Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, was originally used as a treatment for injuries to tendons and ligaments, but today it’s equally popular as a means to rejuvenate the skin and scalp. For those who struggle with pattern hair loss, this treatment kickstarts a growth of new tissue that includes reactivation of otherwise dormant and inactive hair follicles. Hair regrowth in localized areas is possible using this type of tissue rejuvenation treatment.
To be fair, the treatment won’t work to create new follicles. Total baldness is caused by destruction and elimination of follicles. However, if the problem is pattern baldness, the cause is extended dormancy or resting of otherwise active follicles, and these follicles can be nudged back to an active state via PRP therapy.
Why Does Hair Stop Growing?
Actually, all hair strands stop growing after a period ranging from two to five years. This is why you see hairs on your comb or brush. Not all of the follicles are inactive at the same time in a given area of your scalp, however. That is, not unless you’re experiencing pattern baldness. No one really knows the cause of pattern baldness, but most specialists think it has to do with genetics.
Follicles collect nutrients and turn them into cells. The cells get packed together and then die. All of this packing and dying results in the formation of a hair strand. Whenever the follicle goes into a resting phase, the strand stops growing and eventually falls out. The problem is, some of these follicles continue their resting phase, perhaps forever, unless given a kick. This is what PRP for hair regrowth can accomplish.
How It’s Performed
We will draw a small amount of blood from your arm, which we will spin it in a special type of centrifuge to separate the red cells from the plasma and platelets. The platelets aid in clotting, but they also contain numerous growth factors that speed up healing after an injury.
The concentrated platelet mix is then made into a thin gel and injected just beneath the scalp skin. This accelerates healing in the area, and this healing includes dormant follicles. After several treatment sessions, many of our clients begin to see hair growth. Of course, this takes about two or three months, so immediate results should not be expected.
Learn More about PRP for Pattern Baldness
You can indeed restore your head of hair and look healthier and younger. Talk to us about hair regrowth via PRP therapy at the office of Dr. Steven Dayan in Chicago. You’ll be surprised how simple the treatment is, and even better, you’ll learn how this process is repeatable for the maintaining of healthy, strand-producing follicles. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
