Hair loss is a common condition affecting both men and women. There are many factors that may contribute to hair loss including stress, nutrition deficiencies, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, anemia, and hormonal changes.
At Vibrant Dermatology, we can treat many different types of hair loss with our wide range of services. Dr. Ip will perform a comprehensive exam that may include laboratory tests and a scalp biopsy. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Ip will review your treatment options. One of the most successful treatment options for hair loss is platelet-rich plasma, and we also offer oral medications, laser light treatments, serums, and more.
By using your body’s regenerative growth factors from your blood, platelet-rich plasma injections help your body regrow hair that was lost. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a person’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp.
PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures and medications.
Hair loss is a frustrating and oftentimes embarrassing condition for men and women of all ages. While so many people experience hair loss at one point in their lives, it’s a condition that is often avoided in conversation and covered up as much as possible.
For this reason, Dr. Ip highly recommends PRP for hair loss as a way of restoring the hair and confidence of people affected by hair loss.
If you’re a good candidate for PRP treatments for hair loss, you can expect a visible increase in the amount of hair regrowth you experience. This treatment happens through a three-step process where you will come in for 3 separate appointments that are four to six weeks apart. Once you finish your initial period of treatment, a maintenance treatment at six months may be recommended.
The first step of the PRP treatment process is a blood draw. Your blood is then put into a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities. The second step of the PRP treatment process occurs after your blood has spent around ten minutes in the centrifuge.
At that point, your blood sample will have changed from a typical blood sample to a three-layer specimen. These layers consist of platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells. This is how Dr. Ip can extract the mostly clear, platelet-rich plasma from your blood. Step three of this procedure occurs when the platelet-rich plasma is drawn into a syringe that is then ready to be injected into areas of the scalp that need hair growth boosted.
PRP injections for hair loss are a straightforward and relatively comfortable procedure. Many patients report feeling a tiny prick when the needle is inserted, and they do not need numbing to get through the procedure. Recovery from PRP for hair loss is almost nonexistent. Dr. Ip recommends lightening up on your normal hair routine for a day or two after the procedure to allow your scalp to heal.
The results you can expect from PRP for hair loss are a marked regrowth of hair. While it is not a cure for all types of hair loss, many men and women love the gorgeous hair that comes in to fill in spaces where the scalp was previously visible.
Oral medications are often prescribed to address thinning hair by targeting the hormonal or biological pathways that contribute to hair loss. These medications can help reduce hair follicle shrinkage and promote healthier growth by altering hormone levels associated with hair thinning.
Expect to use oral medications consistently over several months before seeing noticeable changes. Hair shedding may increase at first followed by a gradual decrease of hair loss and thickening of hair. Regular follow-ups help us monitor progress and adjust the treatment as needed. Continuing the medication is necessary to maintain results since stopping may lead to a return of thinning hair.
Supplements support hair health by providing essential nutrients like biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and iron, which are believed to strengthen hair follicles and improve scalp circulation. These nutrients can enhance the overall condition of your hair.
When taking supplements for hair loss, expect gradual improvements over three to six months. Hair texture and density may improve as the supplements work to nourish your scalp and hair follicles. It’s important to consult with Dr. Ip before starting a supplement to make sure it’s suitable for you.
Corticosteroid injections are a treatment for hair loss that can address inflammatory conditions. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly to the scalp where they reduce inflammation and help hair follicles recover and regrow hair.
Treatment involves a series of small injections into the scalp, with results often visible within a month or two. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve and maintain hair regrowth. Recovery is minimal, with only slight tenderness at the injection sites.
Topical medications are commonly used to treat hair loss by applying solutions directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. These work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle and promote thicker hair.
When using topical medications for hair loss, consistent application is needed, typically twice daily, for several months before results become noticeable. You may observe less shedding first, followed by gradual hair regrowth.
Laser light treatments are non-invasive therapies that use low-level lasers to stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. The light energy penetrates the scalp, improving blood circulation and cellular activity within the hair follicles, which can lead to stronger and healthier hair.
Patients undergoing light treatments can expect to participate in multiple sessions over several weeks or months. The process is fast and painless with each session lasting 20 to 30 minutes. While results vary, many patients notice fuller, thicker hair after a few months of consistent treatment.
KeraFactor is a hair restoration treatment that uses a proprietary blend of seven bioidentical growth factors and proteins to stimulate hair follicles and improve scalp health. Applied with a laser microchanneling device, KeraFactor addresses hair thinning by revitalizing dormant follicles and enhancing the hair growth cycle.
The treatment involves a series of sessions spaced two weeks apart. Over several months, KeraFactor can promote the growth of thicker, healthier hair, with visible improvements often seen after just a few sessions. With no downtime, it’s a convenient option for enhancing hair restoration efforts.
Scalp Revive is one of our advanced hair-thinning solutions designed to rejuvenate the scalp and encourage hair regrowth. This treatment involves a combination of exfoliation, hydration, and nutrient infusion to create an optimal environment for hair growth.
During a Scalp Revive treatment, expect a thorough cleansing of the scalp to remove buildup and stimulate circulation. Nutrient-rich serums are then applied to nourish the hair follicles. The process is comfortable and relaxing, with no downtime needed. We recommend this treatment once a month for three months.
Laboratory tests are an essential part of diagnosing hair loss because they help identify underlying health issues that could be contributing to your condition. Blood tests can reveal hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or autoimmune diseases, all of which may impact hair health.
Scalp biopsies involve taking a small sample of scalp tissue to examine under a microscope, providing valuable insights into the cause of hair loss. During the procedure, a small, circular section of the scalp is numbed, and a tiny piece of tissue is removed. This sample is then analyzed to identify conditions like alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, or other dermatological issues affecting the hair follicles.
While PRP is a great option to treat hair loss for many people, not all types of hair loss can be helped by this procedure. Since there are several different causes for hair loss, your body simply may not respond to this treatment if it does not address the cause of your individual hair loss.
To learn whether you have a type of hair loss that can benefit from PRP, you must see a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Ip will not recommend PRP for hair loss in your case if you are on blood thinners, smoke heavily, or have a history of alcohol and drug misuse. Conditions like liver disease, acute or chronic infections, low platelet counts, metabolic disorders, and thyroid disease may also make you ineligible for PRP for hair loss.
The duration of results from our hair loss treatments can vary depending on the treatment used and how well you maintain your hair health afterward. Some treatments like topical medications may require ongoing use to sustain results, while others can offer longer-lasting effects. Dr. Ip will guide you on maintaining your results and discuss any follow-up care needed to keep your hair looking its best.
Preventing further hair loss involves adopting gentle hair care practices and nourishing your body from within. Avoid harsh brushing, tight hairstyles, and excessive heat styling to reduce breakage, and opt for a wide-tooth comb and air drying when possible.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins like biotin, zinc, and iron, along with a daily supplement, supports healthy hair growth. Managing stress can also help prevent hair loss. Use hair care products designed to strengthen hair and improve scalp health, along with regular scalp massages to boost circulation and promote stronger, healthier hair.
Leave your scalp and hair care to the experts. To learn more about how PRP and other hair loss treatments can work for you, make sure you work with a board-certified dermatologist. At Vibrant Dermatology in Dedham, MA, we combine personalized care with cutting-edge technology to deliver results that truly last. Choosing Vibrant Dermatology means entrusting your skin to individuals who are dedicated to optimizing your skin’s well-being. We are led by Dr. Ip, who is committed to excellence in every aspect of care. If you would like to experience premier dermatological care and achieve beautiful and healthy hair, please schedule your appointment with Dr. Ip today at (781) 708-9299 or through our online form.