The thinning of hair does not happen in a single day, nor does the hair growth take place in a single day. Since the material used is the patient’s own blood, and there is a good safety record, one of the first treatments patients inquire about is PRP hair therapy at Hair Transplant Islamabad. FCPS-qualified plastic surgeon, Dr Naveed Azhar, explains what PRP can and cannot achieve and how it fits into the treatment plan.

Quick Facts Of PRP Hair Treatment

• Treatment Details: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
• Effectiveness: Improve active hair follicles, can increase hair density
• Best Suits For: Early to moderate androgenetic alopecia.
• Procedure Type: Minimally invasive, nonsurgical
• Source of PRP: Patient’s own blood
• Initial Sessions: 3 to 4 every 4 to 6 weeks
• Maintenance: 1 to 2 sessions annually
• Downtime: Minimal, most return to normal activities the same day
• Results Timeline: Visible thickened around 3 to 6 months.
• Typical Results: 12 to 18 months, then maintenance required
• Cost in Islamabad: PKR 10000 to PKR 25000 per session
• Clinic: Hair Transplant Islamabad
• Who Performed: Dr Naveed Azhar

What is PRP ( Platelet Rich Plasma ) Hair Treatment?

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a more concentrated amount of platelets and growth factors extracted directly from the patient’s blood. Once prepared, it’s injected into the scalp to wake up follicles that have gone dormant. PRP contains growth factors that tell the body to repair and regenerate. That signal is targeted at the weak hair follicles, not to heal the tissue.

How Does PRP Work for Hair Restoration?

Growth factors in platelets increase blood flow to and nourish the living but sluggish follicles. Hair is not just lost and gone, it is in a growth and a rest stage. Most cases of thinning hair are not total baldness, they are simply the hair follicles getting smaller. PRP, on the other hand, gets in line with that cycle and extends the growth phase to give existing hair a fighting chance.

How Is PRP Done For Hair? ( Step By Step )

1. Consultation and Scalp/ Hair Check: The doctor examines your hair loss, past medical history and any medications you may be taking.
2. Blood Draw: Approximately 10 to 30ml, the same amount as a normal blood test.
3. Centrifugation: The sample is put into a centrifuge to isolate the platelet rich plasma from other components.
4. Scalp Preparation. Numbing cream is added prior to any other action.
5. Micro-injections: Thinning zones are seen and treated with fine needles to inject plasma.

Is PRP Painful For Hair Treatment?

With the use of numbing cream, most of the discomfort is taken care of and patients are relatively comfortable with the procedure. The sensation you will experience will be more of a “pin prick” or “light pressure” rather than pain. This typically takes 30 to 45 minutes for a full session, prep to injection.

Does PRP Regrow Hair? (Clinical Evidence)

There are clinical studies that suggest that PRP is effective in actually increasing the density and thickness of hair compared to placebo; however, there is still a significant amount of variation in study protocols and outcome measures. Be patient for the change to happen. Thickening is normally first to become apparent, around 3 to 6 months, and shedding becomes slower.

Does PRP Work for Men?

PRP hair treatment is most effective in early to moderate thinning, where the follicles are smaller and also active. It won’t work where there are no follicles in the area at all. Consider it as thickening there and reviving dormant there rather than creating follicles anew.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Maintenance sessions are required to maintain the results for approximately 12 to 18 months. That’s because androgenetic alopecia continues to worsen in the background and PRP doesn’t address the underlying genetic cause of it.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

There are generally two stages of treatment:

• Initial Phase: 3 to 4 sessions 4 to 6 weeks apart
• Maintenance: 1 to 2 sessions per year depending on response

The exact count comes down to diagnosis, severity, age, and how your follicles react to earlier sessions. Also read about three PRP hair treatment sessions.

PRP for Hair Loss Vs PRP With Hair Transplant

There are two ways that PRP can make a place for itself. It can be used independently by patients who have some thinning hair but have yet to be ready for surgery. 

When combined with a transplant, it becomes a booster: which will help the graft to survive, hasten the healing process in the transplanted area and in the surrounding area, and help protect the natural hair from additional loss. In the combined protocol, PRP may be administered immediately following the transplant and at regular intervals during recovery.

Is PRP a “ Permanent” Solution?

No, and you don’t have to be embarrassed to say that. The results of PRP treatments rely on consistent treatment and maintenance, as it is progressive and cannot be cured with just one treatment. PRP is not a treatment for the genetic condition, which is beneath the hair loss, but rather the symptoms of it.

Is PRP Safe?

Since PRP comes from the patient’s own blood, allergic reactions are rare. Mild, temporary side effects at the injection sites can include redness, swelling or tenderness. PRP is a relatively safe treatment if properly administered by a qualified practitioner employing sterile technique.

How Much Does PRP Hair Treatment Cost?

The cost of PRP treatment in Hair Transplant Islamabad ranges from PKR 10,000 to 25,000 per session. Rental packages typically are more cost-effective than paying per visit. Factors influencing the price:

• The number of initial and maintenance sessions.
• The size of the area to be thinned.
• The quality of the PRP kit and PRP centrifuge system
• Clinician’s qualifications and experience

PRP Aftercare & Recovery

• Avoid washing your hair for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment.
• Avoid hard exercise for 24 to 48 hours
• Avoid direct sun and harsh hair products for several days
• A mild tenderness at the injection site is normal and will pass rapidly.

Book Your Instant Consultation In F7!

Interested in PRP for hair loss in Islamabad? Visit Hair Transplant Islamabad and make an appointment with Dr Naveed Azhar. During your visit you will find out the reason for your hair loss, how active the remaining follicles are, and you will get a session plan that is personalized to you and an exact cost.

Frequently Asked Questions