If you’ve lost a significant amount of hair, you may want to consider hair restoration treatment. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a good product for this purpose. The procedure may require local anesthesia or IV sedation and may be associated with scarring. It would be best if you also discussed potential risks with your doctor for hair restoration treatment Barnesville MD before you make an appointment.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
A relatively new technology called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown promise in treating hair loss. It works by separating platelets from the patient’s blood. The process begins with a blood draw in the doctor’s office. After that, a centrifuge separates the plasma and red blood cells. The result is concentrated plasma full of platelets. This plasma is then injected into the scalp through tiny needles. The process is safe and usually takes less than an hour.
PRP is a promising hair restoration treatment method containing growth factors and proteins that promote hair regrowth. Hair regrowth generally takes three to six months, but PRP treatment accelerates the process, ensuring that hair grows more densely.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is used to make the scalp numb for hair restoration treatment. The procedure typically takes several hours and does not require a hospital stay. Patients should have a normal breakfast and take regular medications the day before the procedure. They should also avoid taking medication that thins the blood for a few days. Patients should also wear comfortable clothing. The doctor will give breaks throughout the procedure so the patient can get comfortable.
Most surgeons choose to use local anesthesia for hair restoration treatment purposes. This allows the patient to be fully involved during the procedure and experience no discomfort. Patients can watch television or talk with their hair restoration team during the procedure.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is an option available for hair restoration treatment purposes. Patients can request it to minimize pain during the procedure. It is often used as an alternative to general anesthesia. Regardless of the reason, sedation is a useful option for many patients. Patients will have a quicker recovery time. They may also feel a little more relaxed during the procedure, which is helpful for patients who are nervous about it.
Patients undergoing this procedure can return to work in 24 to 48 hours. However, they should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least five to seven days. During the first week following the procedure, they may experience numbness and crusting. This will likely subside after several weeks. They will need follow-up visits in four to six months.
Scarring
When hair follicles are transplanted, a linear scar is created on the back of the scalp. In most cases, this scar is well hidden in the hair and does not require shaving. However, if the scar is exceptionally thick, it can prevent adequate blood flow to the newly grafted hair follicles.
In addition to scarring, patients may also experience inflammation of the follicle. This inflammation can be visible in pigmentation, redness, or scaling. The scarred follicle may also have a rugged, ply-board-like appearance.
Hair transplants using scar tissue require special care and follow-up after the procedure. Scar tissue is more challenging to heal, and you may have to spend extra time off work and refrain from physical activity. You may need multiple procedures to restore your hair thoroughly.
Recovery Time
Recovery time after a hair restoration treatment will vary depending on the procedure performed and the patient’s general health. The new follicles that have been formed are very sensitive and need time to heal. Some things that can make your recovery faster include the use of certain hair products and taking a power shower. Avoiding heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, and contact sports are also important. These activities can cause the healing process to be slowed or even prevented altogether.
The recovery time for hair restoration treatment is typically between two to fourteen days. The amount of time required depends on the procedure type performed, the hair’s advanced cut, and the number of grafts used in a given case. Those with minimal hair loss can return to work within a few days. However, those who undergo a large amount of hair restoration treatment, such as a hair transplant, can expect more recovery.