HAIR LOSS
About Hair Loss
It’s know that by age 50, 85% of men and 50% of women will experience significant hair loss. Although there are many causes of hair loss, the most common is Androgenic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Baldness) due to a combination of genetics, hormones, and aging. In men this typically presents with a receding hair line and thinning on the crown (top of head), in women, it typically presents with overall thinning of the hair. The genes associated with Hair Loss vary across many chromosomes, thus the wide pattern in age and speed of hair loss seen. Either way, Hair loss is an emotionally difficult condition for most. Up until recently, the only options were expensive hair replacement surgery or the use of medications which often had significant sexual side effects. Fortunately, we now have the use of PRP for Hair Loss.
What is PRP
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for hair loss is a procedure whereby the Growth Factors in a person’s own platelets are used to stimulate new hair growth. Platelets are small cells in your blood that contain up to 20 different types of growth factors that can help promote new hair growth. Blood is drawn from the patient and spun down in a special centrifuge to separate its components. We use a “double-centrifuge” technique that allows for the optimal concentration of growth factors in PRP. The PRP is then injected into the scalp where you have areas of hair loss. PRP has been shown to grow new hair as well as increase hair thickness and darkening of existing hair. The PRP procedure is performed monthly for three months and then once a year for maintenance. Results are generally seen at one month and continue to improve over the next 3-6 months.
The Science of PRP
Platelets contains more than 20 types of growth factors, many which have been shown to act as an ‘elixir’ for hair growth. Some of the growth factors which help with hair loss are:
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) – promotes blood vessel growth and cell replication.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – promotes new blood vessel formation
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) – results in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
- Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) – promotes growth of cells and blood vessels.
- Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGF) – promotes cell growth and inhibits cell death.
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) – involved in the proliferation and survival of certain neurons.
In a recent 2017 literature review article in the journal, Stem Cell Investigation, the authors concluded that PRP is a simple, cost-effective and feasible treatment option with high patient satisfaction for Androgenic Alopecia (male pattern baldness).
Advantages of PRP
- No risk of allergic reaction
- No surgery required
- Regrows you own hair
- Works for both men and women
- Stimulates new hair growth
- Makes existing hair grow thicker
- Slows down hair loss
- No significant down time
Patients not eligible for PRP
- Cancer or on chemotherapy
- On Immunosuppressive therapy
- Heavy smoker
- Chronic Liver disease or heavy drinker
- On Anti-Coagulation Therapy
- Hemophilia or other blood clotting disorders
- Certain skin diseases/current skin infection
CLICK HERE TO SEE BEFORE AND AFTER PIC HAIR LOSS:
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