Is shedding normal after PRP Hair Regrowth treatment?
October 01, 2015
Is shedding normal after PRP Platelet Rich Plasma Hair Regrowth treatment using BioD Extracellular Matrix ECM?
In a word, YES. Because of the natural cycling of hair follicles (on and off, essentially) when you stimulate the hair follicle using a strong hair regrowth treatment like PRP, LaserCap or Capillus laser therapy, compounded minoxidil Formula 82M, etc. it is very common to see a short term shedding phase.
When does shedding after PRP+BioD ECM typically start? Post-PRP shedding typically starts 6 weeks after treatment.
How long does shedding last after PRP+BioD ECM treatment? Post-PRP shedding could last 8-10 weeks.
Shedding can often be concerning for those experiencing hair loss and it is common for patients to call or email their hair doctor or HairCoach during this time describing shedding amounts that are more than double their normal rate per day.
The good news is that when you compare treatment zone HMI (Hair Mass Index) measured with the HairCheck Trichometer at 90 days after the treatment and compare those with the baseline measurements done prior to the treatment, you will nearly ALWAYS see some significant improvement... provided you had PRP with BioD or ACell Extracellular Matrix.
Hair growth improvements as measured with HMI in the treatment area will typically continue to improve for about 9-12 months with PRP+BioD and the plateau may last up to two years. [Bauman AJ - Novel Use of Cryopreserved Amniotic Tissue with PRP for Hair Regrowth - ISHRS Scientific Meeting Chicago Sep 2011] Visually, the area will begin to improve in about 6 months and full results from the treatment will be seen at around 12 months.
Here is my old blog post regarding strong hair regrowth treatments and temporary shedding due to stimulated hair follicle cycling:
Shedding on Minoxidil, Propecia/Finasteride or Laser Therapy
Are you seeing excessive shedding after just beginning hair loss treatment with minoxidil (formula 82m or rogaine), laser therapy (lasercap or other)? You might be having the "Dread Shed!" But don't worry, keep up with the treatment... here's why:
Keep in mind that any regimen (medication or laser therapy) that stimulates follicles to switch into a growth phase can cause shedding. Because all hair follicles cycle-on and cycle-off over the course of your life, shedding is a VERY poor barometer for the measurement of hair loss or hair growth. Regardless of treatment, the more hair follicles you have, the more shedding you will have. "Resting" follicles may still contain a hair-shaft. When you apply minoxidil, for example, and the follicle "switches on" and the newly growing hair pushes out the old, resting hairshaft. The result: a shed. It is my feeling that any hair that is shed from starting a particular therapy wasn't in an anagen/growth phase anyway.
Remember that minoxidil/rogaine is a proven 'anagen-stimulator' which shifts restingfollicles into growing follicles. Female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is characterized by miniaturizing follicles and a shortening of the natural growth-phases of the follicles.
Shedding when starting minoxidil, laser, or propecia (if it is noticeable) typically occurs within the first two to eight weeks of therapy. Keep in mind that it normally takes 10-20 weeks for microscopic hair density to peak with minoxidil AND six to twelve months to see visible results of the growth with minoxidil.
For questions on best hair regrowth treatments including hair transplants, visit Bauman Medical and Ask Dr. Bauman a Question.
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