Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) continues to grow in popularity as a hair loss treatment. It’s no surprise, as research continues to show promising results for PRP and its role as a treatment for different types of alopecia. According to one review, 84% of research shows a positive effect of PRP as a treatment for hair loss [1].
In this article, we’ll share before and after photos to showcase the effects of PRP hair treatment. We’ll also explain what PRP is, its benefits as a hair loss treatment, how long the effects last, and any potential side effects.
PRP is a type of regenerative medicine that makes use of platelets – small cell fragments found in your blood that contain growth factors. These growth factors can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue healing or regeneration in the treated area.
During the PRP preparation process, blood is taken from your arm and placed into a centrifuge machine. The centrifuge separates blood into fractions with different density, making it easy to harvest the PRP. The PRP is processed and injected into the areas of your scalp affected by hair loss.
When injected into the scalp, PRP stimulates hair growth, prolongs the growth phase of hair, and increases hair density [2].
As you’ll see in the photos below, PRP can have a big impact on hair loss. Significant improvements in hair regrowth are often visible after just 3 months.
Research into PRP as a standalone treatment for hair loss mainly focuses on androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Androgenetic alopecia is male or female pattern baldness, and alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your hair follicles and causes hair loss.
These images show a 34-year-old man affected by hair loss. The first image shows his scalp before PRP hair treatment, and the second image shows his scalp two weeks after his last treatment. As you can see, his hair count and hair density have significantly increased.
In the photos below, you can see the effects of PRP on male pattern hair loss. The first picture shows the patient before he started treatment, and the second picture shows increased hair growth and thickness after 3 monthly sessions of PRP.
These photos show a 52-year-old man before and after PRP hair treatment. In the first image, you can see significant hair loss in keeping with male pattern baldness. In the second image, although his hair remains thin, you can see significant hair growth on the crown of his head.
Again, these images show the significant effect of PRP hair treatment on male pattern baldness. This 52-year-old man has noticeable hair loss at the front of his scalp in the first photo. In the second photo, the central area of hair loss has regrown after 3 sessions of PRP treatment.
The pictures below show a 41-year-old woman with alopecia areata. In the first picture, there is noticeable hair loss in the occipital region of her scalp. In the second picture, there is visible hair regrowth after 3 months of PRP treatment.
These photos show a patient with alopecia barbae, a specific type of alopecia that affects the beard. PRP was given 3 times, at 6-week intervals. Significant hair loss is visible in the first picture, followed by minimal regrowth at 6 weeks. But at the 1-year follow-up, the patient has significant beard regrowth. The possibility must be considered that this regrowth may have occurred naturally if PRP had not been used.
Research suggests that PRP has a good success rate at improving hair count, hair thickness and hair shaft diameter in patients with androgenetic alopecia. The success rate varies for other hair loss conditions. It may also improve the appearance of hair on top of the head more effectively than Minoxidil, a medication for hair loss. Here are some of the research findings:
Research is divided on this question, although it is agreed that the effects of PRP are temporary. Most studies suggest that maintenance sessions will be needed at some point to prevent a relapse of hair loss, but it’s not fully clear how soon these are needed after the initial treatment. Here’s what different studies found:
PRP hair treatment can be combined with other hair loss treatments to maximise its effects. For example, research shows that PRP combined with minoxidil was more effective than PRP treatment or minoxidil alone [3]. Minoxidil is a common medication used to stimulate hair growth and slow balding.
PRP also enhances the effects of a hair transplant, a permanent treatment for hair loss. When used in combination with a hair transplant, PRP can improve recovery by giving faster hair density, speeding up skin recovery and activating dormant hair follicles in people who have a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant [11].
PRP injections are made up of plasma and cells from your own body, so the risk of allergic reaction is much lower than with other injections (such as steroid injections) [12]. You may have some mild pain or bruising around the injection site, but major side effects are unlikely [12].
PRP involves taking blood, so you should have something to eat and drink before the procedure to avoid feeling light-headed. In rare cases, people may experience the following side effects [12]:
Our expert clinicians can give you personalised advice on whether PRP injections are right for you based on your clinical symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.
Our skilled clinicians are highly trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of hair loss. If you’re experiencing pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a different type of hair loss, Wimpole Clinic can help.
Book an appointment with a trichologist if you’re unsure why your hair is falling out. They can identify and perform any necessary tests, such as a scalp biopsy or hair loss blood tests, to find the cause of your symptoms. Once you are diagnosed, your trichologist will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and preferences.
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