Acell + PRP for Hairloss?

Question

I have thin hair since i was a kid , i never needed laser for hair removal but i had very thin hair as i grow up with dieting hair loss increased , now with optimal therapy topical minoxidil and oral vitamins result isnot satisfactory , acell and PRP any recommendation ? Non FDA approved for this use right ? Whats average cost ? On long term stopping treatment will make result revirsible to losing again hair ? Is it done without hair transplant

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

ACell is not something that I use currently in my practice. There are more and more studies recently showing the benefits of PRP alone. I often use PRP in conjunction with other hair loss treatments or in conjunction with a hair transplant session. 
PRP injections are not FDA approved, like many other treatments in medicine that work. This should not be a discouraging factor as this simply means that there has not been adequate scientific study (usually by a specific pharmaceutical or device company) to go through the processes required by the FDA. There are many treatments for various ailments and cosmetic concerns whose efficacy is clearly established, yet there is no FDA approval.
PRP injection prices will vary widely from one provider to another.
PRP is a great option for many patients. See a fellowship-trained hair restoration surgeon to discuss all of your hair restoration options in detail.
All the best,

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Platelet-rich plasma has been utilized for years in wound healing and orthopedic conditions, but more recently it has gained traction in aesthetic medicine, especially with respect to hair loss. Several clinicians have had some success in treating alopecia of various etiologies (lichen planopilaris, alopecia areata, etc), but most of the limited data have been focused on PRP use for male- and female-pattern hair loss.
The mechanism of action involves platelets’ ability to aggregate together, activate, and release alpha-granules containing various growth factors, such as platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Their release increases angiogenesis and vascularization, providing resting telogen hairs the signal that they need to enter the anagen phase. This increased vascularization and mix of growth factors also fosters the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and inhibits apoptosis, helping to prolong the anagen phase.More specific to androgenetic alopecia, PRP may help to counteract certain effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia, DHT was shown to block IGF-1 contributing to hair loss and PRP is a known source of IGF-1.
Platelet-rich plasma is fully autologous and thus provides patients a more “natural” treatment, with side effects limited to procedural discomfort and bruising.
There is no standard system, quantity, or interval of treatment regarding PRP for hair loss, which is why we currently utilize a proprietary hyperconcentrated platelet rich plasma concentration and treat patients monthly 4 times, then reevaluate after 8 to 12 months. If a patient has a response, then retreatment at follow-up may result in continued efficacy if performed at a 6- to 12-month basis.

Ran Y. Rubinstein, MD · Answer

Although there are those who feel the combination of A Cell with their PRP injections adds to their patient's hair restoration results, I have not seen any clinical studies that prove that there truly is a benefit.  I have seen significatn results using PRP treatments alone which are backed by some clinical studies.  A Cell is very expensive and I don't see the value of the added cost to the patient.  If some studies come out proving A Cell's  added benefit vs. PRP alone I would consider adding this to my PRP treatments especially if it can enhance and prolong the PRP results- requiring less treatments over a long period time = cost savings.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Platelet Rich Plasma can stimulate hair follicles to produce denser and thicker hair in a series of treatment.  I recommend PRP in combination with a low level light source such as the Theradome and Finesteride.  PRP can be combined with an additional stimulant such as ACell for improved results.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

I am unaware of any evidence that shows that Acell improves hair transplantation results at the donor or recipient site.  For that reason, I don't offer it unless someone specifically requests it.  Your better option is to see someone who has experience, an eye for the craft, and you can trust that will meet your expectations.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Acell or PRP will not help with a scar on you scalp.  PRP or ACell is not FDA approved.  There is no long term  treatment for genetic hair loss.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

PRP for hair loss is effective if the follicles are not scarred and some small hairs are present. It is NOT FDA approved and probably will never be. No company will spend the money without a financial incentive.The average cost at our center is $400 per session for the injections.As with any genetic problem, if you stop the treatment, will fall out again. It can be done with or without active or previous transplants.

Justin Rome, MD · Answer

PRP is a great option to help fight thinning hair, but understand to get good results it needs to be done regularly with no endpoint (similar to taking orals or using laser).  Once you stop treatments, just like anything else, the benefits will go away. For this reason, in my centers we offer a long term PRP solution as a clinical haircare maintenance program where patients come in once a month for alternating treatments with PRP and microneedling sessions.  Our membership is priced at $399/mo with a one time initiation fee.  I do not recommend anyone consider doing PRP just once or a few times, as they work to fight against hair thinning for the long term, they are not a 'cure' for hair loss.  As for ACell, I personally see it more of a marketing strategy than adding benefit to the treatment.  ACell works as a biocellular scaffolding to promote wound healing so it can have benefit in hair restoration procedures, but I personally cannot see how it can add any benefit to maintenance injections.  In fact it may make the injections less effective since when mixing ACell with PRP it becomes quite thick and could potentially limit the diffusion of the growth factors once injected.  Hope this helps! Best, Dr. Rome

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I have used Acell with PRP for hair regrowth but it drives up the cost of the procedure since it is expensive.  I stopped using it for this purpose because others have said they get comparable results without it.  Costs vary on number of treatments but start at $1500 on up.  Multiple treatments are usually needed in 8 week intervals.  Usually if left to nature, the hair loss will eventually resume if nothing is done to stop or curtail the loss.

Amir Moradi, MD · Answer

PRP and ACell as a treatment for
thinning hair has shown  very promising results, although you are correct
that it is not FDA approved.  This treatment is ideal for those with
thinning hair, rather than total loss.  We often suggest to our patients a
multiple modality approach including topical and oral treatments in addition to
the PRP/ACell injections.

Unfortunately, the results of
the treatment are not permanent and do require maintenance.  The normal
aging process still takes place and any underlying, untreated medical
conditions will continue to affect the hair.

PRP/ACell treatments can be used
in conjunction or separate from a hair transplant.

Acell + PRP for Hairloss?

Answers (12)