PRP Hair Treatment & Hair Loss

Many of us struggle with natural hair thinning and hair loss. In fact, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, approximately 56 million adults in the United States are affected by hair loss. Different conditions can lead to different symptoms of hair loss, ranging from male pattern baldness, which is characterized by hair loss at the temples followed by thinning along the crown, to thinning or loss that can occur in patches throughout the scalp. Hair loss or thinning hair can occur in both men and women and can be a source of self-consciousness or embarrassment and, up until recently, few non-surgical treatments offered total hair restoration. Dr. Michele Green in NYC, is as an international renown expert in PRP hair restoration.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has become a popular regenerative treatment in the world of dermatology. The most well-known PRP treatment has been that of PRP microneedling, but use of PRP extends well beyond that. PRP is now a popular treatment for hair restoration, improving hair thickness and reducing hair shedding. The treatment takes platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood and once isolated, the PRP is injected into the area affected by hair loss or thinning hair. The PRP treatment triggers the natural hair growth process and strengthens the hair follicles to promote regrowth and prevent hair loss. The procedure is simple and requires minimal downtime or discomfort, making it an excellent option for patients who are wary of surgical options, such as hair transplants.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is an expert in PRP treatment and was one of the first dermatologists to incorporate PRP into her private NYC practice. PRP has been a boon to patients with hair loss, delivering improved hair growth and hair thickness with her PRP hair restoration patients. Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine consistently identify Dr. Green as one of New York City’s best physicians for her dedication to her patients and expertise, with over 25 years of experience providing her patients from around the world with the best noninvasive treatment options available including PRP injections, dermal fillers, Botox, Microneedling, and much more. If you’re frustrated by thinning hair or hair loss, Dr. Green is here to help.

Non-invasive hair restoration treatments

Until recently, the only available non-surgical solutions for hair growth or hair restoration were topical treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) or oral medications like finasteride (Propecia). There are many benefits associated with such treatment options and for many individuals with hair loss, topical and oral interventions are integral components of their hair loss treatment plans. Some patients seek other treatment options because they are frustrated by the constant upkeep, potential unpleasant side effects, or inconsistent results from topical and oral treatments. Though oral medications and topical treatments can be a useful approach for some, many patients dealing with male-pattern hair loss can deal with side effects (such as erectile dysfunction). Additionally, patients dealing with female-pattern hair loss are often either contraindicated for or uninterested in taking hormonal or anti-androgenic therapies. Other patients seek additional treatment options because they are interested in maximizing their hair restoration results by taking advantage of treatment modalities.

PRP therapy for hair growth has become an innovative treatment option for patients dealing with androgenic alopecia, (male-pattern hair loss), as well as female-pattern hair loss, and thinning hair along the top of the head. Platelet rich plasma has been proven as an effective regenerative treatment for a myriad of health and wellness concerns, from orthopedics to endodontics to dermatology. PRP hair restoration is a safe, natural, and simple way to improve hair growth without the need for invasive surgery or downtime. PRP injections can safely be used in conjunction with many other topical and oral treatment options to optimize hair restoration results for thicker, healthier looking hair.

Before & After Photos of PRP Treatment on Male Hair (3 months and 10 months) – View additional information about PRP Hair Treatment for Men

What is PRP hair treatment?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a popular new and non-surgical method of hair loss treatment and hair restoration for women and men. PRP treatment for hair restoration starts out with taking a sample of the patient’s own blood to collect the plasma that is then injected into areas of the scalp where there is hair loss or thinning hair. The PRP is used to boost the health of the hair follicles and promote new hair growth. After the blood draw is complete, the sample is spun in the centrifuge to separate the plasma from the other components of the blood (such as red blood cells).

This platelet-rich plasma contains helpful white blood cells and platelets that are rich in growth factors. When injected into areas of the scalp that are experiencing hair loss, extreme hair shedding, or thinning hair, the PRP enriches the health of the follicle, improving the blood supply to the area and stimulating reparative cells. For patients that are sensitive to injections, Dr. Green can prescribe a topical anesthetic that should be applied to the scalp an hour before the procedure to help minimize and potential discomfort associated with the PRP treatment. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes from the time your blood is drawn until the PRP is injected into your scalp, and no downtime is required post-treatment. An initial series of PRP treatments is recommended to achieve the best restoration results, with most patients engaging in four treatment sessions each spaced one month apart. After the series is complete, many patients choose to engage in a semi-annual maintenance treatment to keep up the best maintenance results.

6 months before and after

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma is a concentration of platelets that is 3 times the normal blood value, and contains many growth factors that stimulate hair follicles. PRP is derived from a sample of the patient’s own blood and injected into different areas of the scalp to promote hair growth. The treatment can safely be performed up to every month, based on how much hair growth is required. PRP is a great solution for hair loss in both men and women, especially when hair transplant surgery is not an option. PRP injections can stimulate new hair growth in men who suffer from androgenetic alopecia (known as male pattern baldness) and women who suffer from female pattern baldness. In addition to treating hair loss and thinning hair, PRP is also commonly used to treat joint injuries and in many other cosmetic facial and microneedling treatments.

What are the benefits of PRP therapy?

The platelets in the PRP contain proteins that are needed in order to promote the rate of tissue healing and regeneration within inactive hair follicles. Inside these platelets are a variety of intracellular structures such as glycogen (a form of glucose), lysosomes (which break down the proteins), and alpha granules (which contain clotting and growth factors that get released during the cell repair process). Platelet-rich plasma-derived growth factors can also play a part in stem cell differentiation within the wound healing process of the musculoskeletal system.

In particular, the PRP specific cells that cause hair growth include:

• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): for blood vessel, cell and skin formation
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): For blood vessel formation
• Transforming Growth-Factor-Beta (TGF-b): For a growth matrix between cells, bone metabolism
• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Cell growth, collagen and blood vessel formation
• Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2): Blood vessel and specialized cell growth
• Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): Also known as Somatomedin C, a protein regulator of normal physiology in nearly every type of cell in the body and has anabolic effects in adults

PRP is a very modern procedure that has been used in medicine as a method of healing injuries. It is often also used as a cosmetic treatment for the face too, and of course as a popular hair procedure for men and women.

Do PRP injections work for hair loss?

In multiple studies through the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, patients suffering from hair loss were found to benefit from PRP injections. The PRP hair restoration treatment led to a significant local increase in hair number, extended growth phase, and improved hair thickness. Though the treatment is not yet FDA-approved, there is scientific proof that the treatment is beneficial for hair strength and new hair growth at and around a PRP injection site.

The science behind PRP uses proven benefits of PRP to naturally promote new cellular growth. PRP is directly involved in regenerative healing within the body.  PRP growth factors can thus influence hair growth and can in fact restore hair follicles, in turn improving the look and feel of a patient’s hair.

How does PRP hair restoration work?

PRP hair rejuvenation treatment involves the injection of platelets into the area of the body in which hair loss is occurring, for example the crown of the head. Platelets are taken from the patients own body via a blood draw that occurs at the start of the appointment. After the blood has been drawn, it is placed in a centrifuge, which is a machine that separates the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells. When isolated, the platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the treatment area. The platelets release growth factors, which stimulates the dermal papilla cells that are crucial in the hair growth process. For that reason, a series of PRP injections help to trigger hair regrowth to restore lost hair.

How many PRP treatments are needed?

Though of course the number of PRP treatments varies depending on the hair condition and aesthetic goals of the individual patient, a typical patient will do three sessions of PRP therapy. Further treatments will be evaluated at the end of the fourth month (after the third PRP treatment).The sessions are typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and Dr. Green personally performs all consultations and injections. PRP treatments can also be used in tandem with hair transplantation to help accelerate hair growth. At your initial consultation with Dr. Green, you will be able to discuss all hair treatment options, including PRP injections. Dr. Green will use her expertise to provide the best medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment available for hair loss.

Does PRP hair treatment work for frontal hair loss?

In recent studies in the journals Dermatologic Surgery and International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, PRP has been indicated as an effective treatment for hair loss. This hair growth and improvement has been demonstrated with patients who experience both androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, which is defined as unpredictable hair loss in patches all over the scalp. Based on these significant studies, as well as those in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and Men’s Journal, PRP is considered an effective treatment for hair loss throughout the scalp.

Male PRP treatment, 6 months

Read about a PRP hair treatment case study in Men’s Journal featuring Dr. Green

How much is PRP hair treatment?

The cost of PRP hair treatment ultimately varies depending on a number of factors, including the individual needs and goals of the patient, the experience of the treating physician, and the geographic location of the dermatology office. The number of PRP treatment sessions that are necessary for your hair loss treatment plan will effect the total cost of your treatment. Typically, patients undergo an initial series of four treatment sessions that are each scheduled one month apart. When you meet with Dr. Green for your initial consultation, she can help you to develop a hair restoration treatment plan that balances your needs and budget.

Is PRP for hair loss covered by insurance?

No. PRP hair restoration is considered a cosmetic procedure and PRP for hair loss is not typically covered by health insurance. For more information, it’s best to contact your insurance company directly to ascertain coverage.

What to expect after PRP hair treatment?

There is minimal downtime following the PRP treatment and patients can quickly return to their regularly scheduled activities. There are certain activities that Dr. Green recommends avoiding in the day or days following the treatment in order to ensure that the healing process goes as planned. First, Dr. Green advises the patients avoid washing their hair on the day of the treatment, though you can use shampoo on your hair the following day as normal. Second, Dr. Green recommends that patients do not exercise on the day following the treatment though you can resume regular exercise the next day. Finally, patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and smoking for at least two days after the procedure.

How long does it take to see results from PRP hair loss treatment?

Many patients come into their initial consultation with Dr. Green wondering, how fast does PRP work for hair loss? Of course, any results will vary depending on the nature of hair loss and desired results of each patient. However, the majority of patients see initial improved hair thickness and hair growth several weeks after treatment. Optimal results from PRP injections are apparent, on average, about 5-6 months after treatment.

How Long Does PRP last for hair loss?

PRP hair treatment provides patients with long-lasting results, although it may not be a permanent solution to all types of hair loss. Most patients choose to engage in maintenance treatment sessions of their PRP injections following their initial series in order to ensure the best results. More info about how long PRP treatments can last is available here.

PRP for hair loss – 12 months before and after

Is PRP hair treatment a permanent solution?

PRP treatment can be repeated as necessary depending on the patient’s response to treatment. Dr. Green may recommend that patients return every 3-4 months for another series of injections or even once a year. The permanence of the treatment also depends on the condition that is being treated. For example, if a patient is suffering from telogen effluvium, PRP treatment can help in the hair regrowth process, which occurs over 3-6 months. After that, most patients will not need any further treatment if the condition has subsided.

Are there any potential side effects to PRP Treatment?

PRP has been used to restore skin and tissue in patients for several years. However, the hair restoration procedure is relatively new. Within the published studies that have reported improvement in hair growth, recovery from all procedures is easily tolerated. Common side effects include mild soreness and/or discomfort at the injection sites. Additionally, patients who are currently on any kind of blood thinner cannot undergo PRP treatment.

There is essentially no downtime required post-treatment, but Dr. Green recommends patients avoid exercise day-of, and any alcohol consumption or smoking should be avoided for at least 3 days. It’s also best to wait a full day before washing your hair post-treatment. In order to ensure the best possible outcome from PRP treatment, all previous medical history should be discussed with Dr. Green before starting the treatment, as well as a full assessment of the nature of the hair loss.

Does PRP hair treatment hurt?

PRP hair treatment involves the injection of Platelet-rich plasma into the scalp where the hair loss is occurring. Prior to the injections, Dr. Green can apply a topical numbing cream to minimize any potential discomfort during the treatment itself. Following the procedure, patients may experience soreness, redness, or bruising at the injection site but these side effects are generally common and mild and will go away on their own shortly following the treatment.

Can PRP make hair loss worse?

Not all patients are good candidates for PRP hair restoration. For this reason, it’s very important to discuss your medical history and have your current hair loss measured and observed by Dr. Green during your initial consultation. In rare cases, patients can experience telogen effluvium, or hair thinning due to shock, after an initial PRP injection. However, this effect subsides after the first PRP treatment. If you have suffered from scarring alopecia in the past, PRP injections may not be the best hair growth treatment for you.

Can PRP cause hair loss?

Certain patients may not respond well to PRP treatment, which is why it is imperative to disclose medical history to Dr. Green in your consultation appointment before PRP treatment. Patients with a history of scarring alopecia may not be good candidates for PRP treatment and, in fact, PRP treatment may lead to increased hair  loss.

Can PRP stop hair loss?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy works to trigger and maintain natural hair growth by strengthening the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. As such, in addition to promoting hair growth, the treatment helps stop future hair loss from occurring in the treatment area. Multiple treatments may be required in order to see optimal results.

Can PRP regrow hair?

PRP Treatment can be very helpful in the hair regrowth process. The injections of PRP into the treatment area can lead to an elongated hair growth phase and thickening of the hair shaft for thick, dense hair. For patients who have experienced hair loss as a result of conditions such as androgenic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or alopecia areata, PRP treatment can help to strengthen hair and promote further growth during the regrow process.

PRP to scalp for hair loss – after 3 treatments

Before & After Photos of PRP Treatment on Female Hair- View additional information about PRP Hair Treatment for Women

Is PRP good for hair loss?

PRP therapy is on the cutting edge of treatment for hair loss and hair thinning. Studies are beginning to show how effective PRP treatment can be at helping to trigger growth factors to promote hair regrowth and stop hair thinning as a result of androgenic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata. For patients who may be wary of more intensive processes, such as a hair transplant, the accessibility of the injectable PRP treatment is a draw.

Find out more about PRP Hair treatment and contact Dr. Michele Green at her NYC office – either via phone: +1-212-535-3088 or fill out the form below to see if this is the right solution for your hair loss.

What types of hair loss does PRP help treat?

PRP Treatment is effective in increasing hair growth and hair density but works best to treat certain conditions, including female and male Androgenic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, and Alopecia Areata.

Female and Male Androgenic Alopecia – Androgenic alopecia can affect both men and women and is related to fluctuations in the androgen hormones, specifically dihydrotestosterone. While the condition can affect both men and women, it manifests in different ways. For men, the condition is characterized by what is sometimes referred to as “male pattern baldness,” meaning hair loss that starts at the temples, which creates the common “M” shape to the hairline. Hair loss will then continue along the crown of the head. For women, the condition manifests typically in thinning hair on the top of the head, along the crown, It usually looks like the part of the hair is getting wider as the hair loss occurs.

The cause of the condition is still largely unknown but researchers believe it is related to the expression of the AR gene. While it is not possible to treat the cause or address the risk factors, as they are not known, PRP treatment does work well to promote hair growth in affected areas and can be combined with topical medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride.

Telogen Effluvium – Telogen Effluvium is a stress-related hair loss condition and can be acute, meaning the hair loss occurs at once, or chronic, meaning the thinning occurs repeatedly over time. Effluvium is defined as the resting stage of the cycle of hair growth and when a traumatic event occurs, hair can be forced into the resting phase, or effluvium, prematurely. The resting phase is followed by the shedding phase and if a significant amount of hair is forced into the resting phase early, this means that a higher than normal amount of hair will be lost at once. There are many different traumatic events that can cause stress on the body and activate the Telogen effluvium condition, including extreme illness, childbirth, severe chronic illness, surgery, psychological trauma or stress, diets that do not contain sufficient protein, or medications.

Typically, this kind of hair loss affects the scalp but hair loss can occur anywhere on the body. In most cases, after the hair has fallen out, regrowth will occur over the next three to six months. PRP is a great treatment to help with regrowth, to speed up the rejuvenation process and ensure that hair grows densely and healthy.

Alopecia Areata – Alopecia areata is an auto-immune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system erroneously attacks itself, that is characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp. Patients who suffer from alopecia areata have white blood cells that attack their own hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink in size and slow down the growth of hair. Hair may fall out in quarter-sized patches and the hair loss can be limited to only a few lost patches of hair to more severe cases with a significant amount of hair loss. The condition is believed to have a genetic link and can occur suddenly, affecting people of any age and gender.

At this time there is no known cure for the condition but many patients who experience alopecia areata have full regrowth of their hair in 12 months. PRP therapy can be used during this regrowth process to help boost hair rejuvenation encourage growth.

Am I a Candidate for PRP Hair Treatment?

A good candidate for PRP hair restoration is a patient who is showing signs of thinning hair or hair loss. Typically, candidates who have experienced hair loss more recently, or who are dealing with early hair loss, respond best to PRP hair treatment. Those with hair follicles that have been dormant for longer on the scalp are less likely to see improvement with PRP therapy. It’s good to note that if you are diagnosed with a underlying disorder such as lupus or thyroid disease, you may not benefit from just PRP injections, as these conditions need to be treated in conjunction with other medications. Additionally, patients should not take blood thinners during PRP hair restoration treatment, as the procedure will be significantly less effective. When you consult with Dr. Michele Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East of Manhattan, she will help determine whether you are a good candidate for PRP treatment for your hair loss condition.

What to do after PRP hair treatment

After a PRP hair treatment, patients should avoid washing their hair, hair styling products, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Avoid alcohol and smoking for three days after the PRP injections. It is also recommended to limit sun exposure on the scalp for 48 hours following PRP treatment. If there is any tenderness or soreness in the scalp due to injections, it is recommended to take a Tylenol as opposed to Advil or Ibuprofen, which are blood thinning medications. Other blood thinning agents, such as vitamin E, vitamin A, Gingko, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, niacin supplements, and essential fatty acids should also be avoided for one week after PRP treatment.

What is the success rate of PRP hair treatment?

Every individual with hair loss or thinning hair has their own set of unique needs and goals when it comes to hair growth treatment. PRP injections have been showed to be an outstanding treatment for hair restoration. A combination of oral, topical hair loss treatments, in addition to PRP treatment, maybe the best course of treatment, depending on the cause of your hair loss. When you consult with Dr. Green for your customized hair loss treatment plan, she will work with you to determine which unique combination of treatments is best suited to your situation so that you get optimal hair restoration results.

Is PRP hair treatment safe?

PRP is a safe and effective treatment for hair restoration when it is performed by an experienced medical professional, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York City. There are minimal potential side effects associated with the procedure since the PRP is derived from a sample of the patients own blood, and essentially no downtime involved. The most common side effects include a mild amount of swelling and tenderness at the injection sites, which resolve on their own shortly after treatment. PRP treatment is not recommended for patients with HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, any sort of blood cancer, or patients taking blood thinners. When you consult with Dr. Green for your hair loss treatment plan, a thorough medical history will be collected to determine if PRP treatment will be a safe and effective option for you.

How to get started with PRP treatment for hair restoration today

Hair loss and thinning hair is an extremely common condition that can be devastating for men and women alike and, for many, may induce feelings of self-consciousness and low self-esteem. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to effectively incorporate PRP injections with other hair restoration treatment options to create thicker, healthier looking hair. If you are struggling with hair loss or hair thinning, Dr. Green is here to help.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing her patients from around the globe with the best non-invasive treatment options available, including PRP injections for hair restoration. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors consistently identify Dr. Green as one of the best dermatologists in NYC for her dedication to her patients and expertise. When you consult with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, she will work with you to create a customized hair loss treatment plan that is catered to your needs and goals. If you are struggling with thinning hair or hair loss, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green in NYC by calling 212-535-3088 or contacting us online today.