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| NBC Palm Beach WPTV Ashleigh Walker visited Dr. Alan Bauman at Bauman Medical Group in Boca Raton. Image Source: Flickr.com |
It seems that vampires are not only invading novels, movies
and the hearts of teenage girls, but also even in the hair care industry.
Today, a new non-invasive treatment is introduced in the market for restoring
thinning hair using the patient’s own blood. They are calling it the “Vampire Hair Treatment”, because it uses the patient’s own blood to regrow hair where
bald patches occur.
This new-age treatment involves the extraction of the
patient’s own blood, and then processing it through a machine to separate the
platelet rich plasma. This is the blood component that will be injected into
the head to do the regeneration process.
This treatment is also used in facial and hand rejuvenation,
also called a PRP treatment. It is even marketed as the Vampire facelift to
attract a big following and create an interesting flare. But even with that
aside, the treatment has proven to be safe and effective.
Once injected into the scalp, the PRP stimulates new stem
cells in the area to promote hair growth. To prove this claim, a research was
conducted on people who are battling an autoimmune disorder affecting the hair
called alopecia areata. The study, which is published in the British Journal ofDermatology, also stated that this condition affects about 2% of the population.
But scientists also believe that this can also help those who are suffering
from male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.
In the study the researchers recruited 45 volunteers who all
have alopecia areata, and they are randomly selected into the following groups:
the placebo group, the PRP group and the triamcinolone group. For all three
groups the PRP treatment was injection on just half of their scalp leaving the
other untreated. Each of the patients received treatment three times with an
interval of one month, and then they are monitored for 12 months.
The possible outcomes they are looking for include hair
regrowth, hair dystrophy, cell proliferation and a burning or itching
sensation.
At the end of the study, the authors observed that PRP
treatment was able to increase hair growth significantly.
There was also a reduction in hair dystrophy
as well as burning and itching sensations. None of the participants also
reported of any side effects while on treatment.
The study conclusion states:
This pilot study, which is the first to investigate the effects of PRP on AA, suggests that PRP may serve as a safe and effective treatment option in AA, and calls for more extensive controlled studies with this method.
According to a certain Dr. Fabio Rinaldi, he believes that
this is one of the best treatments for hair loss aside from surgery. The
platelets actually contain very powerful growth factors that stimulate cellular
metabolism and activity.
Based on those who have tried the vampire hair treatment,
the most painful part of the procedure is getting the head numbed. Afterwards,
the platelets are then injected into the areas of the scalp that are already
showing signs of thinning.
However, PRP treatment won’t do much of an effect in areas
where follicles are completely destroyed. It works on areas where hair is still
present however they are wispier, thinner, and weaker.
The good thing with this procedure is that it leaves no
evidence that it has been done. In fact, you can even wash and style your hair
after the procedure. The final result often takes up to a year, but one can
already notice improvements in 90 days.
Even before PRP treatments were already used to ensure the
healthy growth of hair grafts in hair transplant surgery. This augments the
nutrition and support that is necessary for hair growth and health.
Scientists at the International Hair Research Foundation,
Hebrew University Medical Centre in Israel and the Universtiy of Brescia in
Italy are making further research about this treatment. They are looking into
ways to develop the treatment into a cream to prevent the need for injections.
With the overwhelming effects of alopecia on the self-esteem
and self-image of the person affected, this treatment can give them back the
normalcy they deserve. It is a safe alternative hair loss treatment that has
actually demonstrated impressive results. Nina Goad of the British Association
of Dermatologists was even quoted saying, “Alopecia is known to lead to
overwhelming effects on the patient’s quality of life and self-esteem. This
could offer hope to thousands.
Link to Headlines
Scientists' 'vampire treatment' for baldness. The Telegraph. Published May 07, 2013
The vampire 'cure' for baldness: Scientists inject patient's own blood into head to stimulate hair growth'. The Daily Mail. Published May 5, 2013
