How the Center of Surgical Dermatology Uses PRP Therapy to Treat Acne Scars and Alopecia

As dermatologists have discovered over the last couple of decades, and very much so in the last few years, the power of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy to treat various medical conditions is unparalleled. 

Whether it’s using PRP therapy to clear up acne scars, address hair loss, or rejuvenate the face for an anti-aging effect, PRP therapy can be utilized in a variety of different settings to treat a plethora of medical conditions. 

Learn more about how our dermatologists use PRP therapy to treat acne scars and different forms of alopecia below. 

 

The Different Conditions PRP Therapy Can Treat

At the Center of Surgical Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists use PRP therapy as a facial rejuvenation treatment. Additionally, PRP can treat certain medical conditions, including acne scars and androgenetic alopecia. It has also shown promise in the treatment of various autoimmune hair loss conditions including alopecia areata, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia/lichen planopilaris. 

 

Acne Scarring 

Treating acne scars is one of the most common ways our dermatologists utilize PRP therapy. The platelet-rich plasma solution, which is injected into the areas where scarring is present, contains various growth factors and cytokines that increase collagen and elastin in the skin.  The result is a reduction in the appearance of acne scars.

 

Androgenetic Alopecia 

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in the United States. It is a hereditary form of alopecia that can occur in both men and women, so it is often referred to as male or female pattern baldness. 

In men, androgenetic alopecia often starts occurring in their teens or early twenties as a receding hairline. Over time, they will continue to lose hair along the bi-temporal region and vertex of the scalp. 

In women, androgenetic alopecia typically does not show up until their thirties and forties, with many women beginning to notice thinning hair over the crown of the scalp. Androgenetic alopecia in women can also present as diffuse hair shedding.

When treating hair loss with PRP therapy, our dermatologists inject the platelet-rich plasma solution into the scalp. This therapy delivers a range of growth factors and nutrients to the hair follicle, which stimulates the regrowth of hair. 

 

Alopecia Areata 

Unlike other forms of hair loss, which may occur due to aging, hormonal imbalances, or something else, alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. This means the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in the sudden loss of hair. 

Alopecia areata typically shows up as random patches of hair loss, although it can lead to complete baldness. 

With PRP therapy, our dermatologists can specifically target the areas of hair loss with the platelet-rich plasma solution to trigger and stimulate hair regrowth. 

 

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia 

This is an uncommon form of scarring alopecia that typically results in permanent hair loss. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia most often affects Black women.

The cause of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is still unknown. Although, some research suggests that the cause is multifactorial, pointing to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. 

At the Center for Surgical Dermatology, our dermatologists are experienced in treating central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, and PRP therapy is one consideration for treatment. We utilize the platelet-rich plasma solution to target early scarring follicles, with the hope that these growth factors help trigger regrowth of hair. 

 

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia/Lichen Planopilaris

Often confused with pattern baldness, frontal fibrosing alopecia is a type of hair loss that typically shows up as a receding hairline. It is a form of lichen planopilaris. While it was rare a few decades back, frontal fibrosing alopecia is becoming more and more common among older women. (Although, it can affect both men and women.)

In addition to losing hair along the hairline, frontal fibrosing alopecia may also cause the eyebrows to lose hair, and in men, it may cause hair thinning in the beard area. 

Similar to the way other forms of alopecia are treated above, PRP therapy specifically targets the areas losing the most hair to stimulate the healing of follicles.

 

PRP Therapy at the Center for Surgical Dermatology 

Would you like to learn more about how our clinic treats acne scarring and various forms of alopecia with PRP therapy? We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and are here when you’re ready to schedule a consultation! 

Get in touch with us today by calling (614) 847-4100. We look forward to helping you discover the power of PRP therapy!

 

Center of Surgical Dermatology is the largest medical and surgical skin treatment and wellness facility in Central Ohio. Since 2007, our board-certified Dermatologists, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, and caring professional staff have provided patients with the treatment they can trust in an environment second to none. Learn more about our state-of-the-art Dermatology Center before booking your appointment today.