AesthetiSpa Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center is excited to offer non-surgical options for hair loss. In addition to professional-grade hair supplements, shampoo, and prescription topical therapy, we also perform hair regrowth therapy using ACell MicroMatrix® + PRFM. Hair loss and thinning hair affect millions of people. The problem is commonly seen in men and women and can occur at any age but is more prevalent with aging. This is due to heredity and sensitivity to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Hair loss usually occurs when DHT interrupts the communication between adult stem cells and the root of individual hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. Our non-surgical treatment restores this communication line and corrects the thinning that DHT has caused. ACell + PRFM is a powerful solution to disabled hair follicles that can restore a healthy hair growth cycle over a short series of treatments.
What Is PRFM?
Platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) is the next generation platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP has become a cornerstone of regenerative medicine. The autologous substance, meaning it is derived from the patient’s body, has been utilized in a variety of procedures in the past several years, including joint repair and skin rejuvenation. PRP contains numerous growth factors and proteins that, through years of study, have been found to stimulate both tissue regeneration and the activation of dormant hair follicles. PRFM draws on the many benefits of PRP injections and takes them step further.
We obtain PRFM by drawing your blood. The blood is then processed using a specific technique that removes virtually all cells and concentrates the platelets into platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP is then treated with a precise amount of calcium chloride, which facilitates the growth of a fibrin polymer matrix. This gel-like matrix holds the platelets in the scalp longer to allow them to reach the follicles in need. This framework regulates the sustained release of growth factors for optimal hair growth. For hair follicles that are not dormant, an injection of PRFM is like a vitamin boost that helps hair grow thicker and longer.
At AesthetiSpa, we use the SELPHYL system for preparation of PRFM. This is the only PRFM system with studies showing effectiveness in hair restoration.
What Is ACell MicroMatrix®?
ACell MicroMatrix® is an extracellular matrix that acts as a hair growth accelerator and fertilizer and amplifies the effects of PRFM. It is a proprietary medical product developed using tissue from porcine bladders. It has been widely used to facilitate the healing of traumatic wounds, ulcers, burns, and surgical repairs. During manufacturing, electron beam radiation sterilizes the tissue and creates a completely absorbable, crosslinked, acellular extracellular matrix with an abundance of naturally-occurring proteins and collagen. This matrix maintains an intact epithelial foundational membrane surface for healing tissue.
ACell MicroMatrix® is used as a fine powder. For hair regrowth therapy, this product becomes the baseline scaffold that triggers new blood vessels to form. It also recruits various other cells to aid in tissue regeneration. These progenitor cells can differentiate as needed to meet the needs of the site of repair. In this instance, that is the scalp and hair follicles.
How Is ACell + PRFM Hair Regrowth Therapy Performed?
Hair restoration using ACell and PRFM begins with a small blood draw. This is just like someone would have at a general physical. The blood drawn from the arm is put into a sterile tube and placed in a centrifuge device. A centrifuge spins vials of blood to separate blood cells. In this instance, blood plasma is separated from red and white cells. Once the PRP has been isolated, it is converted to PRFM and mixed with ACell MicroMatrix®. This combination is then injected into the scalp using small needles. The entire procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
How Does ACell + PRFM Hair Regrowth Work?
While ACell MicroMatrix® essentially lays a new foundation on which hair growth can resume, PRFM enhances the process by providing essential growth factors and by accelerating the rate of new blood vessel development. The growth factors in PRFM also support follicular cell function, restoring their size and health. This helps to repair and wake up the hair follicles, resulting in more robust hair growth.
Is ACell + PRFM Hair Restoration Painful?
Understandably, one would expect injections into the scalp to be painful. With the use of PRO-NOXâ„¢, treatment is very tolerable. The PRO-NOXâ„¢ system uses nitrous oxide to safely and effectively eliminate anxiety and discomfort. Patients may feel a slight pinch or pressure but typically do not describe the process as painful.
Can PRFM Hair Restoration Be Combined With Other Procedures?
PRFM hair restoration is a safe and effective method of addressing hair loss when used alone or with other remedies. The best results are seen with a combination of therapies. Our patients may be interested in supporting their healthiest hair growth cycles with professional-grade supplements, shampoos, and topicals developed specifically for the hair. As part of comprehensive treatment, AesthetiSpa offers:
- Formula 82S, a shampoo specifically designed to strengthen hair fibers and provide soft and natural texture. Formulated with Saw Palmetto, amino acids, and vitamins, this shampoo reduces hair loss and supports hair health. Hair fibers are nourished and strengthened.
- Nutrafol Growth Activator, a topical ashwagandha exosome hair serum to support cellular renewal on the scalp and activate visible hair thickness and strength.
- Nutrafol Hair Growth Supplement, a dietary supplement containing 20 plant-based ingredients that have been scientifically formulated to nourish hair from within.
Who Is A Candidate For ACell + PRFM Hair Regrowth Therapy?
The ACell + PRFM hair regrowth procedure is suitable for many adults who are affected by hereditary hair loss. It is a beneficial non-surgical treatment option for individuals who wish to avoid hair transplant surgery or would like to postpone it as long as possible. In the early stages of hair loss, ACell MicroMatrix® + PRFM offers an opportunity to significantly slow the progression of hair loss and improve the density of hair without aggressive treatment. This hair regrowth therapy may also be an option for individuals who have undergone hair transplant surgery and wish to maintain their results as long as possible, or for those who are not good candidates for surgical hair restoration.
Patients need to be in good health. Conditions such as chronic steroid use, blood disorders, and active cancer are contraindications for PRFM hair restoration. ACell + PRFM also cannot reverse complete hair loss. If your hair has not been present in an area for more than 5 years, injections are unlikely to help.
How Long Until I See Results From ACell + PRFM Hair Restoration?
ACell + PRFM work with the body’s natural hair growth cycle that has been disrupted by DHT. To reinstate a healthy hair growth cycle, a healing cascade must occur. Patients can expect to begin seeing noticeable results 3 to 6 months after their procedure. By one-year post-treatment, most patients report feeling a remarkable difference in the density and volume of their hair. Changes at the hairline are often the most apparent. Improvements can continue for up to 15 months.
Before And After PRFM Hair Restoration
Are My Results Permanent?
The results achieved with ACell + PRFM can last many months to years. Individual results can vary, but hereditary hair loss often recurs over time. As we age, hair follicles continue to move towards dormancy. By monitoring the response to treatment and continued improvements into the first year, we can create a comprehensive plan to maintain the activity of hair follicles going forward. This may be achieved with a yearly booster treatment.
How Do I Prepare For Hair Regrowth Treatments?
Avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (including Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen and Aleve), alcohol, vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, and St. John’s wort for 7-10 days before your treatment. Avoid oral steroids for two weeks. You can take Tylenol one hour before your appointment to help with any discomfort you may have.
What Are Contraindications To Treatment?
You should not have treatment if you’ve had oral surgery in the past seven days or if you’re taking steroids or any anticoagulation therapy such as Coumadin or if you have any systemic cancer, blood disorders, or platelet abnormalities.
What Is The Recovery Time From ACell + PRFM Regrowth Therapy?
There are very few restrictions for patients who receive therapy. To minimize side effects and get the best results, it is necessary to avoid the sun, swimming, extreme heat, and strenuous exercise for two to three days after injections.
How Do I Care For My Hair After Treatment?
While the matrix of ACell and PRFM is being released into the scalp, patients are encouraged to wash their hair gently and avoid rubbing or massaging the head. After about 72 hours, all normal hair care can be resumed.
What Are The Potential Side Effects?
Injectable treatments can cause minor side effects such as bruising or swelling in the scalp, a feeling of fullness, temporary soreness, redness, itching and irritation for a few days.
What Is The Cost Of Treatment?
The average cost of treatment is $2000-$2500 but can range from $1200-$4400 depending on the area being treated and number of treatments.
Schedule A Consultation!
To learn more about our hair restoration therapies and how they can help you, contact us today at 843-849-9925. Or request an appointment to our Mount Pleasant, SC office.