Progressive hair loss affects more than 50% of men by or before age 50, and it also affects a significant number of women. Some men begin to experience hair loss as early as age 20. In most cases, this condition is due to androgenetic alopecia, an inherited condition in which prolonged exposure to male sex hormones causes hair follicles to stop producing hair. Although hair loss is not life-threatening, it can cause significant quality of life and self-esteem issues. Thankfully, PRP hair restoration exists.
Traditional Treatments
Current treatments for hair loss are not very satisfactory. Affected individuals can apply topical minoxidil to the scalp twice a day, which may slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth to a limited extent. Men can take prescription oral drugs that block production of male sex hormones, but these drugs may cause significant side effects and only stop hair loss without promoting hair regrowth. Other alternatives are hair transplants and wigs, but they also have their obvious downsides.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from an individual’s own blood in a quick, simple, in-office procedure. A normal blood sample is quickly processed using a centrifuge to produce a concentrated product that is brimming with regenerative growth factors. Platelets are essential for healing; after an injury, they burst and release factors that induce blood clotting and they also release a cocktail of factors that induce healing. PRP has been widely used in the past few years to heal a variety of acute and chronic conditions. More recently, PRP has been used to reverse hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia.
A Closer Look at PRP Hair Restoration
A number of clinical studies, including several well-designed randomized controlled trials, have shown that using PRP in the scalp of patients affected with androgenic alopecia can both promote hair regrowth and stop hair loss. A systematic review of the literature published in 2017 identified 14 high-quality studies that showed the treatment was quite effective and very safe.
PRP hair restoration has been proven to stop hair loss, promote hair growth, and increase hair thickness in both men and women affected by androgenetic alopecia. There are no known risks; since the PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of disease transmission.
Learn more information about PRP hair restoration by consulting with our expert at H-MD Medical Spa in Oklahoma City. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!