Can PRP Help My Baldness?
Hair loss is easily one of the most common cosmetic problems faced by men and women alike. In fact, it’s estimated as many as 80 million American men and women are dealing with some degree of pattern baldness, most commonly starting after age 50. A unique solution is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a process that uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair growth. A common question, however, is whether this minimally invasive therapy is too good to be true. Learn more about PRP therapy and decide for yourself.
What Causes Baldness?
It’s estimated that about 50 percent of Americans will experience some degree of hair loss after age 50. The causes can vary as much as the type of person experiencing it. Some include:
- Tension caused by over styling
- Burns and other traumatic scalp injuries
- Medications
This is just a glimpse of the exhaustive list of potential causes. The list of purported solutions is even longer. One of the emerging solutions is PRP therapy.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is a creative spin on something doctors have long known: That blood plasma can help the body repair vessels and heal after injury. About a decade ago, physicians began repurposing this concept for hair growth. During PRP therapy, a patient has their blood drawn and placed in a centrifuge, where the plasma is separated out. The plasma is then injected into the scalp, where doctors believe platelets in plasma helped prolong hair’s natural growth phase. This method also encourages cell growth and collagen rejuvenation. The number of therapy sessions required depends on the individual and is influenced by things like genetics, age and amount of hair loss. Cost typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 per session.
Does It Work for Everyone?
Not every hair loss solution works for everyone and PRP therapy is no exception. While PRP has proven safe and effective for most people over the last decade, there are lots of patients that would not be a good fit. Those include people with conditions like thyroid disease or lupus, which tend to continuously cause hair loss. People on blood thinners might also experience minimal results due to blood platelet changes. Finally, those with more recent hair loss will likely experience the best results, as doctors say it’s easier to stimulate follicles that have been dormant for less time.
If you fit the mold for a good PRP therapy patient, call a qualified specialist today and get started down the path to an updated, more youthful you.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Hair Treatment
