PRP for Hair Loss: How Much Does It Cost?

A vector image of a medical document and stacks of money

If you’re considering Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair loss, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. The total cost of a PRP procedure can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time the clinician spends performing the procedure, and the medical devices they use. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the things that can impact the cost of PRP for hair loss, so you can have a better idea of what to expect.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is created by taking blood from a donor and then separating the platelets from the rest of the blood cells, including red blood cells, using a centrifuge. The platelets are then added to plasma, which is a fluid in blood that helps transport cells throughout the body. This mixture has a much higher concentration of platelets than normal blood.

How is PRP Made?

A syringe full of PRP in front of a centrifuge

There are several types of medical technology used to create platelet rich plasma for PRP hair restoration, each with its own set of procedures. The manner in which clinicians take a blood sample and the way patients’ blood is spun in a centrifuge are two factors that influence the effectiveness of a PRP hair restoration treatment. In addition to equipment choices, medical practitioners will utilize various approaches in their hair restoration treatment, such as how they inject PRP into the patient’s scalp. The technique and medical devices used by a clinician both play important roles in the efficacy of a platelet rich plasma treatment.

What Are Platelets?

Platelets are small, disc-shaped cells that circulate in the blood and help to stop bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets stick together to form what we call a “plug” at the site of injury; this plug helps to prevent further bleeding. Platelets also release chemicals called “growth factors.” These growth factors attract other cells to the site of injury and aid in repair efforts.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factors for Hair Restoration

a vector image of molecules

Platelets are commonly known for their role in healing damaged tissue and stopping bleeding. However, they also play an important role in hair health. Platelets function by releasing growth factors, which are molecules that cause a biological response in the body. Several growth factors have been clinically shown to promote hair cell regeneration, making them a possible reason why PRP injections have been shown to stimulate hair regrowth in peer reviewed studies.

How PRP Therapy Stimulates New Hair Growth

We are still gaining an understand and the exact science of PRP hair restoration procedures. However, what we do know is that by injecting an appropriately high concentration of platelets into the treatment area of a patient’s scalp, a significant amount of people will see a reduction in hair thinning and an overall improvement in hair growth. This improvement in hair growth can relate to an improvement in hair density, the thickness of each hair follicle, and the recovery of previously lost hair.

Is PRP Therapy for Hair Growth Natural?

One of the most incredible things about PRP injections as a hair restoration treatment is that it relies on using the body’s own blood supply to stimulate natural hair regrowth. While oral medications like Propecia (finasteride) and other pharmaceuticals can also help reduce hair loss – they often have a list of serious negative side effects. A PRP injection on the other hand, has virtually no negative side effects aside from the mild soreness some patients experience briefly after receiving their PRP treatment. Many patients prefer this more natural hair growth approach, which is why PRP therapy has gained such popularity in recent years.

Who Can Offer PRP Hair Loss Treatments?

PRP hair loss treatments are offered by a variety of medical providers, including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and general practitioners. Many people seek out hair restoration treatments from aestheticians or other non-medical professionals; however, these individuals are not able to offer PRP therapy as it is a medical procedure that should only be administered by a licensed medical professional.

 

Exactly which types of medical professionals are allowed to perform a PRP hair treatment will vary by state. However, PRP treatments for alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia (aka “androgenic” alopecia) are all considered a non-surgical treatment. This means that nearly any type of doctor or nurse can perform this procedure as long as they are acting within their state guidelines.

 

If you’re considering PRP for hair loss, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or other licensed medical professional to get the most accurate estimate of what the treatment will cost. PRP hair restoration should only be performed by a licensed doctor, nurse, PA, or other suitable professional after they have done a thorough examination and review of your medical history.

How Much Does PRP for Hair Loss Cost?

The cost of PRP for hair loss can vary depending on the medical provider, the type of equipment used, and the number of treatments required. A single PRP treatment can range from $500 to $3000, and multiple PRP treatments may be necessary for optimal results.

Does Insurance Cover PRP Therapy for Hair?

a clipboard with a red shield checkmark

It is important to note that most insurance companies do not currently cover the costs of PRP for hair loss, as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and insurance companies rarely cover cosmetic treatments of any kind.

 

There are perhaps some rare cases when a private insurance provider would be willing to cover the cost of a PRP treatment plan for male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, but in nearly all cases patients will pay for these procedures out of pocket.

Frequency of PRP Injections for Hair Loss

When considering PRP for hair loss, cost will usually depend on the total number of procedures performed. Platelet rich plasma injections for hair loss are typically given every four to six weeks, and a series of three to five treatments is often recommended for optimal results. Some patients may see results after just one treatment, while others may require three treatments or more before noticing any regrowth. Ultimately, your treatment plan will be decided by the professional performing this cosmetic dermatology procedure.

Are Maintenance Treatments Required?

Man checking his receding hairline in mirror

Once you’ve completed a series of PRP treatments for hair loss, you may be wondering if maintenance treatments are required to keep your results. The answer to this question depends on each individual patient. Some patients may see long term results from their PRP hair restoration treatment, while others may require occasional additional PRP treatment sessions to maintain and improve the results of their initial hair loss treatment.

Who Qualifies for PRP Hair Restoration Treatment

PRP hair restoration is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be used to treat both men and women of all ages. The ideal candidate for PRP hair restoration is someone who has started to experience thinning hair or balding, but who still has living hair follicles on their scalp – which is the case for most people with male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. This hair loss treatment is not recommended for individuals who are completely bald from scarring alopecia, as it relies on stimulating inactive hair follicles.

 

Scarring alopecias, such as Cicatricial Alopecia actually destroy hair follicles, which prevents PRP hair restoration from working. Patients with Cicatricial Alopecia are better candidates for hair transplant surgery. Hair transplant procedures involve relocating healthy follicles from one area of the body onto the scalp. You can learn more about the in’s and outs of this type of procedure in our guide to hair transplant surgery.

PRP Treatment vs Hair Transplant Surgery

A vector man with a mustache and bald spot imagining himself with hair

Hair transplant surgery is a popular treatment for hair loss, but it comes with its own set of dangers. The most frequent adverse effect from hair transplant surgery is “shock loss,” which occurs when the transplanted hairs fall out soon after the operation. Shock loss can be temporary or permanent and is frequently prompted by the trauma linked with the operation.

 

PRP therapy is less invasive, with a quicker recovery period, and it’s more popular. Since the treatment stimulates existing follicles of hair rather than creating new ones, there’s a decreased chance of shock loss with PRP therapy.

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