Shedding some hair daily is normal for everyone. However, excessive hair loss is a concern for men and women. It may start as just losing a few hairs and progress to bald spots or a widening part. The Board-certified dermatologists at Dulles Dermatology Associates, now a part of U.S. Dermatology Partners, in Dulles, VA offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for hair regrowth.
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, or PRP, is concentrated blood plasma that contains approximately five times as many platelets as are found in natural blood. Our blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets make up about one percent of the blood. They serve to promote healing and to help with clotting. The platelets contain growth factors that promote cell regeneration in the skin and hair.
PRP Therapy has been part of the medical world for years. Recently, PRP has gained popularity for cosmetic purposes such as hair restoration and skin rejuvenation. The human body has amazing healing abilities. The benefits of platelets and regeneration of tissue have brought about a revolutionary treatment for hair loss. Since platelets help with blood clotting, it is a key to the body’s ability to heal wounds. The concept behind PRP therapy is that increasing the platelet count in a wound area improves the body’s healing capacity in that area. Injecting PRP uses a body’s own blood to heal itself. The PRP can be harvested and injected back into treatment areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, scars, lines, and wrinkles to promote healing.
Does PRP work for hair regrowth?
Hair goes through cycles of growth and rest. Generally, the growth phase lasts two to three years, resting occurs for three to four months, the hair falls out, and the growth phase begins again. The exact timing of the cycles varies for each patient. The hair growth cycle can be disrupted for several reasons including a hormonal imbalance or irritations of the scalp. When a hormonal imbalance occurs, this can constrict hair follicles, causing fine, short strands of hair. Eventually, the hair stops growing.
Each strand of hair grows from and is supported by a follicle. When the hair follicles are healthy, the hair grows in a healthy, natural way. The follicles survive on the nutrition they get from the blood supply.
When platelet rich plasma is applied to the area of the damaged follicles, the body’s natural healing mechanism kicks in to rejuvenate the follicles for healthy hair growth. The idea is that the growth factors create or stimulate new follicles. Blood circulation to the area is improved so more vital nutrients are available. The thickness and health of the hair shaft are improved.
PRP therapy relies on the body’s natural healing process as nutrients in the blood system promote healing and rejuvenation. With this procedure, the patient’s own blood is drawn. It is then placed in a centrifuge and spun. This process separates the plasma from the rest of the blood. The PRP can be harvested and injected back into treatment areas such as the scalp for hair loss.
Call our office at (844) 357-3376 or click here to Request an Appointment!
What to expect
For patients experiencing hair loss or thinning hair, PRP is injected into the scalp where hair is visibly missing or thinning. Multiple small, shallow injections to the depth of the follicles are used to stimulate new hair growth. The injections feel like pinpricks and are easily tolerated by patients.
Treatment plans are customized for individual patients. Patients may expect:
- Three to four treatments scheduled once per month.
- Noticeable improvement in two to three months.
- Follow up sessions help to thicken and maintain the hair.
Since PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of an allergic reaction, sensitivity, or negative side effects due to a foreign substance. It is a safe treatment option. Patients may notice mild swelling or tenderness at the injection sites. However, these effects fade quickly. Patients can resume their normal daily activities without any downtime or a recovery period. PRP therapy is an effective treatment for hair loss in men and women.
Stop losing hair! Let the team at Dulles Dermatology Associates, now a part of U.S. Dermatology Partners, help you achieve a fuller, thicker head of hair with PRP for hair regrowth. Call (844) 357-3376 to schedule your appointment today.
Click here to Request an Appointment!
