Q: How is platelet rich plasma therapy for hair loss performed? Does it involve surgery? — T.A., Tribeca, NYC

A: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is performed during a simple office visit, takes about 30-45 minutes, and does NOT involve surgery.

The first step in PRP treatment for hair loss involves drawing a patient’s blood into a syringe.

Next we use a double-centrifuge platelet concentration system (the Emcyte Pure PRP system) to separate and then concentrate platelet-rich plasma from the blood.

The last step involves transferring the platelet-rich plasma into a syringe and then injecting the plasma directly into the patient’s scalp.

After the treatment, some patients may experience very temporary soreness and/or swelling, but many patients will experience nothing.

After the initial treatment, patients will typically receive two more treatments at 6 week intervals. After that, they will receive additional treatments every 3 months over the course of the first year. After the first year, patients will receive treatments approximately every 6 months.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) FAQ

See the PRP Treatment Steps

Read about the latest research into PRP therapy for hair loss

Read more in our section on Platelet Rich Plasma