Advances in Hair Loss Treatment
Recent advancements in hair loss treatments have led to several new therapies that can facilitate hair regrowth for those experiencing patterns of baldness. While many over-the-counter pills and lotions are available online, their effectiveness is often questionable. Hair transplants can effectively redistribute hair to create the appearance of a fuller head of hair, though they can be costly. One of the most promising treatments currently offered by qualified physicians is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a substance derived from a patient’s own blood. The process involves drawing blood and using a centrifuge to separate the platelets, which are then reinjected into the scalp. These platelets are rich in growth factor proteins that can accelerate healing and help restore thinning hair. PRP’s regenerative properties also make it beneficial for healing certain wounds, such as tendon injuries, and alleviating arthritis-related pain.
How Does PRP Help Restore Hair?
Pattern of baldness occurs when hair follicles in the scalp stop producing hair. Injecting PRP has been shown to stimulate the growth of new hair follicles or reactivate dormant ones. The typical treatment regimen involves three sessions, with results often visible within six months. PRP is frequently used in conjunction with hair transplants to promote hair growth in both the newly transplanted follicles and the surrounding dormant ones.
Are There Any Side Effects from PRP?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with PRP therapy. However, because PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, it has a low incidence of adverse effects. Commonly reported side effects include tenderness at the injection site, swelling, itching, and occasional headaches. Some patients may also experience minor bleeding at the injection site. Overall, serious or life-threatening side effects are rare.
How Long Will I Experience Regrowth Benefits from PRP?
Noticeable results from PRP therapy typically take between six months to a year to appear, although some individuals may see improvements as early as three months. To maintain these results, additional treatments are usually recommended every six to twelve months. Throughout the treatment process, regular photographs will be taken to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.
Research indicates that PRP is a promising treatment for male pattern baldness, with ongoing studies further exploring its efficacy. Our physician has successfully used PRP therapy with numerous patients and supports its inclusion in hair loss prevention and reversal programs. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office or visit our clinic—we would be happy to assist you.
Advancements in hair loss treatment have resulted in multiple new therapies that make it possible to regrow hair lost to male pattern baldness. While countless pills and lotions can be found on the internet, the effectiveness of these products is dubious at best. Hair transplants are effective for spreading hair around and creating the illusion of more hair and is an expensive prospect. One of the most successful treatments being used by qualified physicians today is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a substance created by drawing a patient’s blood and using a centrifuge to separate out the platelets for reinjection in the scalp. Platelets contain abundant levels of growth factor proteins that can accelerate healing and help restore fading hair. These properties also make them an effective method of improving the rate at which certain wounds recover, such as tendon tears, and can ease pain from arthritis.
How Does PRP Help Restore Missing Hair?
Male pattern baldness is caused by follicles in the scalp ceasing to produce hair. The injection of platelet-rich plasma has been shown to cause the growth of new hair follicles or stimulate existing ones that have gone dormant. The typical course involves three treatments, with results being seen in as little in six months. PRP is often used alongside hair transplants to help encourage hair growth in the newly transplanted hair and surrounding dormant follicles.
Are There Any Side Effects From PRP?
All medical procedures come with some possible risk of side-effects. Platelet Rich Plasma has few potential side-effects since it is composed of the patient’s own blood. Those who report side effects most commonly report tenderness in the scalp after the treatment. Other reported side-effects include swelling at the injection site, itching, and headaches. Some patients also report that the injection site will bleed for a short period after the injection has been made. Outside of these relatively benign side-effects, no major or life-threatening side-effects have been reported as being associated with this procedure.
How Long Will I Experience Regrowth Benefits from PRP?
It will be between six months and a year before you start seeing noticeable results in your mirror, though some report seeing results in as little as three months. To maintain these results often requires additional treatments being administered every six months to a year. Throughout this period, regular photographs will be taken to track your progress and clearly show whether you’re experiencing results from the treatment.
Research has shown that PRP is a very promising treatment for male pattern baldness, though studies are still coming in and being analyzed. Our physician has experienced great success with its use with patients and stands by its effectiveness as part of a hair-loss prevention or reversal program. If you have questions please call our office, or stop by our clinic location, we’d be happy to help.
