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.
