PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It’s a treatment where your own blood is used to help regrow hair.Platelets are tiny parts of your blood (smaller than red blood cells). They help with clotting and contain growth factors that boost healing and stimulate hair growth.
Doctors take a small amount of your blood, spin it in a machine to separate the platelets (healing cells), and then inject it into your scalp.
For hair loss: PRP is injected into the scalp to encourage hair growth.
For skin rejuvenation: PRP can be injected into the skin to improve texture and signs of aging.
With microneedling: PRP can be applied to the skin during the procedure for enhanced results.
Platelets are rich in growth factors, which:
Wake up weak hair follicles
Improve blood flow to the scalp
Help hair grow thicker and healthier
People with early-stage hair thinning
Men or women with patterned baldness
Those who want a natural treatment (since it uses your own blood)
But if you are completely bald or have shiny smooth scalp, PRP won’t help much because follicles are already gone.
Your doctor will explain the procedure, including its benefits, risks, limitations, and alternatives.
You’ll be asked to sign a consent form before starting.
A small amount of your blood is drawn (similar to a routine blood test).
While your PRP is being prepared, you’ll be moved to a treatment room.
Local anesthesia or numbing may be given to keep you comfortable.
Your blood is placed in a centrifuge machine that spins it to separate components.
This process creates three parts:
Red blood cells
Platelet-poor plasma (PPP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
The PRP contains a high concentration of growth factors (usually 2–6 times higher than normal blood).
Your PRP is collected (at least 6 ml is typically used).
It may be injected as is, or in some clinics, mixed with a stabilizer to improve results.
Tiny injections of PRP (as little as 0.05 ml each) are placed in many areas — sometimes up to 120 injection sites.
In some cases, microneedling is done after PRP injections to further stimulate collagen and growth factor release.
Additional pain relief (such as nitrous oxide gas or numbing injections) may be provided for comfort.
Most people feel only mild discomfort or tiny pinches when injections are given. Numbing creams, local anesthesia, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can be used to minimize pain.Most people say it’s tolerable.
You may notice mild redness, swelling, or tiny pinprick marks at the injection sites.
Some areas may feel tender, sore, or itchy for a day or two.
Most people can resume normal activities right away, but it’s best to avoid heavy exercise for 24–48 hours.
Avoid washing your hair/skin (treated area) for at least 12–24 hours.
Skip saunas, swimming, alcohol, and smoking for 1–2 days, as they can slow healing.
Use gentle, fragrance-free products and follow your provider’s aftercare instructions.
PRP works by stimulating natural growth factors, so results appear gradually.
You may start noticing improvements in hair thickness or skin texture within 3–4 weeks.
Best results usually show after 3–6 sessions, spaced about 4–6 weeks apart.
Maintenance treatments may be recommended every 6–12 months.
Swelling or bruising at injection sites
Headache or tight feeling on the scalp/skin
Minor irritation or sensitivity
Call your provider if you experience severe pain, persistent swelling, infection signs, or allergic reactions.
PRP, like other non-surgical hair loss treatments, can help by:
Reducing shedding (less daily hair fall).
Creating thicker-looking hair, either by:
Increasing the number of hairs,
Increasing the diameter of existing hair shafts, or
A combination of both.
Not every patient responds to PRP or other growth factor therapies—some may see little or no improvement.
Any benefits achieved are not permanent. To maintain results, ongoing treatments are usually required. Maintenance sessions are usually needed every 6–12 months to sustain improvements.
Fact: It helps only where hair follicles are still alive.
Fact: Results depend on age, type of hair loss, and lifestyle.
Fact: Maintenance sessions are needed to keep results.
Fact: PRP works gradually. It stimulates your own growth factors, so results may take weeks to months to appear. Patience is key!
Fact: PRP is used for both hair restoration and skin rejuvenation. It can improve thinning hair, fine lines, acne scars, and skin texture.
Fact: PRP uses your own blood, so the risk of allergic reactions is very low. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Fact: PRP works best when hair follicles are weak or thinning, not completely lost. It helps strengthen existing follicles, not create new ones.
Start early – works better in early hair thinning.
Combine with good hair care and doctor’s advice.
Choosing the qualified dermatologist for PRP- When it comes to PRP or any hair loss treatment, the expertise of your provider matters as much as the procedure itself.
Be patient – results take time.
Avoid smoking, poor diet, and stress – they reduce results.
Follow-up is key – consistency matters.
PRP is a natural, safe, and promising option for hair loss, but it’s not a miracle cure. It works best as part of a comprehensive hair treatment plan.
Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.
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