Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Scalp PRP is injected directly into the dermal papilla layer of the hair follicle — the region containing the follicular stem cells and the dermal papilla cells that govern the hair cycle. The growth factors delivered (PDGF, IGF-1, VEGF, EGF, TGF-β) activate quiescent follicular stem cells, prolong the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle, reduce premature follicle miniaturization driven by DHT, and stimulate neovascularization around the follicular bulb. The net biological result is conversion of miniaturized (thinning) hairs to terminal (thicker, pigmented, permanent) caliber hairs and reactivation of dormant follicular units.

Scalp PRP is most effective for: androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) in the early to mid stages (Norwood II–IV / Ludwig I–II), where miniaturized follicles are still biologically active and can be reactivated; alopecia areata (patchy autoimmune hair loss) in combination with intralesional corticosteroids; and as adjuvant therapy around a fresh hair transplant to improve graft survival, accelerate graft vascularization, and reduce post-operative shedding. It is not effective for completely bald, smooth, shiny scalp areas where follicles have been permanently lost (fibrotic scarring alopecia).

A standard induction course consists of 4 to 6 monthly sessions. Clinical studies consistently show improvements in: hair shaft diameter (caliber), hair density count per cm², global hair thickness scores, and patient satisfaction with hair volume by 3 to 6 months. PRP does not restore hair that has been permanently lost; it stabilizes and improves what remains. Patients who respond well maintain results with 2 to 4 booster sessions per year. Results are best when initiated early in the hair loss process and combined with concurrent medical treatment (minoxidil and/or finasteride/dutasteride).

While the biological mechanism — platelet growth factor delivery — is identical, the preparation protocols, injection techniques, and clinical targets differ substantially. Scalp PRP uses a higher concentration protocol (×5 to ×8 platelet concentration) and is injected intra-dermally using a mesotherapy or micro-needling gun across the thinning scalp regions, targeting the follicular bulge zone at 4 to 5 mm depth. Activation with calcium chloride is standard. The scalp is not microneedled before injection (unlike the Vampire Facial); instead, the high-pressure multi-injection technique drives growth factors directly into the follicular microenvironment.

PRP complements hair transplant surgery at three stages: Pre-transplant: a course of 3 monthly PRP sessions 3 months before surgery conditions the recipient scalp, improves local blood supply, and maximizes the environment for graft acceptance. Intra-operative: activated PRP can be added to the graft preservation solution (HypoThermosol or saline) and injected into the recipient channels immediately before implantation to support graft survival. Post-transplant: 3 to 4 monthly PRP sessions beginning at month 2 after transplant accelerate graft vascularization, reduce shock loss severity, and stimulate growth onset 4 to 8 weeks earlier than without PRP support.