How deep should PRP for scalp/hair loss be? My nurse used 1.0mm and I don’t know if it will work

Question

She uses this 9needle injector machine and I want to know if 1.0mm depth for hair thinning works. When I look up on google it says it should be 4-6mm depth to be effective for hair loss.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When it comes to PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy for hair loss, the depth of injection is an important factor to consider. The goal is to deliver the PRP directly to the dermal layer of the scalp where hair follicles are located, which is typically at a depth of about 4-6mm. This depth ensures that the platelets can effectively stimulate the hair follicles to promote growth.

Using a 1.0mm depth may not reach the follicular level, which could impact the overall effectiveness of the treatment. However, there could be reasons for using a shallower depth, such as targeting the superficial layers for additional skin benefits or in cases where the scalp is particularly thin.

Here are a few steps to consider:

Consult with Your Nurse or Physician: It's important to discuss your concerns with the healthcare professional administering your treatment. They can provide insight into why a 1.0mm depth was chosen and whether adjustments can be made to better meet your treatment goals.

Consider a Second Opinion: If you are unsure about the current approach, seeking advice from another specialist experienced in PRP for hair loss can be beneficial. They can offer additional perspectives and recommendations based on your specific situation.

Evaluate Other Treatment Factors: Remember that the effectiveness of PRP also depends on other factors such as the concentration of platelets, the frequency and number of treatments, and your overall scalp health.

Ensuring that your treatment plan is based on the latest clinical evidence and tailored to your individual needs will help maximize the potential benefits of PRP therapy for hair loss.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello bassel1997, thank you for your question! PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for hair loss are typically administered into the dermal layer of the scalp, which contains the hair follicles. This is usually about 1-4 millimeters deep, depending on the scalp thickness and the area being treated.
Frontal/Temporal Areas: These areas may require a depth closer to 1-2 mm as the scalp is thinner.
Crown/Vertex: The scalp is usually thicker here, so injections may go slightly deeper, around 3-4 mm.
Depending on where your nurse was injecting you, 1mm may have been appropriate. I hope this helps, best of luck in your hair restoration journey! Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston, MA.

Mustafa Aydinol, MD · Answer

PRP is not very effective for hair loss. I would suggest Dermapen treatment with 2.0 mm deep with exosome application to reduce the hair loss. However you might need sedation for this.

Patrick Yam, MD · Answer

In order to know if PRP will be effective for hair loss, it's far more important to ask about the concentration and dose of the platelets in the PRP that you received. Low concentration PRP will not work for hair loss, and could actually cause more hair loss. Even though this effect is likely temporary, it won't help in the end. The only way to know the concentration is to test each time using a hematology analyzer, since every sample will be different. Good PRP platelet concentration should be at least 1 million/µL and the dose should be at least 6 billion per treatment. If you had this, and the PRP was injected under the skin, it will diffuse into the surrounding area and get to the follicles. They are actually not as deep as 4-6 mm, but they are deeper than 1.0mm. We usually inject around 2-3 mm deep, but also leave more shallow boluses of PRP to absorb and diffuse into the local area around each injection site. We use manual injection for better control and no product wastage which can occur with injection guns. For comfort, we use a nerve block with lidocaine in a separate area, away from the PRP injections. Good luck!

How deep should PRP for scalp/hair loss be? My nurse used 1.0mm and I don’t know if it will work

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