Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss or inherited hair loss, is a common genetic condition that affects almost 80% of men and 50% of women by the age of 50. It is the most common form of hair loss in adults.

Inherited hair loss is the result of the actions of the male sex hormone testosterone on genetically susceptible hair follicles. The exposure of hair follicles to male sex hormones causes pattern hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and shortening hair growth cycles.

In men, androgenetic alopecia typically presents as a receding hairline and thinning on the top of the head, also known as a “bald spot” or “vertex balding”. It typically begins to become noticeable in the late teens or early twenties, and the condition tends to worsen with age.

In women, the pattern of hair loss is different.  Instead of a receding hairline or a “bald spot” on the top of the head, women with androgenetic alopecia often experience a widening part and diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp. The hairline usually remains intact, but the hair loss may be more noticeable at the crown of the head. The hair loss in women typically begins after menopause, but it can also occur during the perimenopausal years.

PRP therapy for hair loss has a robust body of evidence to support its beneficial use in the treatment of pattern hair loss. It may be an alternative to or used in conjunction with hair transplants and topical medications. PRP for hair loss is a safe and effective treatment for pattern hair loss. However, it is important to note that PRP cannot revive long-dormant hair follicles. Instead, it stops the process of thinning, revives thinning hair follicles and nourishes hair follicles to grow new hair.

PRP for hair loss is a low-risk procedure. PRP is not a drug. Because it is made from your own blood and injected back into you, there is no risk of adverse reaction, or disease transmission.

A small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the whole blood to increase platelet concentrations by about five times that found in the plasma. The concentrated platelets containing growth factors are then combined with the remaining blood, which is injected into the scalp in various areas after the scalp is numbed. PRP may also be applied after microneedling when the tiny microchannels soak up the PRP to fertilize the hair follicles.

Because hair grows in cycles multiple treatments, usually four to six treatments one month apart are recommended, followed by maintenance treatments to help to prevent new hair loss and revive hair follicles and stimulate the growth of new hair.

When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Devorah Shagalov, she will review your medical history, listen to your concerns and perform an examination of your hair and scalp. She will discuss with you all the risks and benefits of PRP for hair loss and answer your questions.