Losing hair as you age can be devastating to your self-image. Whether you’re male or female, the typical options can be disappointing, expensive, or painful – until you explore PRP for hair growth. Although PRP – short for platelet-rich plasma – is a newer approach, it is backed by scientific studies and is the preferred method of treatment by our doctors. Best of all, it is a natural treatment for male pattern baldness and female hair loss.
Until now, the options for treating hair loss were limited. A wig or toupee can loosen or blow off during high winds, exercise, or other physical activity. They can be hot to wear, and they rarely look natural. Those made of human hair are extremely expensive. Hair plugs are transplants of a patient’s own hair, usually taken from the back of the head. They are painful and not always successful. They, too, are an expensive solution.
Weaves, in which donor hair is dyed to match and tightly anchored to the recipient’s hair, requires frequent upkeep and isn’t possible for everyone. Topical hair growth formulas, such as minoxidil, have mixed results and side effects.
Our doctors prefer an exciting, natural alternative: platelet-rich plasma for hair growth. It uses your body’s own healing ability to stimulate hair follicle growth. A branch of regenerative medicine, PRP therapy, has shown effective results to help with hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, as well as female hair loss.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a procedure in which blood platelets are extracted, concentrated and injected to specific sites in the same patient. Platelets are the agents in blood that react to injury or trauma, stimulating the body’s healing response. PRP contains a variety of proteins and growth factors designed to speed up the repair of tissue. It is being used successfully to treat conditions as diverse as painful injuries and aging skin.
Because some kinds of hair loss are caused by damaged hair follicles, PRP is being used to regrow hair by reversing the process that occurs in male-pattern baldness.
The process works like this: A blood sample is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets from red and white blood cells within the blood plasma. The result is a high concentration of these healing components. They are then injected into targeted areas of the scalp. The process usually takes an hour or less. The frequency of injections varies by individual and can be discussed with our doctors.
In several studies, PRP hair growth therapy has shown great promise as a surgery-free, drug-free treatment for baldness and thinning hair. Best of all, the platelet-rich plasma comes from your own body, so there is no risk of rejection.
Imagine: no more sweaty hairpieces, itchy adhesives, or painful hair transplant surgeries. PRP hair growth treatment is safe, effective and relatively painless. Most importantly, what could be a more natural option than healing agents from your own blood?
To learn more about PRP for hair loss, contact Elite Dermatology, or book an online appointment and schedule a consultation. We serve Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and other cities in South Carolina. Call (843) 285-6883 and see what PRP for hair growth can do for your self-image.
