PRP Hair Restoration

Doctors began using PRP after researchers found that high concentrations of platelets in plasma cells helped promote hair growth by prolonging the growing phase of the hair cycle.

This therapy is an in-office, non-surgical treatment. During the procedure a technician draws your blood and spins it in a centrifuge to separate the various components in your blood. The red and white blood cells are divided and plasma cells are isolated, producing platelet rich plasma (PRP). The highly enriched plasma is injected into the targeted areas of the scalp where the growth factors in the plasma stimulate your hair follicle’s growth. Injections are administered monthly for three months, then spread out three to four months for up to two years. The injection schedule will depend on your genetics, amount and pattern of hair loss, age and hormones.

Pain is minimized by anesthesia sprays to help numb the skin and patients are able to drive themselves home.

PRP therapy can be used by men and women who are experiencing hair loss but still have functioning but “weak” quality hair follicles. The treatment works better if hair loss is recent, as the hair follicles weaken, thin and more of the scalp is exposed with age. This type of hair loss is often referred to as “male pattern baldness”. It is more challenging to “wake up” hair follicles that have been dormant for a long time.

It will not produce hair growth in areas where the follicles are no longer viable.

You should NOT have PRP therapy if you:
have an underlying disorder such as thyroid disease or lupus, which causes hair loss
are on blood thinners or have a low platelet count

At the Vein & Laser Institute, our patients can expect to see new hair growth within three to four weeks.

Other treatments for hair loss currently on the market are:

Hair transplantation:

A surgical procedure requiring cuts in the scalp with a longer recovery time. It is typically recommended only for those who have dramatic hair loss. A transplant is also more costly and leaves scars.

FDA-approved medications for treating hair loss:

Minoxidil: may cause dryness and itching on the scalp.

Finasteride: may cause sexual dysfunction in men

*Both must be taken indefinitely and results are inconsistent.