Hair Restoration - PRP Therapy
Hairloss (alopecia) can be very frustrating for both men and women alike. Dr. Kerri Davis-Fontenot performs consultations for hairloss in order to determine the primary cause of your hairloss. In addition, she performs non-surgical treatments for specific causes of hairloss, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
PRP has been used in many other medical fields for decades but has recently become popular in the field of dermatology for both hair growth and facial treatments. PRP contains growth factors, which are the important messengers in our skin that signal various cells to function. For hair, it helps stimulates the hair follicles to grow and promotes new hair growth. The treatment takes approximately 30 minutes with minimal to no downtime and is performed by Dr. Fontenot. Patients typically require a treatment once a month for 3 to 4 months, then every 3 to 6 months for maintenance.
PRP has been used in many other medical fields for decades but has recently become popular in the field of dermatology for both hair growth and facial treatments. PRP contains growth factors, which are the important messengers in our skin that signal various cells to function. For hair, it helps stimulates the hair follicles to grow and promotes new hair growth. The treatment takes approximately 30 minutes with minimal to no downtime and is performed by Dr. Fontenot. Patients typically require a treatment once a month for 3 to 4 months, then every 3 to 6 months for maintenance.
The procedure:
- You will first have your blood drawn. This is the same procedure as a normal blood draw.
- Your blood will be spun down and the platelet rich plasma with be drawn into syringes. This takes approximately 10 minutes.
- Your skin will be cleansed and then multiple small injections into the scalp treatment area will be performed. You may experience mild pain and burning; however, this generally subsides within seconds.
- It is normal to experience some mild soreness, numbness, swelling, and headache after having your procedure.
Pre- and post- instructions:
Diet and fluid intake:
- Drink enough water the day before your procedure. Drink 2 glasses at each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), then drink at least 1 glass of water before your procedure.
- Eat your normal meals the day of your procedure. Please do not skip a meal.
Shampooing and hair products:
- Hair must be washed at least 24 hours prior to your procedure. You may wash your hair the day of the procedure.
- Avoid excessive hair products the day of your procedure.
- You may continue other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil.
- Please wash your hair the day after your procedure.
Hair coloring:
- Do not color your hair 3 days before or 3 days after your procedure.
Medications and supplements:
- Avoid aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen and other anti-inflammatory medications for at least one week before and one week after your procedure. You may take Tylenol for any pain or discomfort if able. Please let your physician know if you require blood thinners for medical conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, heart valves, etc.
- Discontinue over-the-counter blood thinning agents such as Vitamin E, Ginko, Ginseng, Ginger, Garlic, St. John’s Wort, Feverfew, Tumeric, Fish oil, Essential Fatty Acids and least one week before and one week after your treatment.
Alcohol and smoking:
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for three days before and three days after your procedure.