PRP hair treatment is one option for selected patients with pattern hair loss or thinning hair. At our Beverly Hills clinic, Dr. David Nazarian, MD evaluates the cause and pattern of hair loss before recommending PRP hair restoration or other treatment options. Patients commonly ask whether PRP is appropriate for male or female pattern hair loss, how many sessions are typically considered, when changes may become noticeable, and what treatment costs. These questions are reviewed during consultation so the treatment plan is based on diagnosis rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol. Hair loss can affect both men and women and may have genetic, hormonal, medical, nutritional, medication-related, or other causes. Hair loss can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including self-confidence and social interaction, causing psychological distress. Male pattern baldness affects more than 80% of men and nearly 50% of women experience female pattern baldness.
For decades, there have been many “solutions” that claim to prevent or reverse thinning hair, but the actual “results” have proven otherwise. For example, there were claims that shampoos and conditioners thickened hair with no significant results. Therefore, the search for more effective hair restoration treatments continued.
In 2006, researchers started considering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and PRP injection for hair loss as a potential treatment for the promotion of hair growth. While the scientific research has been slow, a growing number of randomized trials and meta-analyses now show encouraging results, particularly for androgenetic (pattern) hair loss.
Neil Sadick, MD, board-certified in dermatology in New York City, and the Director of the Sadick Research Group (for understanding and treating hair loss) said the use of PRP “is a great hair loss treatment option because it has several scientifically based articles showing its efficacy increasing hair count, hair thickness, and the growth phase of the hair cycle.”
Dr. Nazarian has been performing PRP hair restoration treatments since 2008. Our practice offers both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) approaches for hair restoration when clinically appropriate, with treatment recommendations based on the type and extent of hair loss.