Hair loss is a problem that affects around 70% of men and up to 50% of women at some point in life. Most people develop androgenetic alopecia, a condition related to aging, but others lose their hair because they are stressed or due to an autoimmune disease. PRP hair treatment is one of the best treatments we offer at Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA because it isn’t invasive, but it is still highly effective.
How Does PRP Hair Treatment Work?
Platelet-rich plasma is a substance made out of the patient’s own blood. It contains a lot of platelets, which are small blood cells that stimulate the healing process. This rejuvenation method was first used on athletes who were injured, and it can treat pain, the symptoms of aging, hair loss, and more. When applied to the scalp, the platelets release growth factors that stimulate the growth of the person’s hair.
PRP treatment works best when the patient comes to the clinic early, since it won’t work on parts of the scalp that are already completely bald. If you’re starting to notice the first signs of hair loss, come to the clinic right away. We’ll have a look at your health history to determine whether PRP is the best solution for you. If so, we’ll come up with a treatment plan.
How Many Appointments Do I Need?
Your hair follicles go through stages, and not all of them are in the growth phase at the same time. For this reason, one PRP treatment won’t be enough to resolve hair loss. Most patients come to the clinic once a month for three to six months. That way, all the follicles can be targeted, and the effect of treatment is more noticeable.
Once you’ve achieved your desired results, you won’t have to have PRP appointments so frequently anymore. If you experienced hair loss due to stress, and the situation is now resolved, you might not need to come back at all. However, people who have androgenetic alopecia, which is related to aging, will need maintenance sessions once or twice a year.
What Results Can I Expect?
After the PRP is injected into your scalp, your hair follicles will be encouraged to regenerate and grow. This process can take some time, so most patients don’t experience the first results until two weeks after their initial session. The effects of treatment will continue to intensify until around six months after your appointment.
Studies have shown that there are statistically significant results in the majority of patients, especially those who are in the early stages of hair loss. The success rate is over 84%, and it depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle choices, at what point you start treatment, and whether the right dose was administered. Always visit a reputable clinic for best results.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
Most PRP appointments only take around 30 minutes, so you don’t have to spend hours at the clinic. The first thing we’ll do is extract your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to access the beneficial platelets and plasma. We might also apply numbing cream to your treatment area, which takes around 10 minutes to become effective.
Once your scalp is numb, we will inject the PRP substance in strategic places. There might be some sensation, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be in pain. After a PRP appointment, patients can resume their regular activities straight away, and they don’t need to stay for observation. Some of our patients come to us during their lunch break and go back to work in the afternoon.
How Do I Prepare for and Recover from PRP?
Before booking you in for your first session, we’ll speak to you about what to do before and after your sessions. To prevent side effects and make the healing process easier, avoid any blood-thinning medications and supplements. Don’t drink alcohol for two or three days beforehand, since this substance dries out the body and reduces the function of your immune system.
After treatment, you’ll be able to work and perform your regular tasks as normal, but there are a few things you can’t do in the first 48 to 72 hours. These include going swimming, doing strenuous exercise, and using a sauna or a hot tub. If you’ve never had PRP hair treatment before, it’s also best to take it easy after your first session.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Because this method is minimally invasive, nearly everyone is a good candidate, and even people who aren’t eligible for elective surgery can take part. We’ll do a thorough evaluation of your medical background before allowing you to start treatment since this helps us to prevent any complications and tailor your sessions to your needs.
Bring your medical records, information about your allergies, and information about any medications you currently take. We’ll also ask you about past treatments you’ve participated in and how they went, and we’ll speak to you about how the lifestyle you lead impacts your results.
You Have Certain Kinds of Hair Loss
People who have hair loss related to an illness or cancer treatment might not be great candidates. It’s best for them to wait until they’ve stopped treatment or recovered from their condition since their hair might grow back on its own. On the other hand, those who have age-related hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, are excellent candidates.
Androgenetic alopecia occurs in both men and women, but while men usually develop bald spots, women suffer from a general thinning of the hair. Sometimes, patients lose their hair due to stress or an autoimmune condition. These people might also be good candidates for PRP treatment, but it depends on the extent of their hair loss and their health history.
You Are in Good Health
As mentioned, almost anyone can take part in PRP treatment, even people who can’t have elective surgery due to medical issues. Because this treatment uses a substance that comes from your body, the risk of an allergic reaction or rejection is very low. Your cells will recognize the platelets as your own, and they won’t attack them.
Despite this, some people might not be able to have hair treatment. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or you have an active infection at the treatment site, you’re not a good candidate. In this case, it’s best to wait until your condition has changed. Those with serious medical issues like cancer will need to speak to their doctor before taking part in treatment.
You Want a Minimally Invasive Treatment
Many people are hesitant to come to the clinic when they first start to experience hair loss because they’re afraid that we’ll suggest an invasive procedure that could cause side effects and put their health at risk. But PRP is completely safe, and it doesn’t involve making incisions or injecting chemicals into the patient’s body.
People who are very busy can still take part because each appointment is short, and they don’t have to spend time resting afterward. Although you’ll need to come to the clinic multiple times, the overall time commitment is low.
You Are Committed to a Healthy Lifestyle
The patients who get the best results from PRP treatment are those who take good care of their bodies, both before and after their session. Drink plenty of water to support your body’s healing process, and eat foods that contain vital nutrients. Avoid anything that increases inflammation, like fatty foods or foods that contain a lot of refined sugar. Exercising regularly also helps because it stimulates all your body’s processes and improves your overall health.
If your hair loss was caused by stress, figure out what the problem was, and take steps to avoid similar issues in the future. That way, you won’t suffer from hair loss again. Living a healthy lifestyle is a challenge for most patients, and they might benefit from working with professionals like nutritionists, personal trainers, life coaches, and therapists. Speak to us about your issues, since we might be able to recommend great wellness professionals in your area.
Regain Your Thick Head of Hair with PRP
PRP hair treatment is an effective and minimally invasive treatment that helps people to get rid of hair loss related to aging or stress. Each appointment only takes a few minutes, and there is virtually no recovery time. Because the PRP substance is made from your own blood, the risk is extremely low. Get in touch with us at Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA, and book your first appointment. We’ll help you figure out whether this treatment is right for you.