Is PRP Better Than a Hair Transplant? Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Guide

A Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair loss is something almost everyone experiences at some point in life. Whether caused by genetics, stress, or hormonal changes, it often leads to frustration and a loss of confidence. Fortunately, modern medicine offers effective solutions to help restore a natural, fuller head of hair.

Currently, two of the most common and effective methods are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and hair transplant surgery. Both approaches aim to achieve thicker, healthier hair, but they differ significantly in methodology, cost, and expected results.

Recognizing Hair Loss and Exploring Treatment Options

Initially, most people notice hair loss through their hairline receding, the widening of their part, or by seeing more hair in the drain while washing. Many find that topical treatments like minoxidil are not effective for them and then consider clinical interventions.

PRP and hair transplant surgery are two very different approaches to restoring hair. PRP works by using the body’s own growth factors to stimulate dormant follicles, highlighting its regenerative nature. In contrast, hair transplant surgery is a permanent procedure that involves transferring hair from one area of the scalp to another.

PRP Hair Treatment 

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). This is an approach to treating balding or thinning hair by injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood back into the scalp (your platelets are referred to as PRP, which are often referred to as “liquid gold”). By using this method a person can use their own blood to create a resource that supports hair growth without being invasive.

The PRP Process in Treating Hair Loss

PRP hair restoration is a straightforward procedure. A patient will undergo a typical blood draw, the PRP platelet concentration is created using a high-speed spindle (centrifuge) to separate the red blood cells from what remains (plasma). The PRP that remains will be injected into the areas on your scalp that have thinning or balding areas.

PRP hair restoration has a simple, yet extremely effective way of working:

Stimulation: The growth factors in PRP will activate the currently dormant (“sleeping”) hair follicle into a growth cycle, referred to as the “active” growth phase.

Increased Vascularization: PRP will improve the vascular supply going to the hair follicle, providing it with more nourishment.

Thickening: While PRP does not grow additional follicles, it will increase the thickness of existing hair.

A hair transplant is a surgical intervention whereby hair follicles are harvested from a site on the head (usually a location that exhibits no susceptibility to thinning or balding), to implant that same hair into an area of the scalp or skin that has either thinned in density or has completely lost its ability to reproduce hairs.

Two Methods Used For Implanting Hair Follicles:

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Involves harvesting individual hair follicles separately and leaving only small pin-point scarring where each hair was removed.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): This technique involves removing a strip of tissue, typically from the back of the scalp, which is then dissected into multiple follicular unit grafts. Each graft is carefully prepared for implantation into thinning areas. Because the strip is surgically excised, FUT leaves a linear scar at the donor site. However, it can often yield a higher number of grafts in a single session due to the ability to harvest a larger section of tissue.

At What Point is Surgery Typically Recommended?

Generally, surgery is looked at as the most effective method for restoring hair, but in some cases, surgery may not be right for every individual. Surgery is most commonly indicated when:

Severe Hair Loss: The patient has undergone extensive hair loss with the majority of their hair follicles fully lost and unable to be revived via PRP or medication.

Stable Recipient Site: The patient has sufficient healthy donor hair located the back of their head to transplant to the front.

Desire for Permanent Outcome: When the patient is looking for an instant solution, although they may have to continue taking maintenance measures to protect their remaining original hair.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

PRP Advantages & Disadvantages

It is important to note all aspects of the treatment when making a decision; therefore, both pros and cons of PRP should be taken into account.

Advantages

No Surgery Required

There will be no need for surgical incisions, stitches, or scarring of any kind.

Short Recovery Time

You may resume normal activity after treatment.

Natural Therapy

Because the blood used was produced by you, there is virtually no chance for you to experience an allergic reaction to your PRP or for your body to reject it.

Disadvantages

Need for Multiple Treatments

In order to achieve maximum benefits, you’ll likely need to have multiple initial treatments (typically 3-4).

Most Beneficial Early/Moderate Loss Cases:

PRP works best when hair follicles are thinning, as opposed to being absent.

Hair Transplant Advantages & Disadvantages

Surgery will provide the best/longest lasting results but like any other surgical procedure; you must weigh the positive qualities of a hair transplant against the negative qualities before making a decision.

Advantages

Bald Areas Will No Longer Exist

After successful regrowth of hair follicles after transplantation, these newly grown hairs will be permanent and continue to grow throughout your life.

Results Will Be Observable

Hair transplant surgery will give the option of filling in a balding crown or completely receding hairline.

Disadvantages

Surgical Risk

Surgery always carries the risk of infection, bleeding and nerve sensitivity, like many other medical procedures.

Extended Recovery Time

After surgery, patients will usually experience some swelling and scabbing that may take several days to weeks before returning to normal activity.

Increased Expense

Compared to non-operative procedures, surgery is generally more expensive to perform in the initial stages.

Why PRP at Lifeboost Is the Better Option?

Surgery serves its purpose; however, many patients prefer the specialized approach of PRP offered at Lifeboost, as it provides a more gradual and less aggressive method of restoration.

A Less Invasive Solution

PRP allows patients to receive medical-grade treatment to the scalp without resorting to the more drastic alternative of surgery.

Natural Hair Restoration

PRP helps improve the density and quality of existing hair rather than relying solely on transplantation. When combined with the body’s natural biological responses, PRP can lead to significant improvements in both hair thickness and overall quality.

The Best First Step

PRP is an excellent initial step in the restoration process, even for patients who may eventually undergo hair transplantation. By strengthening the scalp’s foundation with PRP, patients can increase their chances of long-term success with future transplants.

Conclusion

Both PRP and hair transplantation are excellent ways to regain your confidence in your appearance. Hair transplantation is an extremely effective, long-term solution to baldness, while PRP offers an effective, safe, natural, and non-invasive way of treating thinning hair.

Summary of Options:

Choose Hair Transplant if you have large areas of total hair loss and a healthy donor site.

Choose PRP if you want to avoid surgery, maintain your existing hair, and thicken thinning areas naturally.