By Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport
Over the past three-and-a-half years, I have been specializing in nonsurgical hair restoration with a substance called platelet rich plasma. The PRP protocol has been popular in Europe and Asia, and was introduced to the U.S. five years ago. PRP is obtained from the patient’s own blood, and therefore is natural and safe. Patients come in and have blood drawn, as if they were going to a laboratory. The blood is spun down, while platelets, the healing disc-shaped fragments in blood that assist in clotting, are concentrated. The concentrated platelets are then used for hair restoration.
As a board-certified dermatologist, I have been able to modify the original injection technique to make it more comfortable and more effective. PRP hair restoration works best on people who are suffering from hair loss due to genetics. The treatment protocol usually includes three to four sessions, followed by a maintenance period, and then follow up injections two to three times a year.
Three things will happen after the treatment protocol and maintenance: Hair-shedding should decrease; the thickness of hair and speed of hair growth increases; and finally, there is new hair growth. Since you are having your own blood injected, the process is natural and safe, with minor side effects that include slight discomfort after the injections, but virtually no swelling.
Hair loss and depression have been linked for eons. It is rewarding for me to offer this rejuvenating treatment, and give patients a healthier outlook on life.