Rejuvenate Your Hair With PRP

Cosmetic Treatments, Doctor's Talk August 16, 2019 By Sarah Head

If you find that you are having fewer good hair days due to hair loss, then PRP treatments are the answer. Dr. Michele Green respects the healing process and believes in the value of spending as much time as needed with her patients, addressing questions and reviewing all available options for treatment and products. She takes a conservative yet proven approach, intending to help you feel more confident and optimistic about your appearance. Haute Beauty spoke with Dr. Green about how you can rejuvenate your hair with PRP.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Haute Beauty: What is your number one tip to preventing hair loss?

Dr. Michele Green: If you are beginning to notice your hair shedding or thinning you should consult your doctor immediately. It is very important to have a board-certified dermatologist to examine you and diagnose the cause of hair your loss. Getting treatment quickly will minimize the overall impact of your hair loss and give you a better chance of growing back your hair. It can be disheartening to suddenly start losing hair but there are many treatment options to combat hair loss and regrow your hair.

HB: Are there any new elements to PRP?

MG: There are new variations to PRP on the market such as PRP with A-Cell and PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin). These all work to accelerate follicular regeneration and aid in hair growth. PRF has no added anticoagulants such as citrate dextrose and is spun at a slower speed than PRP. The result of the slower centrifuging speed is that the natural fibrinogen within the blood is converted into fibrin by way of thrombin. Thrombin is a natural molecule that acts as a procoagulant and anticoagulant the fibrin acts as a host for the growth factors to attach to.PRP with ACell- ACell is a complex protein additive harvested from the bladder of pigs which acts as a platform. ACell is broken down into an extracellular matrix powder and mixed with the PRP then injected into the scalp. Since ACell is a foreign protein there is no way to know if it will give additional benefits but may cause a foreign body reaction. More studies are needed with ACell to reach any definitive conclusion.

HB: Can you tell us a little bit more about PRP?

MG: PRP treatment is an excellent non-surgical alternative to treating hair loss. PRP is concentrated blood plasma which contains platelet-derived growth factors and proteins. PRP contains up to five times more platelets than normal blood. There is no risk involved in PRP treatments as it uses your blood during the process. The first step in PRP is having your blood drawn into a special PRP tube. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge for 10 minutes. The process of spinning the blood separates the red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma. The spun blood separates into three separate layers in the tube PPP (platelet-poor plasma); PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and red blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma is drawn into syringes and injected into the scalp by the doctor. PRP contains platelet-derived growth factors, fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor, and cytokines these all work synergistically to improve cell reproduction and blood vessel formation. The growth factors accelerate cell repair by decreasing inflammation and improving cell growth. Cytokines are essential for cellular recovery. The increased platelets stimulate blood supply, improves cell growth in the scalp which helps in the regeneration of hair follicles. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and stimulate the hair follicle to begin a new growth cycle also making hair stronger and thicker.

HB: Are there any new alternatives to PRP for hair rejuvenation?

MG: The alternatives are Triamcinolone (Kenalog) injections, Minoxodil, Viviscal, Nutrafol and Finesteride, Spironolactone for hair rejuvenation and the Laser Cap. Triamcinolone injections are basically cortisone and work best on patients suffering from small patches of alopecia areata. Tiny injections of intralesional cortisone are injected into the scalp and repeated every three to four weeks. Minoxidil works by relaxing the blood vessels making it easier for blood circulation to the scalp. The increased blood flow strengthens the hair follicle promoting hair growth. It also has the benefit of maintaining the hair you currently have. Finasteride is a DHT (dihydrotestosterone) blocker, DHT is a male androgen hormone that contributes to hair loss by making hair follicle thin and short. Hair grows in three phases and DHT disrupts the hair growth cycle (anagen phase). As a result of this disruption, the hair goes into a longer rest period which makes the hair stop growing. Finasteride blocks the absorption of DHT which allows the hair to grow. Viviscal is a vitamin that promotes hair growth by providing the nutrients hair needs to grow such as b complex, and zinc among other nutrients that promote thicker, stronger and longer hair. Nutrafol is a vitamin formulated with marine collagen, saw palmetto and ashwagandha. Marine collagen is enriched with B vitamins which promote hair growth, saw palmetto prevents testosterone from being converted to a more potent form of testosterone called DHT and ashwagandha reduces inflammation. Lasercap is a prescription at home FDA approved device which uses low light therapy to stimulate hair follicles. Spironolactone is a prescription medication that treats androgenetic alopecia by slowing down the production of male sex hormones (androgens).

HB: How many sessions does it take to get the desired volume?

MG: It depends on the severity of the condition and treatment combination; however, I recommend four consecutive monthly treatments of PRP injections followed by maintenance treatments every four to six months.

HB: What is your favorite way to prepare for fall?

MG: I love rejuvenating treatments in the fall to revitalize the skin and eliminate sun damage after the summer. My go-to treatments are Fraxel, Thermage, Clear and Brilliant and Microneedling with PRP and of course a touch up of Botox and Juvederm always help. The Fraxel® Dual, which has two lasers in one. It is a great laser to help remove pigmentation, age spots, and sun damage from the top layer of the skin quickly, evenly. Thermage works by heating the underlayer of the skin, known as the dermis. The radiofrequency emits energy that penetrates deeply into the underlying layers of skin and tissue and the heat emitted triggers new collagen production. Clear& Brilliant® is a unique treatment that uses safe, fractional laser technology to address the early signs of aging skin and help prevent them. Clear & Brilliant® is a gentle laser that refreshes your skin from the inside out. Microneedling is a non-invasive painless procedure that uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. The micro-injuries results in cell turnover and increased collagen production as the body goes through the natural healing process.