Will PRP work in someone who is a 70 year old female?

Question

I was told that I will not have enough platelets in my blood so I will not get the results a younger individual will achieve, Is this true as I really don't want to waste my money?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

PRP treatments are fast growing in popularity. While there is a good deal of anecdotal data on its positive effects, there is very little randomized controlled (i.e. high quality) data available. With respect to hair restoration, proponent have demonstrated impacts ranging from slowing/cessation of loss to thickening/strengthening of hair. Some will claim to have demonstrated regrowth.
Ultimately, there is very little drawback or risk to the procedure with the potential for significant reward. While the mechanism of action is not entirely clear, the effect will likely be rooted in the native concentration of growth factors in any given patient's plasma. Some will have better quality or more concentrated plasma than others. The results range from decreased hair loss to thickening of existing or emerging hairs to increased growth. Ultimately, the variability in response is likely linked to the inherent (i.e. genetic) quality of the plasma which will differ from one patient to the next.
PRP has (anecdotally) proven to be effective in the arena of hair restoration both as an adjunct to grafting as well as standalone treatment for those who may not (yet) be a candidate for grafting. Patients have demonstrated slowed loss, thickening of existing hair and regrowth. The typical duration of effect is 6-9 months with most patients being treated 2x yearly (at least initially).
With regards to your specific question, as long as you have adequate platelet counts you are a candidate. However, these counts do vary with age and in my experience younger patients do have a more vigorous response. That is not to say older patients will not have a response, however they may need to temper expectations.
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

The amount of platelets in the blood decreases with increasing age. A minimum of 105,000 platelets is necessary to have an adequate response with PRP. Interestingly, platelet activity increases as age increases. The amount of increased activity has not been studied after the age of 50. Have a platelet count done and you can determine if you are a candidate for PRP for hair. Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself Verified All-star

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It may be that your platelet counts are low but the more pressing issue in my mind is - what is your diagnosis? PRP does not help all conditions.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I believe you should see a hair loss professional for an in person consultation. Its difficult to say without seeing you and knowing your history.Best wishes.Dr. T

Neil Verma, HBSc, MD, FCFP - Account Suspended · Answer

Its hard to say how much benefit you would achieve as a senior performing PRP injections. PRP for hair loss has shown in studies to increase thickness and density ranging from 20-50%. Younger patients are on the higher side of benefit but there is still benefit in older patients. As a post menopausal female oral finasteride could be used as well as topical minoxidil to maximize your results.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

it is very easy to check your platelet count with a basic CBC. the bigger question, is the effect of age on the success of PRP for hair regrowth. I am 62 years old, and on my web site, you can see the excellent results that I have had (I have had 3 sessions but even after one session, i have photographic evidence of its effectiveness). It would take a very large study, to ever answer this question and this will probably never be done, The good thing is that there are few risks associated with PRP, so if you are willing to spend the money (which is not too much), it is a quick and easy procedure. The alternative medication for hair growth, all have side-effects, whereas PRP should have almost none.david berman md

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I wrote about the opinion of an Expert at the ISHRS meeting last month who reported that PRP has no clinical proof of effectiveness, see below

Will PRP work in someone who is a 70 year old female?

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