Are Stem Cell and PRP Therapy Effective for Hair Regrowth?
If you are suffering from the effects of alopecia, male pattern baldness, or female hair loss, take heart. Your own body may hold the key to natural hair regrowth. All that’s needed is the switch to turn it on.
That trigger mechanism is your natural stem cells. When these special cells are extracted from your own body’s excess fat tissue and then injected into your scalp, they can reverse the shrinking of hair follicles and enlarge them again for hair regrowth. That’s because stem cells have unique regenerative properties which give them the ability to repair and heal a variety of conditions and injuries at the cellular level.
In addition to stem cell therapy, there is also platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This is another autologous (obtained from the patient’s own body) therapy that uses your own blood components to initiate hair regrowth by stimulating a healing response. Platelets are best known for their role in forming scabs.
How Does PRP Work with Stem Cells?
Stem cells and PRP can be used together within hair follicles to promote new hair growth in those who are dealing with thinning hair or balding areas. Best of all, by promoting safe and natural healing, both of these treatments provide an alternative to hair transplant surgery.
When combined, stem cell + PRP therapy is most effective for patients who are in the early stages of hair loss or who are not candidates for surgery. It is also ideal for those who don’t have enough quality donor hair for a transplant or who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
What to Expect from Stem Cell + PRP Treatment
The PRP procedure is safe and relatively simple. First, your hair restoration specialist will draw a sample of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood cells. The doctor then performs a mini liposuction to obtain 1 to 2 ounces of adipose (fat) tissue, usually taken from your abdominal area, to extract stem cells.
The stem cells are then combined with the PRP. Next, the doctor administers a number of stem cell + PRP injections into your scalp or the area where you want hair regrowth.
The virtually painless procedure takes only about three to four hours. Although, for best results, two treatments within a three- to six-month period may be recommended.
How Long Does It Take to Recover and Get Results?
There is hardly any downtime associated with stem cell + PRP therapy. However, you may experience some soreness in the area of the mini liposuction, as well as your scalp, for up to seven days. Nevertheless, you can resume your normal activities, including going back to work, after treatment, while refraining from exercise for at least a week. Your doctor will explain what is best in your case, because everyone is different.
Like other hair loss treatments, results from stem cell + PRP therapy usually take six to eight months before you will notice an improvement in hair density. But it is certainly worth the wait.
Regrow Your Hair Naturally with Stem Cell and PRP Therapy
By utilizing your body’s own healing powers, stem cell + PRP therapy is a natural way to regrow hair. Here at Darling Hair Restoration, Dr. Scott Darling has successfully performed stem cell + PRP therapy for many of his patients.
Contact our friendly team today by calling us at (816) 792-3400, or use our convenient online Request an Appointment form to arrange a consultation with Dr. Darling. We look forward to helping you love what you see in the mirror!
