Does PRP treatments for preventing hair loss really work?

Recent studies in Dermatologic Surgery from Italy verify success of PRP for hair loss in 61 out of 62 patients. Average improvement is 40 to 70 %.  It is best for early hair loss. Various treatment programs can increase success.

Hello,
Yes prp is very good far hair growth and protection. You can get it done every 2-3 months. 1 session won't do much

Thanks for the questionPRP hair restoration is extremely promising for vitalizing growth of hair follicles. Usually a series of treatments is necessary to help prime the hair growth. Touch-up treatments are often necessary to keep the hair follicles stimulated and reduce the oxidative stress.

Platelet-rich plasma has been utilized for years in wound healing and orthopedic conditions, but more recently it has gained traction in aesthetic medicine, especially with respect to hair loss. Several clinicians have had some success in treating alopecia of various etiologies (lichen planopilaris, alopecia areata, etc), but most of the limited data have been focused on PRP use for male- and female-pattern hair loss.
The mechanism of action involves platelets’ ability to aggregate together, activate, and release alpha-granules containing various growth factors, such as platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Their release increases angiogenesis and vascularization, providing resting telogen hairs the signal that they need to enter the anagen phase. This increased vascularization and mix of growth factors also fosters the proliferation of dermal papilla cells and inhibits apoptosis, helping to prolong the anagen phase.More specific to androgenetic alopecia, PRP may help to counteract certain effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia, DHT was shown to block IGF-1 contributing to hair loss and PRP is a known source of IGF-1.
Platelet-rich plasma is fully autologous and thus provides patients a more “natural” treatment, with side effects limited to procedural discomfort and bruising.
There is no standard system, quantity, or interval of treatment regarding PRP for hair loss, which is why we currently utilize a proprietary hyperconcentrated platelet rich plasma concentration and treat patients monthly 4 times, then reevaluate after 8 to 12 months. If a patient has a response, then retreatment at follow-up may result in continued efficacy if performed at a 6- to 12-month basis.

PRP for hair loss works well for patients who have hair thinning or recently have lost hair in an area.  It slows down hair loss so it's a long term strategy to maintain as much as hair as possible before losing it.  It increases the active growth phase of the follicle and provides increased density by making the hair longer and thicker.  

 Studies have shown that there is a significant role inflammation due to oxidative stress and free radicals resulting in chronic perifollicular fibrosis which can lead to  hair loss. 
Platelet rich plasma offers a strong anti-inflammatory effect, angiogenesis effect, prevents apoptosis and up regulates the signaling proteins which are associated with trichostimulation.
The initial PRP program should be combined with other treatments such as Topical therapy, LLLT, Nutrafol/ Viviscal for better outcome and one should have a maintenance PRP program for continuous trichostimulatory effect.
 

PRP injections for hair loss has been found to be an effective treatment especially when used in combination with other treatment modalities such as Minoxidil, Propecia (in men), and laser light therapy.  I don't like telling patients it will prevent hair loss as you can only slow things down, hopefully dramatically.  Often times, PRP will also cause new hair to grow as long as you begin the injections early on in the hair loss process.  Despite hair regrowth and "hair loss prevention" you may eventually notice a gradual thinning of your hair over time.  This is not a reason not to have PRP injections as some people do stop losing their hair and even if you don't you can delay the hair loss process by many years delaying the need for hair transplantation.

PRP is a great option for hair loss, but I would not typically recommend PRP for someone who does not yet have any hair loss. PRP for hair loss is still a relatively new treatment option, but several studies are showing very nice improvements in hair density after a series of PRP treatments. PRP works best for treating thinning hair and slowing or stopping the progression of hair loss.
I always recommend seeing a fellowship-trained hair restoration surgeon to discuss hair restoration options in detail.
All the best,

Thank you for your question about PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for hair loss.  PRP technology taps into the ability of the body's own growth factors to assist with regenerating the dormant hair follicles.  By using your own platelet rich plasma, the procedure is very safe and extremely effective.  It does typically require several treatments, and may require some maintenance treatments in the future.   


To be sure, see two or more experienced, licensed and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.

I hope this helps.

PRP for hair loss definitely has benefits, but is different than hair transplantation. PRP is great for increasing the density of hair in a region where there already is hair, but cannot bring hair to an area that is completely bald. I have found PRP to be particularly useful for women with thinning hair, as well as for men with early hair loss. I have also found low level light to be a useful adjunct to this.Hope this helps! Sam Jejurikar, MD

However, the results are less predictable than a hair transplant.  PRP will not bring dead follicles back to life.  Thus, it is most effective for early stage hair loss where it can rejuvenate injured follicles into ones that can produce hair.  I recommend 3 sessions spaced 2 months apart.