Everything You Need to Know about PRP for Hair Growth

If you’re struggling with hair loss, you’re not alone. Hair loss impacts both men and women, with 85% of men over the age of 50 experiencing thinning hair and women making up 40% of hair loss cases in the United States. Luckily, there are numerous remedies and procedures available, so you can find a treatment option that fits your specific needs. While some of these are inconsistent and vary in results, recent studies show high success rates for a regenerative plastic surgery procedure known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In this article, we unpack everything you need to know about PRP for hair growth.

How Does PRP Therapy Work for Hair Restoration?

PRP therapy is an emerging hair loss treatment that restores lost or thinning hair using your own blood’s plasma. Doctors first started administering PRP to heal injured joints from accidents and surgeries more quickly. Since the 1990s, PRP has treated wounds, decreased inflammation, and increased cell growth. Its ability to stimulate hair follicles, thicken hair density, and treat male and female pattern hair loss and alopecia has improved its popularity.

How Does Platelet Rich Plasma Work?

When you come in for a PRP treatment for hair loss, you’ll have blood drawn from your arm. A centrifuge machine will separate the plasma from the red blood cells and recombine the plasma with a high concentration of platelets. Once the plasma is gathered, PRP injections are inserted into the scalp within reach of hair follicles. The platelets then stimulate hair regrowth and produce collagen.

There is typically little to no pain following the procedure. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort or see minor bruising at the injection site. Most patients require multiple treatments to achieve their desired results, but your doctor will work with you to determine what’s right for you. At our Greenwood, IN office, your PRP treatment plan is individualized to you, taking your genetic makeup, age, and degree of hair loss into consideration.

Who is the Right Candidate for PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma treatment is a viable option for those struggling with other hair growth treatments; however, it performs best on certain types of candidates. Many patients with androgenic alopecia, commonly referred to as male pattern baldness, can obtain desired results. However, anyone with rare cases of scarring alopecia should look for other options.

Long-term hair loss is tougher to treat. Patients with more recent hair loss typically see the highest success rates. Although PRP is generally considered a safe treatment option with little to no side effects, it’s not recommended for people with certain health ailments. If you have lupus, thyroid disorders, or other medical concerns, then PRP therapy may not be right for you. Certain medications, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatories, may need to be stopped before your procedure as well.

If you’re struggling with hair thinning or hair loss in Greenwood, IN and have yet to find an effective hair restoration treatment, consider contacting Supro Direct. Our certified primary care physicians are happy to recommend personalized treatment options. Book your appointment today and start seeing the new hair growth you’ve been hoping for.