By now you're probably familiar with or have heard of this "vampire facial," a skin treatment which essentially uses your blood to help facilitate a luminous, youthful complexion. What you probably haven't heard of is that there is a similar treatment for hair loss, and yes, it requires your blood, too.
It is called platelet-rich plasma, (PRP), says Joshua Zeichner, the manager of clinical and cosmetic research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in new york.
Here is how it works: "Our blood is made of two main components, red blood cells, and plasma screen," he says. "The plasma comprises white blood cells and platelets, which are full of growth factors."
Development factors, in a feeling, play the part of messengers, signalling skin tissues to function. In reality, they have been used in medicine to treat a range of health problems, such as arthritis, signs of aging, etc.. The fantastic news for anyone with thinning hair, states Zeichner, is that growth factors may"help stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.
The usage of PRP is"a great treatment option for hair loss because it has quite a few clinically-based articles demonstrating its efficacy raising hair count, hair thickness, and the growth phase of the hair cycle," states Neil Sadick, dermatologist in New York City and the director of this Sadick Research Group for understanding and treating hair loss. He adds the remedy was gaining popularity around the world within the last few years.
The practice is meticulous - with injections beginning across the entire scalp, roughly at every half inch across the region of thinning hair but typically, the whole procedure takes less than a half-hour.
The very first result that patients usually note is diminished hair shedding, followed by early regrowth and increased span of hair," says Sadick.
It is important to keep in mind that PRP can, and should, be a part of a multifaceted program to treat baldness and loss. Your dermatologist may advise you spironolactone or finasteride to help encourage hair regrowth also if you are post-menopausal, says Zeichner. Topical remedies, such as over-the-counter minoxidil treatments, such as Rogaine foam or Evolis, may also be utilized.
It is called platelet-rich plasma, (PRP), says Joshua Zeichner, the manager of clinical and cosmetic research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in new york.
Here is how it works: "Our blood is made of two main components, red blood cells, and plasma screen," he says. "The plasma comprises white blood cells and platelets, which are full of growth factors."
Development factors, in a feeling, play the part of messengers, signalling skin tissues to function. In reality, they have been used in medicine to treat a range of health problems, such as arthritis, signs of aging, etc.. The fantastic news for anyone with thinning hair, states Zeichner, is that growth factors may"help stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.
The usage of PRP is"a great treatment option for hair loss because it has quite a few clinically-based articles demonstrating its efficacy raising hair count, hair thickness, and the growth phase of the hair cycle," states Neil Sadick, dermatologist in New York City and the director of this Sadick Research Group for understanding and treating hair loss. He adds the remedy was gaining popularity around the world within the last few years.
Process of the Treatment
As with most processes, there is a careful procedure involved with using PRP for hair loss, beginning with a normal blood draw from the patient's arm. Next, Zeichner states, "the tube of blood is put into a machine called a centrifuge, which spins the blood tube to split the red blood cells in the plasma. The plasma, rich in platelets, is then injected directly into the scalp in the level of the hair follicles"The practice is meticulous - with injections beginning across the entire scalp, roughly at every half inch across the region of thinning hair but typically, the whole procedure takes less than a half-hour.
Risk Involved
It may seem frightening (blood draws and needles?!), however, for the most part, there's no true risk related to PRP. "Many patients get injections without any numbing because there is minimal discomfort," states Zeichner. "But, cool air or ice packs may be employed to minimize pain." If there is a discomfort, Tylenol after the process is also advised. Bruising can occur but usually resolves within a week or two.Who it works for
Anyone experiencing baldness is essentially a good candidate for PRP treatments for hair regrowth, but those with premature hair loss tend to respond best, '' says Sadick. Adds Zeichner: "PRP is best used for patients with androgenic alopecia, that is a determined type of baldness that typically occurs along the surface of the head." In women, this may look like a widening part with ordinary hair depth at the back of the mind.The results
For best results, consistency is key. Treatments are typically performed once per month for the first three to four weeks, and then every three to six weeks thereafter, based upon the individual patient's response and results. Following this protocol, anticipated results can be seen within two to three weeks,'' says Sadick.
The very first result that patients usually note is diminished hair shedding, followed by early regrowth and increased span of hair," says Sadick.
It is important to keep in mind that PRP can, and should, be a part of a multifaceted program to treat baldness and loss. Your dermatologist may advise you spironolactone or finasteride to help encourage hair regrowth also if you are post-menopausal, says Zeichner. Topical remedies, such as over-the-counter minoxidil treatments, such as Rogaine foam or Evolis, may also be utilized.
