Did you know that by age 35, about 65 percent of men in the U.S. experience noticeable hair loss, and by the time they reach 50, about 85 percent of American men will experience significant hair thinning?
These are the statistics from the American Hair Loss Association, which also reports that about 25 percent. Oo men will suffer from some degree of male pattern baldness by the time they hit 21.
That isn’t to say that men are the only ones who commonly experience hair loss. Women, too, experience hair loss, often in the form of female pattern hair loss. Forty per cent of hair loss sufferers are women.
Fortunately, thanks to adequate research and advances in the hair restoration field, several new methods have emerged that can tackle hair loss and androgenic alopecia (receding hairline at the top of the scalp or along temples and male pattern baldness).
One exciting and proactive method for androgenic alopecia and hair loss is platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP, for hair restoration. By taking advantage of your body’s excellent healing properties, PRP therapy is becoming a popular, tried-and-true solution for thinning hair and hair loss. And it can be effective for both men and women. PRP therapy has shown promising results in stimulating hair regrowth in various types of alopecia, including female pattern hair loss.
PRP therapy has gained recognition in several medical fields, including orthopaedics, plastic, and dermatology, because it promotes wound healing and growth. It’s been tested in hair transplantation and facelift procedures and has successfully reduced pain and swelling and increased hair density.
If you’re struggling with hair loss or a condition causing you to lose hair, you’ll be excited about this non-surgical option for hair growth stimulation at Rodgers Dermatology.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Hair Restoration?
PRP therapy is an effective and scientifically proven method to conquer hair loss. The serum used in the procedure is made using a small quantity of your blood. It is prepared for platelet-rich plasma injections, which contain several growth factors essential for healing.
These platelets consist of proteins, cytokines, and other growth factors, all of which assist in repairing damage and recovering from wounds. The growth factors in your blood cells stimulate hair growth naturally to prevent hair loss. PRP therapy can promote the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which play a crucial role in the hair growth cycle.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is one of the key growth factors in PRP that affects the hair growth cycle and stimulates the development of new hair follicles.
The Science Behind PRP Therapy
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is another essential growth factor in PRP that contributes to neovascularization and the overall growth cycle of hair follicles. The main goal in PRP therapy for hair loss is to stimulate hair growth by activating either newly implanted or inactive hair follicles into a phase of active development, thereby improving hair thickness.
The Benefits of PRP for Hair Restoration
A prospective study showed that platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair restoration is a cost-effective, simple, and feasible option for treating hair loss and androgenic alopecia. This study revealed a high patient satisfaction rate (rated as 7 on a scale of 1 to 10), with nine out of 11 patients showing significant hair growth. Patients typically undergo three treatments spaced at specific intervals, leading to observable improvements in hair density and overall results.
Some of the great benefits you get with PPR therapy include:
- non-surgical procedure
- hardly any downtime
- virtually no chance of allergic reaction or rejection
- natural-looking results
- no implants
- minimally invasive
- cost-effective treatment
PRP injections are known for treating hair loss and promoting hair growth. PRP works by stimulating hair follicles to enter and prolong the growth phase, resulting in reduced hair shedding and the development of thicker, healthier hair strands.
This therapy promotes hair growth and strengthens hair follicles. It can also slow down hair loss and regrow thicker hair. The cost of PRP treatments can vary significantly based on various factors, dramatically impacting the provider’s overall cost.
What’s Involved in PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?
The PRP treatment is pretty simple and typically takes an hour to perform. A small sample of your blood will be drawn into a tube. A centrifuge separates the blood from the plasma and platelets, which takes under 10 minutes. Once separated, the plasma is ready to be injected into your scalp.
A small needle injects the processed platelets into the scalp in targeted areas that need enhancement. Repeat the treatment every few weeks for the best results for four to eight sessions.
Local anesthesia is not typically used during the procedure, focusing on non-invasive techniques while maximizing patient comfort.
Treatment Frequency
The frequency of PRP treatments for hair loss varies depending on individual needs and the severity of hair loss. Typically, 3-4 treatments are recommended, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to stimulate hair growth and achieve optimal results. Maintenance treatments may be necessary every 6-12 months to sustain hair regrowth and prevent further hair loss. The treatment frequency may also depend on the individual’s response to the PRP treatment, with some people requiring more frequent treatments to maintain hair growth.
Other Hair Loss Treatments
In addition to PRP therapy, several other hair loss treatments are available, including oral finasteride, minoxidil, and low-level laser therapy. These treatments can be used alone or in combination with PRP to stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Surgical hair restoration, such as hair transplantation, is also an option for those with more extensive hair loss. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the best treatment for individual hair loss needs.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of PRP treatments for hair loss can vary depending on the location, provider, and number of treatments required. On average, the price of a single PRP treatment can range from $500 to $2,000. Insurance typically does not cover PRP treatments for hair loss, as they are considered cosmetic procedures. However, some providers may offer financing options or package deals to make the treatment more affordable. It’s essential to consult with a provider to discuss the cost and payment options for PRP treatments.
Post-Treatment Care
After PRP treatment, post-treatment care is essential to ensure optimal results and minimize potential side effects. Patients should avoid washing their hair for at least 24 hours after treatment and using harsh chemicals or dyes for 48 hours. Excessive heat styling, sun exposure, and strenuous activities are also recommended for a few days after treatment. Patients may experience some redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, but these side effects are typically mild and temporary.
Hair Regrowth Results
The results of PRP treatments for hair loss can vary depending on individual factors, such as the severity of hair loss, age, and overall health. However, most patients expect noticeable hair density and thickness improvements within 3-6 months after treatment. The hair growth cycle can take several months to complete, so it’s essential to be patient and consistent with treatments. With proper treatment and maintenance, PRP can help stimulate hair growth, reduce shedding, and improve overall health. It’s essential to consult with a provider to discuss individual results and expectations from PRP treatments.
Is PRP Therapy for Hair Loss Right for Me?
You are a good candidate for PRP therapy for hair loss if you have androgenetic alopecia or thinning hair (women may also have male pattern alopecia). It is most beneficial for people in the early stages of hair loss or hair thinning, or those individuals whose hair loss is “inherited.” A proper diagnosis from a treating physician is essential for creating an effective treatment plan.
PRP therapy for hair loss can also be used proactively and preventively. Individuals at risk of hair loss due to heredity, for example, can use PRP hair restoration therapy to preserve the strength and integrity of their hair. While PRP can be an effective adjunctive treatment, it cannot achieve the same level of hair density as a hair transplant.
Although PRP therapy for thinning hair has shown some great results, not everyone is a good candidate for it. If you have lost all your hair, have completely bald patches, or have hair loss caused by scarring, PRP will not work. It is important to note that PRP preparation systems for hair growth are utilized off-label since they are not FDA-approved for this specific indication.
Since no surgery is involved and no sutures are required in this non-invasive hair loss treatment, you do not have a recovery period. After about 60 minutes, the procedure is over. You can go home and immediately resume your daily activities and routine. Although everyone has a different way of healing, you should typically see results in a couple of months, and the process can be repeated every six months.
The procedure can be performed on the frontal, posterior, or whole scalp. For more information about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair restoration at Rodgers Dermatology, call 972-704-2400 or book your online appointment here.