We’ve all been there. You wake up one morning and notice that your hair is falling out. It seems like it’s happening all at once, but you don’t know why. You’re not experiencing any other symptoms that would suggest you have an illness. In fact, you don’t have any problem at all. What can you do about your hair loss? 

This post discusses the PRP procedure, an excellent option for treating hair loss. We also provide you with some valuable tips for getting the most out of PRP.

prp for hair loss: the basics

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a medical procedure that uses the platelets and growth factors from blood to stimulate new hair growth. It’s a simple process that has been around for a long time. Still, it’s only recently become popular due to the availability of new technology that makes it possible to use a patient’s own blood rather than having to harvest it from a donor.

The good news is that PRP for hair loss can treat all types of hair loss, including alopecia, female pattern baldness and androgenic alopecia.. PRP is an ideal treatment because it can help increase the growth rate of hair and allow the hair to stop shedding. However, if you consider this procedure, you need to understand that it won’t work for everyone. You should know that many different factors affect how effective PRP will be.

How Does PRP Work for Hair Loss?

PRP is a minimally invasive, well studied and verified procedure that uses a patient’s own stem cells to regrow hair follicles. The therapy is safe and effective, with most patients reporting that their hair grows back stronger and fuller than before the procedure.  This procedure has been proven to be effective in treating hair loss and can be performed on both men and women.  Some ask if PRP is FDA approved.   The devices used for PRP are evaluated by the FDA for approval so you should seek to get the procedure done at a doctors office where FDA approved device is used.   Because PRP or platelet rich plasma is your own blood, the FDA does not evaluate the PRP itself because it is not a drug, it’s your own blood components.

PRP for Hair Loss: What Are the Benefits?

There are several benefits to using PRP for hair loss.  As mentioned above, PRP treats many different types of hair loss. It is a safe, minimally invasive treatment, and it can be used to stimulate hair growth. It treats hair loss for both men and women, and a doctor can also use it to treat hair loss that has already occurred.

The PRP procedure can be used to treat alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, and telogen effluvium. It can also be used to treat patients who have undergone chemotherapy.

The PRP procedure is not too painful to get. It can be done in less than 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal treatment for busy people.

PRP for Hair Loss: What Are the Risks?

As with many other “medical” procedures, there are risks involved with PRP for hair loss treatments. One of the most significant risks is that some patients may experience bruising or bleeding. If you are prone to bruising or bleeding, you are more likely notice some bruising from this. 

Another risk is that you may experience scarring. The PRP treatment uses your blood cells to stimulate hair growth. So, if you have any autoimmune diseases, you are more likely to experience scarring.

PRP for Hair Loss: Is It Right for Me?

Since  PRP therapy is minimally invasive, it is suitable for most people. When you come into our clinic, we will determine if this treatment will suit your needs. We advise you to bring a list of all the medications and supplements you are currently taking..

We may recommend an alternate hair restoration treatment if you are a heavy smoker, drinker, or you take blood thinners.

PRP for Hair Loss: What Is the Cost?

Based on the type of injury being treated, the exact cost of PRP injections varies. Prices also differ by location and doctor. A PRP injection in the DC area costs about $700. 

Patients need an average of two to three injections, but some patients might require more.  Most insurance companies do not yet cover PRP injections. 

Unfortunately, this has led to very few people getting these services, so they may not be practically available to you even if you could afford them. Patients who opt for alternative treatments find it more affordable than surgery, despite the out-of-pocket costs.  Treatment costs can be offset in most cases by the decrease in lost wages from time away from work.

Tips to Make PRP More Effective

High-Intensity Cardio Exercise

High-intensity cardio is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. The benefits of cardio will go much further than just making you feel good. It can make a huge difference in your ability to ward off illnesses.

Adopt A Healthy Diet

The best way to prevent heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, depression, infertility, and Alzheimer’s disease is to eat a diet rich in green leafy vegetables.

To have the best PRP results, you can change your diet to be healthier. This involves eating more healthy greens and vegetables, cutting down on processed and fatty foods, and consuming smaller portions throughout the day.

Avoid or limit smoking or drinking

PRP treatments for hair loss are effected by the presence of nicotine. The nicotine in cigarettes interferes with stem cell growth, which can render PRP ineffective.

Drink lots of water and take your supplements

To enhance your PRP results, you should increase your intake of various vitamins such as Vitamin B12 (biotin, Riboflavin), etc. By ingesting these vitamins, it will help to improve red blood cells and hemoglobin. Besides taking supplements, you can find B12 in healthy plant and animal foods. 

Avoid Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)

If you have any type of allergy to aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, NSAID, or corticosteroids, you will need to stop taking them for at least five days before the surgery. You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) safely.

Make An Appointment

If PRP for hair loss injections seem appealing to you and, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at care@ensantemedicalspa.com or call us at 703.888.8589.  We will walk you through the process, and our skilled staff will take care of your needs.