No PRP results after 3 months? I’m 23, on finasteride.

Question

I just passed my 3rd month from my first and only PRP session. I’m certain that the procedure didn’t include ACells. I was told to do 3 in total each month, but I wanted to make sure I get some sort of results before paying a lot more money. Is 3 months still too soon?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Protocol Studies  (Hausauer) have shown that monthly treatments are necessary. This can be for 3 or 4 months. If one received  a single treatment, it is possible to increase the width of the hair shaft, however increased density of the scalp and regrowth will not be present. To determine whether the PRP is functional, you should notice a decrease in shedding. This can be obtained with a single injection. However, you will not see the full benefits of regrowth with one injection. A PRP expert can determine if additional modalities should be added to your regimen.

Daniel J. Lee, MD, FACS, ABHRS · Answer

The results from platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections can take several months to notice.  In my experience not much effect will be seen after only one PRP.  In my office we recommend a set of six PRP treatments.  They are given one every six weeks for a total of six treatments (36 weeks).  Then a three month break is taken followed by a re-evaluation of the progress.  This is best done by taking photographs at each session.  This is the most objective way to evaluate the benefit of the PRP.  With this regimen it still may take up to the fifth or sixth treatment to notice results.  The primary effect that is desired is to stop the ongoing hair loss and prevent any future hair loss.  In some people, especially those who are young, growth of new hair can be seen.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

I presume you are a male.  Male pattern baldness is harder to treat than hair loss in females. A single treatment will usually not yield best results because it is best to have cumulative effects of at least 3 or 4 treatments over several months or a year.  The jury is still out on the benefit of Acell.  I only use it by special request because I am not convinced that the added expense to the patient is worthwhile.  We recommend minoxidil and a vitamin and supplement regimen plus microneedling for best results.

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you are not seeing the results from your treatment. PRP brings a tremendous amount of growth factor material to the scalp, and can for many patients stop the shedding and slow hair loss. We think that bombarding the area in a stacked fashion allows for optimal results. However, so much research is still going on with PRP, which is great for patients!In my practice, we typically do 3 treatments 1 month apart. Many patients state that they do not notice a difference for the first 2 treatments, but going into the third treatment, they have started to notice real change. Patients may wish to get a "booster" every year, and this seems to help maintain the improvement. I wish you success!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

If PRP is going to work, 3 months may be too soon. But by 6 months you might have some indication if you are going to benefit from this treatment or not. Keep in mind that not everyone responds to PRP.

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. When PRP is injected, the follicles are flooded with your own growth factors. If your hair loss is due to inflammation, the PRP will be very effective at stopping shedding and stimulating growth. If your hair loss is purely hormonal, the PRP is probably the wrong treatment. As you are already on propecia, the hormonal treatment is in place... and the PRP is acting on the inflammatory pathways. Studies show that when PRP works, it is maximally effective at stopping shedding 4 months after one treatment, and you should start to see an improvement in hair caliber thickness between 3-6 months. If each hair gets thicker, you should see an improvement in overall volume. If you have no inflammatory component to your hair loss, you may see little or no benefit.  Of note, some studies are suggesting 2 if not 3 (or more) treatments of PRP are necessary to reach an effect. That being said,  I would wait one or two more months... consider one more treatment... but proceed with caution.  Of note, there are 8 systems of PRP... not all of these treatment systems are the same.  In fact, they are very different. Make sure you are using a long-acting PRP. Hair grows so slowly, and you need to make sure the PRP is going to last to stimulate the follicles. Lastly, I do not use ACell as it has real risks.  I know this is a lot of information... and I hope this helps you.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It takes a hair 3 months to grow to the surface and then one half of an inch a month to grow after that.  I would not expect you to see any results yet other than feeling that you are not losing any additional hair.  I have started recommending 4 sessions instead of 3 sessions since I find that it gives the best results and then you can evaluate the treatment.  Please consult an expert in PRP and hair loss for the best results.  Best, Dr. Green

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

PRP of the hair takes time to show results. You need at least 3 preferably 4 treatments to see results. You need to be patient. There are differing opinions about using acell, some day it helps some say it causes an inflammatory response and that it doesn’t help. I have stopped using acell since I haven’t seen any improvement with it and a lot of improvement without it. Also keep in mind the centrifuge used to separate the platelets matters a lot. Some companies use FDA approved centrifuges made just for the purpose of separating PRP, some companies use devices that are not approved by the FDA  and are modified to handle PRP separation. The use of one with the right technique will yield excellent results , the use of the latter with poor technique is like giving your money away.

Basim A. Matti, MBChB FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You need to have three treatments and also to check the type of PRP and you also need to have dietry treatments and the use of viviscal.  This will also help.

No PRP results after 3 months? I’m 23, on finasteride.

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Answers (11)

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