Minimally Invasive Hair Loss Therapy Shows Promise
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be promising for certain individuals with hair loss, including people with hereditary hair thinning or baldness, a growing body of evidence has suggested.1 The treatment was one of many developments discussed at the 2019 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.
The therapy, an approximately 10-minute procedure which involves injecting patients’ own blood plasma into their hair follicles, is likely safe and effective, involves minimal discomfort, and usually requires no numbing or downtime upon completion.
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Patients who undergo PRP therapy receive injections once a month for 3 months after the initial treatment, and then once every 3 to 6 months afterward.
“With consensus forming around treatment protocols, studies are indicating that PRP is a safe, effective hair loss treatment that has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of millions of people,” said Jeffrey Rapaport, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in New Jersey, in a press release.1
Aging, heredity, hormonal changes, certain medical treatments, stress, and medical conditions, including alopecia areata, can all contribute to hair loss.2 While not necessarily everyone with hair loss is a candidate for PRP therapy, eligible patients who receive the therapy may experience less or minimal hair loss, potentially followed by increased hair thickness or eventual regrowth, Dr Rapaport said.1
—Christina Vogt
References:
1. Research demonstrates potential of platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss [press release]. Washington, DC. American Academy of Dermatology. March 1, 2019. Accessed on March 1, 2019.
2. Hair loss. Mayo Clinic. Page last updated February 12, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926. Accessed on March 1, 2019.