prp for hair loss bethesda.jpg
prp north bethesda.JPG

platelet-rich plasma

ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics in North Bethesda, MD, is proud to provide platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to help refresh your facial appearance and fight hair loss. PRP is one of the most popular and innovative cosmetic treatments in the aesthetic industry due to its natural method and exciting results. It uses a patient's very own plasma to stimulate the skin to produce collagen or as a mechanism to prompt hair growth in men and women that are looking to slow down hair loss or reverse baldness.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) TREATMENT?

PRP harnesses your body's natural ability to heal itself. Platelet-Rich Plasma contains concentrated amounts of platelets and growth factors found in the blood. These growth factors have been shown to stimulate collagen and hair growth. The PRP solution can be applied topically with microneedle-assistance or injected directly into the skin/scalp.

WHAT CAN PRP TREAT?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has a number of benefits. The treatment can improve skin texture and tone, reduce fine lines and scarring, and stimulate collagen and skin cell production for a plumper, more radiant complexion.  Additionally, PRP injections can be used to fight hair loss and thinning hair. PRP triggers natural hair growth and maintains it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. 

 

PRP SKIN TREATMENT IN NORTH BETHESDA, MD

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is also capable of enhancing the results from laser and microneedling treatments. By adding PRP to a microneedling or laser skin resurfacing procedure, wound healing is accelerated, and increased collagen production may be observed. As a result, wrinkles and scars are minimized.

PRP can be used in conjunction with microneedling or on its own via injections to address the following skin conditions:

  • Loss of collagen/volume

  • Loss of elasticity

  • Uneven skin tone

  • Dark undereye circles

  • Acne scarring

  • Rough skin texture

  • Crow’s feet

  • Large pores

When PRP is re-introduced to the skin via injection or microneedling, it launches a localized stem cell response. In the weeks and months following treatment, stem cells recruit collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts. The fibroblasts replace tissue that has been damaged or lost through the aging process with healthy skin leaving your skin more vibrant and youthful.  After a few weeks, patients often notice an improvement in skin hydration, texture, and tone.  The creation of new collagen reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and adds volume to plump sagging tissue.

 

The effects of PRP treatment can last 12 months to two years, depending on the individual. While it creates a long-lasting impact on the skin, it does take time to work.  For patients looking for an immediate effect, PRP can be combined with dermal fillers for quick volume correction. 

 

PRP FOR HAIR LOSS IN NORTH BETHESDA, MD

There are many different types of hair loss. Data primarily supports the use of PRP to treat androgenetic hair loss in men and women. Results have also been seen when used for scarring hair loss and telogen effluvium. Traditionally, there have only been oral and topical treatments available for hair loss. In the last several years, minimally invasive procedures have also become available for hair loss, including PRP.

PRP helps with hair loss by the following mechanisms:

  • increasing blood supply to the follicle

  • increasing hair shaft thickness

  • triggering and maintaining the growth phase of the hair cycle

  • assisting with control of the growth cycle

  • decreasing hair loss

 

HOW DOES PRP TREATMENT WORK?

Obtaining Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) begins with a simple blood draw. Your blood is then spun in a centrifuge, which works to separate out the platelet-rich portion. This portion is then isolated for use. This entire process is performed in our office just prior to your treatment.

 

IS PRP TREATMENT SAFE?

Since the PRP solution is isolated from the patient’s own blood, it is considered very safe without risk of an allergic reaction.

 

WHO SHOULD NOT GET PRP TREAMENT?

PRP therapy is not for patients with platelet dysfunction, critical thrombocytopenia, hemodynamic instability, autoimmune disease, sepsis, acute and chronic diseases, pregnancy, chronic liver disease, and anticoagulant therapy.

 

 

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR PRP TREATMENT?

Shampoo and condition your hair before the procedure. This way, it is clean and free from grease and dirt particles. It provides a sterile environment on your scalp before the injections.

Eat a healthy breakfast and drink at least 16 ounces of water. This way, you will not likely experience dizziness, fainting, or nausea.

Do not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve® or Advil®, for two weeks before your therapy. You should discuss any changes to your medications with your physician.

Don’t smoke or drink heavily beforehand, if at all.

You should not have PRP therapy if you have:

    • Abnormal platelet function

    • Active systemic infection

    • Active cancer

    • Low-platelet count

    • Severe anemia

 

 HOW LONG DOES PRP TREATMENT TAKE?

Patients are usually in the office for about an hour. It takes about 30 minutes to draw blood and process the platelets, and it takes the physician about 10-30 to complete the procedure.

 

DOES PRP TREATMENT HURT?

The blood draw is a quick, painless procedure.  In general, PRP injections are not painful. This may vary by the patient or by the area of the body in which the injection is being made. We provide local anesthetic to manage any discomfort. In addition, ice, chilled air and vibration are used to improve patient comfort.

  

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE FOR PRP TREATMENT?

Patients undergoing PRP treatments for hair loss may experience the following side effects:

  • mild pain at the injection site

  • scalp tenderness

  • swelling

  • a headache

  • itching

  • temporary bleeding at the injection site

  • bruising

 

 WHAT SHOULD I KEEP IN MIND AFTER PRP TREATMENT?

  • Resume your normal activities but avoid strenuous activity for a 1-2 days

  • Wash your hair on your normal schedule unless the site of the injections is especially irritated or painful.

  • Do not color your hair or get a perm for at least 72 hours after the PRP injections. The harsh chemicals will irritate the site of the injections and possibly cause complications.

 

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS OF PRP FOR HAIR LOSS?

Although you may start to see some results sooner, it typically takes three to six months from your initial treatment to see measurable results.

 

HOW MANY PRP TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

For hair growth, we recommend 3-4 monthly treatments followed by maintenance treatments every 6-12 months. This can vary from person to person and oftentimes, a customized treatment plan is created. For facial PRP treatments, we suggest 2-3 treatments about every 4 – 6 weeks.

PRP treatment is great for women and men who want to use a natural method to rejuvenate their skin and prompt natural hair growth. If you are interested in learning whether PRP might be right for you, call us at 301-810-3600 to schedule a consultation.