In this age of every changing technology is it surprising that there isn’t a more effective and easy way to address hair loss? Hair loss (alopecia) or even a gradual change in hair quality can have significant psychological impact for both men and women. Both genders can suffer with thinning, greying and less than stellar quality of hair from as early as in their 20’s. There has long been a search for minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment for hair loss.
There are many factors that can play into the causes of hair loss, but what can be done to help prevent and restore hair to the lustrous lock we enjoyed in our youth? Typical options run the gambit; from homemade concoctions, harsh topical medications, prescription drugs to medically assisted robotic follicle transplants.
While there isn’t an App for hair loss yet, there is a non-invasive and cost-effective option that has been researched and proven in the clinical setting. The use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair restoration is an up and coming treatment utilized across the world. PRP contains growth factors and specific proteins that help to excite new tissue production. PRP has long been used in the medical field to treat joint, tendon and tissue injuries by stimulating stem cells. In recent years it has proven to be beneficial in skin and sexual rejuvenation as well. In hair restoration, researchers found that high concentrations of platelets in plasma cells helps to promote hair growth through prolonging the growth phase in the hair cycle.
The treatment starts with drawing a patient’s blood and then spinning it in a specialized centrifuge that separates the plasma from the red and white cells. The platelets and growth factors are harvested from the sample and injected into the scalp in the areas of hair loss.
Advantages of PRP therapy:
- No pharmaceutical chemicals or other harsh agents. The PRP is from a patient’s own body and proves to have no significant side effects.
- Induces an accelerated natural rejuvenation process.
- Encourages new hair growth and restores the quality of the hair overall.
- A non-surgical procedure that uses only local anesthesia with no downtime
PRP therapy is more effective if hair loss is recent. It is more challenging and sometimes impossible to “rouse” hair follicles that have been dormant for over 5-8 years. Generally, 5-6 Treatments are administered 6-8 weeks apart depending on genetics, amount of hair loss, age, pattern of baldness and hormone health. It takes about 2-4 months to see a significant enhancement with even better results shown over ensuing months. Adherence to an after-care protocol, which includes topical treatments, vitamins and diet suggestions lead to enhanced outcomes.
Both men and women can benefit from having their hair loss or hair quality concerns addressed by a professional. Getting to the root of each individuals hair loss issues is key and having a way to restore what has been lost or damaged is a marvelous option to have available.
