Today’s blog post is the first in a series that we will be writing that compares different hair restoration treatments. Thankfully, there are lots of great hair restoration treatments available today, however, with all of the options available, patients often are concerned they are not choosing the right one. This series will give you the information you need to make the right choice for your hair restoration treatment. Today we will compare one of the best known hair restoration techniques with one of the more recent non-surgical hair restoration techniques, hair transplants versus platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
Hair Transplants
In their current form, hair transplants look extremely natural and are the only permanent hair restoration solution, as your hair follicles are surgically being removed from the back of the head (the donor area) to the desired part of the scalp (the recipient area). However, hair transplants can be painful as it is a surgical procedure and the recovery is typically 7 to 14 days. Also, hair transplants are not always the best option for patients with female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) typically presents as diffuse thinning throughout the scalp, which means your hair is thinning everywhere. Therefore, patients with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) may not have the required hair density in the donor area for a hair transplant. Lastly, some women may be prone to shock loss from the surgery, which causes further loss, which may not recover.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
PRP Therapy is a minimally invasive non-surgical hair restoration treatment that has been shown to strengthen and thicken hair and reactivate dormant follicles. Recent studies have shown up to 85% of patients will receive benefit from PRP therapy. PRP Therapy uses your own blood and takes only 45 minutes to complete the session, and there is no real down time. While PRP Therapy is not permanent solution, you can maintain results with booster treatments every 6 to 12 months after the first year.
Conclusion
For patients experiencing female pattern hair loss, that are looking to increase the thickness of their hair, decrease shedding, and re-activate dormant follicles, PRP Therapy is a great option. If you have significant scalp showing in a certain area then you may want to look into a hair transplant, as PRP will not regrow hair in areas of scalp with no hair. However, just remember, you need the required donor area and need to be able to tolerate moderate pain to have the hair transplant. It is always important to see a hair loss specialist who will guide you through this process and insure you are choosing the best possible treatment for you.
Posted by Your Medi Tresse Team
