PRP hair loss: Is it better to see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for this procedure?

Question

Hello, I am highly considering PRP with A cell for hair loss. Is it better to see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon ? Thank you .

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend seeing a board-certified doctor with experience using PRP for hair growth. Prp is effective, but I have a very specific protocol, every 3-4 weeks for 6 months with prp therapy. I also add in progesterone to speed the healing process.  After that the injections are tailored down. You should also be on viviscal and other growth promoting ingredients. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Alan Bauman, MD · Answer

Just because "any" doctor can perform PRP doesn't mean that they should. Most PRP Hair Growth providers today, sadly, are not ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) certified and have little experience in diagnosing and treating hair loss, have never taken a single certification course specifically for the Medical Management of Hair Loss, don't know how to determine if you are a good candidate for PRP, and unfortunately even far fewer are measuring or tracking hair growth or hair loss scientifically.
Many hair loss patients come to Bauman Medical after having a 'failed' or exceptionally painful PRP elsewhere and they are looking for a more sophisticated and stronger PRP treatment that is virtually painless. 
The use of ECM extracellular matrix like ACell or BioD in our practice in thousands of treatments since 2008 has been shown to prolong and strengthen the effects of the proper application of PRP (we presented this data in ISHRS Bahamas in 2012).  PRP+ECM can provide 10-20 months of "boost" to the treated area before a repeat treatment is needed. Science shows that without the addition of ECM you are likely to need a treatment nearly every month to maintain improvements and once you stop the treatment for more than a month or two, your hair will return to what it once was. Yes, PRP+ECM is typically more expensive, but you will need less treatments over the year and see a stronger response from it.
Non-chemical, all natural ECMs like ACell (porcine bladder) and BioD (human placenta-derived) are for tissue regeneration and repair and have been used safely in 100,000's of procedures in orthopedics, ophthalmology, general surgery, dermatology, cosmetic surgery and many more specialties to help people heal faster from wounds while decreasing the production of scars. While every case is different and there is always some risk with any procedure, we have NEVER, EVER seen a side effect from the use of micronized ACell or BioD in thousands of PRP treatments since 2008. 
The fastest and least invasive method of measuring hair growth in the clinic is with the HairCheck device. This scientific cross-sectional bundle measurement allows us to accurately measure several areas in EXACTLY the same spot over time without a tattoo or shave. It has been shown that patients with the greatest success with treatment have HairCheck measurements 2-4x per year.
Seek out an expert who is experienced in PRP and other forms of hair restoration to help you determine if you are a candidate and what areas you would expect to see improvement. Be prepared to get a second opinion, "virtually" if you need to via skype/facetime, before you waste valuable time and resources.  
Sincerely, 
Alan J Bauman, MD, ABHRS - Medical Director - Bauman Medical

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, it is the experience of the injector that is more important than the specialty. No peer reviewed studies validate the use of Acell in hair restoration. In fact,, since  A cell is a foreign protein it can lead to side effects not seen with PRP. I recommend the subdermal depo injection technique. Find a PRP expert. Ask to see photos.

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

It is important to see a board certified dermatologist with experience in treating for hair loss. In my practice we offer PRP (platelet rich plasma) for treatment of hair loss. For best results, we recommend three treatments, spaced out at 6 weeks apart. PRP (platelet rich plasma) is a nonsurgical solution for hair restoration. It involves using your own plasma to stimulate hair growth, while thickening your existing hair. For best results, please consult with a board certified dermatologist. Thank you for your question, best of luck!

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

Hi Grant, The most important thing is to see a board certified specialist who is knowledgeable in hair treatments. Hair is an overlapping area between many different subspecialties. I would recommend seeing someone who also performs hair surgery, as they likely have a keen interest in hair and scalp health, in addition to performing PRP for the scalp.  There are so many products out there right now and unfortunately, much of our data is lagging behind. Picking someone that you feel comfortable with will be very important. I wish you success with your scalp and hair health!

Neel Bector, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You can see a trained cosmetic doctor, plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Truly the key is finding a doctor who is well versed in PRP for hair loss and scalp health with the credentials / knowledge to prove it. It is also important that the doctor you choose first ensures that you do not have any underlying medical reasons for your hair loss.
In my practice I utilize a specific PRP protocol which I find provides fantastic results for my clients. A thorough assessment of the clients hair / scalp should be completed before PRP treatments begin in order to evaluate whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment. 
In terms of the PRP itself, you should consider whether you want your PRP mixed with other products or do you want only PRP injected. Find a doctor who takes the time to communicate with you and answers your questions. Best regards, Dr. Bector

John Kahen, MD · Answer

I would recommend going to a very reputable DR. that has extensive experience. We use only red PRP if it is red it will be longer lasting and much more powerful. We have the latest greatest technology and we get the most amazing results. Keep in mind PRP will rejuvenate your hair making it thicker and stronger. Could potentially make your hair darker in color. You are able to start to see results as soon as 2 weeks up until 2 months. PRP treatments with our office only need to be repeated every 8-12 months because it is just that powerful. The PRP is a 45 minute non invasive procedure.

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

Any cosmetic Doctor, dermatologist or plastic surgeon trained in PRP injections for hat loss can perform the service. I would suggest you not have the provider add acel. My experience has been that it doesn’t help and might actually retard hair growth.

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

Hello Grant2017,
Good question! This is one case where a title means little and knowledge means everything. PRP with extra cellular matrix (ECM) such as Acell can actually be performed by most any competent physician performing PRP hair loss treatments that also has access to ECM's. 
When you investigate further, I believe you'll be surprised as to how many Derm's and Plastic's don't have Acell or other ECM's.
With a little further investigation and knowledge of PRP, you'll find that even more physicians (including Derm's and Plastic's) don't understand what concentration yield of platelets they are getting with their PRP systems and even what is considered optimum. Many simply purchase their systems based on cost and ease of use. Some just don't want to change their systems for something better. 
The good PRP systems are now delivering 7 times the baseline of plasma. That means it is 7 times more concentrated than what the plasma in your blood draw contains. Obviously, the higher the concentration, the greater the potential for a much better outcome. 
There are a number of other factors to consider as well. For example, if you're going to spend all that money, would it not be better to increase efficacy and extend the life of your treatment?
Therefore, it is important to understand the root cause of your hair loss. For example, common male and female pattern baldness is often caused by hormonal imbalance. It could be one or more non hormonal issues. Some issues can be dealt with more naturally and others with conventional medicine. Sometimes a combination is best. For obvious reasons, it's very important to address the root cause with the best approach.
Our hair is quite valuable in oh so many ways. Be selective in who you trust with it. Seek out a total solution even if it requires two different types of physicians. I recommend a good Integrative or Functional Medicine physician that also practices Regenerative medicine. 
There are not a lot of us, so if you can't find one, start with the Integrative or Functional Medicine physician first. Get going on the treatment for your root cause for 2 - 3 months and then go with the PRP/Acell treatment. Consider using other ECM's. There are better ECM's available than Acell. Your results are far likelier to be superior. Adding subtle nuance medications such as progesterone will also help. As well, I like adding other beneficial medications to the cocktail.  
I have made a number of postings on RealSelf that provide even more information on the subject. 
I hope I have helped. Wishing you a wonderful outcome!    
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

In general its better to see a dermatologist, as hair disorders are extensively covered in our training. (much like how large muscle flaps are covered in plastics training and no in dermatology training). Hair loss is extremely complex, and PRP is NOT the answer for every condition. In some cases, for example T. effluvium, no treatment is needed. Diagnosis before treatment will give the best results. Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

PRP hair loss: Is it better to see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for this procedure?

Answers (10)

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