PRP Hair Loss Replacement Des Moines
Platelet-Rich Plasma and Hair Restoration at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™
Dr. David Robbins and the Des Moines Plastic Surgery team uses platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) as a proactive treatment for patients experiencing thinning hair or as an adjunct to hair transplant procedures. PRP has been utilized for years as a way to stimulate growth of new cells in a variety of applications. PRP has recently received a great deal of press as it relates to treatments to restore youthful appearance to your skin. For example, Dr. Robbins uses PRP with lasers and microneedling to expedite healing and for anti-aging and improvement in skin texture and tone. Dr. Robbins uses PRP with the PRP Facial, PRP FaceLift, and PRP Vaginal Rejuvenation. PRP is the body’s natural healing elixir and acts as a natural fertilizer that stimulates stem cells to grow and repair aged and damaged tissue.
PRP as it relates to hair growth is an exciting new non-surgical option for patients who may benefit from stimulation of hair growth and preventing further loss. PRP hair restoration does not re-grow hair but uses your own blood products to increase hair thickness and stimulates existing hair follicles to grow and is best applied to small areas of thinning hair, receding hairlines, and loss of hair volume. PRP is not meant to replace FDA approved medications to prevent hair loss but may be used in addition to these medications or may be an option for those who wish to not take medications or have side effects from these medications. PRP will complement the effects of minoxidil and DHT blockers. PRP hair restoration is also a great option for those who are not candidates for surgery or who want to delay formal hair transplant surgery. PRP can also be used after Neograft hair transplant to improve graft survival and speed of growth as well as to help prevent ongoing hair loss.
* Individual results may vary.
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View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Dr. David Robbins
How does PRP hair restoration work?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) in human blood contains many growth factors that stimulate stem cells which have the ability to stimulate new cell and tissue growth and regeneration as well as tissue healing in the environment or location that the PRP is placed. Multiple medical publications over the past two decades confirm the safety and use of PRP therapy. PRP has been used with great success over the past 20 years in the fields of plastic surgery, reconstructive and wound healing treatments, oral surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedics.
PRP in the field of hair restoration is in its early stages and although no long term studies have been performed as it relates to its effectiveness, there is substantial evidence that PRP is a promising treatment option for hair growth. Extensive clinical trials are not complete and medical data is not yet published to establish the absolute effectiveness of PRP therapy in hair restoration. PRP should not be considered a “cure” for hair loss and no guarantee can be made about its individual effectiveness. The kits used to make the PRP are FDA approved. The kits are sterile and isolate the PRP in a very effective way.
How is the PRP hair restoration procedure performed?
A small amount of blood (10mL- about a tablespoon) is drawn in our office just like a routine blood test. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge which will separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the other blood components which are not utilized. The highly concentrated platelet rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into the scalp. An additional technique uses Microneedling or a Profractional laser to make microscopic entry points in the skin of the scalp. PRP is then injected into the scalp. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and the patient may drive themselves home. Early studies suggest that the procedure be repeated every three to six months for best results.
PRP hair restoration is an exciting and innovative therapy offered at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ and we are pleased to be one of the few practices in the Midwest to offer this new treatment. To book a consultation via online scheduling, you will be directed to our Coachlight site for next available openings.
