Platelet-rich plasma therapy may help counter balding
Research we're watching
If your hair has been thinning, an infusion of your body's own plasma may help grow it back, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
A number of recent studies show that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is successfully regrowing lost hair. This includes a 2018 study in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology that found the technique was beneficial in treating androgenetic alopecia, a type of genetically and hormonally driven hair loss that affects as many as 35% of women by age 60.
To perform the PRP procedure, the dermatologist draws blood from the person's arm and then uses a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. The collected plasma is then injected into hair follicles. The process is repeated monthly for three months, and then once every three or six months after that.
Image: © chokja/Getty Images
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.