At Stone Oak Dermatology, led by elite hair loss specialist Dr. Linda J. Banta, our experienced team provides personalized dermatology focusing on empathetic care. Drawing upon 25 years of experience, we provide a range of trusted treatment options for alopecia areata. Here are our top hair loss treatments.
Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata
Many treatments exist for alopecia areata, ranging from oral medications to topical solutions to office-based approaches like microneedling. While all have documented some success in treating alopecia areata, we’ve found that one treatment stands out in this area: platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
PRP uses your blood, specifically its platelets, to treat hair loss. Platelets are packed with growth factors that stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. These growth factors can activate the stem cells in dormant hair follicles, prompting them to enter the growth phase.
PRP also works in other ways to promote hair regrowth. It boosts local circulation to your scalp, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles to help your hair grow. It also reduces inflammation, which is often a major factor in alopecia areata.
Overall, PRP harnesses the body’s natural healing processes to revitalize hair follicles and promote sustainable hair regrowth. Studies show that PRP is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive strategy for hair regrowth in those with alopecia areata.
The PRP Treatment Process
PRP therapy involves a non-surgical procedure with no downtime. Here’s how it works:
- Blood Draw: First, we draw a small amount of your blood. It’s similar to any other blood draw, taking just a few minutes.
- Platelet Concentration: We use a centrifuge to spin down your blood to extract and concentrate platelets.
- Injections: Dr. Banta injects the platelets into your scalp using a thin needle. The whole process generally takes under an hour.
- Treatment Schedule: Typically, three treatments are spaced one month apart.
Patients often start to see results in only a couple of months. Initially, the new hair is fine and thinner but it steadily increases in thickness and density.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP for Alopecia Areata?
Ideal candidates for PRP treatment in San Antonio have dormant (not dead) hair follicles and generally healthy scalps. Dr. Banta expertly assesses your eligibility during an in-depth consultation.
It’s important to note that PRP is not recommended for anyone with chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney failure. Dr. Banta can create a treatment plan to manage your alopecia areata based on your unique health needs.
Alopecia Areata Hair Regrowth in San Antonio
If you’re ready to explore PRP or another treatment for your alopecia areata, contact Stone Oak Dermatology at 210-494-0504. We’re ready to help you reclaim your hair.
