PRP Therapy — How It Works, What It Can and Cannot Do

What PRP is

PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma is platelet-rich plasma derived from a patient's own blood. Patient blood is separated in a special centrifuge, isolating the component with a particularly high concentration of platelets. This platelet-rich fraction contains the body's own growth factors, which can be injected into the scalp or skin — initiating regenerative processes there.

PRP is autologous: what is injected comes from the patient themselves. There are no foreign substances, no preservatives, and no risk of allergic reactions to the active ingredient. This makes PRP one of the most biocompatible therapies in modern hair medicine.

The Biological Mechanism of Action

What Platelets Can Do

Platelets are cell-free components of the blood, normally responsible for blood clotting — but they can do much more. In their alpha granules, they store a variety of growth factors, which they release upon activation. These signaling molecules control cell division, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).

The Most Important Growth Factors in PRP

• PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) — promotes cell division and microcirculation
• TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta) — modulates tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis
• VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) — stimulates the formation of new blood vessels
• EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) — promotes the growth of epithelial cells
• IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) — has an anabolic effect on cell division and tissue growth
• FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) — stimulates fibroblasts and stem cells in the hair papilla

What These Factors Achieve in the Hair Follicle

• Lengthening of the Anagen Phase (hair growth phase)
• Reactivation of dormant follicles from the Telogen Phase
• Stimulation of the hair papilla and its stem cells
• Improvement of microcirculation around the follicle
• Delay of miniaturization in androgenetic alopecia

Indications — When PRP is Useful

Hair Medicine

• Androgenetic Alopecia (in combination with conservative therapy) — in men and women
• Telogen Effluvium — to accelerate regeneration after diffuse hair loss
• Postpartum Hair Loss — as a supplement to breastfeeding-compatible therapy
• Adjunctive therapy for hair transplantation — demonstrably improves the engraftment rate, accelerates the healing phase
• Women with contraindications to prescription drugs (pregnancy, breastfeeding, desire to conceive)

Dermatology and Aesthetics

• Skin Rejuvenation (so-called "Vampire Facelift") — stimulates collagen and elastin production
• Acne scars and atrophic scars
• Periocular skin regeneration (dark circles, thin skin)
• Wound healing after minor surgical procedures

When PRP DOES NOT Work

• For completely miniaturized or already destroyed follicles — PRP cannot bring these back
• For scarring alopecias (e.g., FFA, Lichen planopilaris) — other immunomodulating therapies may be more appropriate here
• For acute Alopecia Areata — primarily dermatological therapy is needed; PRP only as a supplement
• As a sole therapy for advanced androgenetic alopecia — stand-alone PRP cannot stop the progression, only slow it down
• For patients with platelet dysfunction disorders, severe clotting disorders, or those on strong blood thinners
• For active skin infections in the treatment area

What the Studies Say

PRP is one of the most well-documented regenerative therapies in hair medicine. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses (Gupta et al. 2019, Giordano et al. 2017, Alves & Grimalt 2016) show statistically significant improvements in:

• Hair density (measured by trichoscopy)
• Hair thickness and terminalization rate
• Pull test (reduction of shedding hair)
• Patient satisfaction

The evidence is particularly solid when PRP is used as a combination therapy — i.e., together with topical growth therapy or as an adjunctive therapy to transplantation. As a sole therapy, the effects are measurable but moderate.

For detailed study references, see our study overview.

PRP Session Procedure

1. Blood Collection

Approximately 15–30 ml of whole blood is drawn from the arm vein — comparable to a normal routine blood draw. The blood is collected in a special tube with an anticoagulant.

2. Centrifugation

The blood is separated in a medical centrifuge at a controlled speed and time. The individual blood components separate by density:

• Erythrocytes (red blood cells) sink to the bottom
• The platelet-rich plasma layer — PRP — forms in the middle
• The platelet-poor plasma is above it

The PRP layer is sterilely extracted — typically 3–6 ml. The platelet concentration in PRP is 3–8 times higher than in normal blood, depending on the system.

3. Activation (optional, system-dependent)

Some protocols activate the platelets before injection with calcium chloride or thrombin to accelerate the release of growth factors. Other systems use unactivated PRP, which is activated by the tissue itself.

4. Injection

Using fine needles (typically 30G), the PRP is injected into the scalp in a standardized grid — at a depth of about 3–5 mm, into the level of the hair papilla. A topical anesthetic cream can be applied before the treatment, making it largely painless. The entire injection phase takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.

Treatment Schedule

• Initial Phase: 3–4 sessions at intervals of 4–6 weeks
• Maintenance Phase: 1–2 booster sessions per year
• First visible effects: after 8–12 weeks
• Full effect: after 4–6 months
• Duration of effect per session: 3–6 months, varies individually

Side Effects and Risks

PRP is considered very safe because endogenous material is used. Possible side effects:

• Local reaction at the injection site: redness, slight swelling, small bruises — usually subside within 24–48 hours
• Feeling of pressure or slight tension on the scalp for 1–2 days
• Very rare: infection at the injection site (hygiene standards in the practice are crucial here)
• Rare: mild headaches on the day of treatment

Allergic reactions to PRP itself are practically impossible because it is autologous.

Combinations — When PRP is Particularly Effective

PRP + Microneedling

Microneedling opens fine channels in the scalp, allowing PRP to penetrate deeper and more evenly. Studies show significantly stronger effects with this combination than with either method alone.

PRP + Topical Hair Growth Therapy

Synergy through different biological pathways: PRP has regenerative effects and stimulates the hair papilla, while topical therapy extends the anagen phase. This is a standard combination for androgenetic alopecia.

PRP + Hair Transplantation

Adjunctive PRP therapy before and after surgery demonstrably improves the engraftment rate, accelerates the healing phase, and shortens the shock loss period. We routinely use this in our practice for many patients.

PRP + Conservative Drug Therapy

In androgenetic alopecia, the combination of DHT inhibition and PRP has an additive effect. PRP alone cannot stop the progression in active androgenic activity — however, it is very effective as a supplement to conservative therapy.

Realistic Expectations

• PRP is not a one-time solution — the effect builds up over several sessions and must be maintained through maintenance therapy
• PRP does not replace conservative therapy — always use in combination for androgenetic alopecia
• PRP is not a transplant — where there are no active follicles left, PRP cannot restore anything
• Individual response varies greatly — some patients show very significant improvements, others moderate
• Documentation is important — trichoscopy and photo comparisons before each session allow for objective assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful are the injections?

With prior topical anesthetic cream, they are largely painless. You will feel a slight pressure or brief sting at each injection point — comparable to the anesthetic injections before a hair transplant, but with far fewer points and no lasting effect.

How many sessions do I need?

Standard is 3–4 initial sessions at intervals of 4–6 weeks, followed by 1–2 booster sessions per year. The exact schedule depends on the diagnosis, severity, and individual response — we will discuss this individually during the initial consultation.

When will I see results?

First effects (reduced hair loss, improved hair structure) typically appear after 8–12 weeks. Visible thickening after 4–6 months. For chronic treatment forms, the effect builds up continuously over the first year.

Does the effect last permanently?

Without maintenance therapy, the effect diminishes after 3–6 months. Therefore, regular booster sessions are part of a meaningful treatment concept. PRP does not "cure" but rather "stabilizes and supports" — like many conservative therapies in hair medicine.

Can I go back to work immediately after PRP?

Yes, usually immediately. The scalp may be slightly red and feel tender, but you can carry out daily activities normally. We recommend avoiding intensive sports, sauna, and solarium on the day of treatment.

Is PRP also suitable for women?

Very much so. PRP is one of the few effective therapies that can also be considered during pregnancy and breastfeeding (after individual assessment), as there is no systemic effect. For female hair loss, it is often the first choice of therapy if hormone therapy is to be avoided.

Where can I find information about the procedure, costs, and booking?

On our dedicated PRP therapy treatment page, you will find all practical information — from areas of application and session duration to direct booking.