PRP for Hair Restoration
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment with many applications, including wound healing, treatment of sports injuries, and for what is called the “vampire facelift.”
It is also an effective, natural treatment for men and women who are suffering from hair loss. Dr. Kimberly Lee performs PRP injections as a natural treatment for both hair loss and thinning hair. Dr. Lee’s technical skills and attention to detail have made her one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills and the rest of Los Angeles.
What Exactly Is PRP?
“PRP” stands for platelet-rich plasma – a component of your own blood with a higher concentration of platelets. Typically, PRP contains 3 to 8 times the concentration of platelets in normal blood. Platelets play a critical role in healing by releasing growth factors, which influence tissue repair in different types of cells. When used for hair restoration, the growth factors released by the platelets stimulate hair follicle growth.
Meet Dr. Kimberly Lee
Read MoreHow PRP Is Prepared
Blood is drawn in Dr. Lee’s office, in the same way that routine blood samples are taken in a lab as ordered by your primary care doctor. PRP is prepared by centrifuging your blood sample. The centrifuge is a machine with a rapidly rotating container that uses centrifugal force to separate fluids of different densities. It separates the red blood cells and platelet-poor plasma from platelet-rich plasma through the differences in specific gravity.
PRP for Hair Restoration Procedure
Your scalp will be given an anesthesia block to ensure that you feel no pain during the procedure. Dr. Lee uses small injections to deliver the highly-concentrated platelet-rich plasma into the skin at the level of the weak hair follicles. The procedure is performed in approximately 30 minutes to an hour. You will be able to drive yourself home and resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
PRP hair restoration typically requires a series of three initial treatments, spaced approximately 6 weeks apart. After results are obtained, follow-up treatments once or twice a year will be needed for maintenance.
How Does PRP Work for Hair Restoration?
The main purpose of PRP injections for hair restoration is to stimulate inactive hair follicles into active growth. Platelet cells promote healing and accelerate tissue regeneration and new cellular growth. They stimulate stem cells in the environment of the hair follicle, which is believed to contribute to hair growth.
Growth factors are substances required for the stimulation of growth in living cells. Alpha granules in platelets contain a variety of growth factors that are released in the healing process.
Benefits of PRP Hair Loss Treatment
PRP therapy has a number of advantages for patients with hair loss or thinning hair:
- Autologous treatment (using a substance obtained from your own body)
- Simple, non-surgical procedure
- Multiple injections in one treatment
- Procedure typically takes less than an hour
- No downtime after treatment
- Safe, reliable, natural-looking results
If you have weak quality or thinning hair, where functioning hair follicles can still be observed, or small bald spots on the scalp, you may be a good candidate for PRP hair restoration. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kimberly Lee in Beverly Hills to find out if this natural hair loss treatment is recommended for you.