Minimally Invasive Hair Loss Therapy Shows Promise

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be promising for certain individuals with hair loss, including people with hereditary hair thinning or baldness, a growing body of evidence has suggested.¹ The treatment was one of many developments discussed at the 2019 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

The therapy, an approximately 10-minute procedure which involves injecting patients’ own blood plasma into their hair follicles, is likely safe and effective, involves minimal discomfort, and usually requires no numbing or downtime upon completion.

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Patients who undergo PRP therapy receive injections once a month for 3 months after the initial treatment, and then once every 3 to 6 months afterward.

“With consensus forming around treatment protocols, studies are indicating that PRP is a safe, effective hair loss treatment that has the potential to greatly improve the quality of life of millions of people,” said Jeffrey Rapaport, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in New Jersey, in a press release.¹

Aging, heredity, hormonal changes, certain medical treatments, stress, and medical conditions, including alopecia areata, can all contribute to hair loss.² While not necessarily everyone with hair loss is a candidate for PRP therapy, eligible patients who receive the therapy may experience less or minimal hair loss, potentially followed by increased hair thickness or eventual regrowth, Dr Rapaport said.¹

—Christina Vogt

References:

1. Research demonstrates potential of platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss [press release]. Washington, DC. American Academy of Dermatology. March 1, 2019. Accessed on March 1, 2019.

2. Hair loss. Mayo Clinic. Page last updated February 12, 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926. Accessed on March 1, 2019.