Few of the changes that occur with age are more upsetting for men and women alike than hair loss. While not everyone will experience the loss of hair as they get older, those who do are often self-conscious about their appearance. If you feel compelled to wear a hat or other accessory to hide thinning or lost hair, In My Own Skin Med Spa may be able to help using hair restoration with PRP.
Male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness are both expressions of the same medical condition: androgenetic alopecia. This condition occurs due to both genetics and hormone changes that progress as patients get older. This form of hair loss is more common among men than women, although women may also experience the condition. Other possible causes of hair loss in men and women include:
- Vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies
- Medications such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and drugs for combating high cholesterol
- Stress
- Hairstyles that create too much tension on the follicles, such as ponytails, buns, and cornrows
- A result of certain infections, thyroid, and autoimmune diseases
Additional hair loss causes specific to women include the use of some oral contraceptives, as well as pregnancy. If you have any specific concerns about these possible causes, please meet with your primary care provider.
In My Own Skin Med Spa started using PRP in our practice for other treatments. PRP treatments involve taking a small sample of your blood, purifying it so the platelets are concentrated, and then injecting it to potentially boost the body’s natural rejuvenation process. Providers at In My Own Skin Med Spa also perform PRP therapy in tandem with micro-needling treatment for patients who want to improve their complexion, minimize wrinkles, reduce skin laxity, and more.
Hair restoration with PRP is a similar process. A blood sample will be drawn, put through a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and then your provider will perform targeted injections in the scalp. The PRP potentially stimulates the follicles in the scalp, which can cause hair to grow back thicker and fuller.
Most patients begin to see results after about three treatment sessions with four to six weeks in between appointments.
As your hair gets fuller, you likely will not need appointments as frequently. However, PRP does not cure hair loss, so you may need re-treatment two or more times a year to maintain the results.
Post treatment, we will prescribe a topical Progesterone medication called Minoxidil. The use of Minoxidil can help promote hair growth and provide maintenance in between injections. The medication can be used nightly or every other night and applied directly to area of hair loss. Further instructions for Minoxidil will be provided at your first PRP treatment.
Patients who see the best results with PRP hair therapy are men and women with androgenetic alopecia. Areas where the hair is thinning or receding present suitable locations for scalp injections. You should be in overall good health before undergoing PRP treatment. In addition, you should not be on anticoagulants or suffer from a bleeding disorder. You should also avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption.
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Please hydrate; increasing your water intake the day of your treatment is important for the blood draw.
- Ensure you have has a small meal or snack prior to your treatment.
- Hair can be washed up to the day of treatment, but please refrain from hair coloring 72 hours prior.
- Avoid any blood thinning agents 7-days prior (ibuprofen, aspirin, multi-vitamin, fish oil, naproxen, etc.)
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption 72 hours prior to treatment.
- If you need to cancel/reschedule your appointment, please provide a 48 hour notice to avoid any fees.
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
- Pinpoint bleeding, tenderness and bruising can occur at the injection sites and blood draw. These symptoms typically resolve within a week of treatment.
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin, or any other anti-inflammatory medications 72 hours after your treatment. Tylenol can be used if you have any discomfort.
- Hair can be washed the next day, and hair can be colored 72 hours after treatment.
- Change your pillowcase prior to going to bed the day of treatment to limit bacterial exposure.
- Blood thinning agents, smoking, and alcohol should be avoided for 72 hours after treatment.
- Do not apply any make up, hair care products or sunscreen for at least 24 hours; use a gentle shampoo/conditioner the following day.
- Avoid swimming, excessive sun exposure, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for 48 hours.
