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Though it is commonly associated with men in middle age, hair loss is an unwelcome surprise that can strike both men and women of almost any age, with some patients reporting the early stages of hair loss as early as in their twenties. As a receding hairline and thinning hair are some of the most distressing symptoms of aging, new methods of hair restoration are a constant topic of research and innovation. The causes of hair loss are varied, from genetic factors to environmental stressors and lifestyle choices. Since Dr. Sheena Kong has a background in internal-medicine, she brings a unique approach to her practice, one that focuses on top-notch medical advancements. The use of platelet rich plasma is one of them. Visit Dr. Kong at her medical spa in San Francisco to see if PRP hair restoration is a good option for your hair restoration regimen.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

For the last twenty years or so, platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been used for a range of medical applications. It is obtained by taking a sample of blood, as in routine laboratory tests, and processing it in a centrifuge. Through this process, the elements of the blood are separated out, leaving plasma that contains high concentrations of wound-healing platelets. Platelets are integral to blood clotting and wound healing, so medical practitioners often choose to inject PRP near injury sites to speed the body's natural healing processes.

Though the use of PRP in addressing hair loss is a fairly recent technology, initial studies suggest that injecting PRP into the scalp may be very beneficial as a treatment to generate new hair growth. PRP can be used on its own to stimulate inactive hair follicles, or can in conjunction with other treatments non-invasive, regenerative treatments. PRP can be injected in conjunction with other systems to stimulate hair follicles to grow new hair as one aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan. Contact us today for arguably be best treatment of PRP hair restoration San Francisco has to offer.

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PRP Hair Restoration Q&A

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How Effective Is PRP Hair Restoration?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), taken from the patient’s own blood, is rich in growth factors, tiny messengers that signal the cells to regenerate. PRP has been widely used in medicine to treat a range of health issues, including sports injuries, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and the visible signs of aging. Injected into the scalp, the growth factors in PRP can help heal damaged hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth.

Has PRP Been Proven to Work for Hair Restoration?

In a 2014 study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers concluded that PRP injections are a simple, cost-effective, feasible treatment option for hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). These scientists also stated that although the technology is in its infancy, PRP hair restoration is a promising treatment option for individuals with thinning hair. In a 2015 randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial, also published by NIH, researchers found that a PRP preparation of a specific concentration can effectively stimulate one of the major factors in active hair growth.

Are There Any Side Effects with This Procedure?

As PRP hair restoration uses components of your own blood, there is no chance of an allergic reaction. Studies have shown that PRP injections can improve male and female pattern baldness with no adverse effects. You may experience slight discomfort, mild redness, and pinpoint bleeding during the treatment process, but these symptoms typically resolve rapidly on their own.

Is the PRP Hair Restoration Procedure Painful?

Our Bay Area PRP hair restoration treatment is a safe, comfortable treatment. Before the procedure is performed, a numbing cream containing local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area of the scalp. When the targeted area is completely numbed, Dr. Sheena Kong uses a tiny microneedle to inject PRP, rich in growth factors to trigger dormant follicles, directly into the scalp.

Can PRP Hair Restoration Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Many physicians perform PRP injections in combination with advanced hair transplantation procedures, or in combination with topical anti-balding medications. When used in this manner, the growth factors in the PRP cause hair to grow better and faster. This is a valuable technique for improving results of the early stages of hair loss, or for patients who have hair implants.

When Will I See Results after PRP Injections and How Long Will They Last?

After PRP hair restoration treatments, improvements can be measured every few months using the Hair Mass Index, based on the number of hairs growing in a two centimeter by two-centimeter cross-sectional area of the scalp. It takes months to judge results of PRP treatments visually, using a mirror or photographs. With repeat treatments after approximately one year, the results of PRP hair restoration are typically long-term. Subsequent treatments can help maintain thicker hair growth.

What Causes Hair Loss?

The most common reason for thinning hair or balding is genetics. However, several other factors can lead to excessive shedding, thinning hair, or bald spots. These include hormonal changes, extreme stress, exposure to environmental toxins, or as a side effect of some medications.

Will PRP Hair Restoration Regrow Hair in Balding Areas?

PRP hair restoration treatments are most effective for those who are experiencing the initial signs of thinning hair, such as a noticeably receding hairline, thinning hair, or hair that has become thinner, finer, and does not grow as long (vellus hair).

Do Hair Follicles Die?

The hair follicles that once produced thick, healthy strands of hair are not dead – they have gone dormant. The PRP injections work by restoring life and vitality to dormant hair follicles so they are triggered to again produce healthy, thick, strands of hair.

Is PRP Hair Restoration Better Than Medication?

The PRP is extracted from your own blood and is not a drug or medication. All medications have some potential for side effects, but your body recognizes your own cells, and there is little chance of any reaction to the injections. While some patients may require medication to ward off hair loss, the addition of PRP treatments, or performed as a single procedure, is fast, safe, natural, and effective.

What is the Average Cost for PRP Hair Restoration?

The cost varies, based upon the degree of the hair thinning, and the number of treatments needed. One of the critical points in whether the treatment is effective is how the PRP is prepared. Dr. Sheena Kong is a respected medical doctor with extensive experience in PRP hair restoration in San Francisco, and she can evaluate your condition and advise you of the number of treatments required, and the cost.

Am I a Good Candidate for PRP Hair Restoration?

Any man or woman experiencing hair loss may be a good candidate for PRP hair restoration in San Francisco. This treatment is recommended for patients with male or female pattern baldness, a genetically-programmed issue.

Individuals in the early stages of hair loss respond best to PRP injections. The ideal candidates for this treatment may be men and women with still

functioning hair follicles and weak quality hair growth on the scalp, with thinning areas and hair strands that are weaker and less thick than they were, called “miniaturization.” If you have noticed thinning hair and want to prevent further hair loss, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheena Kong to find out if you are a good candidate for PRP hair restoration in San Francisco.

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