RAPID CITY S.D. – A treatment traditionally known for its aesthetic benefits is proving to be an effective tool in hair restoration. Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is being used for everything from dark spot correction to now, hair restoration. The therapy involves injecting small amounts of a patient’s own blood components directly into the scalp has gained popularity around the world in the past few years.
The American Academy of Dermatology points out that people lose 50-100 hairs each day. New hair then grows from the same follicles. Over time, however, some follicles stop producing hair and shafts become finer. The hair also starts to lose its color. Although hair loss is a more noticeable and common issue for men, women are prone to hair loss as well; there are several reasons why women lose their hair including: female-pattern hair loss, hormonal changes, certain medications, pregnancy, a physical or emotional shock, or wearing excessively tight hairstyles on a regular basis.
Nic Yost, a nurse practitioner who owns and operates BeautyMed in Rapid City, offers a PRP Hair Restoration Treatment.
“I am seeing the best results with the plasma,” said Yost. “It’s low risk, it’s your own plasma, and it’s the most healing thing you can put in your body.”
Physicians began using PRP therapy several decades ago to speed up the healing process in damaged joints after an injury or surgery. Researchers later found that using high concentration of platelets in plasma cells promotes hair growth by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle. PRP therapy process stimulates the activity of the hair follicles and promotes new hair growth.
During the treatment, the physician will draw a vial of blood, and your platelets are isolated using a top of the line centrifuge, which spins the blood in order to separate out the red blood cells from the PRP. They then apply a topical numbing agent to the scalp. The plasma, rich in platelets, is then injected directly into the targeted areas of the scalp at the level of the hair follicles. The process is very detailed and precise, with injections beginning across the scalp at every half-inch over the area of thinning hair.
Yost says that she uses a LED light after the procedure to stimulate the hair follicle. The whole procedure takes 60-90 minutes.
The protocol for the best results is up to four treatments, first, three treatments, one every 30 days. Then wait six months and determine if the 4th treatment is needed.
“I have seen very good results, and I am seeing results after the first 30 days,” said Yost. “This has been proven to be the treatment with the best results, it’s low risk, and affordable.”
When getting injections there is always a chance of infection, but Yost uses an aseptic technique that is safe and reduces the chances of infection.
There are virtually no side effects from PRP, except for a mild feeling of pressure from the injection site. Bruising can occur but usually resolves within a week or two. The typical recovery process for the treatment is minimal and generally means going one to two days without your typical hair routine such as blow-drying and curling.
There are only two FDA approved medications for hair loss currently on the market, which can be problematic for many patients, with some reporting mild side effects from the drugs.
According to Yost, there are some cases where this treatment won’t work. “When people have hair loss and it becomes a bald, shiny area, the follicle may be dead. And it is very hard to bring it back, and sometimes not possible.”
“If someone is considering the treatment, I would encourage them to come in for a free consult, just to see if it is the best option for them,” said Yost. “We can determine if you can use it in combination with other things and assess previous methods that you have already tried.”