Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Hair Regrowth: Harnessing Your Body’s Power
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a natural hair loss treatment based on using patient’s blood. It involves platelets, a type of blood cell that helps with healing and tissue regrowth. PRP is gaining popularity in various medical fields, including dermatology. This is because of its natural healing properties and its ability to promote cell growth and tissue repair.
How Does PRP Work for Hair Loss?
PRP works for hair loss by utilizing the growth factors and proteins found in platelets to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. It is injected into the scalp and increases hair thickness and density. The treatment aims to rejuvenate inactive or weakened hair follicles, making them healthier and more capable of producing hair.
Which Types of Hair Loss is PRP Most Effective For?
PRP is particularly effective for common types of hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern alopecia or baldness. This condition causes a gradual thinning of hair on the scalp, usually in a predictable pattern.
PRP can help with temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium, which often happens after stress, infection, or trauma. In this case, a large number of hair follicles enter the telogen, or resting, phase simultaneously. This condition leads to noticeable hair shedding and thinning across the scalp. PRP treatment can help with hair thinning caused by hormonal changes or medical conditions.
How PRP Treatment is Performed?
PRP treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that involves several steps:
- Blood Draw: A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
- Centrifugation: Blood is spun at high speed in a centrifuge to separate platelets from other blood parts.
- PRP Extraction: The concentrated platelets are extracted and prepared for injection.
- Scalp Injections: The PRP is injected into specific areas of the scalp where hair thinning or loss is present.
Injections are given with a small needle and spread evenly across the treatment area for consistent distribution.
Sometimes, PRP can be combined with microneedling to enhance hair regrowth. Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries on the scalp. This process helps the scalp heal itself, making it easier for treatments to work.
What Technology Does Our Clinic Use for PRP Injections?
We utilize Emcyte centrifuge and kits, which have FDA approval for use. This new technology creates many platelets that give important growth factors to hair follicles. It produces more platelets than other devices.
How Effective is PRP for Pattern Hair Loss?
PRP has shown good results for hair loss, with many patients seeing better hair density, thickness, and overall health. Studies show that PRP can help slow down hair loss, promote new hair growth, and improve the quality of existing hair. The effectiveness of PRP can vary for each person, with some seeing better results than others.
We believe that a thorough evaluation should accompany the use of PRP treatment. For the best results, it should be used alongside medical treatments.
The rarity of serious side effects draws patients who desire to improve their hair density and thickness naturally. We highly recommend a hair loss consultation prior to committing to PRP sessions.
Are there any Contraindications to PRP?
PRP is generally considered safe for most individuals, but there are certain contraindications to be aware of. Some patients may not be good candidates for PRP treatment. Each case should be evaluated individually.
- Blood disorders or platelet dysfunction syndromes;
- Chronic liver disease;
- Active infections;
- Certain skin diseases;
- Severe metabolic or systemic disorders;
- Cancer;
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Do You Need to Prepare for a PRP Procedure?
Preparing for a PRP procedure is relatively straightforward. Here are some general guidelines to follow before the treatment:
- Don’t take blood-thinning drugs or supplements like aspirin or ibuprofen for a week before the procedure.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water the day before and the day of the treatment.
- Wash your hair thoroughly on the day of the procedure to ensure a clean scalp.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for a few days before the treatment, as these can affect the healing process.
What are the Possible Side Effects of PRP Injections?
PRP injections are generally well-tolerated, with minimal risk of serious side effects. However, some patients may experience mild and temporary side effects, including:
- Pain or discomfort at the injection site
- Redness or swelling of the scalp
- Mild bruising
- Itching or irritation
- Temporary hair shedding
These side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days to a week.
How Painful is the PRP Injection Procedure?
The PRP procedure is generally well-tolerated and involves minimal pain. Patients may experience a slight pinching or pressure sensation during the blood draw and injections. To reduce pain, the doctor may put numbing cream or local anesthesia on the scalp before giving shots. Most patients find the procedure to be manageable and can tolerate it without significant pain.
Is PRP Effective for Everyone?
PRP is effective and may stop active hair loss for many individuals. But not everyone will experience the same level of success. Many factors can impact the success of hair loss treatment. These factors include the extent and duration of hair loss, the cause of thinning hair, the patient’s age, and their response to treatment.
People with early hair loss or thinning who have realistic expectations are more likely to see good results.
How Many PRP Procedures Needed for Effective Treatment?
The number of PRP sessions needed for best results can differ based on the person’s condition and how they respond. It is recommended to start with a few treatments, typically three to six sessions.
Each session should be spaced about four to six weeks apart. You might need to perform upkeep procedures every couple of months to maintain the outcomes. We will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
What Happens if You Stop Doing PRP?
If you stop undergoing PRP treatments, the benefits achieved may gradually diminish over time. Hair loss may resume its previous pattern, and the improvements in hair density and thickness may decrease. To maintain the results, it is essential to adhere to the recommended treatment plan and schedule regular maintenance sessions. It’s particularly significant for androgenic alopecia given its progression throughout one’s life.
Can You Combine PRP with Other Treatments?
You can effectively combine PRP with other hair loss treatments to enhance results. Common combinations include topical treatments, oral medications, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and other regenerative methods (microneedling, lasers, exosomes, etc). Patients who have already had or are planning to undergo a hair transplant may also use it.
What is the Price of PRP Injections and is it Covered by Insurance?
The cost changes depending on the provider’s experience, PRP preparation technology, and service location. You may see our clinic pricing on our webpage. Insurance does not cover PRP injections because traditional medicine considers them optional.
No, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy does not cause permanent hair loss. However, some patients may experience temporary shedding after treatment, which can be concerning. This phenomenon, known as shock loss, occurs when weakened hairs in the resting phase (telogen) are shed before new, healthier hairs start to grow.
This shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle and is typically temporary. Over the following months, as PRP stimulates hair follicles, increases blood circulation, and promotes growth factors, patients usually notice stronger, thicker, and healthier hair regrowth.
No, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy does not make hair loss worse. PRP is a natural treatment made from your own blood. It is rich in growth factors. These factors help hair follicles, improve scalp health, and promote hair regrowth.
However, some patients may experience temporary shedding after PRP, which is a normal response. This process typically resolves within a few weeks.
It’s also important to understand that hair loss is often a progressive condition. PRP can help stimulate hair growth.
However, it may not be enough on its own. This is especially true for conditions like androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss. A comprehensive hair loss plan may include medical treatments (minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride), regenerative therapies, and lifestyle adjustments to achieve the best results.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can help reduce hair shedding, sometimes noticeably within a few weeks. However, hair loss is often a chronic and progressive condition, especially in cases of androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). While PRP can slow down shedding and support regrowth, it is not a permanent cure and may need to be combined with other treatments.
These days, it seems like everyone is offering PRP injections for hair loss—but not all PRP treatments are created equal. The effectiveness of PRP therapy depends on the technique, the system used, and the expertise of the provider.
There are many PRP systems available, and not all of them deliver a high concentration of platelets needed to stimulate hair growth effectively. Some systems produce low-quality PRP with fewer growth factors, leading to inconsistent or minimal results. Additionally, the way PRP is prepared and injected plays a crucial role in its success.
For the best results, PRP should be performed by a board-certified dermatologist or a specialist with experience in hair loss treatments. A skilled provider will:
- Use high-quality PRP systems that concentrate enough platelets
- Inject PRP at the correct depth and areas of hair thinning
- Combine PRP with other proven hair loss treatments if needed
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a strong treatment for regeneration. However, it is not a cure for hair loss. PRP can help make existing hair follicles stronger. However, it has limits, especially when hair follicles are missing.
PRP is less effective or may not work when hair loss is very advanced. In severe androgenetic alopecia, many hair follicles have miniaturized or disappeared. PRP cannot revive hair that is no longer there.
Yes, PRP therapy is a great option for women with hair loss. Women have fewer FDA-approved treatments than men. Medications like minoxidil are available. However, PRP has become a safe and effective choice. It helps improve hair density and thickness in women with female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
A recent analysis of over 20 clinical studies found that PRP treatment significantly: increased hair density and thickness, reduced hair shedding, and had minimal side effects, with only mild and temporary discomfort.
Since female pattern hair loss is typically a progressive condition, early intervention with PRP, topical treatments, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and lifestyle modifications can help maintain and restore hair.
PRP and minoxidil are both effective treatments for hair loss, but they work in different ways and are often best when used together rather than as an either-or option.
Since hair loss is often progressive, a combination of PRP and minoxidil can provide better, long-lasting results. A board-certified dermatologist can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Various studies confirm that about 87.5% of patients treated with PRP were satisfied with the improvement in their hair’s appearance, particularly on the top of the scalp. Other clinical trials have reported significant hair regrowth within 3 to 6 months of treatment.
However, PRP is most effective in the early to moderate stages of hair loss and works best when combined with other treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, or regenerative therapies. Since hair loss is progressive, ongoing maintenance treatments are often needed.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a premium hair restoration treatment due to several factors that impact its cost:
- Medical Expertise & Reputation – established dermatology clinics and specialized hair loss centers often charge more due to board-certified specialists, advanced protocols, and high patient success rates.
- Quality of PRP System & Equipment – Not all PRP systems are created equal. High-quality PRP centrifuges extract a higher concentration of growth factors, leading to better results. Clinics using advanced, FDA-cleared systems tend to have higher costs.
- Personalized Treatment Plans – PRP is often combined with other advanced treatments like microneedling, exosomes, or laser therapy for enhanced results. These combinations can add to the overall price but also boost hair growth outcomes.
Cheaper isn’t always better – If PRP is offered at a suspiciously low price, it may indicate low platelet concentration, improper technique, or inadequate safety measures. Choosing a board-certified dermatologist ensures you get the best PRP for hair loss with proven efficacy.
ACell is a type of extracellular matrix derived from porcine (pig) tissue, often used in regenerative medicine. It is believed to help with tissue regeneration and wound healing by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
Some practitioners believe that adding ACell to PRP can help improve hair regrowth, as the growth factors in ACell may support faster healing and promote hair follicle regeneration.
While there are anecdotal reports of better outcomes when combining ACell with PRP, scientific studies supporting the efficacy of ACell for hair restoration are lacking. More clinical trials are needed to validate these claims.
ACell is derived from pig tissue, which may raise concerns about allergic reactions or immune system responses in some patients. Currently, ACell is not FDA-approved for hair loss treatments, though it is used in regenerative medicine for other purposes, such as wound healing. This means its use in PRP for hair loss is not regulated or controlled by the FDA.
Many centers that report using ACell may actually be using PRP systems that generate higher platelet concentrations, which improve outcomes. In these cases, the improved results may be due to the PRP quality rather than the addition of ACell.
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