MALE PATTERN BALDNESS
Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men and women. In men, this condition is also known as male-pattern baldness.Androgenetic alopecia is hair loss that is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. It affects both sexes and is responsible for approximately 95 percent of hair loss in men and thinning in women.
It starts at puberty, may not be noted for many years, and progresses over many years. The hair loss that is seen on the top of the scalp has basic patterns of loss with individual variations. These were first described by Dr. Hamilton, and then by Dr. O’tar Norwood. The Norwood Classification system is most commonly used to describe “male pattern baldness.” In a Norwood I, there is no indication of hair loss and this progresses to a Norwood VII, which has the most advanced hair loss pattern.
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
In androgenetic alopecia, hair on the top of the scalp is genetically programmed to thin and die when exposed to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a breakdown of the natural occurring hormone testosterone. The hair on the sides and the back of the head is genetically programmed to resist the effects of DHT. Transplant surgeons realized early on that hair moved from the back of the scalp to the balding areas would grow indefinitely. This concept, called donor dominance, revolutionized the theory of surgical hair transplantation.
The surgeon, performing the PRP treatment takes ample amount of blood (60-120 ml) from the patient’s body, preferably from the arms.
After taking the blood the surgeon sends it to an authorised lab (every clinic cannot deal with blod products since it is against the law) which labels it and puts it in a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins rapidly at high speed in order to separate different densities in a fluid. The centrifuge operates for around 10 minutes with the blood in it and platelet layer is separated into:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma
- Platelet-Poor Plasma
- Red Blood Cells
The laboratory technician then draws the Platelet-rich plasma into a syringe and after labeling sends it to the Hair Transplant Clinic where the doctor injects it into various parts of the scalp that need hair regrowth. This process continues for quite some time until the results are visibly clear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Most clinics make their own PRP in the way they know best. At Darling Buds Clinic we do the PRP separation at our own laboratory pictures of which are attached. This prevents disease due to cross contamination since proper government guidelines are followed and all this is done in the proper PRP systems as detailed in the pictures. Hence all PRPs are not equal . Therefore the results of PRP treatment vary from one place to another rather markedly.
The method does not involve any risks as such. But the patient still needs to care for certain things, generally rooted in the medical history of the individuals. He should reveal these facts to the surgeon during the initial consultation period.
Apparently, you might not be a good candidate for the PRP hair loss treatment if:
- You are a chain smoker
- You are on blood thinners
- You have a history of drug misuse or a heavy alcohol drinker
Besides closely assessing medical history, few other things are worth considering. The surgeon can reject the treatment if you have any of the following health ailments:
- Cancer
- Low platelet count
- Metabolic disorder
- Thyroid disorder
- Chronic disease
- Systemic disorder
- Hemodynamic instability
PRP hair loss treatment is a way to temporarily regain fullness in thinning hair and delay onset of extensive baldness. However no detailed scientific study has yet corroborated this fact. However what is known is that most patients are happy with the treatment. However, the results aren’t visible before at least three months of regular sessions.
To start with weekly injections are administered for 3 months followed by a maintenance dose every 3-6 months for one year. Thereafter booster yearly does are recommended tailoring it with the patient’s response and needs all the while. All said, PRP is not effective in 35-50% of patients. Hence after 203 injections, if there is no increase in hair diameter, it should not be continued.
Just like any major treatment or medical process, PRP hair loss treatment has some restrictions. However, these post-treatment instructions aren’t very restrictive. Here are the prominent ones:
Just like any major treatment or medical process, PRP hair loss treatment has some restrictions. However, these post-treatment instructions aren’t very restrictive. Here are the prominent ones:
- Some mild red patches with inflammation might be visible. But these would be present for a few hours only.
- There should not be any chemical application to the scalp in the first 48 hours after PRP.
- You may shampoo your hair normally after a few hours from the treatment. However, make sure you use a mild shampoo.
- If you have been on hair growth tonics or treatments, like Minoxidil, you should resume from the day after.
Unlike hair transplant surgery, PRP hair loss treatment is more like recurring therapy. Having consistency in treatment and sticking to a protocol is the key. The treatment sessions would be regular and scheduled right on the first day. Hence, keeping a consistent pace with the surgeon is very important to see great results.
The first major visible result is the lessening of hair loss, which is possible by pushing a faster hair growing cycle. Following this, there will be a drop in hair fall pattern, which is a sign of good hair growth.
PRP for hair loss is an effective treatment but not a replacement for a hair transplant since it has no use in treating baldness. It only thickens thinning areas by boosting the anagen phase of the life cycle. More hair follicles are in the anagen phase.
In the right candidate it has immense utility and mostly patients have been noted to be happy after 3 months. Moreover it is a lunch-time procedure. To know more about this treatment or to get a trial. Let us see if PRP works for you or not.
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