If you have been researching PRP hair restoration, you likely have a long list of questions about how the treatment works, whether you are a good candidate, and what kind of results you can realistically expect. At Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics, Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter, a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, approaches hair loss with the same clinical rigor she applies to every condition she treats. The answers below reflect that standard: medically grounded, honest about what PRP can and cannot do, and centered entirely on your long-term hair health.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Hair Restoration in Glenview, IL
What is PRP hair restoration?
PRP hair restoration is a procedure that uses platelet-rich plasma derived from your own blood to support hair follicle health and encourage hair regrowth. A small blood sample is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injected into the scalp at areas of thinning or loss. Platelets contain growth factors that may help stimulate follicular activity, improve circulation to the scalp, and support the conditions needed for healthier hair growth. Because the treatment uses your own biological material, it is generally well-tolerated by most patients.
How does PRP hair restoration work at a biological level?
When platelet-rich plasma is introduced into the scalp, the concentrated growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, may help activate dormant hair follicles and prolong the anagen, or active growth, phase of the hair cycle. Research suggests these growth factors support cellular repair and increase blood supply to follicle-rich areas. This is not a one-time correction but a gradual biological process. Patients typically notice changes over several months as the follicles respond to repeated treatment.
What types of hair loss may PRP hair restoration help address?
PRP hair restoration is most commonly used for androgenetic alopecia, the pattern hair loss that affects both men and women, where follicles are miniaturizing rather than fully inactive. It may also be used as a supportive treatment for alopecia areata in select cases, and some research suggests it may benefit patients experiencing diffuse thinning. PRP is generally more effective when follicles are still present but underperforming. Patients with complete or long-standing follicle loss may not be ideal candidates. Dr. Damstetter’s residency training at Boston University included sub-specialized work in hair loss, which she draws on when evaluating each patient’s specific pattern and cause of thinning.
Am I a good candidate for PRP hair restoration?
Good candidates for PRP hair restoration are generally adults with early- to moderate-stage hair thinning, particularly from androgenetic alopecia, who still have viable follicles in the treatment area. Patients in good overall health, non-smokers, and those without active scalp infections or clotting disorders tend to respond most favorably. PRP is not typically recommended for patients with very advanced hair loss, in which follicles are no longer present. A thorough consultation with Dr. Damstetter enables a proper scalp evaluation and discussion of your medical history to determine whether PRP is the right approach for your situation.
Who may not be right for PRP hair restoration?
Patients with platelet dysfunction disorders, active infections, a history of blood cancers, or those currently on anticoagulant therapy may not be appropriate candidates for PRP hair restoration. Individuals with certain autoimmune conditions or those undergoing chemotherapy are also typically advised to wait or explore alternative treatments. Pregnancy is another contraindication in most clinical settings. This is why a detailed medical intake and in-person consultation are essential before beginning any PRP treatment plan.
What can I expect during a PRP hair restoration appointment?
At your appointment, a small blood draw is taken from your arm, typically 15 to 30 milliliters depending on the treatment area. The sample is centrifuged for approximately 10 minutes to separate and concentrate platelets. The resulting PRP is then injected into the scalp at precise locations using a fine needle. A topical numbing agent may be applied beforehand to improve comfort. The entire appointment generally takes 45 to 75 minutes. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or a brief stinging at the injection sites.
How long does a PRP hair restoration treatment series take, and when do results appear?
Most PRP hair restoration protocols involve an initial series of three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months depending on your response. Results are gradual: most patients begin to notice reduced shedding within the first two to three months, with visible improvements in density and texture often emerging between months three and six.
Do you serve patients in the surrounding areas of Glenview, IL?
Yes, Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics serves patients from Glenview and throughout the North Shore, including Northfield, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Highland Park, and the greater Chicago area. Many patients travel specifically to see Dr. Damstetter for her expertise in hair loss and medical dermatology. Whether you are researching PRP hair restoration for the first time or seeking a second opinion on your hair loss treatment plan, our practice welcomes new patients from across the region.
What makes Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics different for PRP hair restoration in Glenview, IL?
Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics is led by Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter, whose dermatology residency at Boston University included focused training in hair loss and pigmentary disorders. As an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Rush University Medical Center and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, she brings academic depth to every clinical decision.
Unlike many settings where PRP is offered as a standalone cosmetic service, Dr. Damstetter integrates a full dermatological assessment into every hair restoration consultation. Patients also benefit from access to a broad range of complementary treatments, from microneedling to other evidence-based aesthetic and medical services, all under the care of a single board-certified physician.
What factors influence the cost of PRP hair restoration?
Because PRP is customized to each patient’s degree of hair loss and scalp condition, pricing is discussed during your consultation after a thorough evaluation. We encourage patients to ask detailed questions about what their treatment plan will include and what to budget for ongoing maintenance. To discuss your specific situation and receive accurate pricing information, please reach out to our team directly.
What is the recovery and downtime like after PRP hair restoration?
Most patients experience minimal downtime following PRP hair restoration. Mild scalp tenderness, redness, or slight swelling at the injection sites is common and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Patients are generally advised to avoid vigorous exercise, direct sun exposure, and harsh hair products for the first 24 hours after treatment. Gently washing the hair is usually permitted the following day. Most patients return to their normal routine the same day or the day after their appointment.
Is PRP hair restoration safe, and are there common concerns I should know about?
PRP hair restoration is generally considered well-tolerated because it uses the patient’s own blood, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Common side effects include temporary scalp tenderness, redness, and minor swelling at injection sites. Infection is rare when proper sterile technique is used. Patients sometimes ask whether PRP can worsen hair loss; current evidence does not support this concern, though temporary shedding in the weeks following early treatments can occur as part of the normal follicular cycle.
Why Choose Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics for PRP Hair Restoration?
Choosing where to receive PRP hair restoration is a decision that deserves careful consideration. At Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics, Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter brings a level of clinical specificity to hair loss care that is rarely available outside of academic medical centers. Her sub-specialized residency training in hair loss at Boston University, combined with her two-year clinical trials fellowship at Northwestern and her current role as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Rush University Medical Center, positions her to evaluate and treat hair loss with both precision and perspective. Patients throughout the Glenview, IL area and across the North Shore trust Reserve Dermatology because the care they receive is rooted in science, not trends.
Schedule Your PRP Hair Restoration Consultation in Glenview, IL
If this PRP hair restoration FAQ has answered your initial questions and you are ready to explore whether treatment is right for you, the next step is a personalized consultation with Dr. Damstetter. Every plan begins with a thorough evaluation, because no two patients experience hair loss the same way. Contact Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics today by visiting our contact page to request your appointment.
