Any man or woman suffering hair loss is potentially a good candidate for PRP therapy, but patients with early hair loss usually yield the most favorable results. PRP is best suited for patients with androgenic alopecia, which is an inherited type of hair thinning that typically presents on the top of the head. In women, this can appear as a widening part with average hair thickness at the back of the head. Those with parts of “poor quality” hair growth of the scalp with active hair follicles usually have the greatest results with PRP hair regrowth therapy. If you are interested in whether or not you can get PRP therapy for your hair loss, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Hanz today.

A nonsurgical process, PRP therapy is a short, one-hour in-office visit. The session begins with drawing a little bit of your blood and placing it in a specialized machine, which rotates the blood at high speed to remove the platelets from the remainder of the blood elements. Next, a local anesthetic is applied to your scalp and the concentrated platelet-rich plasma is reintroduced into balding areas of your scalp. Then, microneedling is performed on the scalp to cause micro-trauma and micro-channels to the epidermis, which triggers your platelet-rich plasma and allows it to penetrate deep into the skin of your scalp. Our protocol for nonsurgical management of baldness contains an initial therapy and maintenance treatments roughly every nine months to a year.

There is no recovery period necessary after this process with practically no limits or restrictions. If anything, you can develop some discoloration, minor swelling, and mild tenderness to the treated areas of your scalp; however, these symptoms typically only last up to 48 hours. Results are usually noticed around 4 – 6 months after the first session and will continue to improve for as much as a full year following treatment. Since PRP therapy isn’t a permanent option for reversing hair loss, repeat treatments are suggested every 12 – 18 months.

The two main factors that will determine your PRP therapy costs are your level of hair loss and the number of treatments you’ll need to reach your aesthetic goals. During your consultation with Dr. Hanz, he will examine your scalp, level of hair loss and listen to your goals. After that, he will be able to create a treatment plan for you and estimate your costs.

Yes, you can. Combining PRP therapy for hair loss with other hair restoration therapies like microneedling, topical medications, and others can often improve your results. Ask Dr. Hanz about other hair loss treatments during your consultation and what combination is best to reach your hair restoration goals.

An average PRP therapy for hair loss treatment plan consists of three treatments spaced a month apart. Every patient will have a personalized treatment plan devised by Dr. Hanz. If your hair loss is more severe, he may recommend more initial treatments that can taper off as you begin to see results. Dr. Hanz may suggest maintenance treatments every 12 – 18 months.

Many patients see an increase in hair growth and thickness. However, every patient’s results are unique and depend on their level of hair loss and their body’s response to the PRP therapy. Remaining realistic about your hair restoration results and having patience while your body begins to respond to the treatment is important. Most patients will begin to see results after 4 – 6 months.

Dr. Hanz will use an anesthetic on your scalp to numb the treatment area. This will help prevent any possible pain or discomfort during the treatment process. After you’re done, your scalp may feel numb and tingly, but normal sensation returns quickly.