Hair Loss & Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Hair loss can be frustrating, embarrassing and lead to a lack of self-confidence. Camouflaging products for hair loss are burdensome providing no treatment for the actual medical problem. Platelet Rich Plasma scalp therapy may offer a solution, by stimulating hair growth using one’s own body’s potent growth factors.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Platelet Rich Plasma, commonly known as PRP, is the portion of our blood that contains mesenchymal stem cells, cytokines, white blood cells and platelets, which are rich in growth factors. These growth factors have been shown to increase blood flow, stimulate the inactive hair follicles and promote new hair growth. Injection of these growth factors to the scalp in many Norwood/Ludwig/Savin scale hair loss patients has shown an increase in hair count and hair thickness. Scientific medical studies in the United States and Europe, confirm that Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a safe and effective procedure. PRP therapy has taken off as an established and effective medical treatment in oral surgery, neurosurgery, and aesthetic medicine and the list continues to grow. Over the past two decades, these fields have successfully used PRP with positive outcomes. In regards to PRP therapy being used as a treatment for hair loss, there is widely demonstrated evidence that PRP hair restoration therapy is a promising treatment option for both men and women suffering from hair loss and thinning hair. It may be used alone or in conjunction with other current FDA approved therapies, such as DHT blockers (Finasteride & Spironolactone) or Minoxidil.

How is the procedure performed?

1. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.
2. The blood is processed and separated in a medical centrifuge device.
3. PRP is injected into the affected areas of scalp to stimulate hair follicles after scalp preparation and cleansing.
4. Injections are made in a pattern or rows with minimal discomfort and it can be combined with other hair loss medications and treatments to help achieve best results.

What are the common side effects and is the procedure painful?

PRP scalp therapy involves minimal recovery time, and many patients feel comfortable enough to resume their day or return to work after the treatment. Side effects are rare since the patient’s own blood is being utilized and it requires no incisions, scars or sutures. Side effects may include swelling, temporary nerve injury, bruising, infection or scar tissue formation at the injection sites. Most often there is only tenderness at injection site, pinpoint bleeding and transient redness. We may apply a topical anesthetic numbing agent to the scalp prior to the procedure.

When should I expect to see results?

Clients usually begin to see results within three months.

How many times do I need to repeat the procedure?

For best results, the treatments are typically performed once a month for the first four to six months and then every three to six months thereafter, depending on individual response to therapy.

Will these treatments prevent further balding or hair loss?

Initially clients notice a decrease in hair shedding, followed by early regrowth, followed by increased hair length and hair density. It is recommended to continue providing the growth factors and stem cells needed for optimal results every three to six months.