If you were under the impression that pattern baldness and thinning hair is mainly a problem for aging men, think again. It is estimated that nearly half of women and more than 80 percent of men experience significant hair loss during their lifetime.
Although the most common reason for alopecia (hair loss) is hereditary, there are many other possible causes, not the least of which is a slowdown in the hair growth cycle itself. Most people lose as many as 100 strands of hair per day, which is perfectly normal. However, when this shedding outpaces the growth of new hair, the result is alopecia. Ultimately, the growth phase shortens until it completely stops. Although alopecia becomes more prevalent in older adults, it affects one in four men by the age of 30.
Despite all the hair growth products on the market, finding a truly effective solution for alopecia can be a challenge – unless you are aware of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This is an emerging treatment that has been found to help regrow lost hair in men and women alike. Better yet, there are virtually no side effects from PRP therapy.
How PRP Therapy for Hair Regrowth Works
During PRP therapy, a sample of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Platelets contain growth factors which stimulate cell replication in healing-capable stem cells. The plasma with activated platelets is then injected into your scalp where hair loss has occurred. This helps repair blood vessels, promote cell growth and stimulate collagen production. The high concentration of platelets in plasma cells helps promote hair growth by prolonging the growing phase of the hair cycle.
The frequency of the PRP injection schedule and hair growth results will depend on factors such as:
- Your genetics (family history of alopecia)
- The pattern and amount of hair loss you are experiencing
- Your age
- Your hormonal health
A More Powerful PRP Therapy for Hair Regrowth
At Alternative Disc Therapy in Caldwell, New Jersey, we offer a more potent regenerative medical treatment for thinning hair. Our founding doctor, triple-board certified physician Dr. Warren J. Bleiweiss, pioneered photo activated PRP therapy. This unique process involves activating your platelets with three different wavelengths of light, thereby making them more powerful and less inflammatory.
Photo activated PRP is an outpatient office treatment in which Dr. Bleiweiss draws a sample of your blood, places it in a centrifuge, and uses a double spin technique to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. Once the platelet-rich solution is photo activated, Dr. Bleiweiss injects it into the targeted areas of your scalp to stimulate tissue repair and help regrow your hair.
The PRP therapy process takes approximately one hour. However, several sessions may be required to achieve your desired results. Maintenance injections every three to six months may be recommended depending on the results of your initial treatment.
Although PRP injections are safe and well-tolerated, temporary “regenerative discomfort” after the injection is common as this is part of the body’s natural healing process. This is normal and any pain should subside within 24 hours. After your PRP injections, you can drive home to rest and resume normal activities by the following day.
PRP Injections for Hair Growth in Caldwell, New Jersey
Aside from its use as a hair regrowth solution, PRP has many therapeutic applications and can be used alone or in combination with other regenerative medicine services, such as stem cells and ozone treatments, to enhance its effectiveness.
To learn more about PRP injections and how you can benefit from this self-healing treatment, call our practice today at (973) 403-3334. You can also schedule an appointment in-person or virtually using our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to helping stop your hair loss!
