PRP therapy process

PRP therapy is a three-step process. Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 4–6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments are required every 4–6 months.

Step 1
Your blood is drawn — typically from your arm — and put into a centrifuge (a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities).

Step 2
After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:

• platelet-poor plasma

• platelet-rich plasma

• red blood cells




Step 3
The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

There hasn’t been enough research to prove whether PRP is effective. It’s also unclear for whom — and under what circumstances — it’s most effective.

According to a recent studyTrusted Source, “Although PRP has sufficient theoretical scientific basis to support its use in hair restoration, hair restoration using PRP is still at its infancy. Clinical evidence is still weak.”

Risks of PRP for hair loss

Be sure to report all medications you’re on before the procedure including supplements and herbs.

When you go for your initial consultation, many providers will recommend against PRP for hair loss if you:

• are on blood thinners

• are a heavy smoker

• have a history of alcohol or drug misuse

You might also be rejected for treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with:

• acute or chronic infections

• cancer

• chronic liver disease

• chronic skin disease

• hemodynamic instability

• hypofibrinogenemia

• metabolic disorder

• platelet dysfunction syndromes

• systemic disorder

• sepsis

• low platelet count

• thyroid disease