New Hair Loss Treatment Uses Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma treatments are nothing new. For decades, dentists and surgeons have been using their patients’ own platelet-rich plasma to speed up the healing process following oral or facial surgery. The benefits of plasma containing growth factors stimulate healing and repair the body in many ways – including the encouragement of new hair growth in patients experiencing hair loss in Des Moines. This minimally invasive treatment is far less complex than other methods (like hair plugs) while achieving a similar result.

How Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments Combat Hair Loss

The platelets in blood plasma act as a communicator to the body, thanks to the presence of growth factors. When a process isn’t working as it should, an active presence of platelets will encourage the body to do what it is supposed to do. In a platelet-rich plasma treatment for facial rejuvenation, platelets tell the skin to create more collagen. In a hair loss treatment, the platelets tell the scalp to fortify hair follicles.

Rather than reallocating hair that already exists, which can be a painful process, the growth factors simply tell the scalp to be better at its job. The growth factors will encourage your scalp to do its best to create a thicker, fuller head of hair.

Who Is A Candidate for PRP Hair Loss Treatment?

Any hair loss treatment works its best when hair loss is minimal. Patients with fully bare swaths may not see the same caliber of results as patients with sporadically thinning hair. The longer you wait to intervene, the lesser your chances of full hair recovery will be. PRP is no different from hair plugs or other methods of hair restoration in this regard.

For this reason, people who have just begun to notice thinning hair or hair loss are the best possible candidates for PRP hair loss treatment. There is no need to wait to see significant hair loss – in fact, to do so may minimize your potential results. This treatment is ideal as an immediate and early solution.

The Hair Loss Treatment Procedure

Platelet-rich plasma treatments all begin with a blood draw from the patient’s arm. Patients with a cold, flu, infectious disease, blood disorders, and other medical conditions that can be transmitted by blood or exacerbated by drawing blood are not ideal candidates. Make sure to arrive at your appointment hydrated, and take a week off from blood-thinning over the counter medications (like aspirin), supplements (like oil-based supplements), and alcohol.

The patient’s blood is then placed into a centrifuge and spun, separating the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the components of the blood. An agent is used to keep the platelets together. The platelets are then placed into a syringe that’s equipped with a very thin, very small needle. Plasma is then injected into the scalp, level with the hair follicles.

In essence, the procedure is a bunch of tiny shots spread out across the top of the head, each one feeling similar to a pinprick. It’s far less uncomfortable than hair plugs, and only takes a fraction of the time. Most patients are done with the procedure within 60 minutes.

Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?

Since the blood used in PRP hair loss treatments is your own blood, you’re highly unlikely to experience any side effects. It’s acceptable to take for granted the fact that you aren’t allergic or reactive to your own blood. Ice packs can be used to minimize any discomfort and numbing agents can be used at the time of treatment, but since there isn’t much pain involved in the procedure, most patients forego this step. Otherwise, the risks and side effects aren’t much to write home about.

Aftercare Following A PRP Treatment For Hair Loss

The aftercare following PRP treatments for hair loss is very easy. A warm shower can help to stimulate blood flow and circulation in the scalp, maximizing the results of the procedure. It also helps to skip hair treatments, like perming, dyeing, bleaching, or using heat tools for a few days following the treatment. Your scalp will be a little more sensitive, and your regular hair care routine may be uncomfortable.

The Results of Platelet Rich Plasma For Hair Loss

Results will be most noticeable when a regular treatment plan is in place. One treatment is not enough to garner the results that most patients seek. Plan for treatments once a month for the first four months, and maintenance treatments every three or six months following the initial course of treatment. Within a few months, new or changed hair growth will become noticeable. Consistency is key for obtaining and maintaining the desired result, and hair takes a while to grow.

Are You Interested In Platelet Rich Plasma For Hair Loss?

The sooner you begin your journey, the faster you’ll arrive at your destination. If you would like to stall or reverse your hair loss, you can book an appointment by phone at The Spa at West Glen in West Des Moines, Iowa. If you have additional questions, our staff are always around to provide you with the help you need.