PRP Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness

According to current surveys, more than 50% of men above the age of 50 experience male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic or androgenic alopecia. Male pattern hair loss, thinning hair, a receding hairline, and other forms of balding are common parts of the aging process for men. Unfortunately, this can have negative effects on self-esteem and confidence, particularly in the case of early androgenetic alopecia. Up until recently, the only options for hair loss treatment were daily medications such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine) or oral finasteride (Propecia). Though these treatments are beneficial, they require constant maintenance and can have some unwanted side effects. Thankfully, recent innovation in the world of dermatology has led to the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in hair regrowth treatment that requires no downtime and can successfully rejuvenate the hair follicles on the scalp.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become an extremely popular method of hair restoration treatment in Dr. Michele Green’s NYC office. This non-surgical hair loss procedure uses one’s own blood to maximize growth factors at or near the treatment site, revitalizing cells in a procedure that typically lasts under 15 minutes. PRP injections have been used for a variety of regenerative therapy treatments, including for musculoskeletal and oral surgery procedures. It’s been used by basketball star Kobe Bryant for his right knee injury, as well as by Lebron James for hair restoration, among various other celebrities and athletes – including those with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, and alopecia areata.

PRP treatment for hair restoration uses your own blood to ignite cell regeneration and growth at or near the injection site. Using a centrifuge, your platelets and white blood cells are separated to create a serum with three times the normal amount of platelet concentration. This is then injected into areas of the scalp that demonstrate the most acute hair loss. This can help to reactivate dormant hair follicles, thus increasing hair count, hair thickness, and strength of the hair roots. PRP can also be used in conjunction with follicular unit excision surgery, helping to improve the quality of the hairs before they are harvested for a surgical hair transplant and promoting the growth of new hairs after the transplant

PRP treatment – 7 months before and after

If you’re suffering from unwanted male pattern baldness, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned expert in hair restoration and PRP therapy with over two and a half decades of experience treating some of the world’s most discerning individuals. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach regarding hair restoration, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to suit their particular needs and goals best. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to achieve and maintain thicker, healthier, fuller hair for longer. Contact our office today to learn if PRP treatment for hair growth is right for you.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma is a highly concentrated serum that contains platelets and white blood cells. These platelets contain proteins vital in promoting tissue health and regeneration. Each platelet is packed with growth factors that help revitalize hair follicles, increase the number of small blood vessels near the injection site, and improve hair growth. PRP’s growth factors are also an important part of stem cell differentiation throughout the body.

The PRP-specific elements that improve hair restoration include:

• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Improves cell growth, as well as collagen and blood vessel formation
• Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2): Boosts the development of blood vessels and specialized cells
• Insulin-like growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): Acts as a protein regulator of standard physiology in almost every cell in the body; also has helpful anabolic effects in adults
• Platelet-derived growth Factor (PDGF): Helps with blood vessel regeneration, as well as cell and skin formation
• Transforming Growth-Factor-Beta (TGF-b): Specialized for growth matrix between cells, as well as bone metabolism
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Jumpstarts blood vessel formation

What is PRP therapy?

Platelets and plasma are separated from your own blood blood via a unique centrifuge. The highly concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into targeted areas of the scalp in order to stimulate hair growth. Its initial popularity for rejuvenation was first developed with treatment for women but has since been proven to be effective for men experiencing androgenetic alopecia or thinning hair. Patients require an initial series of PRP treatments to achieve optimal results. The recommended platelet-rich plasma protocol is four PRP treatment sessions, each spaced approximately four weeks apart. Dr. Green asks patients to return three months after their fourth PRP treatment to assess the progress and evaluate for new hair growth.

Once an initial series of PRP treatments have been completed, most patients engage with regular maintenance treatments on a quarterly, bi-annual, or annual basis to keep up the best results. Patients enjoy that as a minimally invasive treatment option with zero downtime; they can easily schedule their PRP injections. While most normal daily activities can be resumed immediately after platelet-rich plasma treatment, patients are advised to refrain from exercising strenuously or washing their hair for 24 hours. Alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and hair styling products should be avoided for three days after having PRP injections. These aftercare advisements will help prevent swelling at the injection sites. When you have PRP with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will provide you with all of the pertinent information required for optimizing your PRP therapy.

How Does PRP treatment work for hair growth?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a unique hair growth treatment that uses growth factors derived from a sample of your own blood in order to help promote new hair growth and improve cell proliferation and new cell development. PRP treatment has been explored extensively in the worlds of dermatology, plastic surgery, musculoskeletal healing, and oral surgery due to its unique wound-healing properties. In recent years, it has been researched as a treatment option for hair restoration and has had a significant positive effect on hair growth. When injected into areas of the scalp affected by hair loss, the growth factors improve blood supply to the hair follicles and increase the thickness of the hair shafts. This helps prevent hair loss while promoting new hair growth. Usually, it is advised to have four PRP treatment sessions, each of which is spaced approximately four weeks apart. While individual results may vary, most patients see some improvement in the condition of their hair after just a couple of sessions. However, it can take three to six months for the final results to be visible. The cosmetic result of PRP treatment is greater hair density for thicker, fuller, healthier hair that lasts.

What causes Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is characterized by a receding hairline and hair thinning at the crown. Though the exact cause of male pattern baldness is unknown, it is often attributed to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. Those who have a family history of hair loss are more likely to suffer from male pattern baldness. Men with male pattern baldness also tend to have increased levels and a sensitivity to certain male hormones in their bodies, like dihydrotestosterone (DHT)– thus the name androgenic alopecia. DHT can shrink the hair follicles, which causes the hair to become weaker and shortens the hair’s life span. The shrinkage of hair follicles over time and a sensitivity to certain male hormones, like DHT, can lead to male pattern baldness. Eventually, the hair follicles cease to grow new hair altogether.

Are PRP Injections Effective for Male Pattern Baldness? How effective is PRP for hair loss?

Yes! PRP is a highly effective treatment option for combatting several types of hair loss, including both female and male pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata. In several studies via the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and  Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, those dealing with hair loss who were treated with PRP injections experienced significant improvement in hair regrowth. A study in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery* on the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma found that PRP therapy led to localized improvement in hair growth, count, and thickness. Although wider studies are required for FDA approval, there is a large amount of medical evidence that PRP hair treatment is highly effective, and no side effects have been seen.

To achieve the best hair growth results, patients typically require a short initial series of four PRP treatment sessions, each spaced approximately four weeks apart. You must consult with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC, to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for PRP injections for hair loss. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically assess your hair and scalp, and potentially order certain lab tests to evaluate for any underlying contributing factors causing your hair loss to ensure that the treatment options included in your plan are effective for your condition. Dr. Green has extensive experience with the efficacy of PRP therapy for hair restoration.  Read about a PRP hair treatment case study in Men’s Journal featuring Dr. Green.

*source: J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014 Apr-Jun; 7(2): 107–110. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.138352

Are there any potential side effects of PRP Treatment?

PRP is a cosmetic procedure to treat different types of hair loss and hair thinning that relies on the role of one’s growth factors in the healing process. As such, there are very few potential side effects. Patients may experience some temporary inflammation or tenderness in the treatment area after the platelet-rich plasma injections are complete, but this usually lasts less than 24 hours. Dr. Green administers all injections for PRP hair treatment, and the safety and satisfaction of her patients are her top priority.

48-year-old treated with PRP for Hair Loss, after four treatments

How long does it take for PRP to work on men’s hair?

Hair restoration is a process that requires time. Usually, it is advised to have four PRP treatment sessions, each of which is spaced approximately four weeks apart. While individual results may vary, most patients see some improvement in the condition of their hair after just a couple of sessions. However, it can take three to six months for the final results to be visible. The cosmetic result of PRP treatment is greater hair density by preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. After completing an initial series of PRP treatment sessions, many patients will continue with quarterly, bi-annual, or annual maintenance treatment sessions to continue enjoying the optimal benefits of PRP. When you have platelet-rich plasma injections for male pattern baldness with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will work with you to establish a timeline for your PRP treatments to best suit your particular needs and goals.

Can PRP Stop Male Pattern Baldness?

PRP treatment is an excellent way to revitalize hair follicles on the scalp, increasing the ability of these follicles to produce new hair growth. As PRP treatment improves hair growth and activates an increased number of hairs on the scalp, it can reduce and reverse the signs of male pattern baldness. Though there’s no cure for male pattern baldness at this time, therapies such as PRP injections can help to stave off the visible signs of balding or thinning hair.

6 sessions of PRP, 14 months

PRP can also be used with other hair procedures to maximize results, and typically, patients will engage in four PRP treatment sessions scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. As all current non-invasive hair regrowth solutions require maintenance treatment, a natural hair loss pattern may resume after the one-year mark. In order to maximize the progress of hair growth, patients typically opt for maintenance PRP treatments either annually or semi-annually.

Does PRP Reverse Male Pattern Baldness?

PRP is designed to reverse the appearance of thinning hair, receding hairline, and other signs of hair loss. However, it’s best for patients who are experiencing signs of early male pattern baldness. PRP treatment is designed to help improve the health of hair follicles to increase hair growth, but if a hair follicle is already dormant, it is unlikely to be restored.

PRP hair restoration is often also associated with stem cell hair restoration since PRP can stimulate the hair follicles in order to achieve regrowth. The treatment procedure aims to grow thin hair into a restored thickness. As a result, the procedure is ideal for males who are experiencing thinning hair and starting hair loss – as opposed to males with complete bald areas. A good rule of thumb is to examine the texture of the hair: if the skin is smooth, it’s unlikely that PRP will cause the hair to regrow in those areas of the scalp.

Male with PRP treatment for hair – 4 months

How does PRP work for hair loss?

If you’re wondering how PRP works for male pattern baldness, the process is quite simple. First, you’ll meet with Dr. Green for an initial consultation to discuss your medical history and examine your scalp and hair. Dr. Green will work with you to explore all possible hair growth treatments available, and together, you’ll be able to develop a hair restoration treatment plan.

For the PRP treatment itself, you’ll come into the office, and a small blood sample will be taken and placed into the centrifuge. As the centrifuge develops the platelet-rich plasma, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the scalp in order to minimize any possible discomfort. Once Dr. Green has prepared the PRP injections, she will carefully apply them to the most acute areas of thinning hair. The process, in total, takes around 30 minutes, and you can continue normal activity throughout the day. However, Dr. Green recommends that you avoid intensive exercise the day of the procedure and that you wait to wash your hair until the next day.

How much does PRP for men’s hair loss cost?

Treatment sessions and price range on how much restoration is needed. PRP procedures can also be combined with other procedures, such as microneedling or hair transplant surgery. Every case of hair loss is unique, so it is best to review all of your medical history and options with Dr. Green at the time of your consultation.

Does PRP work for hair loss in men?

Yes! Platelet-rich plasma injections, especially when used in conjunction with the right combination of oral medications and topical treatments, are an effective treatment option for many types of hair loss in men, including androgenetic alopecia. You must consult with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC, to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for platelet-rich plasma injections. You may not be a candidate for PRP treatment if you have an autoimmune condition, low platelet count, an active infection, a blood disorder (like anemia), or are an active smoker. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will collect a thorough medical and family history, physically assess the condition of your scalp and hair, and potentially order certain laboratory tests in order to evaluate underlying contributing factors to your hair loss. Then, she will construct a personalized treatment plan for your hair loss that best suits your particular needs to ensure that if you undergo platelet-rich plasma treatment, it will work to help with your hair restoration.

Does PRP actually regrow hair?

Yes! Studies have shown that platelet-rich plasma injections can improve hair density by preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. PRP improves the total number of hairs on the scalp, the overall health of the hair follicles, and the strength and thickness of the hairs. PRP treatment area also leads to an elongated hair growth phase. In cases of many types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata, PRP treatment will help regrow hair and prevent additional loss.

What is the downside of PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma injections are an excellent treatment option for hair restoration that utilizes the patient’s growth factors. The most challenging aspect of PRP treatment for many patients is waiting for the visible results, as hair restoration is a process that takes some time. While many patients begin to see results after just a couple of PRP treatment sessions, it can take up to six months for the full results to be observable. Although PRP produces gradual results, patients agree that the hair restoration benefits of the cosmetic procedure are well worth it! To maximize your results and ensure that your hair is thicker, fuller, and healthier for longer, it is important to consult with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, as soon as you notice signs of hair thinning or loss. An expert like Dr. Green can work with you to determine the potential underlying factors contributing to your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it properly. The earlier you begin with hair restoration and loss prevention treatments, the more likely you are to benefit from treatment.

Does PRP work if you are bald?

It is important to consult with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, to determine whether you are a good candidate for platelet-rich plasma injections for hair loss and thinning. PRP treatment is not an option for addressing bald areas of the scalp without hair follicles. PRP does not revitalize dead hair follicles or regrow follicles that are no longer there. This is why it is critical to consult with a hair loss expert, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC, as soon as you notice any signs of hair loss or thinning. It is important to begin with treatments like platelet-rich plasma injections during early hair loss while the hair follicles are still alive in order to get the best results.

48 year old treated with PRP for Hair Loss, after 4 treatments

How do PRP injections for hair loss work?

The process of having PRP injections for male hair loss is simple. Platelet-rich plasma is a serum derived from a sample of the patient’s blood with a high platelet count. The sample is collected and spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells, then drawn into sterile syringes. Dr. Green injects the platelet-rich plasma into the affected areas of the scalp, where the serum improves blood supply to the hair follicles and increases the thickness of the hair shafts. In addition to preventing hair loss, this procedure stimulates new hair growth. Most patients require a short series of approximately four platelet-rich plasma treatments, each spaced four weeks apart, to attain optimal hair restoration results.

How to get started with PRP treatment for male pattern baldness today

When it comes to male pattern hair loss treatment, there are a few in-office treatment options available. The most common topical treatment option is minoxidil (Rogaine), which requires daily use and is considered inconvenient by many due to the consistency of the serum. Additionally, while minoxidil is effective for hair regrowth, it can sometimes have unfortunate side effects, such as unwanted areas of hair growth and weight gain. Another common treatment is oral finasteride, but this also has a risk of unwanted side effects, including sexual dysfunction. PRP treatment is considered to be an innovative approach to treating male pattern baldness, as there is no downtime to the procedure, and it has very mild side effects, if any. PRP treatment is also frequently paired with the use of hair transplant surgery in order to strengthen cells and increase hair growth. Only a certified medical health professional, such as Dr. Green in NYC, should perform your platelet-rich plasma injections.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including platelet-rich plasma injections for male pattern baldness. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach to hair restoration, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to incorporate a unique combination of oral and topical medications and in-office procedures that best suit your condition. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. If you’re hoping to delay male pattern baldness and reverse the signs of hair loss, PRP treatments may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in New York City in cosmetic dermatology, hair loss, PRP, and hair and skin rejuvenation. Contact Dr. Green to schedule a consultation today at (212) 535-3088 or contact her online.