Platelet-rich Plasma Injections For Hair Loss Treatment
Some 50 million men and 30 million women suffer from hereditary hair loss in the United States. Hair loss can be an enormous source of psychological distress and can be associated with low self- esteem and depression. For many decades, the treatment options were limited to: medications such as minoxidil and finasteride whose benefits reverse with discontinuation, cumbersome wigs and toupees, and cost prohibitive hair transplants.
Chicago Pain and Wellness Institute is pleased to offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair loss. There is a great deal of scientific evidence that shows its efficacy in reduction and regeneration of hair loss. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, is minimally invasive, and affordable.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma and is a concentration of specific components of your blood that has been found to improve and quicken wound healing.
How does PRP work?
PRP contains concentrated platelets which releases many growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin 2 (IL-2). It is hypothesized that these growth factors may act on stem cells in the area around the follicles, stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting new blood flow.
How is the procedure performed?
Blood will be taken from your arm and processed in a specialized centrifuge from which the PRP is harvested. This takes about 15-20 minutes. During that time, your scalp will be numbed with a local anesthetic using a small needle. Once the PR P is ready, it will be strategically injected into your scalp with a small needle. The whole procedure takes less than 30 minutes
How long before I see results?
Most people see mild results within 3-6 months. Most people see a noticeable difference within 9-12 months.
What kind of results can I expect?
You can expect to see a reduction in hair loss as well as an increase in average number of hair follicles. The degree of the results varies from person to person. Some patients experience significant hair regeneration while a small number of people experience only a slight increase in hair fullness.
Will this work for me?
PRP has been successfully used for many years for many medical indications. Data for PRP for hair loss is starting to increase and there are many studies that show that PRP for hair loss is effective. However, extensive clinical trials are not complete there is no data to establish the absolute effectiveness of PRP for hair loss for every patient. Therefore, no guarantee can be made about its individual effectiveness. Individual results vary and some patients may require a 2nd or a 3rd injection to experience the greatest outcome.
Who should not have the PRP treatment?
Patients diagnosed with platelet dysfunctions, bleeding disorders, or liver disease and patients taking anti-coagulation medications or experiencing chronic or acute infections are not candidates for this procedure. Patient who are heavy smokers or drink heavy amounts of alcohol may not see the full benefits of PRP.
Can I use other medical therapies concurrently?
Yes. PRP is a great compliment to a nonsurgical approach for hair loss or for those that want to delay surgical hair restoration therapy.
