Approximately two-thirds of men will experience significant hair thinning by age 35, and by age 50 these grim statistics rise to include 85% of men. More properly referred to as androgenic alopecia, most people simply refer to the balding problem as male-pattern baldness. Many women are affected as well, although they usually don’t begin to experience hair loss until they reach their 60s. Until recently, there were few options for individuals affected by hair loss. Now, there is a breakthrough treatment for hair loss: platelet-rich plasma.
Platelet-rich plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution of platelets prepared from the patient’s own blood. Platelets are the body’s front-line solution to injury. They rupture and release a cocktail of clotting factors, to stop any bleeding, and also release a large number of growth factors. The growth factors go to work to heal the injury.
PRP has long been used by dentists, surgeons, and physical therapists to speed healing of wounds and injuries. More recently, scientists have discovered that PRP can rejuvenate aging tissues and essentially “turn back the clock.”
PRP and hair loss
Androgenic alopecia is caused by the action of male hormones on the hair follicles. Prolonged exposure to these hormones causes the hair follicles to spend more time in a resting phase rather than growing hair, and to eventually regress into a non-active form. Scientists began to wonder if PRP could return the hair follicles to a normal, growing form.
After a number of small uncontrolled trials had reported astounding success in both men and women, a landmark randomized controlled trial was published in the fall of 2015, establishing the remarkable effectiveness of PRP in curing balding. Each patient had one-half their head treated with PRP. Three treatments were given at 30-day intervals.
Two weeks after the last treatment, the PRP treated scalps were showing significant re-growth of hair, and most of the patients continued to improve and maintain the hair re-growth for over 12 months. A tiny fraction of the patients needed a re-treatment at 12 months to maintain the effect.
What to expect
The solution is taken from your own blood. An anesthetic cream can be used to reduce discomfort. The patient may be able to resume normal activities immediately after treatment, but there may be some temporary minor discomfort at the injection sites. Three treatments are given at 30-day intervals to achieve the best results.
Schedule an Appointment
Whether you are a male or female, if you are experiencing hair loss, you may be a candidate for PRP. Contact Bella Tu Med Spa today to make your appointment with us in Goshen or Nyack and get more information.