Hair loss is a surprisingly common problem for both men and women. It is estimated that 64 million people in this country will experience some form of hair loss before the age of 30. Men and women present in slightly different patterns. Men commonly notice thinning of the crown of the scalp and a prominent widow’s peak (a receding hairline), while women often experience a widening of the middle part with an intact frontal hairline. Regardless of gender, however, patients with hair loss describe the condition as having a seriously negative effect on their self-esteem. We are so excited to have two dermatologists here at Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation (BCFFR) who specialize in PRP for Hair Loss, a cutting-edge, non-surgical procedure to promote hair regrowth and improve density.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a naturally occurring component in the body. Your blood is made up of three elements:
- Red blood cells
- White blood cells
- Platelets
While the first two are widely known, it is the platelets that are responsible for healing. If you cut yourself, for example, they are first to the scene, causing your blood to clot. Containing a wide range of growth factors, PRP has been used for years by sports doctors to treat muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. These growth factors have also been shown to support the hair follicle and contribute to overall hair health.
Does PRP for Hair Loss Work?
PRP began to be used to treat hair loss in 2006. Since then, it has greatly grown in popularity for one simple reason — PRP for Hair Loss works. Numerous studies have shown that a series of PRP injections into the scalp may help:
- Reduce overall hair shedding
- Increase the diameter of the hair
- Improve density of hair growth
The key to an exemplary result, however, is proper patient selection. Dr. Farah Moustafa and Dr. Melissa Michelon have extensive experience treating patients with PRP for Hair Loss. It is often combined with other therapies to provide a synergistic effect on hair growth and better outcomes for patients.
Ideal Candidate for PRP for Hair Loss in Boston
The ideal candidate for a PRP for Hair Loss procedure is any man or woman who is in the early stages of hair loss. It is particularly effective for treating patients with androgenic alopecia (female and male pattern baldness). Generally, PRP works best in patients in:
- Good overall health
- With hair follicles that are still active
- Nonsmokers
- Appropriate expectations
During your initial consultation, Dr. Moustafa or Dr. Michelon will spend considerable time examining your scalp and discussing your overall health. Their goal is to give you a thorough assessment and counseling of what you can expect to achieve with PRP injections. If your hair loss is the result of chemotherapy, another disease, or you have a blood disorder such as anemia, this may not be the right procedure for you.
PRP for Hair Loss Procedure & Recovery
The procedure itself is performed in the office with little to no downtime. First, we will draw your blood which will be placed in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets. Next, Dr. Moustafa or Dr. Michelon will use a very fine needle to precisely inject the PRP throughout your scalp. Most patients tolerate these injections extremely well and don’t even require topical anesthesia. After your procedure, you can return to your normal routine. It is common to experience some mild tenderness in the scalp, and possibly some bruising. This typically clears up in a few days and is easily treated with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications. We do encourage our PRP for Hair Loss patents to avoid strong chemicals and heat after a treatment.
Most patients will require a series of treatments. Generally, we recommend 3 PRP sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. You can expect to notice an increase in hair length, which is one of the first signs of regrowth, as well as reduced shedding within 3-6 months after your last treatment. After your initial series, we do recommend a maintenance session every 3-6 months in order to maintain your excellent results.
To find out more about a PRP for Hair Loss procedure with Dr. Farah Moustafa or Dr. Melissa Michelon, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Leonard Miller at the Boston Center for Facial Rejuvenation, contact us today or call (617) 735- 8735 to schedule a consultation.
