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Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Help to Regrow Hair?
by April Maguire
Hair loss is one of the most common problems on the planet, and scientists are yet to develop a surefire method for dealing with it. Sure, there are over-the-counter medications, but rates of success can vary widely. Alternatively, there is hair transplantation, where healthy follicles are harvested from the back of the head and transferred to areas of baldness. Sadly though, this process can be cost-prohibitive for some people, and natural-looking results aren't always guaranteed.
So there is still a staggering need for a hair loss cure, and some experts believe that platelet-rich plasma injections could be the answer. So how does this technique work?
Injections of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, use the patient's own blood in order to stimulate the reactivation of hair follicles. With this process, blood is drawn and then placed into a centrifuge, which spins at such a rapid rate that it separates red blood cells from the plasma. Once separated, this plasma is placed into a syringe and then injected straight into the patient's scalp. The idea behind the process is that, since plasma contains platelets that help to stimulate growth, injecting it into the scalp can activate dormant follicles and coax them into producing new hairs.
So far, results have been positive. Numerous studies and articles point to the process's overall success rates, as the majority of patients experience an increase in hair count and overall thickness. Additionally, people who regularly undergo PRP treatments find that the growth phase of their hair lasts longer, which means that they experience less shedding overall.
Perhaps best of all is that anyone who is experiencing hair loss is a candidate for the procedure. Even though studies show that individuals who have only recently started going bald tend to experience the most success, the PRP process has proven effective for virtually all hair loss sufferers. Also, the treatment works best for people experiencing androgenic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness, although it can help to reverse other types of hair loss as well.
Unfortunately though, there are a few downsides to PRP injections. While the risks and recovery time are minimal, the results can take time. Typically, patients don't see a significant amount of regrowth for several months. Also, the cost of the treatments can add up. In general, doctors recommend getting injections once a month for three to four months, then follow-up injections every three to six months after that. With a price tag of around $1,000 per treatment, the out-of-pocket expenses can quickly soar out of control.
Compared to the alternatives though, platelet-rich plasma injections do have a number of advantages. So if you're interested, and you have the cash to spare, find a doctor in your area that performs the procedure and ask about your treatment options.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about hair loss, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
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