Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP is emerging as a popular treatment for hair loss.
Some doctors have begun using a limited formula of PRP with ACell.
As a pioneer of this treatment, which we refer to as Hair Regeneration or TrichoStem Hair
Regeneration, I can provide perspective based on actual first hand experience treating hundreds
of patients from around the world since 2011.
I’m Dr Amiya Prasad.
I’m a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Fellowship Trained Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive
Surgeon.
I’ve been in practice in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years.
I am the founder of TrichoStem Hair Regeneration Centers, which we started after spending years
developing customized treatment strategies for a wide range of patients of all ages with
male and female pattern hair loss.
TrichoStem Hair Regeneration was the result of an observation made when some patients
after undergoing hair transplant surgery appeared to have improvement in their native existing
hairs 1 year after hair transplant surgery.
This occured after the application of PRP with Acellular matrix for better hair graft
survival and improvement in donor area healing.
This led to my developing specific formulations and different methods to deliver ACell with
PRP which worked so successfully, we created TrichoStem Hair Regeneration.
During the early years of development, I found myself questioning the need for DHT blockers
such as finasteride.
Men who were on finasteride and who were not on finasteride both consistently saw improvement.
However, some men did not respond to ACell with PRP.
When I placed these men on a DHT blocker, and then performed the treatment, they responded
very well.
A question which naturally arose was, would they have done well just on finasteride.
I’ve observed having treated many men who’ve been on finasteride for years that finasteride
does not significantly stimulate hair growth.
It appears to allow hair growth of some DHT sensitive hairs.
I’ve seen significant improvement of scalp coverage in men who were on finasteride and
came in feeling that they were still losing hair.
My conclusion is that a combination approach is optimal for many male patients.
Over the course of time since 2011, I developed a hair loss classification system where I
determine based specific characteristics, different levels of DHT sensitivities which
guide my treatment plans.
The classification system I developed factors in gender, age, age of onset of hair loss,
degree of hair loss,other medications taken, and other medical procedures.
This approach has resulted in successful improvement in hair growth for over 99% of men and women
we treat.
It’s important to understand that there is no cure for hair loss.
Hair loss is still progressive.
The strategies I employ help my patients have better scalp coverage for longer periods of
time then they otherwise would have had without treatment.
Many doctors working with a standardized mixture of extracellular matrix for hair loss treatment
are using doses which are less likely to achieve the level of longevity of benefit we’ve
been able to achieve with only one treatment.
Based on your individual hair loss profile, I provide you with a treatment plan which
may include a second booster treatment at 15 to 18 months after one treatment.
This has been sustaining hair growth for my patients for 3-5 years or more depending on
the level of severity and aggressiveness of their hair loss.
This is in sharp contrast to many PRP+ACell treatments which require you to come in multiple
treatments within during the year with no clear longer term treatment plan.
I would say that from the feedback I get from many patients who come to us is that many
doctors have a limited commitment to treating hair loss which is reflected by the amount
of time and resources they use to insure optimal success for their patients.
Patients who come to our practice see how long we spend taking microscopic photos, standardized
digital photography, in depth history and review of medical laboratory tests before
starting any treatment.
Further, we follow every patient every 3 to 6 months and perform detailed photography
and make comparisons for patients to see how they’re doing.
All this work is highly time intensive and requires skilled personnel dedicated to performing
these tasks.
Managing hair loss is not just something you do as a side service in your practice.
It requires significant time and allocation of resources to do right by your patients.
Genetic Pattern Hair loss is managed.
Not cured.
The goal is to help you maximize coverage and delay progression for as long as possible.
Recognizing that DHT sensitivity is an important part of any hair loss management strategy
for men is important for long term planning.
Our work with ACell and PRP which resulted in us creating TrichoStem Hair Regeneration
has made an impact at a global level and inspired many doctors to recognize the value of regenerative
medicine technology in the management of hair loss.
Since there are a few options for managing hair loss, a strategic approach is critical
to maximize your potential.
I hope you found this information helpful...thank you for your question.