If you’re yearning to restore lost hair but are wary about undergoing hair transplant surgery, you should know that there are less-invasive alternative techniques involving regenerative medicine. They are injection-based PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy and stem cells, which are being used as a combined treatment for hair loss.
But are stem cells and PRP therapy as effective for hair growth as hair transplant surgery? To answer that question, let’s examine both of these options.
What Are PRP and Stem Cells?
Stem cells are basic building-block cells that have the unique ability to develop into specialized cell types in the human body. They, therefore, have the ability to repair and heal rapidly. Stem cells are taken from your own fat tissue and, when concentrated and injected into your scalp, can reverse the shrinking of hair follicles and thus promote hair growth.
Platelet-rich plasma, on the other hand, is a concentration of platelets and plasma-derived from the patient’s own blood, not fat. PRP is a rich source of specialized proteins containing growth factors and cytokines, which can promote hair growth and healing.
Who Can Benefit from Stem Cells and PRP?
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for:
- Those in the early stages of hair loss
- Patients who are not viable candidates for surgery
- Women who prefer to avoid hair surgery
- Those who don’t have enough quality donor hair for a transplant
Stem Cell + PRP Therapy for Hair Growth
PRP therapy is a relatively simple procedure performed in your hair restoration doctor’s office. A small sample of your blood is drawn, and then it is spun at a high rate of speed in a special centrifuge. This is done in order to separate the platelets from the other components of your blood. Platelets are best known for their healing role in scabs.
Your hair physician then administers the concentrated PRP via a series of injections directly into the areas of your scalp where your hair is thinning. This only takes about 10 minutes, with no downtime afterward, so you can resume your regular activities right away following the procedure.
In the stem cell plus PRP procedure, your doctor will perform a mini-liposuction to obtain 1 to 2 ounces of adipose (fat) tissue from your abdominal area. Using special on-site equipment, stem cells are then extracted from the fat sample, combined with the PRP, and injected into the scalp.
Ordinarily, the entire procedure of stem cells plus PRP takes less than four hours. For best results, your hair surgeon will recommend two treatments within a 3- to 6-month period.
Since your own blood and fat are being used, there is no risk of rejection by your body to the PRP or stem cell therapy.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Hair regrowth from stem cell plus PRP therapy, like other hair restoration treatments, may take up to 8 months before you notice an improvement in hair density. But in time, the therapy will trigger your body’s natural healing processes, and you will see significant results.
For those who want faster results, hair transplant surgery is usually recommended.
Stem Cell and PRP Therapy Hair Restoration in Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane, Washington
To find out more about stem cell + PRP therapy and whether you are a good candidate for this effective alternative to hair transplant surgery, contact our team at Northwest Hair Restoration today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Robert Niedbalski. He has 15 years’ experience as a family physician, and he has been treating patients with hair loss for more than two decades – now focusing solely on hair restoration.
Call us today at (253) 572-2949 or fill out our convenient online Request an Appointment form. Let us show you what we can do to help you restore your hair again!
