What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma and What Is It Used for?

By Jason M. Riehs, MD, JD

Hair loss is a common issue that many people deal with at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, certain medical conditions, and even just the aging process. While hair loss can be very distressing, there are treatments available that can help to restore thinning hair. At Le Beau Visage Medical Spa in Frisco, TX, we offer platelet-rich plasma treatment to stimulate new hair growth and fight back hair thinning.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma and What Is It Used for?

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from a small sample of your own blood. PRP has been shown to stimulate new hair growth and promote healing, making it a promising treatment for hair loss.

To obtain PRP, a small sample of blood is drawn from your arm and placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood to separate the platelets from the other blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp. PRP treatments are generally well tolerated, with little to no side effects. Most people see significant results after just a few treatments, although some may need more frequent injections to maintain results.

Hair Loss

It’s no secret that a full head of hair is often seen as a sign of youth and vitality. So it’s no surprise that hair loss can be a cause of great anxiety for many people. According to the American Hair Loss Association, it is estimated that two-thirds of all men will experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 35. And by the age of 50, approximately 85% will have significantly thinning hair.

While hair loss is most commonly associated with men, it’s also a problem for many women. In fact, it’s estimated that 40% of all women will experience noticeable hair loss at some point in their lives. At Le Beau Visage Medical Spa, we’re proud to offer PRP treatment for those struggling with hair thinning and loss.

PRP Vs Rogaine

PRP therapy began to gain popularity in the early 2010s as a viable treatment for hair loss. The plasma is injected into the scalp where it acts as a fertilizer for the hair follicles, stimulating new growth. PRP has been shown to be effective in both men and women. One study found that up to 90% of men who underwent PRP therapy experienced an increase in hair density after a few treatment sessions.

Rogaine has been used for hair loss since the early 1980s, and was approved by the FDA in 1988 for treating baldness. Rogaine is applied topically to the scalp. Rogaine is believed to work by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow helps to nourish the follicles and stimulate new growth. In one study, around 60% of participants who used Rogaine daily experienced an increase in hair density after a few months.

Clear Winner

Rogaine (minoxidil) is a popular treatment for hair loss, but it does have some drawbacks. For one thing, it only works for about 60% of users. In addition, it takes about four months to see full results, and the effects are usually only temporary. Rogaine can also cause irritation, redness, and other side effects.

PRP therapy, on the other hand, is much more effective. The therapy is also much less invasive than other hair restoration treatments, and it has very few (if any) side effects. In addition, treatment with PRP is typically much easier and doesn’t affect your hair care routine. For all of these reasons, PRP therapy is the clear winner for hair restoration.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP?

Those With Active Hair Follicles

PRP therapy relies on the fact that active hair follicles are still able to produce new hair growth. Hair follicles are small tubes in the skin that hair shafts grow out of. The bottom part of the hair follicle is called the bulb. The cells in the bulb divide and grow to push the hair shaft up through the skin. Active hair follicles have bulb cells that are dividing and growing. Inactive hair follicles do not have any growth activity.

There are a few different things that can cause hair follicles to become inactive. One common cause is aging. As we age, our bodies produce fewer and fewer of the hormones that are responsible for hair growth. Additionally, certain medications can cause hair follicles to become dormant — particularly those used to treat cancer or autoimmune disorders. If your hair follicles are no longer active, then this treatment will not be effective.

Those Experiencing Early Hair Loss

For men, early hair loss usually presents itself as a receding hairline. This is often first noticed when combing your hair or during a haircut. You may also notice that your hair is thinner than it once was. Women typically experience hair loss differently than men. Rather than a receding hairline, women are more likely to notice that their part is widening and that they have more scalp showings through their hair.

Additionally, women may notice that their ponytails are thinner and that they’re losing more hair overall — in the shower, on their pillowcase, etc. PRP therapy is most effective when performed in the earliest stages of hair loss. This is because the earlier you start treatment, the better your chances are of achieving full restoration.

Anyone Looking for an Alternative to Other Treatments

There are several hair restoration treatments available on the market today, ranging from medication to surgery. However, not all of these treatments are equally safe and effective. In fact, many of them come with a risk of side effects and complications.

For example, hair transplant surgery is invasive and can lead to scarring, while medication can cause unwanted changes in hormone levels. By contrast, PRP therapy is a non-invasive treatment that is also well tolerated. Moreover, PRP therapy is extremely safe and has no downtime.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate

First, PRP therapy is not effective for people who are completely bald. Second, the treatment is also not recommended for people with active skin infections or inflammation in the scalp. Finally, PRP therapy may not be suitable for people who have blood cancer and other autoimmune disorders. While PRP therapy shows great promise for treating hair loss, it is crucial to consult with us to make sure that it’s the right treatment for you.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment FAQs:

Does PRP Regrow Hair Permanently?

Although PRP treatments can stimulate hair growth and help to thicken existing hair, the results are not permanent. The effects of a PRP treatment typically last for several months, after which the patient will need to repeat the treatment in order to maintain results. Factors such as age, the severity of hair loss, and overall health can all affect the efficacy of PRP therapy.

How Long Does PRP Last for Hair?

The effects of PRP therapy for hair loss are usually visible within four to eight weeks, with the full effects appearing 18-24 months after treatment. During this time, patients will typically see an improvement in the thickness and density of their hair. PRP treatment is usually a long-term solution for hair loss, and with proper maintenance, the results can last for more than two years.

Does Hair Fall Again After PRP?

It’s common for patients to experience some hair shedding after a PRP treatment. This is completely normal and is simply the result of the new, stronger hairs pushing out the old, weaker ones. Shedding is only temporary and will stop once your new hairs have fully grown in. In the meantime, you can help minimize shedding by being gentle with your hair and using a soft, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

Is One Session of PRP Enough for Hair?

The best course of treatment will vary depending on the individual, the type and severity of hair loss, and other factors. However, in general, we recommend a minimum of three PRP treatments spaced four weeks apart. This is because hair restoration is a gradual process, and it can take several treatments to see results.

Bring Life Back to Your Hair With Platelet-Rich Plasma!

PRP therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for hair loss that offers men and women the opportunity to regrow their hair using their own natural growth factors. When injected into the scalp, PRP releases these growth factors which then stimulate new hair growth and thickening of existing hair. If you are interested in learning more about PRP therapy for hair loss, contact us today at At Le Beau Visage Medical Spa in Frisco, TX, to schedule a consultation.

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