PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a persons blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp.

Some in the medical community think that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures or medications.

There hasnt been enough research to prove if PRP is an effective hair loss treatment. However, PRP therapy has been in use since the 1980s. Its been used for problems such as healing injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

PRP therapy is a three-step process. Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 46 weeks apart.

Maintenance treatments are required every 46 months.

Your blood is drawn typically from your arm and put into a centrifuge (a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities).

After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:

The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

There hasnt been enough research to prove whether PRP is effective. Its also unclear for whom and under what circumstances its most effective.

According to a recent study, Although PRP has sufficient theoretical scientific basis to support its use in hair restoration, hair restoration using PRP is still at its infancy. Clinical evidence is still weak.

Because PRP therapy involves injecting your own blood into your scalp, you arent at risk for getting a communicable disease.

Still, any therapy that involves injections always carries a risk of side effects such as:

Theres also the chance that you could have a negative reaction to the anesthetic used in the therapy. If you decide to pursue PRP therapy for hair loss, let your doctor know in advance about your tolerance to anesthetics.

Be sure to report all medications youre on before the procedure including supplements and herbs.

When you go for your initial consultation, many providers will recommend against PRP for hair loss if you:

You might also be rejected for treatment if youve been diagnosed with:

PRP therapy typically consists of three treatments in a 46 week period, with maintenance treatments every 46 months.

The price typically ranges from $1,500$3,500 for the initial three treatments, with one injection at $400 or more. Pricing depends on a number of factors including:

Many insurance plans consider PRP for hair loss treatment to be cosmetic and dont cover any of the costs of the treatment. Check with your insurance provider to see if PRP therapy is covered for you.

If youre concerned about hair loss, you have a number of options including medication like Rogaine and Propecia, along with hair transplant surgery. Another consideration is PRP therapy.

Although theres limited clinical proof that PRP for hair loss works, there are many who believe that PRP is a safe and effective way of reversing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth.

Talk to your doctor to see which treatment or combination of treatments is the best choice for you.

Link:
PRP for Hair Loss: Efficacy, Safety, and Cost