Hair loss is a frustrating issue that impacts millions of men and women. For some people, it seems to “run in the family.” For others, it comes out of nowhere. In either case, you are likely searching for a treatment option that actually works. Here in Ann Arbor, we are proud to offer PRP hair treatment. This new technique has been changing how we look at hair loss treatment and could be just what you have been looking for to achieve a full head of hair again.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Hair thinning with age is not uncommon. It is also something that can be passed down through genes. Other potential reasons that hair may begin to thin include:
- Pregnancy
- Illness
- Emotional trauma/stress
- Lack of protein in the diet
- Menopause
- Puberty
Of that list, pregnancy, puberty, and menopause all have something in common. They are times in life which cause great fluctuations in hormones, which may cause hair loss.
While there are some lifestyle things that can help keep the hair healthy and from falling out, they are often no match for the causes above. That being said, good hair hygiene and a proper diet can help. Also, not over-using tight hairstyles, such as braids and ponytails, can be beneficial. Of course, harsh dyes and bleach will also do structural damage to your hair.
Is Hair Loss Common?
If you are feeling alone in your hair loss struggle, don’t. This is an incredibly common problem that causes embarrassment for millions of people. In the United States alone, 80 million men and women suffer from hereditary forms of hair loss. These include male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness, and androgenetic alopecia.
Although mostly associated with men, hair thinning impacts women as well. Current estimates state that 50% of women will experience some noticeable hair loss during their lifetime. Female-pattern baldness actually impacts 30 million women in the United States.
What is PRP?
Before understanding how PRP works for hair treatment, it is essential to understand what it is. PRP is an abbreviation for platelet-rich plasma. When spun in a centrifuge, it is possible to separate out the different parts of the blood. The main two components are plasma and red blood cells. The plasma can be further divided into white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are what these treatments rely on. This is due to the fact that they are full of growth factors.
So, what is a growth factor? They are essentially little signals in the body that tell cells when and how to function. They can not only cause cells to grow, but they can also tell them to heal. This is why athletes have been using PRP injections to help heal injuries for years. More uses are being discovered all of the time. It has shown promising results when treating thinning of the hair.
One of the most exciting things about this substance is that it is obtained from the patient’s own body. This makes the treatment incredibly safe and the odds of having any sort of allergic reaction practically zero. While PRP hair treatment may not be the solution for everyone, very few people will be counted out due to safety issues.
PRP Hair Treatment
The basic idea behind PRP for thinning hair is that the growth factors will help stimulate hair follicles and possibly prompt new ones to grow. So far, studies have shown promising results.
The injections are made at the depth of your hair follicles. A series of injections will most likely be required in the target area. Appointments are designed to be relatively brief. The blood collection and PRP preparation take the most time. Actual injection time is only minutes. There is no extended downtime associated with having PRP hair treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for PRP Hair Treatment?
While almost anyone with thinning hair may benefit from this treatment, those in the earlier stages of hair loss will typically have the most success. Those who are completely bald will want to explore other treatment options. PRP treatments in Ann Arbor are particularly useful for treating androgenic alopecia. This is a thinning of the hair that happens on the top of your head and is genetic.
If your hair loss is actually the result of a disease, you may not be the ideal candidate for this treatment. This includes conditions such as thyroid disease or lupus. Those who have medical conditions that require them to take blood thinners are still eligible for this treatment. They may not experience as dramatic of results, however, because the blood thinners can weaken the platelets.
Prior to anything else happening, a consultation will be done. You can expect to be asked questions about your medical history and current health conditions. This allows us to ensure that PRP hair treatment will be both safe and effective for you.
To get started, book your appointment at Procerus Skin Care in Ann Arbor. We’d be more than happy to evaluate your case. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!
