PRP Hairloss
- Best Results3-6 treatments
- Treatment Recovery0-1 day
- Procedure Time60 minutes
- Skin SpecialistDermatologist, nurse
- Duration of ResultsYears+
- AnaestheticNumbing & blocks
- Back to WorkImmediately
- Cost$-$$
PRP For PRP Hairloss
PRP or platelet rich plasma is a simple, side-effect-free method of hair regrowth. It is a scientifically proven method of regrowing hair without the side effects of medication. Data has shown a reproducible increase in follicular units over three to four months. As with all hair treatments, maintenance is required for the best results.
FactsFacts On PRP Hairloss
- PRP uses natural growth factors derived from your own blood
- PRP was first used by dermatologists & plastic surgeons for wound repair
- PRP contains growth factors & anti-inflammatory molecules
- It works by increasing lifespan of hair follicles as well as increasing their diameter & number
- This treatment should be conducted prior & during FUE / hair transplantation as it can improve graft survival rates & clinical outcomes
- Better outcomes are seen in mild to moderate severity of hair loss
- Better outcomes are achieved in males compared to female pattern hair loss
PRP Hairloss
PRP is essentially a super concentration of cell growth factors derived from blood cells known as platelets. These include growth factors, cytokines & chemokines.
This mix of molecules gives PRP the power to repair damaged cells including miniaturized hair follicles, as found in male & female pattern hair loss. PRP helps to activate hair growth, increasing the number of follicles as well making the hair shaft thicker. PRP also increases the lifespan of hair follicles.
How soon into hair loss should PRP be commenced?
ASAP. PRP hair loss treatment is best utilised for early hair loss in both males & females. Advanced cases of alopecia cannot be reversed with PRP.
The majority of studies have shown that mild to moderate cases of androgenetic alopecia respond better compared to late-stage disease.
What does the evidence say about PRP & hair loss?
It is essential to achieve a concentration of 3 to 5 ‘X’, namely the multiple of normal platelet concentration. This provides the optimal mix of cytokines, chemokines, & growth factors.
How is PRP delivered into the hair follicle & scalp?
There are 3 mainstream methods to deliver PRP hair loss treatments into the scalp.
- Injections spaced 1 cm apart to the area of concern & 3-5 cm beyond the boundary.
- Microneedling & PRP
- Laser assisted drug delivery. The most common laser we use is the 1927 thulium laser as this has the most amount of research behind it.
All three methods have well documented studies behind them, however at Cutis we most commonly use injections & laser assistance.
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How many treatments are required?
Consensus is that 3 treatments are required, spaced one month apart.
From there maintenance treatments are spaced 3 to 6 months apart. The most recent studies have shown that ‘top ups’ are required for all forms of hair loss treatments, with the exception of donor site dominance seen with follicular unit transplantation/extractions.
Does the procedure hurt?
PRP is well tolerated. In some cases, we use ring block anaesthetic, in other cases we use gas.
What are proven adjunctive medical treatments for hair loss?
Ideally PRP should be part of a bigger picture, namely medical management of alopecia. Dermatologists use topicals, oral medications, light-based therapy, lasers & surgical techniques as part of a total management plan to grow & maintain hair.
Topical treatments include minoxidil, topical finasteride, dutasteride & retinoic acid. Minoxidil can be used as a standalone (often with 10% propylene glycol) or in combination with topical retinoids. Most commonly used concentrations vary from 1 to 7%.
Oral medications include oral minoxidil, finasteride & dutasteride. We also prescribe antiandrogens in women, namely cyproterone acetate or spironolactone.
Light based treatments include LLLT or low- level laser treatments, using diode based sources.
Laser treatments include the use of LaseMD, thulium 1927 low density, often in combination with growth factors & or PRP.
How do dermatologists employ PRP in the context of hair loss?
Dermatologists combine PRP with medical procedures including laser assisted drug delivery, follicular unit transplantation, low level laser therapy & importantly medical therapy. This gives you the highest growth rate & the best results.
Why do we use PRP prior to follicular unit extraction surgery?
Research has shown that there is a significant improvement in hair density and stimulation of growth when follicular units were pre-treated with PRP before hair transplantation surgery. Additionally, post-surgery side effects such as telogen effluvium or rebound hair loss is decreased.
How does PRP during FUE surgery improve outcomes?
It is well known that PRP during FUE transplantation also increases graft survival rates from 76.6% to 93.3% at the 12 month mark. This significant increase equates to thicker, more dense hair transplants.
PRP is also used post FUE transplantation. This can compound the results from hair transplantation.
Are there any side effects?
No. As this is derived from your own blood, there are no concerns regarding allergies, or blood borne diseases.
How much is the treatment?
Costs range between $250 to $440 per session, depending on the extent of treatment.
Laser &/or adjunctive microneedling delivery is extra.
For an obligation free consultation, book a consultation with our nurses.
*There is no Medicare rebate for PRP procedures.
How do I know if PRP is the correct choice for me?
For more information on hair loss disorders, please book an appointment with my medical colleagues. The first step is a diagnosis, followed by staging of hair loss.
Most often dermatologists will start you on concurrent medical therapy including topicals such as minoxidil with optional oral therapy. In some cases, we order blood tests /biopsies to ensure there are no underlying conditions.
Disclaimer: Though I am versed with the treatment of hair loss, my practice is based on surgical, laser, injectable & other procedures. Hair loss conditions are managed by my medical colleagues @cliniccutis. This includes PRP.
Davin’s Viewpoint on PRP for hair loss disorders
I have used PRP extensively for over 7 years, mostly in revision work including laser resurfacing & scar management. In this context, results are marginal, namely quicker recovery times. In the context of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), PRP has a much more robust level of evidence. There are four scenarios when dermatologists employ PRP injections.
1.Maintenance of remaining hair. This is in the context of pre or even post FUE/transplantation surgery. PRP can help maintain & in most cases augment hair growth.
2.PRP can also be used as adjunctive treatment during laser treatment for male & female pattern baldness. Synergistic gains can be expected with dual combinations.
3.Given the data, PRP for hair loss should be used pre FUE – transplantation as it markedly improves graft survival rates.
4.Finally PRP should be used as the medium of choice during follicular unit extraction, again improving graft success & survival.