Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for female & male hair restoration

Male and female pattern hair loss is a genetic problem that can be very upsetting. Once hair loss begins, a person can lose 5-20% of their hair follicles every year.

Now there is a natural way for you to improve your hair density without surgery or harmful side effects. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which is processed from your own blood, can stimulate hair growth and maintain the new hair.

How PRP Works

Platelets contain healing growth factors. Growth factors are messengers that tell our hair follicles to function optimally and grow stronger. Essentially, PRP can turn old, poor functioning hair follicles into young, vibrant healthy follicles that produce more and thicker hair. A recent study compared PRP injected on one side of the scalp to saline water injected on the other side. After counting hairs via a computerized counter, the PRP side showed 20% more hair growth with no new hair growth on the saline side.

Call Babcock Dermatology to learn more about PRP at (404) 835-3052

How many treatments are required?

Most patients need 3 treatments to start, spaced one month apart. This delivers a high concentration of growth factors and stimulates all the hair to grow. Like all treatments for balding, PRP is not permanent. To maintain the new growth, patients should have one treatment every 3 months thereafter. There is evidence that regular treatments can significantly slow down hair loss and increase hair density.

Is PRP for hair restoration time consuming?

No, the whole process takes under an hour. First your blood is drawn; then it is processed which takes about 10-15 minutes. After processing, the PRP is injected into your scalp which takes as little as 3-5 minutes. Afterwards microneedling is done to the the scalp which takes about 10-15 minutes.(Do plan to be in the office for an hour.)

Does the procedure hurt & are there restrictions?

Topical numbing cream is applied to the sclap. Then there are approximately10-15 shots of PRP into the scalp. Microneedling is done immediately afterwards which some patients say feels like a massage. Avoid washing hair for 4 hours and no color for 48 hours after treatment. Otherwise no other restrictions.

 

How to prepare for your treatment

You should not take Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve), prednisone or NSAIDs prior to or after treatment for one week. These medications may affect the platelets. Tylenol or acetaminophen is safe. Ideally wash your hair the day of or the night before the procedure. Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine intake on the day of treatment to assist with the blood draw.

What will I look like immediately afterwards?

Topical numbing cream is placed on the scalp making the hair greasy. The scalp can appear a little red after the treatment for 1-2 hours. It is ideal to wait 4 hours to wash hair after treatment.

Can PRP be done to thicken thin hair and to stop shedding?

Some people have used PRP cosmetically to thicken normal hair. Patients are finding that PRP treatments can lead to a thicker, better quality hair.

Stress induced hair loss is common and PRP is one of the best treatments to reduce hair shedding. Many patients only need 1-2 treatments to dramatically slow hair shedding.

 

Can PRP be done for other causes of hair loss?

PRP has been studied in patients with alopecia areata which is an autoimmune condition that causes circular bald patches in the scalp of men and women. In these cases PRP was found to be superior in regrowing hair and maintaining hair compared to the current treatments of injectable steroids. PRP treatments also have fewer side effects than steroid injections. Unfortunately, it is not a covered service by insurance companies at this time.

 

What else can I do to support hair growth?

Different medications and vitamins can help support hair growth and lead to better outcomes. Patients should take Viviscal, a natural supplement and use Rogaine (minoxidil) combined with a home dermaroller. Prescriptions such as Propecia either by pill or topically help maintain hair. For women, spironolactone and estrogen can help maintain hair.

Call us today if PRP is right for you!

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Before and After Photos

50 year old male after 2 treatments!

40 year old male after only 2 treatments!

40 year old male after only 2 treatments!

72 year old female who had a hysterectomy in her 40’s.
Great response after only 2 treatments!

Call Babcock Dermatology to learn more about PRP at (404) 835-3052


We are excited to offer various treatments to help your wellbeing and look of your skin. While we strive to provide the latest content on Babcocok Dermatology’s website, is not to be taken as medical advice. Babcock Dermatology is not responsible for any omissions of information or any damages arising from the content on our website. For any treatment it is important for you to understand that results and individual experience may vary. For many dermatologic treatments common side effects include numbness, discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Rare side effects can occur. Before your cosmetic treatment we provide an informed consent which is a document with the common side effects and cost of the procedure written out. We also encourage patients to ask any questions before a treatment.