PRP for Hair Loss

PRP therapy process

PRP therapy is a three-step process. Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 4–6 weeks apart.

Maintenance treatments are required every 4–6 months.

Step 1

Your blood is drawn — typically from your arm — and put into a centrifuge (a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities).

Step 2

After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:

• platelet-poor plasma
• platelet-rich plasma
• red blood cells

Step 3

The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

There hasn’t been enough research to prove whether PRP is effective. It’s also unclear for whom — and under what circumstances — it’s most effective.

According to a recent studyTrusted Source, “Although PRP has sufficient theoretical scientific basis to support its use in hair restoration, hair restoration using PRP is still at its infancy. Clinical evidence is still weak.”

PRP for hair loss side effects

Because PRP therapy involves injecting your own blood into your scalp, you aren’t at risk for getting a communicable disease.

Still, any therapy that involves injections always carries a risk of side effects such as:

• injury to blood vessels or nerves
• infection
• calcification at the injection points
• scar tissue

There’s also the chance that you could have a negative reaction to the anesthetic used in the therapy. If you decide to pursue PRP therapy for hair loss, let your doctor know in advance about your tolerance to anesthetics.

Risks of PRP for hair loss

Be sure to report all medications you’re on before the procedure including supplements and herbs.

When you go for your initial consultation, many providers will recommend against PRP for hair loss if you:

• are on blood thinners
• are a heavy smoker
• have a history of alcohol or drug misuse

You might also be rejected for treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with:

• acute or chronic infections
• cancer
• chronic liver disease
• chronic skin disease
• hemodynamic instability
• hypofibrinogenemia
• metabolic disorder
• platelet dysfunction syndromes
• systemic disorder
• sepsis
• low platelet count
• thyroid disease

How much does PRP for hair loss cost?

PRP therapy typically consists of three treatments in a 4–6 week period, with maintenance treatments every 4–6 months.

The price typically ranges from $1,500–$3,500 for the initial three treatments, with one injection at $400 or more. Pricing depends on a number of factors including:

• your geographic location
• quality of equipment
• the addition of nutritive components

Many insurance plans consider PRP for hair loss treatment to be cosmetic and don’t cover any of the costs of the treatment. Check with your insurance provider to see if PRP therapy is covered for you.

Takeaway

If you’re concerned about hair loss, you have a number of options including medication like Rogaine and Propecia, along with hair transplant surgery. Another consideration is PRP therapy.

Although there’s limited clinical proof that PRP for hair loss works, there are many who believe that PRP is a safe and effective way of reversing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth.

Talk to your doctor to see which treatment or combination of treatments is the best choice for you.