Is PRP a permanent treatment for hair loss?

Question

Sir i am suffering from hair fall, almost 30% of my hair has been lost. I would like to know more about PPR therapy is that it is permanent hair treatment or temporary. How much session required for complete treatment and what is the duration of the session.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

kamta0425,Thank you for the questions. The duration of the benefits derived from PRP treatments depends on the nature of the cause of the hair loss. In treating andro-genetic hair loss in men and female pattern hair loss in women the benefit is probably temporary since these are genetic conditions which should revert back to the baseline after enough time has passed for the pathophysiologic processes operant in the patient to overcome the hair in the pattern. However, I have had female patients that have had a 2 procedure series, with no re-currence of thinning 3+ years later. Then of course I see patients that have substantial benefit which wanes over-time, they return for "touch up" prp procedures as needed. Have also used PRP to treat patients with alopecia areata which has resolved and not returned for a few years.Sincerely,kBernardino A. Arocha, MD

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

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.

Christopher Balgobin, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.PRP is not a permanent or a complete cure for hair loss.PRP stimulates the existing hair follicles which can in turn increase hair growth. However, the full duration of the effect of PRP is not known. Continued treatments may be necessary to maintain any potential results.

Ran Y. Rubinstein, MD · Answer

PRP treamtents can cause dramatic regrowth of hair in most individuals with androgenic alopecia (most common form).  Because this is a progressive genetic hair loss condition, affecting both men and women, there will be the need for ongoing treatments.  Everyone is different.  I find that most of my patients will need retreatment every 6 months.  Once you stop treatments, much like with Propecia and Minoxidil use, your hair will begin falling out again.  For those patients who experienced dramatic hair regrowth, coming in twice a year for a few injections is something that can be easily maintained given the significant effect this can have on ones self esteem and confidence.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

PRP is a great option for many patients, but I would not consider it a permanent solution to hair loss. Only a hair transplant can create what I would consider permanent improvements in hair loss, and even though, additional treatments are still going to be recommended in order to maintain or improve the results.
As I tell my patients, androgenetic hair loss is relentless and progressive, and PRP (like other hair loss treatments) can help to slow or stop that progression.
All the best,

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, the answer to your question regarding permanency of PRP is related to the indication for which it is being used. PRP is predominantly used for androgenic type alopecia. This is a ongoing genetic condition. PRP can increase hair thickness, decrease hair loss and possibly get regrowth in hairs that are dormant. This process needs to be continued or the genetic predisposition will recur. In my opinion, six months is the longest duration one can expect the PRP to persist. PRP is also used for Alopecia areata. PRP in this case will induce some of the hairs to begin regrowth. Most cases of alopecia areata in a single location do not recur. In this case the PRP can be used to stimulate hair growth without being repeated. Find someone who has experience in using PRP and will show you photos. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Keith Scheinblum, MD · Answer

PRP Injections for the treatment of hair loss is not permanent . Upon completion of the initial treatment protocol of 4 treatments (1x per month), maintenance treatments will be required 3-4 times per year to maintain the results.

Gina Chu, MD · Answer

Unfortunately PRP is not a permanent treatment that will "cure" hair loss. It can definitely improve early hair loss over time; however it is a treatment that needs to be continued at least at a maintenance level to sustain results. Usually after 4-6 treatments and you can start spacing out treatments to potentially a couple times a year. However patient results can vary and some patients may need maintenance treatments at shorter intervals than others.

Ifeoma Ejikeme, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
I'm sorry to hear you are having such dramatic hair loss. My first advice would be to see a doctor with experience managing hair loss. They will be able to do a full assessment and evaluation to get to the bottom of the underlying cause of your hair fall. Once that has been determined they will be able to start a treatment plan to reduce hair fall and start to improve hair retention and growth. PRP (Platelet rich plasma) treatment is one of many treatment outside oral and topical medication which have been shown to reduce hair fall and improve hair growth but the underlying cause of hair loss must first be determined. 
Multiple sessions are needed usually 6 sessions but you may see some improvement in earlier sessions. It can be used before, during or after hair transplantation. 
I hope this helps and best of luck.
Best wishes

John Kahen, MD · Answer

Hair loss is Progressive. So, PRP is not a permanent preventative. However, with our PRP it is extremely powerful so it only needs to be reapplied within every 8 months to 12 months PRP is the strongest preventative and our patients have seen incredible results.

Is PRP a permanent treatment for hair loss?

Answers (17)