Platelet Rich Plasma for Hair Growth versus Hair Surgery

While PRP is effective in stimulating new hair growth and thickening existing hair, its effect lasts up to 12 months. In order to sustain fuller hair, PRP needs to be given about every 9 months. With a successful hair transplant surgery, the effects are significantly longer in

duration. Properly done hair surgery transplants may last years. However, hair surgery is a complicated process that must be done with precision to have desirable outcomes. The final outcome may not be seen for a year. The effects of PRP on hair growth can usually be seen in 3 months with the duration of full effect for about 9 months. Think of PRP as a long acting fertilizer for your hair and scalp. Your lawn need fertilizer to be added at least twice a year to sustain a lush lawn. The same can be said about your hair needing PRP to sustain a dramatically better appearance. This helps patients to have a better quality of life.

Research published by Geoge Cotsarelis, M.D.has shown that the density of hair follicle stem cells is the same in bald areas of the head as it is in areas that are growing hair. Further research by Dr. Fabio Rinaldi has shown that platelet rich plasma can stimulate these hair follicles in bald areas (alopecia) to activate and grow new hair. Another study on patients affected with hair loss showed thickening of the hair shafts after administration of PRP, resulting in a fuller appearance of growing hair.  At this time, no other therapy has shown to more consistently stimulate new hair growth. PRP is FDA approved for use in human for treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Further research is being done to better understand the process. Hopefully, one day a medication will be able to be used to more effectively reactivate these dormant hair follicles.

There are many advantages of getting PRP for hair growth over conventional hair transplant surgery. The following is a chart comparing the two:

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