Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

What Is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is one of the most researched and widely used regenerative treatments in hair restoration. This treatment uses your own blood, which is processed through a specialized system to concentrate the platelets and growth factors that naturally promote healing and tissue regeneration.

Your blood contains platelets, which are small cell fragments that help your body heal when you’re injured. These platelets are packed with growth factors.

Growth factors are powerful proteins that signal your body to repair damaged tissue and create new cells. In PRP therapy, these platelets are concentrated to levels 3-5 times higher than what’s normally found in your blood.

How PRP Works for Hair Restoration

When we inject this concentrated platelet solution into areas of thinning hair or hair loss, several beneficial processes begin. The growth factors in PRP stimulate dormant hair follicles, encouraging them to enter an active growth phase. This can help reverse the miniaturization process that occurs in pattern hair loss, where follicles gradually shrink and produce thinner, shorter hairs before eventually stopping hair production altogether.

PRP also improves blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to produce healthy hair. The treatment also helps create a healthier scalp environment by reducing inflammation that can contribute to hair loss.

The PRP Treatment Process

The PRP process is straightforward and typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. We begin by drawing a small amount of your blood, similar to a routine blood test. 

This blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the different components. The platelet-rich plasma is carefully extracted and prepared for injection.

We then inject the PRP into the scalp areas where you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning. Most patients describe the discomfort as minimal, similar to other cosmetic injections. Many patients see gradual improvements over several months.

ACell Bio Matrix Technology

What Is ACell?

ACell utilizes advanced extracellular matrix (ECM) technology to promote natural tissue regeneration. The extracellular matrix is essentially the structural framework that surrounds and supports cells in all tissues throughout your body.

ACell products are derived from porcine bladder tissue that has been processed to remove all cellular components while preserving the natural ECM structure. This creates a biocompatible matrix that your body recognizes as its own, avoiding rejection while providing the structural support needed for proper healing.

How ACell Works for Hair Restoration

When used in hair restoration procedures, ACell serves multiple important functions. It provides a supportive environment for transplanted hair grafts, significantly improving their survival rate and promoting fuller growth.

The matrix helps create the optimal conditions for new blood vessel formation, ensuring that transplanted follicles receive adequate nutrition from day one.

For patients undergoing hair transplant procedures, ACell can be particularly beneficial. The treatment also reduces inflammation and promotes faster, more complete healing.

The ACell Treatment Process

ACell is typically used during hair transplant procedures, where it’s applied directly to both the donor and recipient sites. The treatment is seamlessly integrated into the transplant process, requiring no additional downtime or special care instructions beyond standard post-transplant care.

Many patients who receive ACell-enhanced procedures report improved healing times, reduced post-procedure discomfort, and better overall results compared to traditional transplant methods alone. The application process is quick and adds minimal time to the overall procedure.

Liposomal ATP Therapy

What Is Liposomal ATP?

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is often called the “energy currency” of our cells. Every cell in your body uses ATP to power essential functions, from basic maintenance to growth and repair. 

Hair follicles require substantial amounts of ATP to produce healthy hair. As you age or experience various stressors, sometimes the cells’ ability to produce and utilize ATP declines.

This energy deficit can contribute to hair follicle dysfunction and hair loss. Liposomal ATP therapy addresses this issue by delivering ATP directly to hair follicles using specialized liposomes, which are microscopic spheres that protect and transport the ATP effectively.

How Liposomal ATP Works for Hair Restoration

The key to effective ATP therapy lies in the liposomal delivery system. Liposomes are made from the same material as cell membranes, allowing them to merge seamlessly with cells and deliver their contents directly where they’re needed most. 

Traditional ATP would be broken down before reaching hair follicles, but the liposomal packaging protects the ATP during transport. Once delivered to hair follicles, the ATP provides the cellular energy needed for proper follicle function. 

This enhanced energy supply can improve hair quality, slow hair loss progression, and in some cases, promote regrowth in areas of recent thinning. The treatment helps follicles maintain their normal growth cycles and produce stronger, healthier hair.

The Liposomal ATP Treatment Process

Liposomal ATP therapy is administered through scalp injections, similar to PRP treatments. The process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and involves multiple small injections across the treatment area. 

Treatment sessions are usually scheduled monthly initially, with spacing extended as hair improves. The treatment can be used as a standalone therapy or combined with other regenerative treatments like PRP or hair transplant procedures to enhance overall results. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these treatments painful? 

Most patients describe the discomfort as minimal and similar to other cosmetic injections. We use fine needles and can apply topical numbing cream if needed. Any discomfort is typically brief and well-tolerated.

Can I combine these treatments with a hair transplant?

Yes. Combining regenerative therapies with hair transplant procedures often enhances results by improving graft survival, promoting faster healing, and potentially stimulating existing hair follicles in the treatment area.

Who is a good candidate for regenerative therapy?

Most people experiencing hair thinning or early-stage hair loss are good candidates. These treatments work best when some hair follicles are still present. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific situation to determine which treatments are most appropriate.

Are there any restrictions after treatment?

Most patients can return to normal activities immediately. We recommend avoiding vigorous exercise for 24 hours and keeping the scalp clean and dry. Specific post-treatment instructions will be provided based on your individual treatment plan.

Schedule your personalized consultation with Golden State Dermatology today to discover which hair restoration technique is right for you.