Hair Thinning
Androgenetic Alopecia, or male or female pattern baldness, is very common. It is caused by by-product of testosterone called DHT. Both men and women may experience it, with about 60% of cases occurring in men. Male pattern hair loss usually occurs at the hairline and on the crown of the head. For women, an overall thinning of the top and crown may occur without a receding hairline. In women, a widened part may result from this thinning. This condition is hereditary, but hair thinning may also be brought about by internal triggers like the aging process, DHT Hormone (genes), cortisol hormone (stress) and diet and nutrition. Some external triggers that may contribute to hair thinning are UV exposure, hair product and styling, environmental pollution and extreme athletic training.
Before starting a treatment plan for hair regrowth, Dr. Gallacher will perform a medical evaluation to eliminate any potential underlying medical conditions that can contribute to hair loss.
Hair Regrowth Treatments
There are four main types of treatments for thinning hair that are provided at Dermatology and Laser Centre: growth stimulants, antiandrogens (testosterone blocker), anti-inflammatories and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy. Some of these treatments can be used in combination for effective treatment of hair loss.
Growth Stimulants can initiate new hair growth when hair loss is due to conditions such as thyroid imbalance, recent pregnancy and other reasons. An example of a growth stimulant is Tricomin Therapy Spray.
Antiandrogens block hormone activity on the scalp. Your blood tests will reveal whether something else is the cause, but most women will benefit immensely from Antiandrogen treatments. Examples of antiandrogen treatment are Spironolactone or Aldactone, Finasteride and oral contraceptives.
Anti-Inflammatories calm stressors directly on your scalp and can work in conjunction with other treatments. Inflammation is a common side effect hair thinning and can increase the rate at which the hair thins.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy has been used for 20 years in the fields of plastic surgery, neurosurgery, sports medicine and more for wound and tissue healing. Now, further application of PRP science for scalp, skin, and hair stimulation marks new possibilities for those desiring a completely natural approach with great results for stimulation of hair growth.
Dermatology and Laser Centre offers this advanced treatment technology for hair thinning in men and women. PRP Therapy for hair loss conditions has been found to have great results. PRP Growth Factors are essential for new cell generation. They can encourage new hair growth, prevent existing hairs from falling out and reverse the miniaturization of follicles by stimulating the surrounding stem cells. This entirely natural, non-surgical procedure is done by drawing your blood, obtaining your own Platelet Rich Plasma and then injecting it into the scalp. The growth factors in your own blood cells then stimulate natural hair growth.
What To Expect With PRP Growth Hormone Therapy for Hair Restoration
The process of PRP Therapy occurs in-office, is non-surgical and takes about an hour. Prior to the process, your blood is drawn in our office. It is then processed to separate the Platelet Rich Plasma. The following injection process involves a low to moderate amount of pain, which differs with each patient. Dr. Gallacher may prepare a topical anesthetic for the management of any discomfort. The doctor will then deliver small injections of your own plasma into your scalp to treat weak hair follicles with powerful platelet-derived growth factors.
When Will I Start To Notice A Difference After PRP Therapy?
You may require a series of treatments, which can be performed about 1 month apart from each other. You may start to see hair regrowth in about 1 month. Some patients see results after 2nd or 3rd treatment. Typically, a noticeable improvement will be seen between 3-6 months.
What To Expect After the PRP Treatment
Patients usually experience some scalp inflammation, pinkness and a tight or slightly numb feeling for a few hours after treatment. Rarely, some swelling occurs around the forehead or eye area on the following day. Swelling will resolve within a couple of days. There is no down time or restriction of activity after PRP treatment. Patients may resume normal activity afterward.
Dr. Gallacher prescribes Nutrafol vitamins in conjunction with PRP Therapy to encourage the best possible outcome.
Nutrafol Vitamins are specifically formulated with a multi-targeting solution to aid with hair regrowth. They address inflammation and elevated stress hormones (i.e. cortisol). These factors have been shown to play a significant role in hair loss and thinning hair. Nutrafol ingredients specifically approach these triggers using nutraceutical ingredients.
If you are interested in learning more about PRP Therapy for hair loss, Dr. Gallacher would be happy to discuss this all-natural treatment with you. Contact our office today!