PRP for Hair: What to Expect from Treatment – A Step-by-Step Guide

What if you wake up one morning, comb your hair with your fingers, and find out that the constant hair loss has finally stopped? It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?

Well, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy might just turn that dream into a reality. With an increasing number of people opting for PRP hair treatment to combat hair loss, this procedure has gained immense popularity in recent years. PRP for hair loss is now recognized as a popular and effective non-surgical option for those seeking to address hair thinning and baldness.

If you are looking for PRP in Toronto, you probably have questions: How does it work? What does the whole treatment process look like? And, most importantly, is it worth spending your money on? By the end of this in-depth guide, we are going to cover everything you need to know step-by-step.

Introduction to Hair Loss

Hair loss is a widespread concern that affects millions of people around the globe, often leading to emotional distress and a loss of self-confidence. Whether it’s a gradual thinning or more noticeable patches, hair loss can be triggered by a range of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and certain medical conditions. One of the most common causes is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. This results in a progressive reduction in hair density, especially on the scalp. Fortunately, advances in hair loss treatment have made it possible to address these concerns more effectively than ever before. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical solution that uses your own blood to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density. By harnessing the power of growth factors found in platelet-rich plasma, PRP therapy can help rejuvenate hair follicles and promote healthier, fuller hair. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking to restore their hair and confidence. 

Step 1: Understanding PRP Therapy for Hair Loss

PRP treatment is considered a non-surgical hair restoration technique. It should however, be done under the supervision of trained experts.

Here’s how PRP therapy works: Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from your own blood and contains concentrated growth factors. These growth factors promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicle and activating dermal papilla cells, which are essential for hair regeneration and the hair-growth cycle.

The plasma containing the sought-after growth factors is injected into the scalp to nourish the hair follicles and encourage natural hair regrowth. Unlike some medications or topical treatments, PRP is a treatment that has few noticeable side effects, so it’s a good private treatment solution for people who are suffering from thinning hair or the initial stages of hair loss.

Who’s a Good Candidate for PRP?

PRP therapy is best suited for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hair loss, particularly those diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. This treatment is especially effective for patients who have noticed recent thinning, as it works by stimulating dormant hair follicles to encourage new hair growth. Younger patients often see the most pronounced results, since their hair follicles are more likely to be inactive rather than permanently lost. However, PRP therapy can be tailored to meet the needs of patients of all ages and hair types. During your consultation, a personalized treatment plan will be developed to target your specific pattern of hair loss and to help you achieve optimal hair growth and density. The majority of patients treated with PRP experience some benefit, with studies suggesting that 30–50% of patients see positive outcomes.

Step 2: The Consultation – What Happens First?

Before undergoing PRP hair treatment, you should take the necessary step of consulting a specialist. At Toronto Hair Transplant Surgeons, we assess your hair loss pattern and overall health to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for the procedure. The consultation also includes evaluating for androgenic alopecia and determining the specific treatment area on the scalp for PRP therapy. The consultation will also discuss the cost of PRP therapy, which can vary based on the clinic, the number of sessions required, and the extent of hair loss.

Step 3: The PRP Extraction Process

Should you decide to proceed with PRP therapy, the initial step in your therapy appointment is to draw a small quantity of blood from your arm. The blood is then put into a centrifuge, a device that rotates at high speeds to isolate the platelet-rich plasma from the other components of the blood. During this process, the separation results in layers: red blood cells at the bottom, a buffy coat (white blood cells and platelets) in the middle, and clear blood plasma at the top. The clear platelet-rich plasma at the top is used for treatment. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of this preparation method for hair restoration. Between 10 to 60 milliliters of blood is drawn for PRP treatment. The PRP that has been extracted has strong growth factors that will be injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Step 4: Preparing for the PRP Injection

Your scalp is first cleaned, and local anesthesia is used to numb the area before the PRP injection for maximum comfort. Some protocols avoid injecting local anesthesia directly into the treatment area to minimize interference with the PRP process. The Toronto Hair Transplant Surgeon specialist thoroughly maps out the balding or thinning regions to precisely reach the affected hair follicles.

Step 5: PRP Injection into the Scalp

With a thin needle, the PRP is injected into the areas that are experiencing hair thinning. These PRP injections deliver concentrated platelets directly into the scalp to promote hair regrowth.

The plasma growth factors stimulate resting hair follicles, improve blood flow, and stimulate the natural hair development cycle. Key growth factors in PRP include vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor. These factors play important roles in stimulating cell proliferation, increasing the formation of blood vessels around hair follicles, and prolonging the anagen phase of the hair cycle, all of which support hair regeneration.

The treatment takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is mostly painless due to the numbing agent. At Toronto Hair Transplant Surgeons, we often see patients on their lunch breaks, meaning, they can return to work and normal life activities, without needing recovery time.

Step 6: Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

Post-treatment, patients can suffer from mild swelling or redness in the affected areas, which resolves within a few hours. The experts at Toronto Hair Transplant Surgeons give post-care advice, such as avoiding prolonged sun exposure and not washing your hair for at least 24 hours. After your treatment session, it is also recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for a short period to ensure optimal recovery.

Patients are normally able to return to their normal daily activities right after the treatment, which makes PRP hair treatment a time-friendly option for busy individuals.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While PRP therapy is widely regarded as a safe and minimally invasive procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. Most patients experience only mild discomfort at the injection sites, along with temporary swelling, redness, or bruising. These effects typically resolve within a few days. In rare cases, more serious complications such as infection or scarring can occur, but these are uncommon when the procedure is performed by a skilled provider following strict safety protocols. It’s also important to note that PRP therapy may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune diseases. Always discuss your medical history with your provider to ensure PRP therapy is the right choice for you.

Step 7: When Will You See Results?

Hair regrowth does not happen overnight. A typical protocol involves three treatments, with sessions spaced several weeks apart to maximize effectiveness. Improvements in terminal hair density are often used to measure the overall effectiveness of PRP therapy. The majority of patients see improvements in hair thickness and volume in three to six months. After the last treatment, a booster session may be recommended several months later to help maintain results. This approach helps patients achieve optimal results, including increased hair density and the ability to achieve thicker hair. For maximum results, more than one session (usually 3-4) is recommended, with each session a few weeks apart.

Cost of PRP Therapy: Is It Worth It?

One of the most frequent worries of patients looking at PRP in Toronto is the expense. The cost of PRP treatment varies based on several factors, such as the reputation of the clinic, the number of sessions, and the equipment used. The total cost also depends on how many PRP treatments are needed, as most patients require multiple PRP treatments for best results. Though it might seem like a large expense, many patients feel that it is well worth it, considering its efficiency in bringing about natural hair regrowth without undergoing surgery. Typically, the cost of each PRP session for hair treatment ranges from $700 to $800.

At Toronto Hair Transplant Surgeons, the rates are clear, and the treatment is done by expert professionals to ensure it is safe and highly effective.

Choosing the Right Provider

Selecting the right provider is a crucial step in your PRP therapy journey. To achieve the best possible results, look for a professional with extensive experience in treating hair loss using PRP therapy. A qualified provider will have a deep understanding of the treatment process, the science behind hair regrowth, and the potential benefits and risks. Make sure your provider uses high-quality equipment and adheres to strict safety standards to minimize any risk of complications. By choosing a reputable and experienced clinic, you can feel confident that your PRP therapy will be both safe and effective, helping you move closer to your hair restoration goals.

Final Thoughts: Is PRP Right for You?

If you’re looking for a non-surgical, effective, and natural solution for hair loss, PRP therapy could be the answer. Whether you’re considering PRP in Toronto, consulting with a trusted clinic like Toronto Hair Transplant Surgeons is the first step toward restoring your confidence and achieving healthy hair regrowth.

Frequently Asked Questions : 

     1. How many PRP sessions are needed for visible results?

The number of PRP sessions mainly depends on the severity of the patient’s hair loss. However, on average, you may need 3 to 6 sessions, followed by monthly maintenance sessions. PRP can help regrow hair and increase the number of hairs in treated areas. If you are experiencing complete baldness, then you may require more sessions.

     2. Is PRP hair treatment painful?

No, PRP hair treatment is not painful at all. However, you might experience a little discomfort. Patients can easily tolerate moderate pain as numbing solutions are used by experts to minimize the discomfort.

     3. What is the downtime after PRP therapy?

There is minimal downtime after PRP therapy. You can easily resume your daily activities or routine. But for two or three days, you might feel some mild redness and soreness at the injection site.

     4. Who is a good candidate for PRP hair treatment?

PRP hair treatment is ideal for all those patients who are experiencing early-stage hair thinning or androgenetic alopecia. PRP is also used for alopecia areata and can be combined with oral finasteride for enhanced results. However, it may not be effective in treating complete baldness.

    5. Are there any side effects of PRP hair treatment?

PRP hair treatment is generally safe when it is done under the supervision of experts. The use of the patient’s own blood minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. You may suffer from mild side effects, which may include slight swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site. However, they will fade away within a couple of days. The beneficial effects of PRP therapy include improved hair density and quality.

Are you ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation today and begin your path to fuller, healthier hair!