Best PRP system for hair loss?

The Selphyl PRFM system allows for the prolonged release of platelet growth factors. This prolonged release stimulates stem cells, prolongs dermal papillar cell survival and increases angiogenesis. These factors combine to prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth and shorten the catagen phase. The result is increased hair thickness and hair follicle survival. Recommend 3 treatments about 4-6 weeks apart. The patient initially has photographs taken. After the 3rd treatment, patients return 6 months later for photographs and a further evaluation.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

PRP treatments for hair growth are part of a multimodal regimen. It does not work if one is already bald. Yes, it is true that there are many systems on the market and many providers are generically offering it. Most systems for getting PRP out of blood are good. It’s not the system, it’s the provider.  You get the most bang for your buck and the most efficient treatments with PRP that is more concentrated. That means that you are being injected with PRP (platelets rich plasma) that is less diluted by PPP (platelet poor plasma). 
You will fare best based by having the right provider, one that can properly assess you and that understands the science behind the procedure, rather than just a technician using a kit.

Great question! It is overwhelming for lots of patients. There is much debate between providers as well.  I suggest you choose a provider who specializes in hair loss, one that has great before and after photos, and can guide you through the process.   There are many providers performing this procedure despite the fact that they know little about hair and the types of hair loss. Do your research, get a 2-3 consults and then decide. 
Best of luck to you! 

There are several fda approved devices to concentrate PRP . There is a lot of debate on what the best concentration is, 2.5x or 4-6x . One that minimizes wbc’s and rbc’s versus one that doesn’t etc.. a lot of debate and controversy . Best you can do is research the Doctor and find one that has the most experience and the best results.

In my  opinion, most experts in PRP believe that a minimum concentration of 2.5 times (normal blood) of  purified platelets  and cytokines is needed. More importantly, PRP specimens  should have very little or no white cells or red cells. This is a function of the centrifuge and the tubes that are used to collect the blood and separate the platelets. Some computerized instruments are available that can also produce higher concentrations. However, many are designed for Orthopedics and do not eliminate white and red cells. I use the Eclipse system.

Great question--this is a hot topic. The Magellan system generates more volume with a 60 cc blood draw; the Heleon and Eclipse systems generate less volume but requires 10-20 cc of blood.  The issue is also the quality of the platelet-rich plasma. Few physicians use PRP alone for hair. We have had better results with adding amnion allograft ( a frozen cell pellet form a donor, rich with growth factors) and nanofat (ALMI system) that uses growth factors from your own adipose (fat) cells. There is limited data to show which is superior or most efficacious, but we are working on it.

PRP is still in its infancy and not even in the toddler stage yet. We don't which machine is best.  My personal opinion is machines that all as much quantification as possible (ie PrP concentration, hematocrit, etc etc) are probably ideal as we continue to learn more about this technology.

There are really two questions here. One is what is real PRP and the other is is there a system that is better than another. Not all of the PRP machines make real PRP. If the platelets are not concentrated 4 1/2 to 5 times normal, this is platelet enriched plasma and not PRP. I have found that the addition of Acell to the PRP makes it function better in promoting hair growth in scalps with thinning of hair but the hair is still present.  Hope that's helpful.