In this month’s first blog we got into some of the specifics behind what makes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) such a potent force for healing. In this second blog, let’s get into more of the specifics of how Dr. Barrera puts PRP to work helping our patients stop areas of thinning hair, returning more hair follicles to active growth status.

How is platelet-rich plasma used for hair loss?

Dr. Barrera uses PRP for the treatment of hair loss in both men and women. This treatment is relatively new for hair treatment but is quickly receiving lots of interest because of its results in stopping hair loss and regrowing hair.

Just as with skin rejuvenation, the hair follicles respond to the healing power and growth factors in the platelets. In PRP, the platelets are highly concentrated for more healing effect.

When our hair starts thinning, the follicles spend more time in the transitional (catagen) and resting (telogen) phases. Hair only grows in the anagen, or growth, phase. To reverse or stem hair loss, the hair follicles need to be stimulated to spend more time growing and less time resting. That’s what the growth factors in PRP do.

PRP has three effects on the hair follicles and hair loss:

1. Recruits new hairs to grow.
2. Encourages the existing follicles to spend more time in the anagen phase.
3. Stimulates the stem cells surrounding the follicles to become thicker. This reverses the miniaturization of the follicles that is part of hair thinning.

How is PRP done for hair loss?

The procedure for attaining and concentrating the blood platelets is the same as with PRP for skin rejuvenation. Once we have created your PRP, we apply topical numbing anesthetic to the areas of your scalp where you are losing hair. Dr. Barrera then injects your PRP into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles.

The injections are systematic, made approximately every half-inch over the areas of thinning hair. The entire process takes only about 30 minutes.

When can I expect to see results from PRP for hair loss?

We’ve found that a consistent series of treatments can begin to deliver results in two to three months.

This is the pattern of PRP for hair loss results:

• The first change is a decrease in hair loss/shedding.
• Then hair regrows in the areas that have been thinning.
• Hair stays in the growth cycle longer, increasing hair length.

Tired of seeing more and more hair in the shower drain every morning? Call Dr. Barrera at (713) 468-5200 and set up a consultation for PRP treatment for hair loss.