Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Hair Loss: What to Know Beforehand
Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a person’s own blood to promote hair growth. PRP injections are rich in proteins called growth factors, which may stimulate dormant hair follicles when injected into the scalp, encouraging hair regeneration.
This article discusses what to expect during PRP for hair loss, possible results, side effects, and how much it costs.
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Results of PRP for Hair Loss
PRP has gained popularity as a nonsurgical option for combating hair loss. But does it work? The short answer: Maybe.
PRP therapy has been used for decades for wound and injury healing, but it is a relatively new treatment for hair loss. Recent research suggests that while not everyone is a candidate, PRP injections can increase hair growth and hair density in people with hereditary hair thinning or baldness.
Platelets are a type of blood cell containing several growth factors, which are proteins that play a role in cell repair and tissue regeneration. When injected into the scalp, PRP delivers a concentrated dose of growth factors that can stimulate hair follicles and prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. The growth factors in PRP may also help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the scalp.
Several studies exploring the effects of PRP on hair loss found it is a safe, effective way to promote hair growth. In one study, participants with androgenic alopecia (hereditary baldness) who received three PRP injections over three months had significant increases in their hair density (number of hairs on the scalp) within six weeks.
Some participants' hair density amounts slightly decreased a year after the final treatment but remained higher than pretreatment numbers.
A research review of 12 clinical trials exploring the effects of PRP on hair loss found that PRP therapy yielded significant improvements to hair density and thickness in male and female participants in 84% of the studies.
While individual responses may vary, and optimal results often require multiple sessions. The researchers concluded that PRP is a safe and effective method for promoting hair regrowth.
How Many PRP Sessions Before Hair Regrows?
PRP therapy is not a onetime solution; most people require several sessions to achieve visible hair regrowth. The number of sessions can vary, but providers typically recommend three to four PRP sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results. Maintenance treatments every six to 12 months are sometimes necessary for continued regrowth.
Results vary from person to person, but some may see results after as few as three PRP sessions, while others may require more sessions before noticing results. Factors such as age, overall health, and the underlying cause of hair loss can influence the timeline for regrowth.
Patience and consistency with your PRP sessions are crucial to seeing changes to your hair regrowth and achieving the desired results.
Your dermatologist will assess your progress after each session and tailor your PRP plan to your needs. Sometimes dermatologists recommend combining PRP therapy with other hair loss treatments, such as Rogaine (minoxidil) or Propecia (finasteride), to improve the results of PRP therapy and boost the hair growth cycle.
Step-by-Step What Happens During PRP Therapy
PRP therapy involves using your own blood to stimulate hair growth. The procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes and involves the following steps:
Blood draw: A small amount of blood (30 to 60 milliliters) is removed from a vein in your arm and collected in a test tube.
Centrifugation: A laboratory device called a "centrifuge" rapidly spins the blood to separate the platelets from other blood cells.
Anesthesia: A local anesthetic (numbing agent), such as EMLA cream, is applied to the scalp to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Microneedling (optional): In some cases, microneedling is performed along with PRP therapy. This involves rolling a device with tiny needles across the scalp to create micro-injuries in the skin to enhance PRP's absorption and effectiveness.
Injection: A dermatologist injects the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp using tiny needles, usually in a grid-like pattern, to cover select areas of the scalp where hair loss is an issue.
Most people can resume regular activities following the injection. Your dermatologist may provide specific aftercare instructions, including avoiding certain activities or hair products for a short period.
Where to Go for PRP Therapy for Hair Loss
PRP therapy should only be performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with the training and expertise to perform the procedure safely.
While seeking lower-cost alternatives may be tempting, choose a reputable provider with specialized training to ensure your safety and achieve the best possible results.
Side Effects and Complications
PRP therapy is generally considered safe; most people do not experience side effects or complications. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and short-lived and may include:
Pain at the injection sight: Some people report mild discomfort during the scalp injections, which resolves by the end of the session.
Scalp discomfort: The scalp may feel sore, itchy, or tender following the injections but should subside within a few days.
People with autoimmune conditions are not good candidates for PRP therapy, as the injections may trigger an overactive immune response that can lead to swollen lymph nodes, fever, or joint pain.
Financials: Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs
PRP therapy for hair loss is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. Some private insurance companies may cover PRP therapy for people with certain medical conditions, such as alopecia areata. Medicare and Medicaid only cover PRP therapy for healing chronic pressure or venous wounds in people with diabetes.
Check with your insurance provider to determine if your plan covers PRP sessions. Without insurance coverage, you will pay out of pocket for PRP therapy. The average price of an individual PRP session is $717, though costs can vary depending on the provider, your geographic location, and the number of sessions required.
Talk to your provider before starting PRP therapy to discuss the total cost of treatment and ask about any potential financing options or payment plans they may offer.
PRP Alternatives for Hair Loss: What Else Could Work?
While PRP is a promising therapy for hair loss, there are other options to consider. At-home remedies that may stimulate hair growth include:
Rogaine (minoxidil): An over-the-counter (OTC) topical solution that promotes hair growth and thickens hair in people with hereditary hair loss
At-home laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices, such as laser caps or combs, that can stimulate hair follicles to encourage growth
Nutritional supplements: Certain supplements, like biotin, iron, and zinc, that may support hair growth in people with nutritional deficiencies
If at-home treatments are ineffective, a dermatologist may prescribe medications or recommend specialist procedures to address hair loss, such as:
Propecia (finasteride): An oral prescription medication for men that helps slow hair loss and promotes hair regrowth
Spironolactone: An oral prescription medication for women that helps prevent hair loss and increases hair thickness
Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids in the scalp, given every four to eight weeks, that may help stimulate hair growth
Hair-transplant surgery: A procedure that involves transplanting hair from one area of the scalp to a site that needs hair
In addition to OTC and prescription treatments, certain lifestyle modifications may help slow hair loss and promote growth. Experts recommend the following:
Eating a nutrient-dense, balanced diet rich in iron and protein
Quitting smoking
Limiting heat hair styling (e.g., curling iron, hot combs, high-heat blow drying)
Stopping at-home hair treatments (e.g., hair coloring, relaxing, perming)
Using a gentle shampoo and moisture-rich conditioner or using a leave-in conditioner
Summary
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may help address hair loss by stimulating hair regrowth and thickening hair in people with hereditary hair loss. While the treatment is safe and effective, more research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy. PRP therapy is not a cure for hair loss, and the results can vary from person to person.
Most people need several sessions of PRP to see results and require ongoing maintenance sessions every six to 12 months. PRP therapy is usually not covered by insurance, so you may need to pay out-of-pocket.
Talk to a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, to discuss PRP therapy and other hair loss treatments. They will discuss your options and help you find the proper treatment for hair loss that meets your budget and needs.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
