PRP Therapy Procedure Explained
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses the body’s own natural growth factors to support hair restoration. The procedure is performed in the office and typically takes less than an hour from start to finish. At Bauman Medical, PRP therapy for hair loss is carefully prepared and strategically administered to areas of thinning hair to help stimulate healthier follicle activity and improve overall hair quality.
With more than 14,000 PRP treatments performed since 2008, Dr. Bauman is among the most experienced physicians utilizing PRP for hair restoration. He was the first in the field to become certified in AutoloGel®, an FDA-cleared PRP protocol, and remains at the forefront of regenerative medicine through continued education and collaboration with experts worldwide.
The procedure begins with a simple blood draw. A small sample of blood is taken from the patient’s arm, similar to a routine laboratory test. The amount collected is relatively minimal but contains the platelets and growth factors needed for treatment. Once the blood sample is obtained, it is placed into specialized sterile tubes in preparation for processing.
The blood sample is then placed into a centrifuge, a medical device that spins the blood at high speeds. This spinning process separates the blood into different layers according to density.
Red blood cells separate from the plasma, while the platelet-rich portion becomes isolated within the tube. This step is essential because it concentrates the healing components that will later be injected into the scalp. The centrifugation process usually takes several minutes.
Bauman Medical enhances its PRP treatments with Extracellular Matrix (ECM) materials, a key differentiator of its regenerative medicine protocols. ECM may help support tissue repair, prolong the release of growth factors, and enhance the overall regenerative effects of PRP therapy for hair restoration.
The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is carefully extracted and prepared for treatment. This concentrated plasma contains a higher concentration of platelets than what is normally found in circulating blood.
Platelets contain growth factors and signaling proteins that may help improve blood supply to the follicles, reduce inflammation, and stimulate weakened hair follicles. The concentrated PRP is transferred into syringes so it can be precisely injected into targeted treatment areas.
As part of its advanced PRP protocol, Bauman Medical uses a hematology cell counter to objectively verify platelet concentration before treatment. This quality-control step helps ensure each PRP preparation meets the practice’s standards for therapeutic effectiveness and consistency. Prior to injection, the prepared PRP is also treated with a photobiomodulation device, which uses specific wavelengths of light to further activate the platelets and enhance the regenerative properties of the solution before it is delivered to the scalp.
Before treatment begins, the scalp is cleansed and prepared. The PRP is then injected into areas of thinning hair using a series of small, strategically placed injections.
The injections deliver concentrated growth factors directly to the level of the hair follicles. This process is designed to stimulate follicular activity, improve scalp circulation, and support healthier hair growth.
Patients typically tolerate the procedure well. Some may experience mild discomfort during the injections, though a sophisticated local anesthesia process may be used when needed.
Because PRP therapy is minimally invasive, there are no incisions, stitches, or extended recovery periods associated with treatment.
After the procedure, most patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately. Mild redness, tenderness, or temporary scalp sensitivity may occur at the injection sites, but these effects generally resolve quickly.
Patients are often advised to avoid washing their hair for several hours after treatment and may be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise or excessive sweating for a short period.
PRP results develop gradually over time because hair growth occurs in cycles. Most patients undergo a single powerful treatment, with repeat sessions typically needed once every 10 to 14 months to help sustain improvement.
Over time, patients may notice reduced hair shedding, improved hair texture, increased thickness, and fuller overall hair density.
If you or a loved one is struggling with hair loss, schedule a consultation with internationally recognized hair restoration physician Dr. Alan Bauman, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading hair restoration surgeons. Dr. Bauman has offices in Boca Raton, Florida and New York City. Schedule your consultation today to learn how we can help you reach your hair restoration goals. Don’t wait. The sooner we treat thinning hair and hair loss, the more hair we can save.
* Each individual's treatment and/or results may vary.
