Hair loss can be frustrating, emotional, and deeply personal, but you are not alone. At Mountain Dermatology Specialists, we understand how important it is to get to the root of the issue and find a treatment that works for your specific needs. One of the most promising options in recent years is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own healing abilities to encourage natural hair growth. Let’s break down common hair loss triggers, how PRP works, who it is best for, and what to expect if you decide to move forward with the treatment.

Common Triggers for Hair Loss

Hair loss can stem from a variety of factors, and identifying the cause is a key step in choosing the right treatment. Some of the most common triggers include:

• Alopecia: Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss, which can occur on the scalp or body and can be temporary or permanent. It can manifest in various forms, including patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) and androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger temporary hair shedding, known as telogen effluvium. Stress after surgery, postpartum, or hospitalizations are common causes of stress hair loss.
• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, scalp infections, or nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, may contribute to thinning hair.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal shifts can affect hair growth.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as those used in chemotherapy or for managing blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Before beginning any treatment, a dermatologist can help pinpoint the underlying cause through evaluation and testing.

How PRP Works for Hair Loss

PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a cutting-edge treatment that uses components from your own blood to help stimulate hair regrowth.

Here is how it works:

1. Blood Draw: A small amount of your blood is collected, similar to a routine blood test.
2. Centrifuge Processing: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, which contains powerful growth factors.
3. Injection: The PRP is carefully injected into targeted areas of the scalp, where it works to repair hair follicles and encourage growth.

These growth factors signal the body to regenerate tissue and stimulate dormant hair follicles resulting in stronger, thicker hair over time.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP?

PRP is ideal for individuals experiencing early to moderate hair thinning and who still have active but weakened hair follicles. It is especially effective for:

• Men and women with hereditary hair thinning
• Those who have recently noticed increased shedding or thinning
• Patients seeking a natural, non-surgical option
• Individuals who are not ready or not candidates for hair transplant surgery

However, PRP may not be suitable for those with severe hair loss, scarring alopecia, or certain underlying medical conditions. A consultation with a dermatologist is essential to determine eligibility.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

PRP is an in-office procedure that typically takes less than an hour. Because it uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or complications is minimal. Here is what you can expect:

• Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
• Mild Discomfort: Some tenderness at injection sites is common but temporary.
• Gradual Results: Hair growth typically becomes noticeable after a few months, with the best results seen after a series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart.

To maintain results, maintenance treatments may be recommended annually or as needed.

Ready to Explore PRP for Hair Loss?

If you have been noticing more hair in your brush or thinning areas on your scalp, PRP could be a game-changer. At Mountain Dermatology Specialists, we offer customized evaluations to determine the best course of action for your hair restoration goals. Call us at (970) 926-1800 and schedule a consultation today to see if PRP is right for you and take the first step toward thicker, healthier hair.