PRP as a medical adjunct to transplant

What is PRP and how is it used as a hair transplant adjunct?

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, involves drawing blood, centrifuging it to concentrate platelets, and injecting the resulting plasma into the scalp, since platelets carry growth factors involved in tissue repair. Because it uses the patient's own blood, the safety profile is favourable; the open questions concern efficacy and consistency rather than harm.

Why does the evidence on PRP vary so much between studies?

Centrifuge speed, spin time, activation method, platelet concentration achieved, injection depth, volume and session frequency all vary between clinics, so two treatments both called PRP can differ substantially. That is the main reason the published literature is inconsistent: studies are not actually testing the same intervention.

How does the evidence for PRP differ between medical treatment and use as a transplant adjunct?

For PRP used in androgenetic alopecia generally, there is a reasonable body of evidence for benefit, though heterogeneity limits how confidently it can be pooled. As a transplant adjunct, the evidence is thinner: published data link PRP with FUE to around 18.7 percent higher density than FUE alone, not from a definitive trial.

As a transplant adjunct, whether for graft survival, growth speed or final density, the evidence is thinner. Our statistics page records PRP with FUE being associated with around 18.7 percent higher density than FUE alone, a figure drawn from published industry and study data of varying quality rather than from a definitive trial.

What questions should you ask before paying extra for PRP?

Before paying extra for PRP, ask about the preparation protocol and platelet concentration used, how many sessions are needed and what maintenance follows, what specific outcome it should change, and whether it is bundled or an add-on with its own incremental cost. PRP is reasonable as an adjunct with imperfect evidence, not a deciding factor.

• What preparation protocol and platelet concentration?
• How many sessions, over what period, and what maintenance?
• What specific outcome is it expected to change?
• Is it bundled or an add-on, and what is the incremental cost?

PRP is reasonable as an adjunct with imperfect evidence. It should not be the deciding factor in choosing a clinic.

Sources

1. Parsley WM, Perez-Meza D. Review of factors affecting the growth and survival of follicular grafts. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2010;3(2). jcasonline.com

This article summarises published research. It is general educational information, not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to start, stop or change any medication. Prescription drugs carry contraindications and interactions; discuss them with a doctor who knows your medical history.