Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Hair Loss & More

How PRP Injections Work

If you’re battling hair loss, you probably understand the desire to take whatever drastic measures are necessary to restore your healthy, thick head of hair. But there’s often no need for costly, invasive procedures. Instead, you can first try PRP injections, a totally natural treatment that’s gaining recognition.

PRP injections work by using a small amount of your blood to separate the plasma and concentrate platelets that contain growth factors. These growth factors have been shown to stimulate cell repair in the scalp, which can lead to hair regrowth.

From your blood, your board-certified dermatologist will collect:

• Plasma: the liquid part of the blood, which supports the platelets
• Platelets: cells in the blood that contain the following growth factors:
• PDGF: platelet-derived growth factor
• TGF: transforming growth factor
• VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor

This powerful healing elixir will then be injected into your scalp where it can regenerate cells, reduce shedding, and spark new growth.

What Conditions Can PRP Infusion Treat?

There are many different types of hair loss, and while platelet-rich plasma infusions may not work on all types, it has been shown to be effective in treating the following:

PRP for Androgenetic Alopecia

Known as male or female pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia occurs in either men or women with a genetic predisposition for hair loss.

PRP for Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune disorder in which hair falls out in patches. It may also affect other areas, such as the eyelashes or eyebrows.

PRP for Telogen Effluvium

Typically triggered by a medical event or health condition, this type of hair loss stops new hair from growing, leading to the appearance of thinning hair. It typically does not lead to complete baldness, and is often linked to vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

PRP for Scarring Alopecia

There are different types of scarring alopecia, including lichen planopilaris, that may respond to PRP treatment.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

PRP infusions are completely natural, and the procedure is minimally-invasive, allowing you to achieve thicker, fuller hair without surgery or harsh chemicals. But what does the PRP hair treatment do that other methods can’t?

• Calms inflammation: PRP is anti-inflammatory, which may be what’s hindering your hair regrowth
• Boosts blood supply: PRP bathes hair follicles in growth factors and increases blood supply at the root, ensuring hair follicles receive the nutrients they need
• Stimulates hair follicles: PRP growth factors trigger regeneration in the core of the hair follicles and spark the regrowth process

What Areas Can PRP Injections Treat?

If you’re looking for PRP for hair loss in Santa Monica, Culver City, Brentwood (LA), West LA, or Pacific Palisades, you’re looking for Pure Dermatology. While we specialize in platelet-rich plasma injections for hair growth and rejuvenation, PRP can be used to achieve other cosmetic and medical goals. Here’s where PRP injections are most common: 

• Scalp: to slow hair thinning and shedding, and promote new hair growth
• Eyebrows: if alopecia has impacted your eyebrows, PRP injections may help
• Face: PRP facials (also called “vampire facials”) generate a lot of buzz, but they are a relatively new treatment
• Joints: PRP is widely used in the medical community to reduce inflammation and tame symptoms of chronic illness or injury

Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment Right for Me?

If you have certain types of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, or lichen planopilaris, or you have hair loss due to telogen effuvium, you may be a perfect candidate for PRP infusion. It’s important to consult with your physician to set realistic expectations, and to create a followup and aftercare plan to help you maintain your results.

Platelet-rich plasma hair treatment is not indicated for those with blood disorders that may affect platelet count. Be sure to speak with your board certified dermatologist at Pure Dermatology if you have any questions or concerns. 

PRP Hair Treatment in Six Steps

You can be on your way to longer, fuller, lusher hair in just a few weeks. Here are the steps to rejuvenating your hair with PRP injections:

1. Consultation and Blood Draw

You’ll meet with your dermatologist for a consultation to discuss your goals and analyze your hair and scalp. Then, you’ll receive a blood draw during which 1-3 tubes of blood will be removed.

2. Centrifugation

The blood is placed into a centrifuge for separation. The plasma is isolated and platelets are concentrated for use in the PRP infusion.

3. Plasma Extraction

Once separated, the platelet-infused plasma is extracted and is ready for injection.

4. Scalp Preparation

Prior to the treatment, the scalp will be thoroughly cleansed, and then cold air will be applied to help numb the area.

5. PRP Injection

Injections are made throughout the areas of thinning hair or hair loss in a grid pattern. The injections are made at the level of the hair follicle.

6. Post-Procedure Care

You may experience some swelling or tightness after the procedure, but you are free to return to normal activities. It’s important to plan ahead for follow up treatments to maintain your results.

What Results Can I Expect After PRP Hair Treatment?

Results vary based on the individual patient. Type of hair loss, severity, and followup care and maintenance are all factors in the end results. However, most patients report seeing thicker hair and less shedding after three treatment sessions. Maintenance sessions are recommended every 4-6 months for maximum benefit.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Cost in Santa Monica

PRP hair treatment is safer, less invasive, and often more cost-effective than surgical procedures to treat hair loss. However, the price for platelet-rich plasma injections varies based on the needs of each individual patient. The best step you can take is reaching out to your trusted dermatologist and setting up a consultation. You’ll discuss your goals, your vision for your hair, and your budget. Then you’ll get an accurate and transparent estimate of the cost for your custom treatment, including what to expect for long-term maintenance.

Preparing for PRP Hair Treatment

You won’t need to do much to prepare for platelet-rich plasma injections. We’ll take care of cleaning and prepping your scalp for the procedure. It is, however, best if you arrive with clean hair that is free of any hair products.

PRP Infusion Recovery and Aftercare

PRP hair treatment does not require much aftercare, and comes with zero downtime. You can return to your normal routine right away, though it’s recommended you avoid strenuous activity that leads to excessive sweating. You may experience some mild swelling and tightness in the scalp after the procedure, but this fades quickly.

PRP Hair Treatment FAQ

Still wondering if PRP injections are the right hair loss treatment for you? We’ve got answers to your biggest questions.

Is PRP effective for all types of hair loss?

PRP is effective for many types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, male and female pattern baldness, and telogen effluvium. However, it is important to remember that not all hair loss is the same, and will not respond to all treatments in the same way. Discuss your goals and set clear expectations with your physician before treatment.

How many PRP sessions are needed for hair growth?

Four PRP sessions spaced four weeks apart are recommended to begin PRP hair treatment. After that, we suggest a maintenance treatment every 4-6 months.

How soon will I see results from PRP?

Most patients notice a reduction in hair shedding and overall thicker hair after 2-3 months. They report noticeable growth in hair after the fourth month of treatment.

Are there any contraindications for PRP treatment?

Anyone with a blood disorder that impacts platelet generation should not have PRP injections.

Is PRP treatment painful?

PRP treatment can be somewhat painful, but the discomfort is usually minimal. Pain is mitigated by a cold air application which helps to numb the scalp prior to the injections. Patients may notice mild swelling, tightness, and discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with OTC pain medications.

What should I avoid after PRP treatment?

Avoid strenuous physical activity that causes excessive sweating after PRP treatment. Light exercise and daily activities are fine, so you can get back to your routine quickly after the procedure.

How long do the effects of PRP last?

With the right care and maintenance treatments, the results of PRP can last a year or more. Over time, with continued treatment, the results will continue to be noticeable.

Are there any potential side effects of PRP?

Aside from minor discomfort at the injection site, there are no side effects of PRP. If you have swelling, tightness, or pain that lasts for 24 hours after treatment, reach out to your dermatologist’s office for support and guidance.

Related Treatments

PRP can be combined with other hair loss treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, or hair transplant surgery if recommended by your physician. These complementary treatments and procedures can enhance and prolong your results.

Use the Healing Power of Your Own Body to Stop Hair Loss with PRP

The tools you need to manage hair loss and restore your hair’s fullness and lushness are already inside you. Your blood is the key to unlocking the thick, healthy hair you’ve been missing. Reach out to Pure Dermatology today, and let us open the door and start this journey with you.