post-procedure instructions, and follow-up plan.