What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses a concentrated mixture of a patient's own blood platelets to promote hair growth and tissue regeneration. The procedure involves taking a small sample of the patient's blood, which is then processed to obtain a concentrated mixture of platelets and growth factors. This mixture, called PRP, is then injected into the areas of the scalp that are thinning. The platelets and growth factors in the PRP release various bioactive proteins, which can stimulate the growth of new cells and promote enhanced hair growth.

Hair transplant surgery is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area of the scalp being treated. This means that the patient will not feel pain during the procedure. The local anesthesia is injected into the scalp using a fine needle, and it takes a few minutes to take effect. Once the area is numb, the surgeon can begin the hair transplant procedure. The patient may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure, but this is usually not considered to be painful.

Hair growth after a hair transplant can take several months to be visible. The transplanted hair will typically fall out within 2-3 weeks after the procedure, which is a normal part of the healing process. New hair growth will begin to appear around 3-4 months after the procedure and will continue to grow for up to 12-18 months.

In addition to a hair transplant there are many nonsurgical options that can enhance results and combat further hair loss from occurring. Once a hair transplant has been completed, it’s important to allow an optimal environment for the hairs to grow and develop. Treatments such as PRP, laser therapy, finasteride, minoxidil, and viviscal all work in their unique way to treat the hairs inside and out. Much of the process after a hair transplant is a waiting game for new hair growth to occur, but at Koher Medical we believe in a multifaceted approach to ensure that no opportunity is lost to give you your best hair and appearance.

Yes, hair transplants can be performed on women just as they are with men. Hair transplantation for women can be performed with the same techniques used in men, such as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The surgical team will always take into account the specific characteristics of the hair loss, such as the degree of hair loss, the hair type, and the desired results, to create a personalized treatment plan and achieve natural-looking results.

Laser light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers to stimulate hair growth. The treatment involves wearing a device, such as a laser helmet or comb, that emits laser light onto the scalp. The laser light is thought to penetrate the scalp and stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, which can promote the growth of new hair. It can also contribute to increasing the size of the hair follicle, which can result in thicker hair. Laser light therapy is considered a safe and pain-free treatment option for hair loss, and it can be used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride.

As laid out by Dr. Dambro himself:

Upon graduation from Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune Family Medicine Residency in 2012, I began a core faculty teaching role at that same residency program. Following a faculty development fellowship at UNC Chapel Hill in 2014, I quickly moved toward a role as Assistant Program Director at that residency. After leaving military service in 2015, I returned to my alma mater, Penn State College of Medicine. Here, I have assumed roles as Family Medicine Clerkship Co-director, Integrated Science Sessions Co-director, faculty advisor/coach, and sit on the undergraduate curriculum committee (CUMED). I also participate in various activities of the Woodward Center for Excellence in Health Sciences Education and in this partnership, will help lead faculty development initiatives in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Being a Family Physician my interests are varied and that’s part of what led me to hair restoration. My wife was a patient at Koher Medical and after seeing her process, I took an interest in applying my skills to this interesting sub-specialty. I have always loved doing technical, out-patient procedures but felt that I wasn’t getting enough of this after my military career. As many others in the hair transplant sphere have found, I’ve also felt drawn to the more artistic component of the field in designing hairlines and graft placement.

If you aren’t sure which one of our hair restoration procedures is right for you, browse through our frequently asked questions, watch some of our informative videos and then contact us at 336-792-9591 to schedule your free consultation.