One of our primary goals in serving patients from New Jersey and the New York metro area is to help people feel great about their appearance. Hair loss, at whatever age it occurs, can be a frustrating problem. Thinning hair and bald spots can prematurely age a person and take away from the other lovely features they exhibit. To stop or slow the process of hair loss, we perform PRP therapy. This innovative treatment can, through addressing thinning or balding, help a person regain the sense of confidence they deserve.
What is PRP Hair Restoration?
PRP, platelet-rich plasma, is a product that every person has in their blood. Platelet-rich plasma has been used for many years as a regenerative therapy. Doctors have injected PRP into joints to work against degeneration caused by aging or injury. PRP is injected or infused into the skin to stimulate tissue rejuvenation. PRP hair restoration is a treatment process that stimulates more robust hair growth cycles by injecting this autologous product into the scalp in the area of thinning or hair loss. When injected into the scalp, the stem cells and growth factors in platelet-rich plasma stimulate dormant hair follicles to restart the hair growth cycle, elongate the active hair growth phase, and to widen, resulting in thicker strands of hair.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for PRP Hair Restoration?
PRP therapy is an autologous form of hair restoration. Its success lies in the integrity of the growth factors and other nutrients found in the patient’s own blood plasma. Therefore, the best candidates are in good health and do not smoke. Studies indicate that the best results from PRP hair restoration occur in patients whose hair loss is relatively recent and who still have functional but weak hair growth cycles happening. To determine if PRP hair restoration would produce the kind of results you would like to achieve, schedule a consultation. During your visit, the doctor will review your medical history and family history for pattern hair loss. Bring a list of all of the medications and supplements you currently take, as this must be taken into consideration when planning the most appropriate hair loss treatment. In addition to having realistic expectations, patients should also be free of conditions that may impair their body’s capacity to support the hair growth cycle. Certain medications may reduce treatment efficacy, as may health conditions such as diabetes or blood or liver disorders.
It is important to us to help patients achieve satisfying treatment results. We are very careful in our consultation and examination to ensure that each patient meets the criteria to acheive successful PRP hair restoration.
What Are The Benefits and Risks of PRP Hair Restoration
There are several reasons to explore PRP hair restoration if you are struggling with hair loss or thinning. Some of the benefits of this hair loss technique include:
- PRP hair restoration has a strong record of success.
- Improvements can be seen in just a few months. Keep in mind that multiple sessions may be needed.
- The results of PRP hair restoration are easy to maintain with occasional touch-up treatments.
- Quick appointments.
- No downtime is needed to recover.
- Post-treatment discomfort is minimal compared to hair transplant surgery.
Another significant benefit of PRP hair restoration is the lack of significant risk. There is no cutting the scalp and no removing or transplanting hair follicles; just some injections across the area of thinning. Patients find their PRP appointments easily tolerable and their recovery quite comfortable as well. Some of the side effects that can occur after PRP hair restoration appointments include scalp irritation or pain, nausea, and dizziness. There is a slight risk of injury to blood vessels or nerves in the scalp, and of scar tissue forming. These are rare complications that are minimized through the use of a very small needle.
The PRP Hair Restoration Procedure
To perform PRP hair restoration, the doctor must first obtain the platelet-rich plasma. We do this by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient’s arm. The vial is processed in a centrifuge for a few minutes to separate the plasma from red blood cells and other fluids. When left to sit for a few minutes, the platelets then drop and settle at the bottom of the tube containing the plasma. The denser fluid is the PRP that we inject into the scalp. Once the injections have been administered, the patient can go about their day as usual.
Recovery and Aftercare for PRP Hair Restoration
There is minimal downtime associated with PRP hair restoration. After the procedure, patients may want to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. This allows time to manage temporary side effects like dizziness or fatigue should they occur. The PRP procedure should not incapacitate a patient. Most are back to work and their normal day-to-day activities right away after their appointment. Patients can expect to receive detailed aftercare instructions to help minimize risks, manage comfort, and maximize their cosmetic outcomes. Examples of post-treatment care guidelines include:
- Avoid taking medications or supplements that can thin the blood.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication.
- Refrain from applying ice to the scalp to reduce soreness or tenderness.
- Wash hair as normal, but wait at least three hours to wet the scalp after PRP treatment.
Patients should carefully review their post-treatment instructions as soon as they are received. If questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Schedule a Consultation
Your hair is an integral aspect of your self-image and sense of confidence. We would be happy to provide you with more information about PRP hair restoration. To consult with Dr. D’Amico or Dr. Ferrauiola, contact our Englewood office at 201.567.9595 and schedule an appointment.
