PRP / PRF for Hair Restoration

Think of your hair like the grass in a garden—sometimes it becomes thin or doesn’t grow as well as you’d like. In these cases, it’s not about which hair restoration option is the best overall but which one is best for you. Dr. Castelli will walk you through all your options, but one of the first steps he may recommend is a treatment to “reseed” your scalp after experiencing hair loss.

PRP/PRF hair restoration is like giving your garden extra nourishment to help the grass grow stronger. During this treatment, Dr. Castelli and his team will draw a small amount of your blood, separate the “liquid gold” (PRP and PRF), and then reapply it to areas of your scalp where hair needs a boost. This process helps stimulate healthier hair growth while preventing existing hair from further thinning. The procedure is minimally invasive, doesn’t cause much discomfort, and has a relatively quick recovery time.

For more advanced cases of thinning or bald spots, hair transplant procedures like Follicular unit extraction (fue) or Neograft are more like transplanting healthy grass from one part of your garden to another. In these cases, individual hair follicles are relocated to areas with little or no hair, where they continue to grow. While this procedure is more involved and requires a longer recovery time, it can significantly increase hair volume for those experiencing more substantial hair loss.

So, if you have mild thinning, PRP/PRF might be just the “fertilizer” your hair needs. However, a hair transplant could be the more effective solution if you have noticeable thinning or bald spots. Whatever you and Dr. Castelli decide, you can expect permanent hair restoration and a renewed sense of confidence.

PRP and PRF hair restoration procedures are generally well-tolerated, though some discomfort may occur. The process starts with drawing a small amount of blood, which is then processed to extract platelets. Fine needles are used to inject the platelets into the scalp.

A topical anesthetic is often applied beforehand to minimize pain. During the injections, patients typically report only mild discomfort, such as a prick or stinging. Some tenderness or swelling may occur after the treatment, but it usually resolves quickly.

Typically, scheduling three to four sessions about four to six weeks apart is recommended to witness your new hair growth. 

After the initial treatments, maintenance sessions are usually suggested every six to twelve months to sustain healthy hair follicles and thickness. The exact number of appointments to witness new natural hair growth can vary due to individual needs and response to treatment, so a consultation with your provider will help tailor a plan that’s right for you.

With PRP/PRF for hair restoration, you can typically expect to start seeing noticeable results within three to six months after your initial treatments. Hair growth is gradual, so improvements in thickness and fullness may become more apparent over time. Most patients find that the most significant results appear around the six-month mark, with continued enhancement over the following months.

Yes, you can often combine PRP/PRF for hair restoration with other hair restoration procedures for enhanced results, like SkinPen or Infini RF microneedling, which can help improve the absorption of growth factors. In some cases, combining PRP/PRF with hair transplant surgery can optimize healing and promote better hair growth in the transplanted areas.

What Are the Risks Associated With PRP / PRF for Hair Restoration?

Though PRP and PRF for hair restoration are considered safe, like any medical procedure, they do come with some risks. These may include:

• Pain 
• Discomfort
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Infection
• Inconsistent results
• Nerve damage

Discussing these potential risks with Dr. Castelli in Philadelphia, PA, during your consultation is important. They can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and overall health.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat hair loss by relocating healthy hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back or sides of the scalp) to areas with thinning or no hair. Individual follicular units are carefully extracted and transplanted during the procedure, ensuring a natural-looking result. Unlike older methods, FUE leaves tiny, discrete scars and has a quicker recovery time. It’s a popular option for people with more advanced hair loss, as it provides a more permanent solution for restoring hair density and coverage.

Whether FUE hair transplant surgery or PRP therapy is better depends on the extent of your hair loss. PRP is a non-invasive treatment ideal for mild to moderate thinning. It stimulates existing hair follicles using your body’s natural growth factors, promoting healthier growth and preventing further thinning. It’s a great option for those looking for a natural, non-surgical solution with little downtime.

FUE, on the other hand, is best for more significant hair loss or bald spots. It involves relocating healthy follicles from a donor area to areas of thinning or baldness, offering a permanent, more dramatic result. While it requires a longer recovery time, it’s the go-to choice for those seeking a lasting solution for advanced hair loss. Dr. Castelli can help you decide which option fits your needs based on the severity of your hair loss.