Posted by: Skin And Cancer Institute in Cosmetic Procedures
Losing your hair to Covid-19-related stress and illness can be pretty upsetting. After all, your hair is part of your identity, and when it starts falling out, it can feel like you’re losing a part of yourself.
Covid-19 has left plenty of damage in its wake, including hair loss. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Covid-19-related hair loss might be more common than you thought. And Covid-19 aside, the fact is that an estimated 30% of people will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime.
So, it’s time to talk about how to reverse this hair loss with PRP and start growing back the thick, luxurious mane you once enjoyed.
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is when we lose more than the typical 50-100 hairs each day. It can be a frustrating and emotionally upsetting experience and can occur due to various reasons, including illness and stress.
The Types of Hair Loss
There are two main types of hair loss: Shedding, when hair falls out naturally as part of the growth cycle, and permanent hair loss, which is when hair follicles are destroyed, and new hair doesn’t grow back.
Shedding is Not Permanent
Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss caused by stress, pregnancy, childbirth, major surgery, or crash dieting.
Permanent Hair Loss
Permanent hair loss, on the other hand, is when the hair follicle is destroyed and new hair doesn’t grow back. This type of hair loss can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Androgenic alopecia – this is the most common type of hair loss, affecting both men and women. It is often hereditary and can be caused by hormones (androgens) that shrink the hair follicle.
- Alopecia areata – this is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and body.
- Trichotillomania – this is a disorder that causes people to pull out their own hair.
Covid-19 Fever Can Cause Hair Loss
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), many people notice hair loss a few months after having a high fever.
While fevers are no fun, they’re a good sign – they’re our body’s way of fighting off infection. Unfortunately, a fever can also cause hair loss. It’s true! When our body temperature rises, it can damage the hair follicle, and telogen phase hairs may fall out. However, don’t panic! Fever-related hair loss is usually temporary (shedding).
Covid-19 fevers and stress can cause telogen effluvium. This is when the hair follicles are pushed into a resting state and then shed six to eight weeks later. The good news is that telogen effluvium is usually not permanent, and the hair will grow back in time.
Stress Can Cause Hair Loss
If you’ve been feeling extra stressed lately, you’re not alone. The pandemic has caused stress and anxiety levels to skyrocket, and one unexpected side effect of all this stress is hair loss. While it’s normal to lose a few strands each day, sudden or excessive hair loss can be a sign that your body is under severe stress. When you’re stressed, your body produces higher levels of hormones that can disrupt the growth cycle of hair follicles, leading to thinning hair.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Can Help Hair Loss
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets and growth factors that can be harvested from a patient’s own blood. PRP has been used in medicine for over a decade to help promote healing. It is thought to work by releasing growth factors that stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.
How PRP Grows Back Hair
Platelet-rich plasma has been used for years to help with wound healing and tissue regeneration, and more recently, it’s been used to treat hair loss.
PRP treatment for hair loss works by injecting the concentrate into the scalp. The platelets and growth factors then work to stimulate new hair growth and thickening of existing hairs. PRP treatments are usually done in a series of three injections, spaced about four weeks apart.
What to Expect During Your PRP Procedure
The first step is to draw blood from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins it to separate the PRP from the rest of the blood. Once the PRP is isolated, it is injected into the scalp using a very fine needle.
The whole process takes about 30 minutes, and there is no downtime afterward. Some patients may experience mild redness and swell at the injection site, but this usually goes away within a few hours.
The Results
Most patients see an improvement in hair growth and thickness after three PRP treatments. The results are not immediate – it can take several months to see the full effect. The results of PRP are usually long-lasting, but some patients may need maintenance treatments every few months to keep the results.
Is PRP Safe?
PRP is a very safe treatment with minimal risks. There is always a small risk of infection at the injection site, but this can be easily treated with antibiotics. There is also a minimal risk of forming keloids (scar tissue) at the injection site.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP?
PRP is a very safe and effective treatment for hair loss with minimal risks. PRP is an excellent treatment for both men and women who are experiencing hair loss due to Androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, or telogen effluvium. It can also be used to help improve the appearance of thinning hair.
PRP is not suitable for those with an active infection or skin disease on the scalp. It is also not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are considering PRP for hair loss, it is important to consult with one of our board-certified dermatologists at The Skin and Cancer Institute who has experience with this procedure. They will be able to assess your individual case and determine if PRP is right for you.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing hair loss as a result of Covid-19, don’t worry, help is available. The Skin and Cancer Institute offers platelet-rich plasma therapy to help regrow hair. To schedule an appointment, please reach out to us today. We understand how stressful this time can be, and we want to do everything we can to help you feel your best.