Alternatives to failed PRP at age 20?

Question

I'm 20. Started thinning around 16. I have lost a considerable amount of hair and now look 40. While although I don't have "bald spots" the top of my head is quite thin and my hair line is running away. I have had 3 PRP treatments spaced 6 weeks and have had a laser hat used for 30 min 3 times a week. I don't think it's changed a thing. Money is no issue but not having hair is. I am in need of a solution as I can't really afford to go bald.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Prp is effective, but I have a very specific protocol, every 3-4 weeks for 6 months with prp therapy.  I also add in progesterone to speed the healing process.  After that the injections are tailored down.  You should also be on viviscal and other growth promoting ingredients. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Emrah Cinik, MD · Answer

There are alternatives for PRP treatment like supplements. You can use finasteride and minoxidil as an alternative for PRP

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for question regarding PRP. PRP should help promote greater hair thickness and density especially in young, healthy patients. Your board-certified facial plastic surgeon should follow a protocol of about once a month for the first four months followed by treatments every three to six months afterwards. Depending on where you are in your treatment cycle, you may need more time to see results. Genetic factors also play a part. If PRP does not produce the results you want, schedule an in-person consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss other options including Finasteride and Minoxidil. These drugs may also work alongside PRP treatments if your board-certified facial plastic surgeon recommends continuing PRP. Good luck with your treatments!
- Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The research performed and the anecdotal evidence would suggest that thickness of hair and density can improve with PRP injections.  The number of sessions as well as the quality of PRP obtained will vary considerably physician to physician.

Kevin Ende, MD · Answer

Although the PRP hasn't worked for you yet, consider either continuing it with the current doctor or trying a new doctor.  Also, you didn't mention minoxidil or finasteride.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, PRP should work well for young individuals. A visit to a hair expert would confirm the diagnosis of androgenic alopecia. Should you have androgenic alopecia, It is possible that the growth factors and cytokines in PRP cannot overcome the effects of DHT due to your genetics. Adding finasteride and minoxidil to your program of PRP may correct the imbalance. Find a PRP expert. Ask to see photos.PRP hair md.com

Sara Wasserbauer, MD · Answer

Seeing a hair loss specialist who can first evaluate if there are other contributing underlying medical causes to your hair loss is important (such as thyroid imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, inflammatory conditions, etc).  Other treatment considerations can then be made depending on your specific diagnosis.  You may benefit from systemic oral medications, minoxidil, etc.  Good luck!

Kriston Kent, MD, MPH · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Hair
loss at your age is certainly undesirable, and so far it appears that attempts
to slow down, or
arrest, the process have been unsuccessful. In my experience, PRP treatments,
with high growth factor counts, will be successful 70-80% of the time.
Hopefully, you have undergone a medical workup for reversible causes of hair
loss. If no metabolic or other causes can be found, we are now using a new
technology that allows us to use a combination of adult regenerative stem cells
and PRP to repair and reactivate dormant and ailing hair follicles.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Responses to PRP can vary but it would be worth continuing the treatments, and the laser.  You should also consider adding minoxidil (Rogaine) and discussing use of finasteride (PRP) with a hair loss physician.  20 is young to consider hair transplantation for a number of reasons, but a visit to a hair restoration center that does weaves and hair systems may be worth your while as well.

Joyce Davis, MD · Answer

Although PRP treatments work for most types of hair loss, you may need medical therapy as well.  Hair loss/thinning on the top of the head is often androgenic.  See a dermatologist for a medical visit to be evaluated for Propecia or Avodart prescriptions.  There is also Minoxidil foam 5% available for over the counter purchase.

Alternatives to failed PRP at age 20?

Answers (11)

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