Top Benefits of PRP Hair Treatment: Is It Right for You? (Expert Recommendations)
Hair forms a significant part of self-esteem and a key part of a person’s image.
Even though hair loss is relatively common, many people suffer psychological disturbance and distress when they experience hair thinning or loss.
Some people are very concerned about hair loss, from worry about being less attractive to fear of becoming bald and concern about aging.
Thankfully, multiple hair treatments can halt the progression of hair loss and engineer hair regrowth in barren areas. An example is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair treatment.
PRP hair treatment involves taking your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the blood and concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this platelet-enriched plasma into your scalp.
These platelets contain essential growth factors that stimulate your hair follicles, giving them vital nutrients and oxygen necessary for healthy hair.
In this article, we examine the benefits of PRP hair treatment and why you should consider it.
1. Proven technique to promote hair growth and recovery from hair transplant
Anecdotal and scientific evidence show that PRP is an effective hair treatment. In one research study, participants received PRP injections once every 30 days for a total of three injections within three months. All participants had androgenetic alopecia, although in different stages.
The results were tracked for 24 months, but the results from the 3-month mark were remarkable. After three months, participants who received PRP had an average increase of 33.6 hairs in the treated area compared to an actual reduction in the group that didn’t receive the PRP treatment.
The researchers also observed a higher total hair density (an average of 45.9 hairs per cm2) in those who received PRP treatment. Again, they observed a reduced hair density in the group that didn’t receive the treatment.
Furthermore, two weeks after the first treatment, the researchers observed increased epidermis thickness and the number of healthy hair follicles. Both are essential growth factors “for producing and sustaining hair growth.”
2. PRP hair treatment is adjudged safe by multiple research studies
Many studies that have explored PRP as an effective hair treatment have similar conclusions on its safety profile.
In the study we cited above, the researchers concluded that “the data we report demonstrate the clinical efficacy and histological safety of PRP treatment.”
Another research study that reviewed the use of PRP in hair treatments also concluded that it’s a relatively safe procedure with little to no side effects.
One note about safety: PRP hair treatment is relatively safe, but safety depends on factors such as the expertise of the practitioner administering the injections, the safety protocols upheld at the treatment center, and strict adherence to established standards.
This caution underscores the need to carry out PRP treatments with board-certified doctors and safe treatment centers like LA ViE MD. At LA ViE MD, we prioritize your safety, ensuring every PRP treatment is performed with the highest levels of care, precision, and adherence to standards.
3. PRP hair treatment is a non-surgical treatment
Unlike surgical procedures like hair transplants, PRP involves no incisions or local anesthesia. This non-surgical nature offers multiple benefits, such as:
Minimal downtime
Since PRP is minimally invasive, you can return to your daily activities almost immediately after the procedure. There’s no need for extended recovery, making it convenient for those with busy lifestyles. Any pain or discomfort is easily managed by over-the-counter analgesics.
Faster recovery
One of the benefits that makes it a favorable option for most people is its quick recovery. There’s no need for an extended healing period. As such, most people can return to work on the same day because PRP therapy involves minimal discomfort.
Reduced risks and side effects
Another added benefit of being a non-surgical procedure is that it cuts out some of the inherent risks associated with surgical methods.
So, if you want to avoid potential complications, PRP is a viable hair restoration treatment option for different hair loss conditions.
Also, the fact that the platelet-rich plasma is extracted from your body adds another layer of safety to the procedure compared to relying on a transfusion.
No scarring
There are hardly any scars involved with PRP hair treatments. If there are any, they’re usually small, the size of needles, and will clear up by themselves after healing completely.
4. PRP is relatively more affordable than surgical hair regrowth procedures
PRP hair treatment is more affordable than surgical methods like follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant.
PRP therapy costs between $300-$600 per session. Most people need at least one monthly treatment session for three consecutive months, which puts the total cost of PRP hair treatment at about $900-$1800.
One reason for this price range is the time and expertise required to extract platelet-rich plasma from one’s own blood. The aim is to concentrate the platelet level 2-6X more than the normal level.
On the other hand, FUE hair transplants are often priced per follicle, with the cost usually starting at $6 per follicle. A transplant of 1,000 follicles will set you back $6,000.
PRP is more cost-effective, but there may be better options if the target area has no hair follicles. PRP is best for individuals suffering from thinning hair and minimal hair loss.
5. PRP hair treatment produces natural-looking results
Without telling anyone, no one will be able to know if you had a procedure done. One reason for this is PRP therapy works by stimulating your body’s regenerative processes.
The PRP injection encourages natural hair growth. This hair regrowth occurs in a way that blends with your existing hair, often maintaining the same hair texture and color as the non-treated areas.
In addition, the gradual nature of hair regrowth means the changes often go unnoticed by others.
6. PRP hair treatment can be used for different hair conditions
One of the upsides of PRP is that it has been proven to work for various hair loss cases caused by different underlying factors, whether it’s hair thinning or partial hair loss.
For example, research shows that PRP effectively treats female pattern hair loss (FPHL), the leading cause of hair loss in middle-aged women. A review of six randomized controlled clinical trials revealed that applying PRP as an FPHL treatment increased hair thickness and density.
Similarly, the academic review also shows that PRP works on different kinds of alopecia, including:
- Androgenetic alopecia
- Alopecia areata
- Cicatricial alopecia
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia
7. Equally beneficial in combination with other treatment options
While PRP therapy works as an effective, standalone hair treatment, plastic surgeons also prescribe it as part of a holistic treatment for hair loss.
One of the common cases of this is pairing it with other non-invasive treatments like prescription medicine for hair loss, such as minoxidil and finasteride.
Another common usage is using PRP in combination with hair transplantation. In one study, participants who received PRP with their hair transplant resumed hair growth faster, with more follicle regeneration than participants who only received saline treatment.
Some of the benefits of using PRP with hair transplantation include:
- Reduced sensitivity
- Prevention of complications
- Enhanced graft adhesion
- Reduction of redness
- Faster recovery
- Quick tissue regeneration
- Limited hair loss
8. PRP hair treatment leads to improved hair texture
PRP doesn’t just grow your hair. After your treatments, you’ll most likely experience richer hair that feels glossier.
One of the reasons for this is simply because the growth factors in the PRP treatment revitalize your hair follicles, leading to healthier hair than before. So, you can easily notice the changes, especially if you’ve been suffering from severe hair thinning.
Additionally, PRP improves blood circulation in your scalp. Increased blood circulation translates into an increased availability of nutrients to the hair follicles. This is what leads to the improved texture and hair quality.
9. PRP hair treatment prevents further hair loss
PRP can halt the progression of hair loss. One of the reasons for hair loss is weakened hair follicles, poor blood circulation to the scalp, and disorders that affect the hair, like androgenetic alopecia.
PRP helps deal with these issues by directly applying a concentrated dose of growth factors to the scalp, revitalizing and strengthening your hair follicles.
This results in less hair falling out over time, helping to increase hair volume and prevent further losses simultaneously.
Takeaway: Regrow your hair naturally and gain more confidence with PRP hair treatment
PRP hair treatment offers a viable solution for individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning.
Top benefits like affordability compared to surgical alternatives, natural-looking results, compatibility with other treatments, minimal downtime, increased volume and hair density, as well as quick recovery, make PRP an excellent choice for treating hair loss caused by different hair disorders.
Always consult a certified professional to determine if PRP fits your needs and ensure the procedure is performed under optimal conditions.
Consider LA ViE MD for your safe and effective PRP hair treatment. Our team of experts will tailor the treatment to your unique needs in a safe, sterile, and state-of-the-art environment. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier, fuller hair!
FAQs
Below, we answer some common questions about PRP hair treatment.
What Is PRP hair treatment?
PRP hair treatment uses a concentrated part of your blood filled with platelets to promote hair growth. First, your doctor will draw a small amount of blood from your body (typically your arm).
This blood is then spun and processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. The platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors. Your doctor will then inject this PRP into your scalp in the areas where balding or hair thinning has occurred. The growth factors in the PRP then aid natural hair regrowth.
Does PRP hair treatment really work?
Yes, PRP hair treatment does work. Multiple studies, such as The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth and Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth, have examined its efficacy with the authors concluding that PRP hair treatment is a safe and effective solution for hair loss and thinning. That said, you should consult with a professional to determine the best hair treatment for your needs.
How long does PRP hair treatment typically last for hair loss?
The longevity of PRP hair treatment for hair loss can vary per individual, primarily depending on the underlying cause of hair loss and how well they maintain follow-up treatments. You should begin to see significant improvements in hair volume, thickness, and density after 3-6 months of consistent treatments. This benefit can last between 12 to 18 months after the last treatment. We recommend undertaking a PRP session every 4-6 months for long-lasting results.
What are the side effects of PRP hair treatment?
PRP hair treatment is generally safe. The blood is obtained from your body, reducing the risk of infections. That said, potential side effects include temporary pain in the treatment area, scalp sensitivity and tenderness, lightheadedness, mild swelling, and itching. Note that most of these side effects will self-resolve the same day or at most 1-2 days afterwards.