Initially developed in dermatology and aesthetic medicine to improve the quality of the skin and face, PRP or “platelet-rich plasma” has since established itself as an effective solution for hair stimulation. Indeed, it has become an excellent regenerative medicine treatment against hair loss. It involves injecting a concentrate of platelets from the patient's blood into the scalp to stimulate the follicles and slow hair loss. PRP is effective in several cases: androgenetic alopecia, diffuse hair loss linked to stress or postpartum, or temporary hair loss after an illness.
On the other hand, it is less suitable when the follicles are destroyed (scarring alopecia), in the advanced stages of baldness or in the case of medical contraindications. In these situations, a hair transplant or complementary treatments (minoxidil, mesotherapy, nutritional supplements) are preferred.
This article explains when PRP can be beneficial, its limitations, and the alternatives available.
PRP is obtained from the patient's blood, centrifuged to isolate a concentrate of platelets and growth factors. This concentrate is then injected into the scalp (napping technique or microinjections) to stimulate follicular regeneration, local vascularization and the prolongation of the growth phase (anagen) of the follicles.
Its safety profile is generally good, as it is an autologous product (derived from the patient himself), and the risk of triggering an allergy is therefore low.
PRP is often offered as an adjuvant treatment when follicles are still active. A PMC study shows that after 4 sessions, a significant reduction in hair loss can be observed (negative traction test in 81.8% of cases) and an average gain of ~22 follicular units/cm².
However, the quality of the evidence remains modest, as the methodology varies between studies (PRP preparation, injection protocol, follow-up duration).
Here, the follicles are not destroyed, but simply "unbalanced." PRP can help slow hair loss and restart the growth phase. Several clinicians report a significant reduction in hair loss after 2–3 months of treatment.
For patients with low density but without massive follicular loss, PRP can be used as a "boosting" measure alongside other treatments.
In cases of advanced baldness, hair transplants often remain the most effective solution. PRP can then be used as a complement, particularly after surgery, to promote healing and improve hair density.
Other options exist, such as topical or systemic treatments: minoxidil , finasteride (according to medical indication) or even certain nutritional supplements such as biotin.
Finally, combining PRP with mesotherapy or LED photobiomodulation could enhance results. Some studies suggest a powerful synergistic effect between these two approaches and PRP injections.
The first effects of PRP generally appear after 2 to 3 sessions, or approximately 2 to 3 months. Initially, a slowdown in hair loss is observed, followed by a gradual improvement in hair density and quality. Results vary depending on the cause of hair loss and the initial condition of the follicles.
PRP is not considered a painful treatment. Patients primarily experience mild tingling or temporary sensitivity in the scalp. The most common side effects are minor redness, swelling, or bruising, which disappear within a few days. Serious complications are rare, as PRP is derived from the patient's own blood.
No, PRP cannot create new follicles. It only acts on existing but weakened follicles, which it helps stimulate and strengthen. If the follicles are completely destroyed (for example, in cases of cicatricial alopecia or advanced baldness), PRP will not be effective. In these cases, hair transplantation remains the best option.
PRP is a serious option for several forms of hair loss, provided the diagnosis is correct. It is not miraculous or universal. Its success depends heavily on the initial follicular condition, the cause of the hair loss, and the rigor of the protocol.
Furthermore, our clinic has the exclusive REMEDEX technology, one of the few in French-speaking Switzerland, which allows us to accurately count the number of platelets injected during PRP treatment. This innovation guarantees controlled and reproducible preparation, while justifying the quality and transparency of our prices.
For a personalized consultation in Geneva or French-speaking Switzerland, the Croix d'Or Hair Clinic offers personalized consultations to identify the most appropriate treatment (PRP alone, combination, or transplant). Discover our PRP rates or contact our hair specialists directly for assistance.
Make an appointment today for personalized and high-quality aesthetic care. Our team of experts is here to offer you innovative treatments tailored to your needs.
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