Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Hair Loss in La Jolla and San Diego
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Understanding Hair Loss and Its Stages
We offer multiple types of hair restoration treatments, including follicular unit transplantation (FUT), follicular unit extraction (FUE), and PRP. As the names imply, FUT and FUE are best for patients who have lost a considerable amount of hair in some regions of the scalp, with follicles that are either non-existent or no longer functioning. Healthy follicles are taken from the back of the head and moved to the treatment area(s) to restart hair growth.
But when genetic hair loss (androgenic alopecia) is caught early enough – when you’re starting to “thin out” but still have some growth – PRP can be a highly effective and less invasive option. While every individual’s symptoms differ, we will typically recommend PRP for patients still in the first few hair loss stages.
Women usually experience androgenic alopecia beginning on the crown and gradually spreading towards the front of the hairline before advancing to other areas of the scalp. The hair loss stages for men tend to follow the Norwood Scale, which is measured as follows:
- No significant hair loss is visible.
- Slight hair loss near the ears and temples begins.
- The loss in these areas becomes more noticeable, often resembling a “V” shape.
- The crown of the head also begins to show.
- Temple hair loss advances towards the balding crown.
- These sections are now connected, and the patient is losing hair further towards the front of the head as well.
- No more hair grows on top of the head, just on the sides and the back.
La Jolla Hair Restoration offers platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss at our office in La Jolla, CA near San Diego. PRP therapy involves the use of growth factors and other regenerative substances derived from the patient’s own blood to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
What Is PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is the isolated serum derived from a patient’s own blood which contains regenerative healing and growth factors. PRP is used in regenerative medicine applications in oral surgery, orthopedic surgery, and cosmetic surgery.
It has been adapted since its initial applications to other surgical fields, including the field of Hair Restoration. PRP therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with Hair Restoration Surgery.
PRP use can be especially helpful in advanced cases of Female Pattern Hair Loss. This treatment is also an investigational treatment for certain Cicatricial (“scarring”) Alopecias.
How PRP Works
First, the patient’s blood is collected. The blood must be processed in order to separate the different components of the blood so the platelet-rich plasma can be extracted. To accomplish this, the blood is placed in a centrifuge that spins rapidly and separates the different components. The PRP is then placed into syringes so that it can be precisely injected into the desired areas of the scalp where there is hair loss.
Platelets are commonly known for helping a wound stop bleeding, but they also play a role in cell regeneration. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate stem cells to multiply. It also boosts cellular repair and regeneration. By injecting platelets into areas with thinning hair, dormant hair follicles can be revived.
After treatment, you will be able to resume most normal activities right away. There is no extensive recovery period after PRP therapy for hair loss. For optimal results, be sure to follow all of the aftercare instructions we provide.
Good Candidates for PRP Therapy
Good candidates for PRP Therapy for hair loss are those who are dealing with thin or thinning hair and want to rejuvenate their hair growth. At La Jolla Hair Restoration, our skilled team will perform an initial assessment of your hair and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your hair loss needs.
During this initial assessment, the current condition of your hair loss will be identified. Losing around 100 strands of hair is normal. Losing more than that calls for hair-restoration treatments like PRP therapy.
Patients may be experiencing hair loss due to androgenic alopecia or other symptoms. Candidates will be asked about their complete medical history to determine their eligibility for the procedure.
Those with an insufficient platelet count or active infections should consider other treatments for hair loss.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol when choosing to undergo PRP therapy. These lifestyle habits can reduce the effectiveness of the PRP.
How to Prepare for PRP Therapy
PRP therapy for hair loss has no downtime and involves little preparation before the treatment. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications to make sure that our team gets the best blood sample for your PRP therapy.
It is highly recommended to get a full night’s sleep before the treatment. This will help patients feel more comfortable when getting the blood sample.
How Much Does PRP Therapy for Hair Loss Cost?
The price of PRP therapy for hair loss depends on the size of the treatment area and your body’s unique response to the treatment. As part of your consultation, the experts at La Jolla Hair Restoration will explain the best treatment options for you and the associated costs.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering PRP therapy for hair loss in San Diego, contact La Jolla Hair Restoration to schedule a consultation. We can let you know if PRP therapy for hair loss is the right choice for you and can provide you with excellent care.
