Health

PRP Therapy: A Minimally-invasive Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness is a natural aging process, but for many men, it impacts their self-esteem and confidence. Mt Kisco hair restoration from The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery utilizes PRP to stimulate hair regrowth. PRP is an effective and minimally-invasive process with short recovery periods.

What causes male pattern baldness?

The principal factors causing male pattern baldness are usually age or genetics. It is more prevalent in men and appears in the 50s, but it may start in the late teens or early 20s. Hair follicles shrink until there is no hair on parts of the scalp.

While hair loss is not a health concern, it may impact self-esteem for some people. Several treatments are available for reducing hair growth. PRP offers a minimally-invasive solution to reverse hair loss and promote regrowth.

How does PRP work?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a treatment that utilizes platelets to heal and regenerate tissues. Platelets are components of the cytoplasm. Their primary function is to start homeostasis or stop bleeding when you have a cut.

Platelets also contribute to the body’s immune response and contain growth factors, which facilitate healing. A PRP injection infuses these growth factors into the scalp targeting shrinking hair follicles.

PRP Increases the hair’s diameter and volume, reversing visible signs of male pattern baldness. Platelets also encourage collagen production. Collagen limits further damage to hair follicles.

What to expect from a PRP hair loss treatment

The PRP procedure usually begins by drawing blood from your body. Your healthcare practitioner will place the blood sample in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood.

A platelet-rich sample is injected into areas of the scalp affected by hair loss. The growth factors in platelets will act on damaged hair follicles to promote healing.

Patients usually need three sessions of PRP therapy. But the treatment may vary depending on each individual’s unique circumstances.

Are you an ideal candidate for PRP therapy?

PRP therapy has a low risk of complications or infections because blood is drawn from the patient’s blood. However, the procedure can be risky for people taking supplements or blood thinner medication. It is always advisable to inform your doctor if you are using any drug before the procedure.

The procedure is unsuitable for smokers and people with a history of substance abuse or alcohol consumption. Tobacco and alcohol consumption often increase the risk of recovery complications. Consider quitting to ensure the best results from your hair loss treatment.

Your healthcare practitioner may discourage you from undergoing treatment if you have thyroid disease or a metabolic disorder. Some patients have a low platelet count, which is usually a sign of other underlying medical problems such as bone marrow disorder.

Your dermatologist must conduct physical exams to determine if you are a good candidate for PRP therapy. You can expect changes in hair length and volume four to six weeks after treatment.

Contact The Center for Dermatology Cosmetic & Laser Surgery today for more information on PRP therapies.