Can PRP replace minoxidil & finasteride? What should I expect?

Question

I've used minoxidil and finasteride with good results. If I get regular PRP treatments can I quit both minoxidil and finasteride? Based on empirical data and the law of averages what should one expect? From everything I've read using all three PRP, minoxidil and finasteride yields the best results but I'd like to know what to expect from PRP only. Thank you.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

It's very hard to predict your response to monotherapy if you quit Finasteride and Minoxidil. Several factors determine the answer... Genetic predisposition, age, duration of hair loss, rapidity of hair loss, density of hair, telogen to anagen ratio, pull test, degree of miniaturization, amount of improvement on the drugs and whether your expectation is to retain hair or regrow. In general, PRP alone gives an approximate average of 65 to 80% results IN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATES. 
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Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. While there are many clinics and med spas now offering tons of different PRP treatments it doesn't necessarily mean they all know what they are doing especially for hair. Keep in mind that PRP is not a standardized procedure, this means that it can be prepared and administered basically in any way. Generally, when a medical professional who knows what they are doing is performing PRP treatments for hair you can usually expect to see a decrease in shedding, reversal of miniaturizing and thinning follicles, and an overall improvement in your hair quality. Based on the results I see in my practice using minoxidil, finasteride, and PRP does yield better results depending on what stage of hair loss a patient is experiencing. It is also worth noting that these treatments all work in different ways, therefore I believe it is beneficial to continue using all three should it be necessary. Hope this was helpful.

I have linked a video that can give you more insight about PRP, if you have any further questions feel free to contact my office at (949) 374-2563

I have linked a video that can give you more insight about PRP, if you have any further questions feel free to contact my office at (949) 374-2563

Alexander Golberg, MD, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question .While PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments have shown promising results for hair regrowth, it is important to note that individual responses may vary. The effectiveness of PRP alone in replacing minoxidil and finasteride cannot be guaranteed based solely on empirical data and the law of averages. Combining PRP with minoxidil and/or finasteride has been shown to yield the best results in some cases, as per the information you have read. However, individual responses to these treatments can vary significantly. A professional opinion will provide you with a more accurate understanding of what to expect from PRP treatment alone, taking into account your specific situation and medical history.

E. Jacob Simhaee, MD, FACOG · Answer

Dear concerned patient.
for dealing with hair loss you need to approach it with different modalities.
Minoxidil and Finasteride are good for maintenance, to increase your hair growth PRP will give you a faster and better result than the other two.
The good news is you do not have to suffer from painful injections of PRP now we have Alma Ted which still uses growth Factors but it is painless and has better results.
Good luck and Best of health

Jacquelline Leva, DO · Answer

Depends on how strong your genetic factor is I assume you have either male or female pattern hair loss 30-40% growth considered average. What is good about minoxidil and finasteride is they are both fda approved. Minoxdil has been studied since 1970 and fda approved men and women. Long term good data showing that is grows hair. Finasteride is fda approved for men hair loss. Prp Although it is used clinically to this day and has good results still does not have that fda Approval as the other do, so it's hard to produce the same result as the others.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. There are lots of factors involved in hair loss treatments so an individual's response will vary. That being said, PRP can be very effective, but in my opinion, a combination of PRP and either Monixidil or Finasteride works best. Your doctor who knows your situation would know what suits you best. Good luck to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Kulakarn Amonpattana, MD · Answer

Hello I'm Dr. Wipawan Vathananai, a co-worker of Dr. Kulakarn Amonpattana, from BHI Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand. Personally, I don't think PRP can replace minoxidil and finasteride since they all work in different mechanisms in hair loss treatment. PRP will provide growth factors to stimulate hair growth while minoxidil increases blood flow to the hair follicles and finasteride blocks DHT production and maintain the hair.

Darice W. Fadeyi, MD · Answer

Hi. The problem with finasteride and minoxidil is that frequently, patients get a little tired of using them. This is particularly true when results have been achieved. It’s easy to get a little complacent. However, I always advise my patients to resist the temptation to stop. PRP does a great job adjunctively supporting existing hair follicles and can induce regrowth in follicles that have not completely regressed or scarred permanently. But the backbone of hair loss treatment is always medicine, If you have been seeing good results with finasteride and minoxidil, I would not endorse attempting to substitute PRP for those therapeutic modalities.

Farhanahmed Contractor, DO · Answer

As of now, PRP is not FDA approved for hair loss. The results vary, and they are patient and situation specific. The best option is finasteride simply based on a physiological process and it is only to maintain remaining hair. Added minoxidil is beneficial and will help boost results with finasteride. PRP may help stimulate hair follicles to grow but it is never guaranteed and not a good replacement for finasteride/minoxidil which in contract has good clinical trial data available.

Can PRP replace minoxidil & finasteride? What should I expect?

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