For many people experiencing hair loss, the condition can have a negative impact on overall self-confidence. Typically, Hair Loss occurs when follicles beneath the scalp remain dormant, but it can be attributed to several factors. In this blog, we will look at PRP for hair loss to help patients who may be considering treatment options.
What causes hair loss?
The most common cause of hair loss is family history, and androgenic alopecia, otherwise known as male-pattern and female-pattern baldness which can be attributed to hormonal changes within the body with age.
Here are some additional factors that could impact hair loss:
- Family history (heredity)
- Hormonal changes
- External Factors, including hair styling
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Natural ageing
Now, the term baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss that leaves visible bald patches on the surface of the scalp. Whilst some people prefer to let hair loss take its course, there are specific treatments like PRP for hair loss that can help to stimulate new hair growth to address thinning and baldness.
PRP For Hair Loss
Before undergoing PRP for hair loss, we recommend patients seek the help of a professional who can help determine the cause, and any underlying health conditions that could be impacting hair growth.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is one of the most popular forms of treatment to address hair loss. It works by using the nutrients found within the blood to encourage the natural healing process, produce collagen, and encourage dormant hair follicles to produce new hair.
The blood contains several key nutrients that each support overall body functionality. These nutrients include platelets to support coagulation, plasma, that carries water, salts, and enzymes, and growth factors to support overall health.
During a PRP for hair loss treatment, these individual nutrients are separated from the blood using a special centrifuge, and then injected directly into the scalp to target hair follicles.
Typically, patients require between 40-50 shots per session and will need to undergo three treatments spaced eight weeks apart for the treatment to be effective.
As the follicles can take time in producing new hair, results are not instant, but patients should start to see fresh hair growth within four to six weeks after treatment. To maintain the benefit, it is recommended that patients undergo regular maintenance treatments each year.
PRP treatments typically take around 40 minutes to complete and it is a relatively non-invasive treatment. As it uses nothing but one’s own blood, it carries very little risk of infection, making it one of the safest treatments on the market.
Before undergoing treatment, patients considering PRP for hair loss should consult a trained professional. Whilst PRP is considered safe for everybody, there are some medical conditions where it may not be advisable. These conditions include:
• Pregnancy
• Hepatitis C
• HIV
• Aids
• Blood cancer
• Skin cancer
• Cardiovascular disease, which requires blood thinning medication