Both men and women endure hair loss, although more men do than women. By the age of 50, about half of men have some hair loss. The medical name for hair loss is alopecia, and a relatively new treatment is showing positive results.

At Vermont Med Spa, Dr. El Asmar offers platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to help people who are seeing hair loss. If you’re worried about your widening scalp — the most common pattern of female hair loss — or about your receding hairline — male pattern hair loss — you may want to investigate PRP.

What is platelet-rich plasma?

Your blood has two main elements: red blood cells and plasma. Plasma can be further broken down into white blood cells and platelets, which are plate-shaped cells that contain growth factors. When you’re injured, platelets are largely responsible for your blood clotting and your skin healing.

PRP has been used for many years in surgical settings and in treating tendon injuries because of its healing properties. It has more recently become a popular treatment for cosmetic reasons, including to treat hair loss.

Where does platelet-rich plasma come from?

When you have a PRP treatment, Dr. El Asmar draws some of your blood and places it in a machine called a centrifuge, which spins and separates your blood into its various components. The plasma, rich with platelets, is then extracted.

One of the benefits of PRP treatments is a very low risk of an allergic reaction or other, similar complication. Because the platelet-rich plasma is composed of elements of your own blood, your body is extremely unlikely to reject it.

What happens during treatment?

Once the platelet-rich plasma is separated, Dr. El Asmar injects it directly into your scalp. The growth factors in the PRP stimulate your hair follicles. The injections cover the area where your hair is thinning, and the process usually takes no more than 90 minutes to complete.

Although there is some discomfort from the injections, it’s generally quite minimal. Most people don’t even need an anesthetic. Dr. El Asmar and his staff are in constant communication and ensure that you stay as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

The number of treatments you’ll need depends on several factors, including the amount of hair you’ve lost, your medical history, and your body’s response to each treatment, among others. Dr. El Asmar will design an individual treatment plan designed specifically for you.

The results

In one small study, researchers found that participants had a significant reduction in hair loss between their first and fourth PRP injections. Other studies have had similar results, and patient satisfaction rates following the procedure are remarkably high. You’re unlikely to have an adverse reaction, study results are generally positive, and patients tend to be satisfied.

If you’re looking for a way to slow your hair loss, book an appointment online or by phone for a consultation with Dr. El Asmar at Vermont Med Spa. Your worries about hair loss could become a thing of the past sooner than you think!