PRP injections vs. Microneedling for Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Question

I have started two PRP with microneedling treatments for my genetic female pattern hair loss where the PRP is administered topically after microneedling Before I continue with the additional two treatments recommended by the surgeon, I wanted to reach out to get feedback from the professional community on what is more effective, microneedling or injections to maximize the results. Also, what about A Cell?

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,Thanks for your question. The problem with microneedling the PRP into the skin is that most microneedling systems can't penetrate deep enough to deliver the PRP to the follicle itself. The microneedling with help the scalp skin get stronger which will help support the follicle but the follicle itself won't be the beneficiary. Injections into the subcutaneous and subdermal area bring the PRP with the associated growth factors and angiogenic factors directly to the follicle to improve its cellular content and increase blood supply. If you have enough PRP, it is certainly fine to microneedle the rest in after you've first injected.We offer ACell to patients who want a single injection treatment regimen vs. our 4 injection treatment course without ACell.I hope this helps?Good luck,Dr. Shah

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

when finesteride has failed some doctors will use it. its best to be using PRP/stem cell (A Cell) injections, viviscal and topical minoxidil at the same time. Best, Dr. Emer.

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

In my clinical practice, deep dermal injections have shown slightly stronger results when compared to microneedling. As you’ve learned, PRP is a powerful treatment option for female pattern baldness, as it stimulates follicle growth and slows follicle miniaturization. Platelet rich plasma contains approximately five to seven times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood along with bioactive proteins that aid in wound healing. 
With regard to A Cell, I strongly promote it as an auxiliary factor in my PRP treatments.

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Studies have shown that the best results come from injecting PRP and then microneedling immediately after.  Make sure that the physician who does your treatments is using a system that produces a high platelet count.  Most people need at least 3 treatments one month apart.  Best of luck to you.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Studies have shown that injection is superior to topical application of PRP following microneedling in the setting of hair loss. This ultimately makes more sense as it allows for the delivery of PRP directly to where it is needed most (the follicular level).As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) with experience in hair restoration.Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

For years PRP was performed with micro-needling and topical application with moderate Improvement. Recent Studies have confirmed a higher success rate when using deep dermal or subdermal injections. This is often combined with daily micro-needling at home. There are no peer reviewed studies to demonstrate the value of  Acell.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD
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Keith Scheinblum, MD · Answer

In order to get the most effective treatment, it’s important to get deep enough to treat the hair follicle and Prp injections get to that necessary depth. Microneedling treats more superficially and would not get to the required depth to get the best results,

Kathleen Morno, MD · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your question. I typically administer PRP injections followed by microneedling. I find patients have the best results with a series of about 3 treatments along with maintenance sessions. PRP has great potential to stimulate the growth of hair follicles.

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

Injected PRP followed by microneedling with PRP as a lubricant has the best efficacy.
Be sure to understand what PRP system is used and the platelet density it produces. I invite you to review other questions I have answered on this important subject.
Though there are no peer reviewed studies of Acell in hair regeneration, the consensus between myself and other colleagues of mine is that it indeed provides additional benefit. However, other cocktails can provide superior results such as the right type of exosomes.
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

The most recent studies show that subdermal injections work best. We charge $1200 for a series of 3 injections using Eclipse PRP system. Obviously if you've had two you might require less but the results of microneedling it in are inferior and not up to date so perhaps seeking a second opinion will be helpful. In the end an well rounded evaluation including vitamins and other theerapies should be considered. Seek out consultation with an EXPERT! Acell is good and works well but I don't see the value in spending even more money in it.

PRP injections vs. Microneedling for Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Answers (11)

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