Would You Go ‘Under the Needle’ to Treat Hair Loss?

Men and women alike have been going under the knife to treat hair loss by way of replacement surgery. Compared to other surgical procedures, hair replacement is no big deal. But it’s still a bridge many hair loss sufferers don’t want to cross. Now, there’s another treatment available known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

PRP therapy doesn’t require going under the knife, but it still utilizes needles. So here’s the question: would you go ‘under the needle’ to treat androgenetic alopecia? Growing numbers of patients are, thanks to scientific research showing that it can work.

Treating Women with PRP

The Washingtonian published a piece in mid-June 2019 talking about PRP treatment among women suffering from the female version of male pattern baldness. One of the doctors interviewed for that story said she has already treated countless women with PRP therapy. She cites a study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology as evidence of the efficacy of her treatments.

That study looked at seven other studies demonstrating the effectiveness of PRP injections. Data pointed to the growth factors in PRP as being key to the treatment’s success. Growth factors stimulate follicles to do what they are supposed to do naturally. As a result, growth of new hair is encouraged.

How the Procedure Works

PRP therapy may seem like ‘liquid gold’ on the surface, but people suffering from hair loss also have to understand how the procedure works. It’s not as easy as taking a pill and calling the doctor in the morning. Hair loss treatments utilizing PRP injections involve needles.

The procedure starts with a fairly routine blood draw. Patients donate their own blood, making the procedure fully compliant with current FDA regulations. Drawn blood is processed in a centrifuge to isolate platelets. The resulting material is then injected into the scalp at the site of hair loss.

Doctors can make use of a micro-needling procedure if hair loss is extensive. For the most part though, single injections at targeted sites are the rule of the day.

PRP injections are no big deal for people who are not bothered by needles. However, injections still cause pain one way or another. As for recovery time, there is very little involved. Patients leave the office and get right back to their routines.

Paying for Treatment

Patients need also consider paying for PRP therapy. Like most hair loss treatments, PRP therapy is not covered by medical insurance plans. That means paying for the treatment out of pocket. How much does it cost? The Washingtonian piece mentioned an average price of about $200 per treatment. Most patients need several treatments in order to achieve the desired results.

A typical course of treatment involves monthly injections for 5 to 6 months. Patients could easily spend $1,000 or more to finish a course. However, the price is comparable to some other hair loss treatments that involve more than prescription drugs.

Choosing a Doctor

One final consideration is choosing a doctor to perform the procedure. According to the Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institute, a Utah organization that trains doctors in regenerative medicine procedures, training goes a long way toward achieving success. They say it’s important for patients to seek out doctors that have been properly trained and have at least some experience utilizing PRP injections for hair loss.

So, you’re not necessarily comfortable going under the knife to deal with your hair loss. Would you go under the needle? Tens of thousands of people already have. According to a growing body of evidence, positive results have proven their decisions wise.