PRP Treatment – Everything You Need to Know

What is PRP Treatment?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment involves taking blood from the patient and isolating the PRP to then inject it back into the scalp. Platelets can promote growth and healing while plasma is the liquid that encompasses the platelets to aid them in moving around the body. 

PRP has a wide series of applications from helping patients to recover after surgery to encouraging healing after an injury. When it is used for hair loss, PRP can help with increasing hair growth thanks to its healing properties. 

Take a look at the FAQs below to see how PRP could help you in your hair growth journey or see how it stacks up to other types of treatments such as PEMF or Microneedling.

Highlights

• PRP treatment stimulates hair follicles, lengthening the growth phase of hair.
• Can be effective in promoting hair growth for those with pattern hair loss.
• Works well for increasing hair density when combined with other treatments.

PRP treatment effectiveness 

While PRP has not yet been approved for use as a hair loss treatment, studies have indicated that it could be an effective solution. The most promising application of PRP treatment is on those suffering from androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). 

One study showed how patients who used PRP saw a 19 per cent increase in their hair density for a year. Another double-blind study saw that hair growth and hair density increased significantly after 3 months and 6 months of application. 

Typically, injections are done once a month for 3 months followed by maintenance sessions. Results can be seen after just 1 to 6 months but it can depend on individual patient response to the treatment. 

Following this further sessions may be required after 3 or 4 months to maintain the results. PRP when combined with minoxidil can help to encourage hair growth and increase hair density versus using minoxidil alone. 

Additionally, finasteride when combined with PRP treatment showed improved hair growth and a reduction in hair loss. However, minoxidil and PRP were shown to be a more effective combination.

PRP treatment cost

In Australia, prices range from $470 to $800 per session for PRP treatment with 3 to 6 sessions typically being administered throughout the treatment plan. However, this can greatly differ depending on where you live and the clinic you opt for. The price can reflect the experience of the medical professional and the quality of the equipment they use which can also impact the success of the results. 

In terms of cost, PRP treatment is relatively expensive since it requires several sessions and some maintenance sessions on top of that to ensure the results are kept up. It is possible that clinics can offer a lower price for a set number of sessions which could help with reducing the investment required for the treatment. 

The cost of PRP treatments is less than options like a hair transplant and is less invasive. If you’re looking for a treatment to boost hair growth alongside using other treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride, it could be a good option.

PRP treatment duration 

PRP treatment requires multiple sessions so it’s not a once-off solution. You will need to make multiple time commitments and be able to regularly visit the clinic providing PRP treatments as it cannot be performed at home without a medical professional. Typically, 3 sessions are administered with a month’s rest in between sessions to monitor progress. 

Following that, further sessions may be required after 3 or 4 months to maintain the results. This is based on your individual needs and the outcome you desire. Given the individual nature of the treatment, the total treatment period could be anywhere from 6 months to 12 months. 

It may not be a one-off period either as PRP treatment could be required in the future if scalp health deteriorates over time and hair loss increases. Treatment efficacy can be seen after around 3 months and 6 months which means progress can be monitored fairly easily.

PRP treatment safety 

PRP treatment has some potential side effects including initial hair shedding, excess bleeding at the injection site, headaches, allergic reaction, redness, tissue/nerve damage, infection, tenderness and swelling. Hair shedding from PRP treatment will often grow back over 4 to 12 months while patients recover. 

This hair loss is typically called telogen effluvium meaning that it is your body temporarily shedding hair as a reaction to experiencing stress. Typically this risk is quite low with some studies reporting no side effects at all from the procedure. Not everyone will experience these adverse side effects and if you do they will often pass by quickly. 

Since the treatment consists of cells and blood from your own body, experts believe that there should be fewer severe side effects. PRP treatment side effects are localised compared to more systemic side effects from medications like finasteride. While finasteride or minoxidil need to be taken daily to upkeep results, PRP treatments are administered further apart. 

PRP treatment ease of use

PRP treatment is a relatively simple procedure but cannot be performed at home, a medical professional with high-quality equipment is required. During the procedure, a small amount of your blood is drawn, between 10 and 60 millilitres. Once the blood has been taken it is placed in a centrifuge. Here the rapid spinning allows for different components to be separated based on density. 

The result is the blood being separated into red blood cells, PRP, as well as platelet-poor plasma (PPP). After the PRP has been isolated it is drawn up into a syringe and injected into the areas of the skin which require healing. In treating hair loss the injection is administered to balding areas on the scalp to aid in hair growth. 

Since very fine needles are used and placement is carefully thought out, the procedure is typically painless but for those who are more sensitive, cold air devices, ice compression, and lidocaine can be used to lower the pain. The affected area may appear red and tender following the injection but it shouldn’t interfere too much with your daily routine.

PRP treatment accessibility 

Since PRP treatment needs to be administered in a clinic by a medical professional using specialised equipment, it may not be an accessible option for everyone. Depending on where you live, you may have to travel far to access a clinic that offers PRP treatment. 

This will also be a factor to consider in the time commitment of the treatment as multiple trips to the clinic will be required. If you live far away from an urban centre this distance could be significant. The relative expense of PRP treatment may mean it is not affordable for everyone but clinics can offer payment plans or lower prices for a set number of sessions. 

PRP treatments are considered cosmetic procedures so they are not typically covered by insurance which can be a barrier to access. Alongside the initial 3 sessions, once a month, maintenance sessions may be required to keep up the result. Your progress will be monitored by the clinic over time to review the effectiveness of the treatment.

Sustainability of PRP treatment results 

As the hair follicles are stimulated, extending the growth phase of the hair cycle, the results can be enjoyed over a long period. Initial results can be observed after 3 months and maintenance sessions can help with making sure the results last for longer. However, over time the impact could be reduced, particularly if your hair loss worsens due to genetic reasons (pattern baldness) or the scalp becomes damaged. 

While the improvements can be enjoyed quickly and over time, the maintenance of getting top-up sessions could prove to be a costly solution. To get the most out of the treatment such as improving hair thickness, you may need to combine PRP treatment with other solutions like minoxidil which can add to the costs. 

Other treatment combinations that may be suggested to improve the results of PRP injections include microneedling, finasteride and a steroid medication called triamcinolone acetonide.

PRP treatment compatibility with other treatments 

PRP treatment can be used in combination with other treatments and it is often encouraged to combine it with other treatments to secure optimal results. Its use alongside hair transplantation has shown promising results. In one study PRP saw hair graft survival rates increase by 15 percent and hair density increase by up to 19 percent. 

Furthermore, the use of PRP during hair transplantation has been shown to improve the healing time following the procedure and contribute to higher hair quality. PRP treatment has also been used in combination with minoxidil to improve hair growth and density. Microneedling is often paired with PRP treatment to improve results. 

Finasteride is also used in combination with PRP to improve results although the results are not as effective as that of minoxidil and PRP. The relatively non-invasive nature of PRP treatment means it shouldn’t interfere too much with your lifestyle apart from the visits to the clinic and some redness around the treatment area.

PRP treatment emotional appeal 

Since the central ingredient in PRP treatment is your blood, results can vary depending on how well PRP can be isolated. However, it is important to go to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has the necessary training and expertise to perform the PRP treatment. 

While lower-cost options might be appealing, choosing a reputable provider will ensure your safety and the best results. Patient reviews are mostly positive with 93 per cent of patients saying PRP treatment was worth it on realself.com. Reviews highlighted the boost to confidence following treatment. 

The maintenance sessions following the initial 3 to 4 PRP treatments can help with monitoring progress and getting an expert analysis of new hair growth and effectiveness. PRP treatment can be a suitable next step in tackling hair loss if more over-the-counter options such as hair loss shampoos or serums are not having the desired effect.

PRP treatment health benefits beyond hair loss 

Since PRP treatments target the scalp specifically they can be beneficial for improving scalp health too. PRP treatments have been employed for a wide range of medical conditions besides hair loss. In musculoskeletal injuries, PRP is effective in improving healing and reducing recovery time. 

It’s often used after surgeries to help patients recover faster including oral, maxillofacial (jaw, mouth, and face) cardiac and orthopaedic surgeries. Joint conditions can cause pain and PRP has shown encouraging signs of reducing pain and improving healing for those with chronic joint conditions like osteoarthritis. 

Further uses include treating tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), knee osteoarthritis and sports injuries like pulled muscles or torn ligaments. Skin conditions like acne can be improved with the use of PRP treatments. It’s in trial for use as an anti-aging solution to reduce wrinkles along with improving skin health. Additionally, PRP has been used for fat grafting and tissue regeneration.

Environmental impact of PRP treatment 

Since the central ingredient of PRP treatment is the patient’s blood it can be ethically sourced. The use of specialised equipment such as centrifuges can consume a high amount of energy meaning it may not be the most sustainable treatment option. The use of a centrifuge contributes to a high carbon footprint of around X carbon dioxide equivalents. 

While this might seem high, there is hope that developments in technology will reduce this figure over time. The disposal of medical waste can also contribute negatively to the environment as improper disposal can lead to contamination or pollution. 

Regulations need to be complied with to reduce the risk of environmental contamination which can vary from place to place. If you have to travel far to go to a qualifying clinic, the carbon footprint of that journey should also be factored into the eco-consciousness of PRP treatment. 

PRP treatment method

PRP treatment is a minor surgical procedure that must be performed by a medical expert using specialised equipment. 

• The procedure begins with a blood drawing which is collected in a test tube. 
• This is then rapidly spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood cells. 
• A local anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort and numb the target area. 
• In some cases, microneedling may be performed before the injection to boost results. 
• The dermatologist or plastic surgeon will then inject the PRP into the scalp through the use of small needles to cover a balding area. 

Following the procedure, you should be able to resume your normal routine though the clinic may provide specific aftercare instructions such as avoiding certain activities or hair products for a small period of time.

FAQs

What is PRP treatment for hair loss?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment involves drawing blood from the patient, isolating the beneficial nutrients and injecting it into the scalp where hair loss is occurring. This promotes hair growth and has many other applications from encouraging healing to skin rejuvenation.

What type of treatment is PRP?

PRP treatment is non-surgical and typically only takes about an hour to complete. Your scalp may be numbed with a local anaesthetic before the injection takes place. It is a non-invasive procedure that typically isn’t painful and does not require a long recovery period.

What kind of hair loss can PRP treatment help with?

PRP treatment is most effective in tackling pattern baldness and hair thinning. It can be used to treat other types of hair loss such as telogen effluvium or alopecia areata in combination with other treatments but there have not been as many studies into the effectiveness of its use.

Am I a good candidate for PRP treatment?

PRP treatment is applicable for a wide variety of people including those with male hair loss, female hair loss, thinning hair, excessive hair loss, those looking for a noninvasive hair growth solution, those with androgenic alopecia and those looking to strengthen hair that is brittle or weak.

What results can I expect from PRP treatment?

Results may differ depending on your body’s reaction to the treatment but PRP benefits include slowing or stopping hair loss, stimulating dormant hair follicles, increasing hair regrowth, encouraging the production of new healthy cells, fuller and healthier-looking hair and decreasing hair dystrophy.

How many PRP treatment sessions do I need?

The amount of sessions you’ll have will depend on a number of factors including hair loss, age, and hormones. Your response to the treatment will be monitored over the course of 3 to 6 initial injections once a month followed by maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months to ensure results are kept up.

Is PRP treatment a permanent solution?

PRP treatment can provide long-term results but is not a permanent solution to hair loss. If maintenance sessions are not kept up it is possible that the progress can be reversed. Response to PRP treatment will be different in each patient so it can be hard to estimate how long the benefits will last.

Does PRP treatment hurt?

The use of a local anaesthetic in most cases means that you shouldn’t experience any pain during the procedure. You may experience some discomfort, tenderness, or mild pain at the site of the injection following the treatment.

Is PRP treatment dangerous?

PRP treatment is not considered to be dangerous. As with all medical procedures, there is a certain minimal level of risk but the treatment is considered to be safe when performed by a medical expert with high-quality equipment. However, since medical boards such as the FDA have not approved it, it’s important to discuss the risks with your doctor before you decide to opt for the treatment.

What are the risks of PRP treatment?

Temporary hair shedding may occur due to the body perceiving a stressful event. As the procedure involves injecting fluid directly into your scalp other risks include damage to the tissue, infection, redness, headaches, and possible nerve injury, though these are uncommon.

Does PRP treatment regrow your hair?

Research indicates that PRP treatment has the potential to help with hair loss as it promotes the growth of new hair while reducing hair loss. More studies are required to determine its ability to aid in hair regrowth but research has highlighted that PRP treatment is best able to increase hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Does PRP treatment make hair thicker?

Studies have highlighted the ability of PRP to improve the thickness of hair. However, it may not be as effective as other hair loss treatments like minoxidil according to research. When combined with other treatments though it can aid in improving the thickness of hair.

How long has PRP treatment been used to tackle hair loss?

PRP treatment has been in use for almost 20 years as a solution for hair loss. It was initially developed to treat thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) during the 1970s. Following its first applications, PRP has been used in treating sports injuries and was first used for treating hair loss in 2006.

What are at-home alternatives to PRP hair treatment?

If the cost of PRP is a barrier to access, there are at-home alternatives that can help with hair growth. These include topical minoxidil which can be acquired over the counter, at-home laser therapy through the use of low-level laser therapy devices and nutritional supplements such as biotin, iron and zinc which promote hair growth in those with nutritional deficiencies.

What prescription treatments are an alternative to PRP treatment?

If you’ve tried at-home treatments and are not seeing results you may be able to get a prescription medication to tackle hair loss. For men, finasteride is an oral medication that helps to slow the loss of hair and encourage hair regrowth. For women, a dermatologist may prescribe spironolactone to prevent hair loss and boost the thickness of hair.

What specialist procedures are an alternative to PRP treatment?

If you are looking for alternative specialist procedures some patients have seen improvement in hair growth through the use of corticosteroid injections into the scalp every 4 to 6 weeks. For extreme cases of hair loss, a hair transplant may be a viable option for hair regrowth. Here hair is transplanted from one area of the scalp to another area that is balding or thinning.

Are there lifestyle alternatives to PRP treatment?

If you’re looking for lifestyle changes you could make to improve hair growth there are some modifications you can make. These include having a balanced diet that is high in iron and protein, quitting smoking, limiting the use of heat hair styling tools, stopping at-home hair treatments like colouring or perming and using a gentle shampoo and conditioner to improve hair health.