PRP Therapy for Hair Loss: Does It Actually Work?

What Is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the platelet-rich solution into areas of hair thinning or transplant sites. The growth factors in platelets are believed to stimulate hair follicle activity.

PRP has been used in medicine for decades — in orthopaedics, dentistry, and wound healing. Its application in hair restoration is more recent but growing rapidly.

The Clinical Evidence

Multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that PRP can increase hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia. A 2019 meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials found statistically significant improvements in hair count and thickness compared to placebo.

However, results vary considerably between patients. Factors including age, extent of hair loss, and individual platelet quality all influence outcomes.

PRP as a Standalone Treatment

For patients with early-stage thinning (Norwood 2-3), PRP alone may slow hair loss progression and improve density. Treatment typically involves 3-4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3-6 months.

Standalone PRP is not a replacement for hair transplant surgery in cases of significant baldness. It works best as a complementary treatment or early intervention.

PRP Combined with Hair Transplant

Most Turkish clinics include one PRP session as part of their transplant package. The treatment is applied during or immediately after the procedure to promote graft survival and accelerate healing.

Studies suggest PRP-enhanced transplants may achieve 10-15% higher graft survival rates, though more research is needed to confirm this consistently.

What to Expect During Treatment

A PRP session takes approximately 30-60 minutes. Blood draw is minimal (20-60ml), and the processing takes about 15 minutes. The injection phase involves multiple small injections across the treatment area using fine needles.

Discomfort is mild and temporary. Most patients describe it as a series of small pinches. No downtime is required — you can return to normal activities immediately.

Cost and Value Assessment

Standalone PRP sessions in Turkey cost €150-€400 per session. In the UK, the same treatment costs £400-£1,000 per session. When included in a transplant package, PRP adds excellent value with minimal additional cost.