PRP for hairline receding and hair thinning? (Photo)

Question

Hi, Im losing hair at sides and my hair is thinning. Can prp help in restoring the hair lost and regain the volume. Im 28 yrs old.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for your photos. Based on your photos provided, you are an ideal candidate PRP injections to your scalp. I would advise you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed examination to discuss all possible treatment options and what your expectations are.

Mariam Awada, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. A receding hairline can be a very distressing issue for some men, particularly someone like you that is still very young. Fortunately, there are effective methods of natural hair restoration today, including platelet-rich plasma or PRP treatments. This minimally-invasive procedure takes platelets from your blood that are rich in growth factors and places them directly into your scalp to stimulate the follicles to grow hair once again.
While PRP is a good choice for any man or woman experiencing a degree of hair thinning, it is particularly attractive to younger patients that would like to stop the recession without resorting to more invasive hair transplantation techniques. Because this procedure can be performed using injections alone, you will not have to worry about incisions or residual scarring after your procedure. The follicle begins to grow hair naturally, so no one will ever know you had a hair restoration procedure performed. Best of luck to you!

Frank P. Albino, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question- you find yourself in a situation that is very relatable for many people.  PRP to the scalp for hair restoration can be a powerful tool to decrease continued hair loss, increase thickness of existing hair, and stimulate follicles to grow new hair. It is important to be realistic about expectations and when you review the data on PRP most studies demonstrate a 20% improvement in hair growth.  Many providers will also recommend treatment with other therapies such as propecia and/or rogaine at the same time to maximize the effects of PRP. The best way to estimate your likely success with treatment is to meet with a plastic surgeon who performs PRP therapy frequently and discuss your options. 
Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment so please see a Board Certified or Board Eligible Plastic Surgeon to evaluate if you may benefit. Good luck!
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or healthcare professional for any questions you have about your own medical condition.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

PRP is an excellent option for anyone experiencing hair loss. However, it is especially useful in younger patients who may not be ready for hair transplantation. It has been shown to be beneficial in a number of different ways: halting loss, thickening existing hair, stimulating regrowth.
Typically patients will have 3 treatments 4-6 months apart followed by yearly treatments thereafter. This can be combined with light therapy. Additionally, you might consider topically compounded Minoxidil/Finasteride, as systemic side effects are less common.
With regards to your specific question, I would not consider hair transplantation this early. You are likely to lose more hair and will need to chase your receding hairline with more procedures in the future. 
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) with experience in hair restoration.

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

Yes, this is an excellent time to begin PRP treatment!  Not only have I seen good improvement in patients but I have also used it myself.  The linked pic is me.You can expect new hair growth and thicker hair.  PRP is a powerful tool for rejuvenation and regeneration in many cells within the body.  The fact that your platelets carry the blueprint of your DNA-growth factors creates almost a turbocharge to your weakened hair follicles.  Also, your are young so your platelets will be rich in youthful growth factors.Give it a try!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, PRP is most effective on younger individuals. It also works best on those who've lost their hair less than three years ago. If your hairline loss is recent, the possibility of restoring increases. PRP can decrease hair loss, increase hair thickness and  possibly regrow  hair. The increase in hair shaft thickness  will add to fullness. Find a PRP expert.
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David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Based on your photo and description PRP might help but it would probably be more effective to be started on Finasteride and/or Minoxidil first.I would suggest having a consultation with a Dermatologist or experienced Hair Restoration surgeon to determine the best treatment strategy.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I think that PRP is a great choice for someone your age with thinning hair. It has virtually no risk, minimal downtime, and works in almost all patients. One study showed all patients had improvements which ranged from 60-100% improvement in hair density. I have found over the past 4 years of doing this procedure that most people experience their hair loss slows first, then their hair thickness improves. Regrowth in the lost hairline hasn't been seen often. I have also seen gray hair regain pigment. Results take about 6 months to see. It is generally recommended that men get 2-3 treatments about 3 months apart and about 1 yearly after that. All PRP is not the same. Most PRP is low quality. When platelets are concentrated at 6x, or 1.5 million per ml, that is when the PRP is most effective. Many systems only produce 2x PRP. Adding ACell gives better results and recent addition of Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSC) seems to give even more benefits than ACell. Women do much better than men and need fewer treatments.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

great question! I'm sure this is very distressing and I want to say from the start that given your youn age and limited alopecia surrounded by active areas of vigorous growth, your chances of some improvement are high. You will need a series of 3-4 treatments, approximately 1 month apart - our patients see most of their benefit 2-4 weeks after the last treatment.

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

You appear to be an excellent PRP candidate. Chose a provider familiar with using PRP such as a member of the American Cosmetic Cellular Medicine Association.  PRP requires multiple treatments in men and is combined with minoxidil and finasteride and various supplements to enhance effectiveness.  Consider starting soon before experiencing more hair loss.