Hair Loss

If you’re one of the nearly 80% of men or 50% of women experiencing hair loss, you’re not alone. Board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Carlos Ricotti, MD, understands how hair loss can affect a person’s self-esteem and invests in innovative procedures, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, to help patients stimulate new hair growth at Miami Dermatology & Skin Care in Miami, Florida. Call the dermatology clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are the main causes of hair loss?

Hair loss, which involves losing hair from the scalp or other parts of the body, is a widespread problem that affects people of different ages, ethnicities, and genders. Most people lose about 50-100 hairs a day. If you have long-term hair loss, your body doesn’t replace the hair that falls out each day. The condition can have many causes, including: 

• Genetics
• Alopecia areata
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Poor nutrition
• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Tight hairstyles

Identifying your specific cause is crucial to treating hair loss. After a comprehensive evaluation that may include a medical history review, lab work, and biopsies, your dermatologist can determine the appropriate treatment to promote new hair growth.

Is hair loss permanent?

Determining whether hair loss is temporary or permanent can be difficult, as it depends on the underlying cause of the hair loss. 

Temporary hair loss is typically the result of stress, certain medications, and other external factors. Meanwhile, permanent hair loss tends to be genetic or stems from a long-term condition that alters the hair follicles, like alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia. 

Only a thorough exam from a board-certified dermatologist can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of hair loss and help determine whether it is temporary or permanent.

How can you treat hair loss without a transplant?

The board-certified dermatologists at Miami Dermatology & Skin Care specialize in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss. PRP is a natural substance in your blood that contains healing proteins and growth factors. When applied to the scalp, PRP can stimulate the hair follicles to promote new growth.

Most treatments take 30 minutes to one hour. First, your dermatologist draws your blood. They place the sample in a centrifuge, which rapidly spins it to isolate the concentrated platelets. Finally, your dermatologist injects the PRP directly into your scalp.

How many PRP treatments will I need for hair loss?

Most people need at least 3-6 PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to achieve long-lasting results. Initial improvements are typically visible within three months, though you can expect full results in about 6-12 months.

Identifying the root cause of hair loss is essential to determine the appropriate treatment. If you experience long-term hair loss, call Miami Dermatology & Skin Care today or schedule an appointment online for effective treatment.