EXPERT GUIDE

PRP for hair loss


Pete Scott, MD

This text was written according to the highest scientific standards and reviewed by medical experts. Find out more about our quality assurance.

Written by Matilda H. Updated on 14 Jan 2024

The so-called PRP treatment is a particularly effective and gentle method to prevent hair loss and visibly improve existing hair loss. The abbreviation PRP stands for “Platelet-Rich Plasma”. How effective is a PRP treatment against hair loss? What are the cost? And in which hair loss cases can PRP help? Find out everything in this guide.

In a Nutshellsvg

Cost $500 - $1,500
Sessions 4 - 8
Where? Verified Clinics

PRP treatment for hair loss

This form of treatment is a natural therapy against hair loss, in which the plasma is enriched with platelets from the patient’s own blood. The isolated blood is rich in thrombocytes, which is largely responsible for the healing process of skin damage. The high concentration of growth factors, platelets and proteins can stimulate hair root rejuvenation and cell regeneration.

This cell regeneration triggered by the PRP process can promote hair growth, increase the cell growth of hair follicles and stop hair loss.

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Is PRP effective against hair loss?

Study Result
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2019 A significant reduction in hair loss and an increase in the density of hair follicles was found for most of the 11 research papers analyzed in this systematic review following PRP injections.
Dermatologic Surgery 2019 There was a total of 460 participants suffering from androgenetic alopecia in the research papers this study analyzed, the majority of these participants showed evidence of hair regrowth after undergoing PRP treatment.
Nathan and Senna 2020 There was significant evidence in this study to conclude that the PRP treatment is beneficial for people suffering from androgenetic alopecia. The researchers advise using PRP treatments in combination with the topical medicine minoxidil and hair transplants.
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Pros and Cons of PRP for hair loss

As with any procedure, PRP treatment has its advantages and disadvantages. One important advantage is that the blood concentrate used is made exclusively from the patient’s own blood. This minimizes the risk of intolerance or allergic reactions.

Furthermore, the hair root and the entire hair growth is greatly strengthened and the blood flow to the scalp is improved. All in all, the PRP therapy is a very gentle treatment method to combat hair loss with a high success rate and few side effects.

As with every hair loss treatment there are some disadvantages associated with the PRP treatment, but in comparison to other treatments these are few in number and very mild. In rare cases, for example, redness and swelling of the treated areas can occur. These disappear again in a very short time. Also, the slight pricking felt when inserting the PRP injection can be seen as a disadvantage.

However, the pain is much less than that of a surgical hair transplant. Also hair transplants cost much more than a prp therapie against hair loss. In general, the PRP treatment has hardly any disadvantages due to the autologous blood method. Also compared to medication such as minoxidil and finasteride, the side effects are typically less severe.

Pros Cons
Minimal risk of intolerance or allergic reactions. Minimal risk of intolerance or allergic reactions.
Hair growth is significantly strengthened. Slight pain from the PRP injection.
Blood flow to the scalp is greatly improved. A minor headache.
Comparatively gentle treatment. A small amount of bleeding at the injection site.
Considerably less painful than a hair transplant.
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Side effects and risks

Since no foreign substances are used in the PRP method, it is well tolerated and rarely causes skin irritation or a reaction. Side effects can however still occur in the form of redness and slight swelling, which usually only last until the next day. To minimize the low risk of infection, one should adhere to prescribed hygiene measures.

svg Our tip

In our cost study, we found that not only the prices of the providers for PRP treatments vary greatly, but also the differences in quality are considerable. Therefore, you should inform yourself comprehensively. Our hair loss experts will be happy to help you and inform you about the results of the study: Request results now 

Who is the PRP treatment suitable for?

In the beginning, the cause of hair loss should be clarified in order to find an optimally coordinated form of treatment. Basically, there is little that can be done wrong with the PRP method. It is suitable for both men and women and can be used for almost all causes of hair loss – whether male pattern baldness, hormonal or stress-related hair loss.

The PRP treatment also successfully combats these forms of hair loss:

However, the PRP method should not be used in patients with blood-borne diseases. For example, there are contraindications for hepatitis and HIV. The same applies to chronic skin diseases, blood coagulation disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer and liver diseases. Pregnant women should also not undergo such treatment.

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Costs of PRP treatment

Prices for a PRP hair root treatment can vary depending on numerous factors. For example, the individual condition of the hair and the scalp play a role in the extent and duration of an individual treatment. Usually, the costs per session are between 500$ and 1.500$.

In addition, the duration of the treatment cycle varies, for this reason the total price differs from case to case. Since the PRP method is an aesthetic intervention, it is considered a private service and is usually not covered by the statutory health insurance. However, severe pre-existing conditions can be an exception. Therefore, one should contact the insurance company in advance with an individually prepared cost estimate in order to take advantage of possible cost coverage.

Procedure of a PRP treatment

The PRP “platelet-rich plasma” is first isolated from the patient’s blood and injected directly into the hair roots with fine needles. To make the treatment with the patient’s own blood less painful, the patient has the option of preparing the scalp with a light anesthetic spray or choosing a local anesthetic.

The specialist then takes about 10 milliliters of the patient’s own blood and uses a centrifugation procedure to isolate the platelets from it. After a few minutes and the addition of nutrients, the platelet-rich plasma can now be injected into the scalp to a depth of two to three millimeters using microinjections. For 24 hours after the treatment, the patient should avoid hair washing and direct sunlight on the scalp should.

The duration of each session varies individually. In order to achieve a satisfactory result, two to six treatments of 15 to 30 minutes each are normally required.

Before and After PRP Treatment

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What are the chances of success?

Various studies have demonstrated the success of the PRP treatment. Among them is a study from 2018, which shows impressive results of PRP therapy in vascular regeneration. The study investigated the ability of PRP optimization to improve wound healing. The results are convincing with a high degree of wound closure. While the closure of a wound circumference is regularly about 8% to 11%, a wound closure of 33% – 37% was observed after a PRP injection.

In another study, a “significant reduction in hair loss” was reported between the first and fourth PRP injection. It was also observed that the number of hair follicles on the treated scalp increased significantly. In both men and women, the PRP method has a positive therapeutic effect with minimal trauma to the scalp and very few disadvantages. In the cosmetic industry, among surgeons, sports physicians and orthopedists, the PRP method has long been considered an effective instrument of regenerative medicine.

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PRP treatment after hair transplantation

The PRP method can also be used as a supporting measure after hair transplantation. It ensures lasting success, because the blood injected during the PRP treatment improves the growth of hair follicles after a hair transplantation. The hair is stimulated and the isolated blood plasma supports the growth of individual grafts into the scalp.

By using the PRP method after a hair transplant, blood circulation is accelerated and optimized. For this reason, the PRP method is often performed either directly after a hair transplantation or within a few weeks. It supports the long-term result of full, strong hair and must be repeated on average two to four times.

According to our hair transplant statistics most of the hair transplant patients do not take hair loss medication such as finasteride. Probably many are afraid of the possible side effects. Therefore, a PRP treatment with a low risk profile could be a suitable solution for many cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PRP regrow hair?

What does a PRP treatment cost?

How long does a PRP treatment last?

How many PRP treatments are necessary?

Is PRP worth it for hair loss?

Sources

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