Platelet-Rich Plasma: Does PRP Really Work for Hair Growth?

• 22 April 2023
• Dr Malay Mehta

Hair loss can be a distressing condition, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. Traditionally, your only treatments for loss or thinning of hair were Rogaine, transplants, or simply putting up with it. However, another treatment has emerged recently that has proven effective: platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This non-invasive procedure uses your own blood to stimulate the growth of your hair and promote healthy locks.

But how effective is PRP for hair loss, and does it really work? Keep reading to find out!

How does PRP work?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves a simple three-step process.

• First, a small sample of blood is drawn from the patient.
• Second, the blood is processed in a centrifuge to separate the components and create an injection of platelet-rich plasma.
• Finally, the concentrated injections are inserted into the scalp, specifically targeting the areas where you have noticeable loss or thinning of the hair.

The science behind this revolutionary treatment is based on the growth factors found in platelet-rich plasma, which are essential for healing and regeneration. The injections trigger new hair growth by increasing blood flow in the affected areas of the scalp and prolonging the growth phase (anagen phase) of the growth cycle.

Platelet-rich plasma is a type of therapy that uses your body’s own growth factors, separated from your blood, as an effective treatment for hair loss.

What sort of hair loss is PRP most effective for?

PRP injections are most effective in treating androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as female-pattern or male-pattern baldness. However, the therapy should be initiated as soon as androgenetic alopecia is confirmed. The earlier treatment is initiated, the more effective it is.

If you have large areas of baldness or an underlying medical condition, such as an issue with your thyroid, PRP treatment may not be as effective. Your dermatologist can discuss better treatment options with you if this is the case.

Does PRP really work as a treatment for hair loss?

Studies have shown that PRP therapy can be an effective and safe treatment for people who are suffering from different hair issues, such as female or male pattern baldness.

One study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that after four sessions of PRP therapy, patients showed a significant improvement in density, thickness, and growth.

Another study found that PRP therapy for androgenic alopecia and non-scarring alopecia areata increased density and thickness. This study also determined that those patients with alopecia who received this treatment had an improvement in their clinical symptoms and did not have to take steroids.

These studies prove that platelet-rich plasma really does work to increase the growth, health, and thickness of your hair.

Studies have shown that platelet-rich plasma therapy is an effective treatment that boosts growth and increases the thickness and density of your strands.

How effective is PRP for thinning, balding, or hair loss?

While the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma can vary between individuals, research suggests that, generally, PRP is a successful therapy for the early stages of hair loss. A 2019 study compared Rigotaine and PRP hair loss treatments. This study determined that PRP is more effective at treating hair loss as well as increasing the size and density of the shafts.

Although these studies show promising results, many agree that there needs to be more research and bigger groups of people used in the studies to determine the effectiveness of PRP therapy over the long term.

What factors can impact how effective PRP treatment is?

There are several factors that may impact how effective PRP treatment is, such as:

• how many platelets your blood contains.
• how advanced the hair loss or balding is.
• if you have inflammatory skin conditions or autoimmune disorders.

Your hair transplant doctor will assess your current health and past history, as well as the causes of hair loss, to determine if any of these factors may inhibit your ability to have this therapy.

Is PRP safe to use?

Generally, PRP is a safe therapy to treat hair loss, but there are some potential risks and complications. The most common side effects include mild pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. These symptoms typically subside within a few days. There is also a small risk of infection, which can be minimised by ensuring that the injections are performed in a sterile environment.

Patients who have a history of blood disorders, have undergone chemotherapy in the past year, or have an active infection or disease should avoid this type of therapy. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor, who can answer all your questions.

When carried out by a skilled professional, PRP treatment has proven to be a safe and effective therapy that yields excellent results.

PRP offers safe, effective treatments for early hair loss.

PRP therapy has emerged as a popular and effective treatment for skin and hair loss. The procedure is minimally invasive, and research suggests that it can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from hair loss. While there are potential risks and complications associated with this therapy, these can be minimised by ensuring that the treatments are performed in a sterile environment by a qualified medical professional.

Dr. Malay Mehta is an expert in hair loss treatments and transplants. He and his team are happy to address your concerns, answer questions, and help determine the best course of therapy to help restore a full head of hair.

If you’re struggling with hair loss, PRP therapy may be worth considering as a treatment option.

FAQs

Please read through the frequently asked questions below to find out more.

Does PRP actually regrow hair?

Some research suggests that PRP can stimulate a group of cells at the base of your hair follicles to regrow hair. The treatment, injected deep into the scalp, plays a role in hair regrowth and can reverse the signs of early female and male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia.

How long does it take for PRP to work?

Most patients will notice new hair growth about a month after the second treatment. Our expert dermatologists usually recommend a course of 6 to 8 treatments, spaced about 4 weeks apart, to get the best results.

How much do PRP hair loss treatments cost?

The cost of PRP treatments for hair loss varies depending on the salon or clinic, the level of experience of the dermatologist, and the number of sessions required. On average, it costs between Rs 4,500 and Rs 15,000 per session.

Is it permanent or temporary?

The results of PRP therapy are temporary. However, with maintenance treatments every 6 months to a year after your initial therapy is completed, you can maintain your hair regrowth.

What is the success rate of PRP treatment?

The success rate of PRP treatment for hair loss in India is considered to be quite high. Many dermatologists advise the procedure because it is safe and minimally invasive and appears to successfully restore healthy hair growth.

Are there any side effects from PRP injections?

The side effects from PRP injections are relatively minor, especially as the treatment involves using your own blood. You are less likely to have reactions to your own bodily fluids. The side effects we most typically see are slight swelling and redness at the injection site, which usually lasts only a few days.