What Are The Latest Treatments in Hair Restoration?

Last month, we talked about hair loss and what causes it. This month, we’re going to talk about hair restoration—a.k.a. non-surgical treatments for hair loss. Now, you’ve probably already heard it all—increase your iron, don’t dye your hair, change your diet, check the ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner, check with your doctor that nothing is wrong, etc. You’ve probably already tried it all, too. If you’re here because the doctor found nothing and none of those other options worked for you, you probably want to try a different way of regrowing your hair, which means you are probably dying to know, “What are the latest treatments in hair restoration?” That’s why the Chicago Skin Clinic team wants to give you the rundown on intralesional minoxidil injections and platelet-rich plasma treatments—two of the latest in hair restoration.

What Causes Hair Loss: A Recap

Before diving deep into intralesional minoxidil injections and platelet-rich plasma treatments for hair restoration, let’s review the causes of hair loss and why seeking care is essential.

Losing hair can be more than just an annoyance; it can feel like losing a part of what makes you, you. Imagine watching strands of your hair break away daily, leaving behind patches you feel have a giant “Look, I’m Missing Hair Here” sign pointing at them. 

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, can sneak up on anyone, regardless of age or gender. It’s like a thief in the night, stealing confidence and giving you a new look you didn’t ask for. 

But what causes this unwelcome guest? Sometimes, it’s genetics, passing down baldness from generation to generation. Other times, stress, illness, or even the medications we take trigger hair to thin and fall. Other times, it’s those harsh hair treatments and styles that pull and tug, weakening our hair’s roots over time.

The impact isn’t just physical. The emotional toll can be heavy, chipping away at self-esteem and how we interact with the world. But here’s the good news: with the latest hair restoration advancements, hope is on the horizon. 

Everything You Need To Know About Intralesional Minoxidil Injections

Imagine giving your hair follicles a direct pep talk, telling them it’s time to wake up and get growing. That’s what these injections are like. They’re all about ensuring those hair roots get a first-class ticket to Growth City.

• Straight to the Point: This isn’t your grandma’s home remedy for hair restoration. We’re talking about taking minoxidil, that FDA-approved* stuff you usually find in topical treatments and leveling it up by injecting it right into your scalp. Why? To avoid the scenic route and get that hair-growing goodness directly where it’s needed. 
• The Longer Explanation: The injection method ensures that minoxidil reaches the hair follicles more efficiently. The direct injection into the scalp bypasses the skin’s barrier, allowing for higher concentrations of minoxidil to stimulate the follicles. This process encourages blood flow to the hair roots, encouraging the follicles to shift from resting to active growth. 
• The Perks: People love this because it’s like finding a shortcut on your way to work that nobody else knows about. You get potentially faster and more noticeable results than just slathering something on top of your scalp and hoping it seeps in.

*Note: Intralesional minoxidil injections are not FDA-approved. However, plenty of studies have been done on its positive effects. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are always happy to discuss anything and everything that will help you make a confident, well-informed decision.

The Power of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Hair Restoration

If intralesional minoxidil injections are the high-tech boost for your hair, platelet-rich plasma treatments are the ultimate nourishment for your scalp. PRP is all about using the power of your own blood to rejuvenate your hair growth. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s as real and effective as it gets.

• Your Blood: First, a small amount of your blood is drawn. This isn’t your typical vampire story, though. Unlike a vampire, we’re trying to help you! That blood is then spun in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from other components. These platelets are rich in growth factors—like the magic potion that can assist in hair restoration by stimulating follicle growth.
• The Injection: The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected back into your scalp, specifically in areas where your hair is thinning. Think of it as delivering a superfood directly to your hair roots. These previously mentioned growth factors kickstart your hair follicles into action, creating new hair growth and strengthening existing hairs.
• Why People Love It: This method helps regrow hair and enhances the health and thickness of your existing locks, rejuvenating your scalp’s overall health. It’s a two-in-one solution that’s both natural and effective, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive approach to hair restoration.

PRP treatments are a groundbreaking approach to tackling hair loss, offering a natural, effective way to stimulate hair growth. By harnessing the healing power within your own blood, PRP treatments provide a promising hair restoration solution for those looking to restore their hair’s vitality and density. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair or just want to give your scalp a boost, PRP might just be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.

Explore These & Other Hair Restoration Options At Chicago Skin Clinic!

Navigating hair loss can feel scary (after all, you don’t want to make the problem worse!), but you’re not trekking this path solo. With cutting-edge treatments like intralesional minoxidil injections, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and more, a world of hair restoration possibilities are waiting for you at Chicago Skin Clinic. It’s all about discovering the right match for your hair’s needs.

At Chicago Skin Clinic, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Danny and Dr. Del Campo are your allies, ready to guide you with expertise and empathy. We’re here for you if you’re eager to learn more or just curious about what these innovations can offer. Schedule a hair loss assessment today!

Posted by Chicago Skin Clinic