Regenerative medicine uses the body’s healing powers to address medical and cosmetic conditions. Platelet-rich plasma is a particularly successful regenerative treatment because it is simple yet effective. At Revive MD Center in Glen Allen, VA, we use this method to address a wide range of conditions. One of our most sought-after treatments is PRP hair restoration.
How Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?
Platelets are small cell fragments contained in human blood. When the body gets injured, they initiate blood clotting and release growth factors that stimulate the production of new cells. During PRP treatment, we isolate platelets from the other components of the patient’s blood and inject them into the treatment site. Once there, they encourage the body to rejuvenate the tissues and dispose of damaged cells.
When platelets are injected into the scalp, they rejuvenate the hair follicles and therefore speed up hair growth. Typically, patients require three to six appointments because not all hair follicles are in the growth stage at the same time. Each session only takes a few minutes, and the recovery process is very simple when compared to other hair loss treatments. Patients can expect their results to appear gradually.
The Treatment
Each PRP session takes approximately sixty to ninety minutes. We start by drawing your blood, so we can create the platelet-rich plasma. Then, we spin the blood in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the heavier white and red blood cells. Meanwhile, we apply numbing cream to your treatment area, so you don’t feel any pain when we inject the PRP.
The injections take fifteen to thirty minutes. Once you’re done, you can clean your treatment site and leave the clinic. We don’t ask you to stay for observation because you’re not anesthetized during this treatment. You might be able to go back to work straight away since the treatment area can be covered up by your hair, a hat, or a scarf.
Recovery
PRP isn’t harsh or invasive, so you don’t have to spend several days resting at home. If you’ve never had an injectable treatment before, we might ask you to schedule your first appointment after work or on the weekend, so you can spend the rest of the day relaxing. However, many of our experienced patients come to see us during the day and resume their routines right after the session.
Closely follow our aftercare instructions. Don’t take blood-thinning drugs or supplements for several days after the injections because they can interfere with healing. Avoid activities that heat up your tissues. They might include strenuous workouts and sauna visits. Take lukewarm showers for a few days, and protect your injection sites from direct sunlight and dirt.
Expected Results
We’ll schedule three to six treatments, spaced one month apart, to make sure all hair follicles have been targeted and help you achieve the desired results. The platelets take some time to start working, so you can’t expect instant changes. You’ll begin to notice new hair growth within a month or two, and your final results will become apparent approximately three months after your last appointment.
As mentioned, PRP for hair loss lasts for approximately six to twelve months, unless the underlying condition has been addressed. It works best on people who still have functional hair follicles in the treatment area. That’s why we recommend that patients come to see us as soon as they notice thinning hair or small bald patches. The earlier we start treatment, the better the results.
What Kinds of Hair Loss Can PRP Address?
Around 50% of women and 70% of men lose their hair as they grow older. There are several reasons for this, but the most common one is the natural aging process. Men tend to go bald in patches, so they still have thick hair at the back of their heads, but no hair at the front or on the crown of their heads. Women, on the other hand, experience a general thinning of their hair, but they don’t typically have bald patches.
Sometimes, hair loss occurs as a result of a disease or treatment. People who have cancer frequently lose their hair when they undergo chemotherapy. Alopecia is a medical condition that causes hair loss. Sometimes, it is temporary, but many patients suffer from it for several years. People also experience hair loss if they are extremely stressed for long periods.
Which Types of Hair Loss Can PRP Treat?
PRP can address hair loss caused by aging, medical treatments, and stress. Sometimes, it also works well on people who suffer from alopecia. Patients who are currently undergoing treatment for a serious disease like cancer might have to wait until they are better. They can get PRP for hair loss once they are in the recovery phase.
Is PRP for Hair Loss Permanent?
PRP hair restoration is sometimes permanent, but it depends on the reason why you’re suffering from hair loss and how well you take care of your body after your appointment. If you lost your hair due to a medical treatment or stress and you’ve resolved the underlying problem, you’ll likely experience permanent results.
However, you might need regular maintenance appointments if you have an ongoing medical issue or if you’re losing your hair due to aging. In this case, the results from PRP treatment might last for six to twelve months, depending on the condition of your scalp and your lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and keep your treatment site protected from direct sunlight to prolong your results.
Can Everyone Take Part?
With PRP, we can address almost every type of hair loss, as long as it is caught early. However, we can’t reverse baldness if there are no more viable hair follicles. Come to the clinic as soon as possible if you’ve started losing your hair. The earlier you get treated, the more successful PRP is. Before allowing you to take part, we’ll analyze your medical history and scalp to make sure you’re a good candidate.
Almost everyone can take part, even people who aren’t in perfect health. Despite this, we might need to speak to your primary physician if you’re currently suffering from a medical condition. PRP is safe and natural, but we still need to check that it won’t interfere with your treatment. You might not be a good candidate if you have a disorder related to the blood, especially if it affects the number or quality of your platelets.
Why PRP?
There are dozens of cosmetic treatments designed to improve the appearance of the face and body. However, it’s hard to find good solutions for hair loss. In the past, people who suffered from age-related hair issues had to wait until their treatment area was completely bald and then get a hair transplant. Transplants are invasive and expensive, so they aren’t a great solution for many patients.
PRP is one of the best minimally invasive hair treatments available today. It’s more potent than gels, creams, and supplements. However, it doesn’t put the patient’s health at risk because the substance used is completely natural. There’s very little chance of rejection or an allergic reaction since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood. PRP improves the health of the hair follicles without negatively affecting the surrounding structures or the skin.
What Else Is PRP Used For?
Initially, PRP was designed to treat injuries. When injected into a joint, this substance speeds up the healing process and encourages the production of new muscle, ligament, and tendon cells. That’s why we often use this injectable to address acute injuries, overuse injuries, and pain caused by conditions like arthritis.
We also inject PRP into patients’ faces to address age-related issues. The substance can reduce wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin and improve the overall texture of the face. We can also apply PRP during a microneedling session instead of injecting it under the skin. The combination of microneedling and PRP therapy tightens the skin and addresses sun spots, small acne and chickenpox scars, rough skin texture, large pores, and stretch marks.
Improve the Quality of Your Hair Now
Platelet-rich plasma improves the function of the hair follicles and reverses mild to moderate hair loss. This treatment works by providing the scalp with growth factors. It’s minimally invasive and quick, so it’s a great solution for people with busy lives. Give us a call at Revive MD Center in Glen Allen, VA to book a consultation. We’ll be delighted to tell you more about PRP hair restoration and help you decide whether it’s right for you.
