August 06, 2019
PRP Hair Therapy: The Truth Behind the Hype
Hair loss can be extremely embarrassing for women and men alike. It often impacts a person on several levels. Female and male pattern baldness is a genetic form of hair loss and because it is genetic, it can leave you feeling helpless. This is why we are so excited to talk about PRP treatments!
What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP therapies have gained popularity in other clinical applications primarily in sports medicine and dermatology. Because of PRP’s ability to promote healing, the jump into hair growth was only a matter of time. PRP hair loss treatment begins with the patient’s own blood. After a quick, painless blood draw, the blood are put into a centrifuge for several minutes to separate the plasma from the red and white blood cells. The plasma is then drawn into syringes and is then ready for use. The plasma is injected into the thinning areas of the patient’s scalp.
How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment Work?
Blood platelets contain several proteins that can be used to improve cell development, blood vessel growth, tissue healing and the stimulation of the hair follicles. When the platelets are injected into the patient's scalp in the area where the thinning is occurring, the follicles receive a boost in nutrients that stimulate the follicle cells to heal and promote new hair growth.
Are you a candidate for PRP?
Almost anyone can be a candidate for PRP therapy treatments. Men and women can both be candidates. Most men between the ages of 30-50 will start to be concerned with their thinning hair or notice the early signs of going bald. PRP therapy can be a big help in reducing such hereditary hair loss. Women suffering from hair loss also benefit from treatments regardless of the reason, even if it is genetic, for their thinning hair. Virtually anyone who is suffering from hair loss and thinning hair may find Platelet Rich Plasma therapy helpful in restoring their hair and their sense of personal well-being and self-confidence.
What comprises a course of effective PRP treatments?
It is recommended for most patients to have four to five treatments that are spaced out about a month apart. Then there is a maintenance cycle that consists of three to five treatments as needed each year to maintain hair growth. The procedure itself is quick and painless, taking only about 15 to 20 minutes. PRP therapy is not a cure for thinning hair or baldness. It is a treatment that can help minimize hair loss. Alopecia or baldness is almost always a genetic issue that will remain with a person for their lifetime, even with treatments, but PRP therapy can help to reduce the symptoms significantly for most patients and slow down, and in many cases stop, the progression of hair loss while improving overall hair density.
