Hair Loss
Radiance Dermatology
Cosmetic, Medical, and Surgical Dermatology located in Bethesda, MD
It’s natural to be self-conscious and concerned if you’re suffering hair loss. Seek help from board-certified dermatologist Omolara Olowoyeye, MD, MPH, at Radiance Dermatology in Bethesda, Maryland. Innovative PRP treatments stimulate your hair follicles to restore a healthy head of hair. Call today to learn more about how Dr. Olowoyeye can help with hair loss and other dermatological concerns or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.
What causes hair loss?
It’s normal to lose 50-100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair-growth cycle. Increased hair loss following childbirth or illness is also to be expected. But, if you experience persistent hair loss, it could be a sign of alopecia.
An autoimmune condition, alopecia causes your hair to fall out in round, coin-sized patches.
The condition makes your immune system attack your hair follicles, so they’re unable to produce and sustain hair. Hair loss occurs at the scalp as well as in other areas.
You may also experience general hair thinning because of genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or aging.
How does PRP help with hair loss?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is derived from your own blood. A sample of blood taken from your arm is taken from your arm and spun down in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet count.
Platelets are loaded with growth factors that accelerate wound healing and, in high concentrations, have been shown to battle hair loss.
Hair follicles that have fallen into a dormant state awaken in response to PRP injections, and follicles that are already functional experience a boost in hair production. Your hair comes in fuller, longer, and thicker.
What is the PRP Selphyl system?
The Selphyl system provides extra steps when preparing and purifying your PRP for application to your thinning hair. After the PRP is prepared, it is then further purified to what’s called the PRFM (platelet-rich fibrin matrix). This fibrin matrix serves as a 3-D scaffold to hold the platelets at the site of injection.
This means the platelets stay put for a longer time, releasing growth factors for a longer period of time, meaning you get the best results possible.
What should I expect during PRP hair loss treatments?
When you come in for your appointment, a technician draws one to two vials of blood from your arm and prepares it for your treatment. Dr. Olowoyeye injects the PRP into predetermined areas of your scalp that are showing signs of thinning.
The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes and requires no downtime, meaning you can resume your normal activities immediately after your appointment.
How many PRP treatments will I need to see results?
Dr. Olowoyeye recommends you come in for PRP treatment once per month for the initial three to four months. After that, repeat treatments every six to 12 months optimizes your results. Your exact protocol depends on the extent and cause of hair loss and your response to treatment.
Expect to start to see results within the first two to three months of treatment. You’ll first notice a reduction in hair shedding, then early regrowth, and an increase in hair length.
If you’re ready to get started with hair loss treatment at Radiance Dermatology, call the office or use the online tool to schedule your appointment.