Curing male pattern baldness in many a men's goal in life. Some women suffer from thinning hair or even baldness as well. While the Food and Drug Administration has approved a couple of prescription drugs to treat the problem, they don't work for everyone, and the side effects can be problematic.

Fortunately, there is another treatment for hair restoration that can be very effective: Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, rejuvenation therapy. Here is what you need to know about how this new technology could be the answer you have been looking for.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

In the human body, the blood is largely made up of plasma. Plasma is the mostly colorless part of blood that serves as a vehicle for the other components in blood, largely platelets and the red and white blood cells. It also is the transport system that carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, enzymes, and protein to the different body organs. The platelets are the components that cause the blood to clot, the white blood cells are part of the immune system, fighting infection, and the red blood cells, which are made in the bone marrow, carry oxygen throughout the body and remove carbon dioxide via the lungs.

How Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Help With Hair Restoration?

If you have ever donated plasma, you know that your blood is essentially filtered by a machine and some of the plasma is removed. Unbeknownst to most people, this plasma doesn't go directly to people — rather it is used by the pharmaceutical industry to create valuable drugs. This is because some of the components of plasma are extremely powerful. These components can reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production in the skin and joints. These same components can also stimulate new hair growth.

Where Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Come From?

When you opt for PRP hair restoration treatment, the plasma comes from your own body. Your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge. This is a machine that rapidly rotates the sample and separates the solid components from the liquid components. The end result is platelet-rich plasma. It can be used to treat sports-related injuries, in skin rejuvenation processes, and hair restoration.

How Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Used For Hair Rejuvenation?

First, an analgesic is used to temporarily numb the scalp. Then, tiny, short needles are used to inject small amounts of your plasma under the skin. This is called microneedling. This process is repeated every 30 days for several months. A topical preparation that encourages and supports hair growth is also used daily. After three or four months, new hair growth is seen and then only maintenance sessions are required.  

For more information, contact an organization like NuMale Medical Center.