Have you have been hearing a lot about PRP plasma too?  The beauty world is buzzing about the use of PRP and treatment fans are raving about its benefits.  KDHamptons chats with Dr. Dana Stern (above) about PRP and the new hair treatment she is performing with it now at Southampton Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York East at 325 Meeting House Lane.

Dr. Stern is a board certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine.  She practices dermatology in New York City and Southampton, specializes in medical, pediatric and cosmetic dermatology, and enjoys having a more general focus in her practice here on the East End.  Dr. Stern breaks down what the breakthrough plasma all about below..

KDHamptons: What is PRP?

Dr. Stern: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a natural, safe, medication-free way to harness your bodies’ own growth factors to boost growth or regeneration of tissue. This new treatment modality involves injecting a concentrated preparation of platelets and growth factors in a small volume of plasma into the desired treatment area. These growth factors are harvested from your own blood and are used to regenerate tissue. In our office we are injecting PRP for both male and female pattern hair loss.

KDHamptons: How does PRP work for hair vs. skin?

Dr. Stern: It is proposed that growth factors released from platelets may act on stem cells in the hair follicle and thus stimulate growth of new hair follicles. The results can include increased total hairs, increase in hair density and increase in the vascular supply to the scalp.

In the skin, it is hypothesized that PRP may induce the synthesis of collagen and other skin matrix components by stimulating the activation of fibroblasts, thus, rejuvenating the skin. Though PRP is currently widely used in clinical dermatology, experimental studies confirming the effects of PRP on aged skin are very limited.

KDHamptons: What is the application process and how many treatments does it take?

Dr. Stern: Once it is established that you are a good candidate for PRP, one tube of your blood will be drawn in the office and spun in a special centrifuge to separate out the Platelet Rich Plasma. In a 30 minute visit, this “liquid gold” concentrate is then injected into the areas of the scalp that are in need of hair restoration. No medications are needed prior to or after the procedure.

In contrast to PRP, most medications used to restore hair loss have potentially significant side effects. PRP is a natural, medication-free way to harness your bodies’ own growth factors to boost hair regrowth. The recommended treatment regimen is three monthly scalp injections and a follow up/assessment visit 6 months later. If the treatment is effective, regular treatment follow up is every 9 months.

*To book an appointment with Dr. Stern contact: Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York® East at 325 Meeting House Lane, Bldg. 1, Ste. C, Southampton; (631) 287-7307