HAIR RESTORATION WITH PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)
Millions of men and women worldwide are affected by thinning or balding hair, and there are a number of factors that contribute to hair loss. As there are different reasons you may experience thinning or balding hair, there are various treatment options that can increase hair growth or prevent hair loss. As with all cells and tissues in the body, hair follicles need nourishment to grow well, and they respond negatively to oxidizing agents and stress.
Some patients choose to undergo hair transplant surgery, which can be highly effective in reducing the appearance of baldness. However, there are also some non-invasive options to treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth. In addition to topical Minoxidil, which is an FDA-approved pharmaceutical that has been proven to increase hair growth, patients can also benefit from scalp injections of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), a minimally-invasive procedure with no downtime that can even be completed during your lunch break! We also recommend taking an oral supplement to complement your PRP treatment, as this has been scientifically proven to increase hair growth.
WHAT IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)?
Your blood contains red and white blood cells, platelets, and a wide range of important molecules such as growth factors, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other beneficial substances. For PRP therapies, a small amount of blood is drawn and processed. During the processing step, the blood cells are removed leaving the platelets and growth factors behind in the concentrated plasma. The resulting substance is called platelet rich plasma (PRP), and it has been demonstrated to enhance tissue repair and cell growth. In fact, it has been used in sports medicine for decades, but only recently have physicians begun using PRP in aesthetic medicine, and they’ve gotten excellent results!
WHAT WILL MY PRP HAIR RESTORATION SESSION BE LIKE?
After your blood is drawn and processed, your highly-skilled clinician will use microinjections to introduce the PRP to the areas where it is most needed. These small injections are done to cover the areas of thinning hair, and the PRP is placed at the depth of the hair follicles. Placement of each injection is selected to maximize hair growth and enhance the appearance of your hair. Even if you have a large area of thinning hair that you would like treated, the injections will take no more than 30 minutes to complete.
Most patients describe the process as painless, as the injections are done using a very small needle. Though most patients do not, if you experience pain during the procedure, your physician can offer you some options to enhance your comfort.
There is no downtime required after your PRP hair restoration treatment session. You can return to your normal daily activities immediately following treatment. Though you may experience some redness and bruising, most patients have minimal to no side effects. For those that do, you can expect any bruising to have resolved within a week or so.
WHY COMBINE PRP WITH A NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT?
There are many factors that contribute to the growth of hair, and PRP has been shown to enhance hair growth in most patients. We have found that PRP is most effective when combined with a nutritional supplement called Nutrafol®, which has been specially formulated to combat the effects of hormonal changes, inflammation, stress, and free radicals on the hair follicles. Combining PRP with Nutrafol® allows the hair follicles to make most use of the added nutrients and growth factors. By choosing this treatment plan that combines PRP therapy with super supplementation, you are giving your hair follicles the best possible conditions for hair growth. Most of our patients who use this combination have seen excellent results!
WHEN WILL I NOTICE RESULTS?
Scientific studies have shown that PRP is effective in increasing the total number of hairs, the thickness of the hairs, and extending the growth phase of the hair follicle (i.e., the lifespan of the hair). These take some time to notice, however, and most patients can begin to see results within a couple of months.
It is important to note that not everyone is able to obtain increased hair growth using PRP, because not all patients experience hair loss that is caused by lack of growth in the hair follicles. There are other causes of thinning hair and balding for some patients. However, PRP is effective for many, and most of our patients (80%) have been satisfied with their treatment results.
Over the course of several PRP sessions, you will gradually notice increased hair growth and thickness. The typical treatment plan includes PRP injections once per month for 3-4 months, and then every 3 to 6 months after the initial monthly injections. And, hair growth will continue to improve over time following your PRP hair restoration sessions.
If you are ready for thicker, healthier hair, PRP hair restoration can give you great results with no surgery, scars, or downtime! Call 347.788.1841 today to schedule your personalized consultation in New York, NY.
