30% of women and 40% of men will see noticeable hair loss by the age of 35. But it doesn’t have to be that way! At Bella Tu Med Spa in Nyack, NY, we treat thinning hair in men and women using microneedling with PRP, an in-office treatment that draws growth factors from your blood to wake up tired follicles. You can come to us if shampoos and supplements have failed to help and you are looking for something new.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Most hair loss traces back to genetics and hormones, a pattern doctors call androgenetic alopecia. With this type of hair loss, follicles shrink with time and produce thinner, shorter hairs until they stop growing altogether. Other common triggers of hair loss include physical or emotional stress, pregnancy, thyroid problems and low iron, all of which can push follicles into a resting phase and cause shedding. Reduced blood flow to the scalp, which often comes with age, can also cause thinning hair since follicles need a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to produce healthy hair.
What Is Microneedling With PRP?
Microneedling is performed with a device called MicroPen™ that has rows of very fine needles that are used to create tiny channels in the scalp. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a natural serum derived directly from your own cells to initiate regeneration. We draw a small amount of blood, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors and apply the serum to the scalp after microneedling. This treatment is considered to be one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets, and has been used by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston.
How Does Microneedling + PRP Work?
Microneedling for hair loss, when combined with PRP, can stimulate a renewed blood supply and proper nutrients to deprived hair follicles, which can work to restore the hair growth process. The renewed growth helps to fill in areas of receding or thinning hair. The microneedling channels let us get a deeper penetration of PRP infused into the skin to amplify the serum’s hair restoration abilities. Because the PRP comes from your own body, there is little to no risk of an allergic reaction.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Microneedling with PRP works best for patients with early to moderate thinning, when follicles are weak but still active. It will not regrow hair in areas that have been bald for years, since no live follicles remain to stimulate. Good candidates are those who are in good health with no active scalp infections or irritations.
The treatment may not be right for you if you take blood thinners, have a platelet or bleeding disorder or are in active cancer treatment. Pregnant or nursing patients should also wait. During your consultation in Nyack, we will examine your scalp to let you know whether your follicles are likely to respond.
Step-by-Step Through Your Microneedling + PRP Treatment
- Consultation and Assessment: We will review your health history and diagnose your cause of hair loss to determine whether microneedling with PRP fits your situation.
- Blood Draw: We draw a small sample of blood from your arm in a process similar to a routine lab draw.
- Numbing: We apply numbing cream to your scalp to keep you comfortable during microneedling.
- Microneedling: The device passes over the thinning areas one section at a time, making microscopic channels in your skin.
- PRP Infusion: We apply the concentrated PRP serum on the scalp over the freshly made channels, allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin.
- Total Appointment Time: Plan to be in the office for around 60 to 90 minutes.
- Immediate Aftercare Guidance: Before you leave, we will explain how to care for your scalp and any other aftercare steps that you need to know about.
*Individual results may vary
Recovery and Aftercare
The scalp may be tender for up to 24 hours after treatment, which should quickly subside. Mild redness like a mild sunburn is normal. For the first 24-48 hours, skip hard exercise, don’t swim and don’t apply hair dye or harsh shampoos. You should also keep your scalp out of the direct sun. Usually, your provider will recommend that you wait until the next day to cleanse your hair so the PRP has time to be completely absorbed. Sometimes, mild shedding can occur before the new growth appears.
What to Expect From Your Results
- Weeks 1-4: Blood flow to the treated follicles increases, and the scalp begins to recover. There will be no new hair yet.
- Months 1-3: You will complete your initial series of monthly treatments at the end of this period. Many patients notice less shedding and a healthier scalp first.
- Months 3-6: New growth starts to fill in thinning areas, and existing hairs often look thicker.
- Month 6+: Results are most visible now. Follow-up treatments every 6 to 12 months help hold and build on your progress.
Results depend on your age, the degree of hair loss and how consistently you come to your treatments.
Before and After Microneedling With PRP
Actual Bella Tu Med Spa patient before & after results after 4 treatments:
Microneedling + PRP vs. Other Hair Loss Options
Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride can help, but only when you keep using them daily. They treat symptoms rather than improve actual follicle health. Hair transplant surgery is another method that is often used for more advanced cases. It moves follicles from one area to another. Not everyone is a good candidate for surgery or ready for this step.
Other treatments include laser caps to stimulate the scalp and supplements to help improve overall health and support the scalp. Each treatment has its place in hair restoration, and the right option for you depends on the type of hair loss you have and how advanced it is. Microneedling with PRP can be beneficial because of the way it stimulates your own follicles without surgery and with very little recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microneedling painful?
A numbing agent will be applied to the desired treatment area to maximize patient comfort. With this measure, microneedling with PRP can be very comfortable. We will check in with you often during the treatment to make sure you are still relaxed and tolerating the treatment well.
How many microneedling treatments will I need?
Everyone is different, but most patients start with around three sessions, once per month. Once you have your initial results, you can move to maintenance treatments scheduled every 6 to 12 months. You will work out a more personalized schedule with your provider once you’ve had your consultation.
When will I see my microneedling results?
Reduced shedding is possible within a few weeks, while visible new hair growth may take three to six months. We will take pictures before your treatment and in the months that follow so you can keep track of your progress.
Is PRP safe?
PRP has a much lower risk of complications or reactions than other methods because it comes from your own body. It is often used by patients who are wary about using medications and want a more natural option for stimulating the scalp.
Can I combine this with other treatments?
Microneedling with PRP can be easily added to your treatment plan. Some patients choose to add a facial during the same visit. PRP can be used for other applications, too, such as facial rejuvenation. Be sure to bring up all of your concerns during your consultation so we can develop a personalized treatment plan that takes all of this into consideration.
How much does microneedling with PRP cost?
Microneedling with PRP at Bella Tu Med Spa starts at around $849 per treatment. This may vary based on the size of the treatment area and whether you are adding any other treatments on to your hair restoration.
Get Started with a Hair Restoration Consultation
At Bella Tu Med Spa, we have been serving our community since 2006, bringing the highest quality treatments and services to our patients. We combine a tranquil atmosphere with the best technology so you get professional-grade treatments while feeling like you are spending the day in the spa. We look forward to helping you by finding the cause of your hair loss and stimulating your scalp with our microneedling and PRP treatments. Call 845-727-7000 to get more information about our services or fill out an online form to schedule your consultation.
