Hair loss can be traumatic for anyone. By age 50, 85% of men have hair loss and 50% of women have significant hair loss. The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. This is an inherited trait that leads to a receding hairline and a thinning crown caused by genetic sensitivity to a byproduct of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicles that are sensitive to DHT tend to shrink over time. As the affected hair follicles get smaller, the life span of each hair becomes shorter. Eventually, the affected follicles stop producing hair. Androgenetic alopecia happens to both men and women.

Platelet rich plasma, PRP, treats androgenetic alopecia. Platelets in our blood promote cell growth and regeneration, they secrete growth factors that assist in wound healing and tissue regrowth. PRP is obtained by concentrating the platelets about five times more than in regular blood with a centrifuge.

For hair loss, platelets are injected deep into the scalp to reach the bottom of the hair follicle and stimulate a specialized population of cells named dermal papilla cells, which play a critical role in hair growth. PRP is also microneedled into the scalp to treat more superficial hair follicles. Typically, hair is treated once a month for three months. Hair is retreated in 6 to 12 months as needed. People who have already lost all the hair follicles on their scalp are not candidates for PRP treatment.

More information: https://thelittletonclinic.com/regenerative-hair-restoration/