Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair treatments are successfully used to help treat several types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata [1]. A meta-analysis of 6 PRP clinical trials shows improvements in patient hair density and thickness in 84% of patients [2]. However, like any effective treatment, this therapy can have some adverse reactions. Are PRP hair treatment side effects serious enough to outweigh its good results?
In general, PRP injections are a safe way to treat hair loss. Researchers agree that the adverse reactions observed during clinical trials were mild and temporary [3][4][5]. While some tolerable pain, bruising, or swelling may occur at the injection sites, all symptoms normally resolve within a few minutes to a few days. This article will tell you all you need to know about:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair treatment uses a component of your own blood to stimulate your follicles for hair growth. It involves drawing a small quantity of blood from your arm and placing it in a centrifuge that separates the PRP from the rest of the blood [6]. Then, this platelet-rich plasma is carefully injected into the thinning areas of your scalp.
The reason this therapy works is because PRP contains over 20 growth factors [7]. They can repair damaged hair follicles and provide them with the necessary resources to grow thicker, healthier strands. It is usually most effective against mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. Still, it can also be used as an adjuvant in treating other types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata or traction alopecia [7].
PRP is recognised by the medical community as a generally safe procedure, with few recorded complications. Most clinical trials reported no serious adverse reactions to these injections. However, like anything that pierces your skin, platelet-rich plasma hair treatments can also have some unwanted side effects, which are expected to subside shortly after the procedure. Here are some of the potential negative effects of PRP injections for hair growth.
Discomfort normally lasts for a few hours during the injections, but in some cases, it may take a few days to fade completely. One study performed on 18 patients with androgenetic alopecia showed that all of them felt some minor scalp pain when injected with the PRP, despite the local anaesthesia. This sensation only persisted in 25% of them and subsided within 4 hours [8].
However, 9 of the 30 patients enrolled in a different trial reported that their pain lasted up to 2 days [9]. The intensity and duration of scalp discomfort depend on each patient’s pain threshold and on the skill and technique of the professional administering the injections.
60% of the patients enrolled in one study reported scalp sensitivity the first time they washed their hair since the procedure [8]. The heat and pressure on the freshly injected skin can be expected to cause some discomfort.
This side effect was confirmed in another study, in which 31% of the 42 enrolled patients of both genders developed some short-term sensitivity of the scalp after getting their PRP injections [10]. So don’t be alarmed if your scalp hurts when you move your hair after getting this treatment, as this feeling will subside in a few hours to a couple of days.
Some researchers reported that the patients in their clinical trials experienced minor, temporary swelling and tightness after receiving PRP injections. This is a normal skin reaction that can occur after any kind of mechanical trauma.
However, one-third of the patients interviewed during a 2017 patient survey also reported some temporary face or forehead swelling, which may be a sign of an allergic reaction [11]. If you experience significant facial swelling that is accompanied by difficulty breathing, contact emergency services immediately.
There were several mentions in the literature of patients who received PRP hair treatment experiencing some mild and short-lived scalp itching [9][11]. However, it is not an overly common occurrence — in one study, only 4 of 60 patients reported this side effect [9].
Itching can happen immediately after the procedure, as your scalp is irritated, or in the following hours or days as the pinpoint wounds at the injection site begin to scab over and heal. It is a good idea to avoid scratching the area, so it does not get infected or lead to hair breakage. If needed, an over-the-counter antihistamine can help reduce the itch.
This temporary side effect was reported in a single study performed on 42 patients of both genders [10]. Drowsiness was a temporary adverse reaction experienced by about a third of the test group. However, the authors do not specify how long the effect lasted or how intense it felt.
To be on the safe side, it is good to keep in mind that PRP has a chance of making you drowsy. So it’s a good idea to arrange for safe transportation from your chosen PRP clinic.
Some light bleeding and/or bruising can occur with any injection and it normally takes a few days before the bruising subsides. Only a few studies mention these minor inconveniences [11], while most simply state their patients encountered no serious complications.
However, should you experience severe or persistent bleeding, don’t hesitate to ask your GP for advice.
More evidence is needed regarding the frequency and extent of this side effect, as only one study reported that most of its 28 female patients treated with PRP experienced temporary hair shedding [12]. This side effect is likely telogen effluvium caused by the treatment’s impact on your hair growth cycle.
This side effect resolved itself before the 3-month mark post-treatment when patients showed a significant reduction in hair loss and increased hair growth. However, the authors of a different clinical trial explicitly stated that none of their 22 patients reported any post-PRP hair thinning [8].
PRP hair treatments may also have some other potential side effects that are so rare they have not been observed in clinical trials. However, professionals still warn patients about them as a precaution. These may include:
While its side effects are minor and temporary, the results of PRP therapy for hair growth seem to be very promising. A 2019 meta-analysis [1] of 10 randomised control trials and 11 cohort studies on the impact of PRP hair treatment on androgenetic alopecia revealed increases in hair density and diameter across the board.
The same paper also analysed 3 studies that evaluated the effect of PRP injections in alopecia areata. All of them found an increase in hair regrowth (and two of them also reported a decrease in other alopecia areata symptoms, such as hair dystrophy).
These results were confirmed by a different 2022 meta-analysis of 6 studies involving a total of 177 patients with androgenetic alopecia. 5 of these trials revealed PRP improved hair density and thickness [13].
Moreover, patient satisfaction with the results of PRP hair treatments is generally high, and they report a higher quality of life after this therapy [2]. Studies report the average rating provided by participants for the outcome of this procedure as over 7 out of 10 [10][15].
Finally, getting PRP after a hair transplant may improve your results. Studies show that getting these injections during your hair restoration surgery can improve hair follicle growth and reduce the waiting time before you can see both FUT and FUE hair transplant results.
The best thing you can do to reduce your chances of experiencing PRP side effects is to closely follow trichologists’ recommendations for pre and post-treatment care. These may include:
While this non-surgical hair restoration treatment is not likely to cause serious health harm to most patients, it’s not recommended for everyone. The following categories of people should avoid getting PRP hair treatments [6]:
Furthermore, patients with a history of allergic reactions to local anaesthetics should opt for the PRP treatment without anaesthesia (or if they know the specific substance they are allergic to, discuss alternatives with the professionals performing the procedure).
While one study reported hair shedding as a PRP side effect, this adverse reaction is temporary and resolves in a few weeks without treatment. However, most clinical trials that studied the safety of PRP injections reported no resulting hair loss. There have also been no mentions in scientific literature of this therapy causing permanent alopecia. On the contrary, most patients appear to be satisfied with their PRP results and see at least some improvement in hair density after an entire course of treatment.
While PRP injections can improve some kinds of mild to moderate hair loss, they may not suffice in treating more advanced conditions. If you are unsure what the best treatment is for your type of alopecia, it is best to see a specialist.
Book a consultation today with one of our experienced trichologists, at your most convenient clinic location. They will use specialised tools such as a dermoscopy, a hair pull test or order blood tests for hair loss to determine the reason your hair is falling out.
When you have a hair loss diagnosis, the team will work with you to provide the best hair loss treatment for men or the most effective hair loss treatment for women that works for your particular condition. Unlike one-size-fits-all advice, this solution will be personalised, considering your hair type, problems, lifestyle, needs, and preferences.
Find out more about PRP safety and side effects by perusing the answers to these frequently asked questions:
No, unlike Finasteride or Dutasteride side effects, which may include sexual dysfunction, there have been no reports of any sexual side effects associated with PRP hair treatments. That is because while those medications lower the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in your blood, PRP does not affect your hormones in any way. All its reported side effects are confined to your scalp and facial area.
All the side effects presently associated with PRP injections are temporary. There are no mentions in clinical trials of patients who experienced adverse reactions for more than a few days after their procedure (with the exception of telogen effluvium, which normally lasts for several weeks). If you notice that your symptoms have not subsided 5-7 days after your treatment, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.
No, unfortunately, there is presently no cure for baldness. The effects of PRP on hair loss normally last for about 4-6 months before another maintenance session is needed. If you are looking for a long-term solution for your hair loss, you may be a good candidate for a permanent hair transplant.
All hair growth treatments that work have some potential side effects. However, many popular hair loss medications have more concerning risks than PRP. Finasteride side effects, for example, may include sexual dysfunction in men and foetal malformations and hormonal imbalances in women (which is why premenopausal women can’t use Finasteride).
However, topical Minoxidil may carry somewhat lower risks than PRP, given that it doesn’t break the skin. Moreover, some effective natural remedies, such as essential oils for hair growth can be even safer than PRP injections, as can certain non-invasive therapies, such as red light therapy for hair growth.
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