PRP—which stands for platelet rich plasma—injections are on the rise as a potential solution (or at least a part of the solution) to treating hair loss. Ahead Paul Nassif, a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills explains what it is, how it works and what you can realistically expect from the treatment.
What is PRP (And Can It Really Help with Hair Loss?)
•
Published Feb 28, 2022
What is PRP, and can it really help with hair loss?
“PRP injections are a great treatment option to help the body repair itself, including damaged hair follicles that are no longer producing hair. However, I always point out to my patients that this will not completely fix or correct hair loss caused by an underlying medical issue (i.e., illness, thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases, etc).”
Timing is also of the essence. “I recommend it for anyone that has noticed thinning hair in a particular area within the past several years. If the patient has not had hair growth in the area for 10 or 20 years, they’re likely not a good candidate for PRP,” shares Nassif.
How does it work?
PRP involves drawing blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate the blood that is most helpful in wound healing and then injecting it back into their scalp.
Does it hurt?
“The treatment involves mild discomfort. We offer topical numbing, ice, and a vibration device to help alleviate any discomfort. People who are afraid of needles may be hesitant, but the needles are very, very small,” explains Nassif.
The good news about healing after PRP is that “since this is someone’s own natural blood product, there is no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection to it,” he says. “Risks can include tenderness at the injection site, bruising, and potentially an infection.”
To help prevent the latter, Nassif cautions against anything that could cause excessive sweating, washing your hair or applying any hair products for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
OK, what’s the fine print, doc? How much does it cost and when can I expect to see results?
“The cost depends on how much blood is collected, but it typically runs between $600-$900 per session and most patients get three to six sessions, spaced out to once every month,” says Nassif. “After evaluating how the patient has responded to their initial three to six sessions, I may recommend considering a second treatment after six to 12 months,” he adds.
Hair regrowth is a long game. “I remind patients that this is a slow process and to give it at least three to four months after the third session to realistically expect results. All in, PRP can take about six months until we typically start to see an improvement,” explains Nassif.
Is there anything I can do at home to complement the PRP treatments for hair growth?
“I absolutely recommend taking a medical grade oral hair supplement, such as Viviscal, at the same time as your treatments. There is also some research on LED caps or treatments for the scalp to help promote hair growth, and it is worth considering several modalities at the same time. Remember that hair regrowth is a long-term investment,” he says.
