How Do PRP Injections Treat Thinning Hair?

Many hair loss drugs available right now come with various side effects, and some people can’t tolerate them at all. Spironolactone, one of the most commonly prescribed androgen blockers used to manage genetic hair loss in women, lowers blood pressure and may lead to dizziness. In men, finasteride, the first line of treatment for hair loss, may lead to hormone imbalances and sexual dysfunction. 

Fortunately, there are other options out there for people who want to fight hair loss while avoiding taking drugs for prolonged periods. One of these options is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use the body’s healing mechanisms to rejuvenate hair follicles. 

Below, we asked Dr. Andrea Volk, our expert at SafiraMD Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Center, to explain how PRP injections treat thinning hair. 

Understanding PRP treatments 

Platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that speed up healing, so medical experts have used PRP for decades to treat muscle injuries. 

When treating hair loss, Dr. Volk injects platelet-rich plasma to stimulate blood flow in the problem areas so hair follicles receive more oxygen and nutrients. PRP injections also deliver growth factors that stimulate collagen production. 

What does a PRP treatment look like?

Dr. Volk will ask you a few questions about your overall health state before drawing blood. You may be asked if you’re a smoker and if you take any medications or have any conditions that impact your platelet count. Patients with a history of cancer and metabolic diseases may not be good candidates for PRP.

If Dr. Volk determines that you can benefit from PRP, she will draw some vials of blood, process the blood in a centrifuge to separate certain components, and inject the platelet-rich plasma into your scalp. You may feel some discomfort, but Dr. Volk can relieve the pain by applying a topical anesthetic on your scalp. 

There’s no downtime associated with the treatment, though you may feel some scalp sensitivity. Because the treatment uses your blood, there’s no risk of allergic reactions or any serious side effects. 

PRP results 

Several studies suggest PRP is effective in the treatment of genetic hair loss, both in males and females. 

However, one factor that may impact the effectiveness of the injections is the quality of your blood, namely your platelet count. Healthy individuals who don’t smoke and don’t suffer from any chronic conditions are more likely to see more regrowth than individuals with a low platelet count. 

Learn more about PRP for hair loss 

If you’re suffering from hair loss and are looking for a drug-free alternative to regrowing your hair, contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Volk will examine your scalp, look at your medical history to exclude other potential causes of hair loss, and let you know if you’re a good candidate for PRP.