Hair Transplant Alternatives: Non Surgical Solutions for Hair Loss
Among those alternative treatments, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) therapy are time efficient and stimulate hair growth naturally. Both harness the body's natural healing capabilities to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density. Let's delve deeper into the science and benefits of PRP and GFC therapy to understand how it can be a viable solution for your hair loss concerns.
Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a non-surgical hair treatment given as an injection that contains platelet-rich plasma and growth factors to stimulate hair follicles.
Platelet-rich plasma is extracted from our blood. To prepare PRP about 20 ml of your blood is drawn and then centrifuged for approx 30 minutes. Then that PRP solution is then injected into the scalp.
Pros: Consists of plenty of Growth Factor like KGF, EGF, PDGF and so on.
Cons: Mild pain can be experienced
Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy
GFC is an advanced form of PRP where growth factors are extracted more precisely from the platelets given as an injection. It is more concentrated and purified, leading to improved stimulation of hair follicles to boost the growth.
For the preparation of GFC, 16–20 ml of blood is drawn and processed using a special kit designed to extract only the essential growth factors, removing unwanted cells and proteins. The GFC injection is then injected into the scalp.
Pros: Less pain compared to PRP
Cons: Little expensive than PRP
PRP and GFC are suitable for people who have recently started noticing hair fall and hair thinning. It is done for those who need to boost hair growth to fight hair thinning and hair fall. They help holding the hair fall but it won’t stop hair loss or treat baldness completely as it boosts growth, not grow hair.
Exosomes
Exosome therapy for hair loss is a relatively new treatment that uses tiny vesicles called exosomes, derived from stem cells, to stimulate hair follicle growth and promote hair regrowth.
Exosomes contain growth factors and other proteins that encourage the development of new hair follicles, leading to thicker and fuller hair. It can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss.
Topical & Oral Medications
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is FDA approved medical drug that helps people with initial hair loss and thinning promoting hair growth. Usually, it comes in two forms: topical (applying) and oral(eating). Unfortunately, in Nepal only topical formulation is available. It is used as a dropper or spray by applying it to the scalp.
In simple words, Minoxidil works by helping blood vessels to widen around the hair follicles, which helps provide the required nutrients to the hair, which promotes the growth phase of hair.
Finasteride
Finasteride is also an FDA approved medical drug that prevents hair loss by blocking a hormone called DHT, which is related to the hair thinning problem due to androgenetic alopecia. It comes in two forms: topical and oral both of them are available in Nepal.
Finasteride can potentially have some side effects, like male infertility, ED, ejaculation problems, and loss of libido. Its incidence are very low (chances 1:1000).
Other Oral Supplements
Biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D are the necessary nutrients that contribute to hair loss in case of deficiencies in these nutrients. A doctor will perform a blood check-up on you and if the cause of your hair loss/thinning or upon requirement, s/he will provide you with the prescription of these nutrient tablets.
Peptide Derivatives
Peptide derivative is a topical solution which aids to minimize hair loss special. It is formulated with ingredients like Capixyl, Redensyl, Anagain, Biotin and Caffeine. This is provided if anyone is allergic to Minoxidil. It helps anchor hair to follicles, activates stem cells, and balances the hair growth cycle additionally boosts blood circulation, improves hair elasticity, and prevents breakage. Together they reactivate hair follicles, deeply nourish the scalp, and support hair growth.
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Capixyl anchors hair and promote growth
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Redensyl activates follicle stem cells
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Anagain balances the hair growth cycle
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Caffeine boosts scalp circulation
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Biotin improves hair elasticity and reduces breakage
When to Consider Hair Transplant
Hair loss treatments like PRP GFC and medications can help boost the growth capacity of hair. They may help you better the condition of existing hair and promote hair growth but they can’t make new hair grow from bald spots where the hair roots are completely fallen/dead.
Therefore, non-surgical prescriptions can promote hair growth for existing hair only. Additionally, it works only for the case of early grade of hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. In case of later/higher grade of hair loss or completely bald area hair transplant is the only solution.