PRP right option for my hair loss? Thinning of hair in front. 26 years, male (Photo)

For your males like you with longstanding hairloss PRP may be the answer. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. PRP is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue, as well as hair growth. Human blood contains mesenchymal stem cells, and autologous blood products that contain essential and specific growth factors that assist in tissue regeneration and healing. PRP was developed in the 1970′s and first used in Italy in 1987 in an open heart surgery procedure. Published medical literature from around the world confirms the safety and use of PRP therapy in medicine. For the past two decades PRP has been widely used in skin and wound healing, and is now being extensively used in cosmetic surgery, dentistry, sports medicine and pain management.In the field of hair restoration, evidence supports PRP therapy as a promising treatment to promote hair growth, although no claim an be made of its efficacy. Studies have shown that growth factors released from platelets may act on stem cells in the bulge area of the follicles, stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting neo-vascularization. ( Journal of Aesthetic Cutaneous Surgery, 2014). Since PRP is in the early stages of scientific research for hair loss therapy, PRP is not meant to replace current FDA approved therapies such as DHT blockers and Minoxidil. That being said, PRP is a promising non-surgical option for men and women experiencing hair loss.How is PRP Hair Loss Therapy performed?Upon arrival at the BioSpa Newport Beach, you will be escorted to one of our private hair restoration treatment rooms. One of our qualified nurses or surgeons will draw your blood just as though you were having routine blood testing at your primary care physician’s office. The drawn blood is then spun in a sterile centrifuge system, which separates the platlete-rich plasma from the rest of the blood. The system eliminates granulocytes which can harm tissue regeneration. A topical anesthesia is applied to the scalp to reduce any discomfort during the PRP treatment. The highly concentrated platelet rich plasma is then injected into the scalp. Your hair will then be washed and you may return to your daily routine. You are able to drive after the procedure.We recommend a total of 3 treatments scheduled 6 weeks apart. This will vary depending on the severity of hair loss and desired result. Treatment plan will be discussed at your initial consultation.

Platelet-rich plasma has been utilized for years in wound healing and orthopedic conditions, but more recently it has gained traction in aesthetic medicine, especially with respect to hair loss. Several clinicians have had some success in treating alopecia of various etiologies (lichen planopilaris, alopecia areata, etc), but most of the limited data have been focused on PRP use for male- and female-pattern hair loss.
The mechanism of action involves platelets’ ability to aggregate together, activate, and release alpha-granules containing various growth factors, such as platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Their release increases angiogenesis and vascularization, providing resting telogen hairs the signal that they need to enter the anagen phase. This increased vascularization and mix of growth factors also fosters the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and inhibits apoptosis, helping to prolong the anagen phase.More specific to androgenetic alopecia, PRP may help to counteract certain effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia, DHT was shown to block IGF-1 contributing to hair loss and PRP is a known source of IGF-1.
Platelet-rich plasma is fully autologous and thus provides patients a more “natural” treatment, with side effects limited to procedural discomfort and bruising.
There is no standard system, quantity, or interval of treatment regarding PRP for hair loss, which is why we currently utilize a proprietary hyperconcentrated platelet rich plasma concentration and treat patients monthly 4 times, then reevaluate after 8 to 12 months. If a patient has a response, then retreatment at follow-up may result in continued efficacy if performed at a 6- to 12-month basis.

Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP for hair loss can be used to slow down hair loss and is a great option for younger patients.  Propecia and Minoxidil are also good options for younger patients as they also help maintain existing hair and increase growth.  All of these however need to be continued to keep the hair loss from progressing.  

Since PRP consists of your own stem cells and growth factors there are no major side effects or reactions. Of course there can be some short term discomfort or swelling from the injections but it is completely natural. Consultation with a hair restoration surgeon is recommended for a formal exam and to further discuss treatment options. Best wishes!

Great question and very useful pictures.  Based on your photos, it looks like you do have male pattern hair loss in an earlier stage - Norwood stage 2-3.  Since you are noticing this at such a young age it is likely you will continue to experience hair loss as you age.  Look at your male relatives : father, grandfather, uncles, brothers - what do their heads look like?  This would give you a reasonable prediction of what your genetics have in store for you as far as the time line of your hair loss.  Tellogen Effuvium, also called shock loss can occur in times of stress, illness, or nutritional problems.  It is unlikely you have this, but it would be reasonable to check with your primary doctor to have some basic blood work (check your thyroid function etc) to make sure you don't have an underlying illness that could lead to shock loss.  In someone experiencing early signs and symptoms of male pattern hair loss in their 20's PRP is a great option.  Platelet Rich Plasma is harvested from your own blood and injected in your scalp.  The natural growth factors in your blood can help stimulate hair follicles to return to the anagen part of the hair cycle encouraging follicles to continue to grow hairs.  I recommend also that you consider minoxidil and propecia as well.  Minoxidil is a topical agent that can slow the progression of male pattern hair loss.  Propecia - also can help slow the progression of male pattern hair loss- it can have rare side effects including erectile dysfunction.  Good luck with your hair restoration process.  

Hair loss especially when it develops at a young age can be very distressing.  Without an exam, I can't determine whether or not you are a good candidate for either hair transplantation or some of the non surgical treatment options.  Here is what I have found to work the best for male pattern baldness.  The more you do to intervene early the better the effects will be both in slowing down the balding process and hair regrowth.My two first line treatments are ot PRP, rather Propecia and Minoxidil.  Yes, Propecia can have sexual side effects, but thes are found in less than 1 %.  I have found that prescribing Propecia every other day works just as well with even less risk.  Minoxidil is usually well tolerated.  If these two treatments are effective, there is no reason to rush into more expensive treatments such as PRP injections.  As an aside, Propecia 1 mg  (expensive, not generic) and Proscar 5 mg (generic, less expensive, can cut into quarters as an off label use) are identical - both are Finestride.  Minoxidil is generic now and also not very expensive.  For those who want additional results, there are two additional non surgical treatments that can help.  Low level laser therapy has been shown to be effective in slowing down hair loss and even growing new hair.  These laser caps can be purchased online or in your doctors office for about $ 1000 and are used for about 30 minutes a few times per week.  In my practice, I do like adding PRP injections and find this to be very effective in most individuals especailly when used in combination with Propecia and Minoxidil.  I don't think all PRP is the same however and like using the one made by Eclipse as the PRP is highly concentrated and contains less red blood cells making it more effective and less painful than other products out there.  Typicall 3 treatments spaced 1 month apart followed by 2 to 3 treatments a year are required.I don't think that you should rule out hair transplantation.  An exam along with a family history would be helpful in this regard.  In the end, despite all the non surgical remedies, hair loss will progress, hopefully slowly, to point where surgery will be the best treatment option.I want to wish you the bust of luck