Platelet-Based Hair Restoration
Using Your Own Blood as Part of Hair Restoration
Platelet-based hair restoration uses preparations derived from the patient’s own blood as part of a regenerative approach to selected forms of hair loss.
At YT Medical, our platelet-based treatment options include:
- PRP Hair Restoration
- PRF Hair Restoration
Both treatments use naturally occurring components of the blood, but they are prepared differently and have different characteristics.
Neither is automatically suitable for every patient, which is why treatment begins with assessment.
PRP Hair Restoration
Platelet-Rich Plasma, commonly known as PRP, involves taking a small blood sample and processing it in a specialist centrifuge.
This separates and concentrates the platelet-rich portion of the blood before it is introduced into selected areas of the scalp.
Platelets contain naturally occurring proteins and growth factors involved in tissue repair, which is why PRP has been investigated as a treatment for androgenetic hair loss.
PRP has a growing body of clinical research behind its use in male and female pattern hair loss, although results and treatment protocols vary between studies.
PRF Hair Restoration
Platelet-Rich Fibrin, or PRF, is another treatment prepared from the patient’s own blood.
Its preparation differs from conventional PRP and produces a fibrin-rich material containing platelets and other blood components.
PRF is increasingly used within regenerative medicine and hair restoration, although the published evidence base is currently smaller than that available for PRP.
Who May Be Suitable?
Platelet-based treatment may be considered for selected patients with functioning hair follicles, including some patients experiencing:
- Male Pattern Hair Loss
- Female Pattern Hair Loss
- Progressive thinning
- Reduced density
- Follicular miniaturisation
It cannot restore follicles that have already been permanently destroyed through scarring.
The underlying cause of hair loss must therefore be considered before treatment is recommended.
PRP or PRF?
There is no single answer that applies to every patient.
PRP currently has a larger body of published evidence in hair restoration, while PRF represents a developing regenerative approach with its own potential advantages and an emerging evidence base.
The most appropriate option will depend on your hair loss, treatment history, scalp condition and individual objectives.
Begin With an Assessment
At YT Medical, platelet-based treatment is recommended only where it has an appropriate role within the wider hair-restoration plan.
A Hair & Scalp Assessment allows us to establish the likely type of hair loss and discuss whether PRP, PRF or another treatment approach is most appropriate.