Hair transplants and medication can work well, but aren’t ideal for everyone. Do you prefer a more natural, noninvasive approach that supports overall wellness?
Enter platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair restoration — a treatment where your own blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the plasma, and injected into your scalp to naturally stimulate hair growth and strengthen existing hair. You might have heard of the treatment before, but want to understand more about it, including when to expect results and aftercare.
Hair Doc is your one-stop hair restoration center providing PRP to patients in Cow Hollow, San Francisco. We’re here to assist you every step of the way, from informing you of treatments, carrying them out, and supporting you during a safe and healthy recovery.
At first, it may sound strange to have your blood drawn only to be injected into your scalp. But PRP is, in fact, a very safe and effective treatment.
It was first used in 1954, but gained popularity in the 1970s in surgery to help aid patients in blood loss. Since then, it has made technological advancements to help patients heal from musculoskeletal issues and is now known for its cosmetic concerns, like hair restoration.
Aaron Cheng, DO, has performed hundreds of PRP treatments to help improve the hair count and halt future hair loss in patients. When you come in for your PRP appointment, he answers any questions you may have before starting treatment, including:
Blood draw
A small amount of blood (10-20 milliliters) is drawn from your arm, like a normal blood test.
Spin
The blood goes on a centrifuge, a machine that rapidly spins, to isolate the platelets from the blood’s components. The goal is to collect the platelet-rich plasma, which can have up to 10 times the amount of growth factors as normal blood. Growth factors help stimulate dormant hair follicles and boost blood flow to the scalp to support healthy strands.
Preparation
Once the PRP is separated, it’s carefully drawn into syringes for injection. Some clinics may also apply a numbing cream or use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Injections
The PRP is then injected into targeted areas of your scalp, focusing on zones with thinning hair or early hair loss. These injections help stimulate dormant hair follicles and encourage new growth. Most patients need 4-6 PRP treatments to get the results they’re looking for.
Aftercare
Luckily, PRP has no major downtime. You might have mild redness or sensitivity for a day or two, but most people return to normal activities right away.
If you’re like most, you probably want quick results. Unfortunately, hair growth isn’t a quick process, but most patients believe PRP is worth the wait and provides natural, sustainable results. Here’s the timeline to expect:
One month
You probably won’t notice much change yet. Rest assured, the PRP is doing its job under the surface — waking up dormant follicles and rebuilding your scalp’s health. You might experience less shedding, which is generally a good sign.
2-3 months
During this time, you may experience tiny new hairs start to sprout. They’re usually fine and soft at first, like baby hairs. You might notice better texture or fullness in areas that were thinning.
4-6 months
This is the period where you’ll experience the most visible improvement. Now you’ll notice thicker, stronger, and healthier hair. Regular sessions, spaced about a month apart, help make your improvements even better.
Months 6-12
Results become more obvious and consistent. You’ll notice fuller coverage and stronger strands as new growth blends with your existing hair. Some people do touch-ups every few months to help maintain their growth and optimize their hairline.
Are you ready to revamp your hairline? Don’t wait any longer. Call 415-907-7354 to schedule your consultation or book online.
Disclaimer: Photos used in this article are models and may or may not have had treatment.
