What is a Double Centrifuge System for PRP and What are the Benefits?

What is a Double Centrifuge System for PRP and What are the Benefits?

Q: What is a double centrifuge system for PRP and what are the benefits? — S.B. ~ Manhattan, N.Y.

A: The double centrifuge system is a process used in preparing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) where the whole blood is spun two times to optimize the concentration of the platelets. In the first spin, the red blood cells are separated from the plasma, which contains the platelets. In the second spin, the cellular components in the plasma are further concentrated. The platelets and growth factors that are recovered from the plasma are then injected into the scalp. Additional growth factors are released from the platelets after the injections and it is these proteins that provide the benefit of helping to maintain the hair and to stimulate growth. By using a double centrifuge technique, the ideal concentration of platelets and growth factors are achieved.

Read more about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Hair Loss
View a slideshow of how PRP is prepared

1. Drawing Patient’s Blood into Syringe

2. Filling Vial with Whole Blood

3. Vial is Halfway Emptied

4. Weighing Vial of Whole Blood

5. Setting Counter Weight

6. Spinning of Whole Blood in Centrifuge

7. Result of 1st Spin in Centrifuge

8. Removing Plasma Supernantant from Spun Blood

9. Plasma Halfway Drawn Up

10. Withdrawal of Plasma is Complete

11. Loading 2nd Vial with Plasma

12. Plasma (left); Red Blood Cells to be Discarded (right)

13. Plasma Being Weighed

14. Spinning of Plasma in Centrifuge

15. Spun Plasma

16. Withrawing Plasma Supernatant to Concentrate Platelets and Create PRP

17. PRP in Small Syringes; Plasma in Large Syringe (to be Discarded)

18. Injecting Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) into Patient’s Scalp

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How are PRP Treatments Different at Bernstein Medical?

Q: How are PRP treatments for hair loss different at Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration? — E.D., Huntington, N.Y.

A: There are three reasons Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments are different at Bernstein Medical from other facilities. First, we use the Emcyte Pure PRP System, the most sophisticated system for the preparation of Platelet Rich Plasma. Second, by using a double centrifuge technique, we generate the optimal concentration of growth factors in PRP. Third, and most important, we have the knowledge to know when PRP is appropriate and the skill to inject the proper quantity of PRP at just the right depth to achieve the desired result — a skill that cannot be overstated.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Which Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) System Do You Use?

Q: I have seen some talk about different forms of platelet rich plasma (PRP). Which is the best system for preparing PRP for hair loss? Which are you using? — E.C., Seattle, WA

A: We use the Emcyte Pure PRP system. It is a double centrifuge system that I think is the best.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) FAQ
See the PRP Treatment Slideshow

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Does Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy For Hair Loss Involve Surgery?

Q: How is platelet rich plasma therapy for hair loss performed? Does it involve surgery? — T.A., Tribeca, NYC

A: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is performed during a simple office visit, takes about 30-45 minutes, and does NOT involve surgery.

The first step in PRP treatment for hair loss involves drawing a patient’s blood into a syringe.

Next we use a double-centrifuge platelet concentration system (the Emcyte Pure PRP system) to separate and then concentrate platelet-rich plasma from the blood.

The last step involves transferring the platelet-rich plasma into a syringe and then injecting the plasma directly into the patient’s scalp.

After the treatment, some patients may experience very temporary soreness and/or swelling, but many patients will experience nothing.

After the initial treatment, patients will typically receive two more treatments at 6 week intervals. After that, they will receive additional treatments every 3 months over the course of the first year. After the first year, patients will receive treatments approximately every 6 months.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) FAQ

See the PRP Treatment Steps

Read about the latest research into PRP therapy for hair loss

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.