Plasma therapy, also known as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, is a treatment that uses a person’s own blood to help heal and grow hair. In hair transplantation, this therapy is often used before, during, or after the surgery to support hair growth and improve the final results.
Does Plasma Therapy Really Boost Hair Transplant Results?
PRP is made by taking a small amount of blood from the patient, spinning it in a machine to separate the plasma, and then injecting the plasma into the scalp. This plasma is rich in growth factors. These growth factors help repair damaged tissue and encourage new hair to grow.
Doctors often combine PRP with hair transplant surgery because it helps the new hair grafts grow stronger and faster. It also helps reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the scalp.
How Is PRP Prepared?
The process of preparing PRP is simple and safe. It usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Here’s how it works:
Blood Draw: A small amount of blood (usually about 10–20 ml) is taken from your arm, just like a regular blood test.
Centrifugation: The blood is placed in a special machine called a centrifuge. This machine spins the blood at high speed for about 10 minutes.
Separation: After spinning, the blood separates into layers. One layer contains red blood cells, one has white blood cells, and the top layer is the platelet-rich plasma.
Collection: The doctor collects the PRP and discards the rest.
Injection: The PRP is injected into the scalp in areas where it’s needed.
The entire process is done using sterile tools to keep everything safe and clean.
Why Is PRP Used with Hair Transplants?
Hair transplant surgery involves moving healthy hair follicles from the back or sides of the head to areas where hair is thin or missing. This process puts stress on the scalp and the follicles.
PRP helps reduce this stress. The growth factors in PRP help the newly transplanted hair grafts survive and grow. Here’s what PRP can do:
Improve healing: PRP speeds up recovery after surgery.
Increase hair growth: It can make new hair grow faster and thicker.
Reduce shedding: PRP can help stop shock loss, a common side effect where hair falls out after surgery.
Strengthen weak hair: It also helps existing hair become stronger.
For many patients, PRP makes the whole transplant process smoother and more successful.
When Is PRP Given During the Transplant Process?
PRP can be used at different stages of the hair transplant journey:
1. Before Surgery
Some clinics offer PRP sessions before the transplant. This helps prepare the scalp and strengthens existing hair follicles. It also improves blood flow in the scalp, which helps the skin heal better after surgery.
2. During Surgery
Some doctors dip the hair grafts in PRP solution before placing them into the scalp. This gives the grafts a “boost” before they are implanted. PRP can also be injected directly into the scalp during the procedure to support the healing process from the very start.
3. After Surgery
PRP is often used in the weeks and months after a hair transplant. Most clinics recommend 2 to 4 sessions after surgery. These sessions are spaced about a month apart. This helps the new hair grow faster and reduces redness, swelling, and scabbing.
Is Plasma Therapy Safe?
Yes, PRP is very safe because it uses your own blood. This means there is no risk of allergies or infections from foreign substances.
However, like any injection, there can be small side effects such as:
Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site
Redness or swelling
Temporary bruising
Itching or slight tenderness
These side effects usually go away in a day or two. Most people return to their normal activities the same day.
To stay safe, PRP should only be done by trained medical professionals in a clean, professional clinic.
Does PRP Work for Everyone?
PRP works well for most people, but it may not work for everyone. It is most helpful for people who are:
In the early stages of hair loss
Having a hair transplant soon or just had one
Looking for a non-surgical way to improve hair health
People with complete baldness or long-term hair loss may not see major results with PRP alone. It can still help improve transplant results, but expectations should be realistic.
People with blood disorders, infections, or certain medical conditions may not be good candidates for PRP. That’s why a proper consultation is always needed.
How Much Does PRP Therapy Cost?
The cost of PRP therapy can vary depending on the clinic, the number of sessions, and where you live.
On average:
Single PRP session: $300 to $800
PRP package (3–4 sessions): $1,000 to $2,500
Some clinics include one or two PRP treatments in their hair transplant package. Others charge separately.
While PRP is not cheap, many people find it worth the cost because it supports better hair transplant results and promotes faster recovery.
How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed?
The number of PRP sessions depends on your hair condition and your doctor’s advice. In general:
Before transplant: 1–2 sessions
During transplant: 1 session (sometimes optional)
After transplant: 2–4 sessions over a few months
Some patients continue with PRP once every 6–12 months to maintain healthy hair and prevent further thinning.
Your doctor will suggest a plan based on your goals and how your hair responds to the first few treatments.
How Long Do the Results Last?
PRP is not a permanent cure for hair loss, but it can offer long-lasting improvement when combined with other treatments.
Results usually last 6 to 12 months. Many patients get booster sessions once or twice a year to maintain the results. The transplanted hair, however, is permanent because it comes from hair-resistant areas of the scalp.
If PRP is used with a hair transplant, the combination often gives stronger, more natural-looking results compared to a transplant alone.
What Makes a Good PRP Session?
Not all PRP sessions are the same. The quality of the PRP matters. Factors that affect the quality include:
The type of centrifuge used
How fast the blood is spun
How the PRP is handled
The doctor’s skill in injecting the PRP
High-quality PRP has a high concentration of platelets and growth factors. Some clinics offer “advanced PRP” or “double spin PRP,” which may have better results.
Always ask your doctor about the method they use and how experienced they are with PRP in hair transplants.
Can PRP Be Used Without a Hair Transplant?
Yes. PRP can also be used on its own to treat hair thinning or early hair loss. It is commonly used for:
Male and female pattern hair loss
Hair thinning due to stress or hormones
Weak hair after childbirth or illness
While it won’t bring back hair on a completely bald area, it can help make thinning hair look thicker and fuller. It’s a popular choice for people who want a non-surgical solution.
Tips to Get the Best Results from PRP
If you’re planning to have PRP as part of your hair transplant treatment, here are a few tips:
Stay hydrated before the session to make blood draw easier.
Avoid alcohol and smoking before and after the treatment.
Follow post-treatment care like avoiding washing your scalp for a day.
Don’t take anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen before or after PRP, as they may reduce the effect of the growth factors.
Be patient — results take time. You may start to notice improvement in 2–3 months.
Talk to your doctor if you have concerns or don’t see the results you expected.
Conclusion
Plasma therapy is a powerful tool in modern hair transplant procedures. It’s natural, safe, and helps your body heal itself. While it’s not magic, it does give your scalp the extra support it needs to grow new, healthy hair after a transplant.
Used before and after surgery, PRP can improve the survival of grafts, speed up healing, and make results look better and more natural. It’s not a replacement for surgery, but it’s a strong partner in the process.
If you’re thinking about getting a hair transplant, ask your clinic about PRP. With the right approach, you could be one step closer to restoring not just your hair, but also your confidence.
Related topics：
- What Is a Hair Transplant Procedure?
- Do all transplanted hair grafts grow?
- Does DHI Require Shaving?
