No matter your age or stage of life, losing your hair can be physically and emotionally distressing. From hair color to hair thickness, the aging process affects your hair growth cycle in various ways, encouraging many to seek hair restoration treatments. While the issue is most commonly associated with men, women also experience hair thinning and loss over time. Losing your hair can adversely affect both your appearance and confidence and can eventually diminish your quality of life.
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a groundbreaking, non-invasive technique used to stimulate hair growth and restore a healthy head of hair. Whether you’re seeking to prevent, delay or correct hair loss, this procedure uses cells from your own blood to repair aging hair follicles and increase hair growth rates. At The Maas ClinicTM, Corey S. Maas MDTM offers this advanced hair restoration method to help patients reclaim a healthier, thicker and fuller head of hair and feel more confident about their appearance.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma is a highly concentrated group of blood cells. A natural component of human blood, PRP has various purposes within the body; they help to stabilize blood pressure, ensure smooth blood flow and support cell growth. Beyond their role within the body, these cells are rich in healing and restorative agents, such as growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties, that make PRP therapy an especially effective treatment for musculoskeletal problems.
Today, PRP is commonly used in cosmetic procedures to regenerate cellular growth, accelerate recovery and stimulate collagen production. This highly effective, all-natural restoration technique can help to repair damaged tissue, improve skin health and quality, and replenish hair that has thinned or diminished with age. When used in conjunction with hair transplants, the results are often transformative.
How Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?
During your procedure, a small amount of blood will be drawn to extract the particles from your body. This process is quick and straightforward, similar to what you would expect for a blood test. The blood will then be processed using a centrifuge to separate the PRP from other components of the blood. The formula will be strategically injected into areas of your scalp requiring treatment. Since PRP is an autologous procedure, where your own tissues are used, there is virtually no risk of an adverse reaction, making it one of the safest natural alternatives for hair loss treatment.
Since the platelets help to stimulate cell renewal and promote healing, it is often used in conjunction with hair transplant surgery. Combining these therapies can not only enhance your results, but also allows the grafts to heal more quickly and increases the number of healthy grafts you have after your treatment. Together, PRP and hair transplanting can significantly improve your condition and rejuvenate your scalp to reveal beautiful, natural hair.
Am I A Candidate for PRP Hair Restoration?
Since PRP uses your own stem cells, it is a safe and effective option for nearly all men and women seeking to correct bald spots, thinning hair or hair loss. For patients who are not suited to hair transplant surgery, PRP provides an excellent alternative for regenerating natural hair growth. If you are in the early stages of hair loss or suffering from alopecia areata, pattern baldness or other hair thinning conditions, you may be a candidate for PRP hair restoration. This non-invasive, non-surgical method can help you achieve naturally thicker and fuller hair while keeping follicles active and healthy.
What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
The side effects of PRP hair loss therapy are generally minimal, so most patients feel comfortable resuming their daily routine immediately after the procedure. Slight bruising and minimal at the site of injections may occur, but usually resolves within one to two days. Any discomfort following treatment can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. Maas will ensure you are fully aware of what to expect after your PRP procedure and how to ensure optimal results.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number and frequency of sessions required will depend on your current condition, hair growth cycle and desired look. In your consultation, Dr. Maas will work with you to determine a suitable treatment schedule that caters to your needs and aesthetic goals. At The Maas ClinicTM, we usually recommend an initial series of four treatments, spaced one month apart, followed by quarterly treatments for the first year for an optimal outcome. Once this is complete, your hair regrowth will be examined, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled accordingly. Many patients continue to undergo quarterly treatments to maintain their positive results.
When Will I See Results?
As the hair follicles respond to the platelet-rich plasma, you will first notice a decrease in hair shedding. Within four to six weeks, new hair will begin to grow thicker and healthier, and existing strands will grow longer. Most patients notice dramatic results at two to three months, as the growth factors continue to stimulate cell regeneration. Consistent PRP sessions will be crucial for achieving the most satisfying aesthetic outcome, which is why Dr. Maas creates a personalized hair restoration program for each patient.
Restore Your Natural Hair with PRP Hair Loss Therapy
Hair loss and thinning hair are common side effects of the aging process. Regardless of when this problem occurs, it can change your entire appearance and leave you feeling self-conscious and disheartened as a result. Platelet-rich plasma injections produce the most satisfying results when administered at the first signs of hair loss. If you have noticed patches of thinning hair, you are likely an excellent candidate for PRP therapy. This procedure is beneficial for anyone seeking to restore their natural hair growth cycle and achieve a fuller, healthier head of hair.
At The Maas ClinicTM, we are dedicated to helping you feel more comfortable and confident about your appearance. If you are interested in learning more about PRP hair restoration, contact our clinic in San Francisco at (415) 567-7000 to schedule your consultation today.
