If progressive hair loss is affecting your self-confidence, or your thinning hair is making you unhappy with your appearance, it may be time to consider the many benefits of PRP therapy.
Our board-certified dermatologist, Barbara Bopp, MD, offers in-office treatments using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate the growth of stronger, healthier hair. Dr. Bopp customizes each treatment to address the issues that bother you most, whether it’s hair that’s too thin or hair loss that’s become noticeable.
Common causes of hair loss
As you get older, you may notice your hair isn’t as thick and full as it used to be. The many changes that go on in your body as you age can result in excessive thinning of your hair and premature hair loss. Medications you take and hormone fluctuations all play a part of hair thinning and falling out.
Other common causes of hair fall and loss include:
- Stress
- Heredity
- Poor diet
- Underlying medical issues
In some cases, hair loss can be the result of using styling products and heated tools on your hair over the course of many years.
How PRP can address the root cause of hair loss
Platelet-rich plasma contains special growth factors that stimulate the production of new, healthy cells. These growth factors are naturally found in your blood, and Dr. Bopp can use them to trigger new growth in your hair follicles.
Therapy with PRP involves the extraction of a sample of your blood which must first be prepared in a centrifuge, a device that quickly spins the blood to separate the necessary PRP.
This produces PRP with a high concentration of growth factors that Dr. Bopp injects into specific areas of your scalp based on the customized treatment plan designed for you. To minimize discomfort, she uses a topical anesthetic to numb the injection sites.
Over time, growth factors help generate new hair growth, with noticeable benefits starting to show within 4-6 weeks of your first treatment. You may need additional treatments to maximize hair growth and increase the thickness and fullness of your natural hair.
Benefits of PRP therapy for hair loss
PRP therapy helps restore the look and health of your natural hair without the need for hair implants or incisions. Treatment is completed in the office and is generally quick and pain-free.
Because PRP produces new, healthy cells, you can expect your results to continually improve in the months after treatment and last for the long term.
You also have the peace of mind that since Dr. Bopp is using your own blood to extract PRP, you aren’t being exposed to contaminants or disease. There’s also a very low risk for side effects following injections because the PRP comes from your own body.
Optimizing natural hair growth
In addition to PRP injections, you can also make necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet to further improve the growth of new hair. Eating a healthy diet and taking vitamins that Dr. Bopp recommends can protect the health of your hair follicles and encourage new growth.
You can also massage your scalp at home and engage in daily exercise to improve blood circulation in your scalp. Dr. Bopp may suggest other options for achieving healthy hair growth.
If you’re struggling with the emotional side effects of hair loss, come in to our office in Metairie, Louisiana, to learn more about PRP therapy and how it can work for you. Schedule a consultation online or call Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery today.