Hair loss can feel frustrating, especially when your reflection doesn’t quite match how you feel. In Glenview, IL, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a popular option for those wanting a natural, non-surgical approach. It uses your body’s own healing properties to support healthier hair growth, without synthetic ingredients or significant downtime.
This guide breaks down how PRP works, who tends to see the best results, what the treatment process involves, and what you can realistically expect. Whether it’s early thinning or more noticeable hair loss, understanding your options can help you move forward with confidence alongside your provider.
If you would like to discuss your options with a specialist, contact Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics at reservedermatology.com to schedule a consultation.
What Is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Hair Loss?
Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a patient’s own blood. A small blood sample is drawn, then processed in a centrifuge that separates the platelets and plasma from red blood cells and other components. The result is a concentrated solution, high-concentration platelet-rich plasma, that contains growth factors known to play a role in tissue regeneration and wound healing.
When injected into the scalp, this platelet-rich solution may stimulate hair follicles that have become dormant or weakened. The growth factors released by activated platelets, including epidermal growth factor, interact with cells in and around the follicle, potentially extending the growth phase of the hair cycle and supporting new hair development. PRP therapy for hair does not involve any foreign substances; the treatment works entirely with the patient’s own blood.
How PRP Injections Stimulate Hair Growth
Hair loss often involves follicles that have progressively miniaturized, producing thinner, shorter strands before eventually ceasing production. Platelet rich plasma PRP therapy targets this process by delivering a concentrated payload of growth factors directly to the scalp.
Platelets are blood cells primarily known for their role in clotting, but they also carry proteins that accelerate healing and signal tissue repair. When activated in PRP injections, these platelets release growth factors that may stimulate the dermal papilla cells responsible for regulating hair follicle activity. This can help prolong the anagen (growth) phase, encourage dormant follicles to re-enter the growth phase, and gradually improve hair density and hair thickness over time.
It is important to understand that PRP therapy supports the follicle’s natural biology; it does not create new follicles where none exist. Results develop gradually, and individual response varies.
Conditions That PRP Hair Restoration May Address
PRP for hair loss has been studied most extensively in patients with androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. This is the most prevalent form of hair loss in both men and women, characterized by a predictable pattern of thinning hair that progresses over time.
Research suggests PRP hair restoration may also benefit women experiencing diffuse hair thinning that is not explained by conditions such as thyroid disease or nutritional deficiencies. For patients whose hair loss stems from an underlying medical condition, that condition should be identified and addressed before or alongside PRP treatment.
PRP is generally not indicated for patients with complete follicle loss in the treated area. The therapy works by supporting existing, though potentially compromised, hair follicles, which is why early intervention tends to support better outcomes.
What to Expect During PRP Treatment
The procedure begins with a blood draw, typically from the arm. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the platelet-rich plasma from red blood cells and other components within minutes. The concentrated plasma is then prepared for injection.
Scalp injections are administered in a grid pattern across areas of thinning. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or a brief sting at each injection site. Topical numbing may be applied beforehand to help manage discomfort during the procedure.
Each session typically takes under an hour. Most patients return to normal activities the same day, though some temporary redness or tenderness at the injection sites is common. A series of treatments is generally recommended, often spaced about a month apart for the initial phase, followed by maintenance sessions. Your provider will develop a schedule based on your specific pattern of hair loss and how you respond to the initial treatments.
Results: What Patients Realistically Experience
Most patients notice changes gradually. New hair growth may become visible within three to six months of starting treatment, with continued improvement following subsequent sessions. Hair density, hair thickness, and the rate of shedding are the primary markers most patients track over time.
Patient satisfaction with PRP therapy for hair tends to be highest among those who begin treatment at earlier stages of hair loss and who commit to the recommended series. Not all patients respond equally; individual factors, including the extent of hair loss, underlying health, and biological response to growth factors, all influence outcomes.
Maintenance PRP injections are typically recommended after the initial series to support the results achieved. Hair restoration is an ongoing process, and the last treatment in a series is generally not the endpoint, a long-term plan is part of effective management.
Candidacy: Are You a Good Candidate for PRP Therapy?
A good candidate for PRP hair restoration is typically someone experiencing active hair thinning or early to moderate hair loss who still has functioning hair follicles in the treatment area. Patients with androgenetic alopecia and those with diffuse thinning often see the most meaningful response.
Certain factors may affect candidacy. Patients with clotting disorders, active scalp infections, or those taking blood thinners require careful evaluation before starting treatment. Because PRP uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is low, but as with any medical treatment, a thorough consultation is essential.
PRP therapy for hair loss is not a substitute for hair transplantation surgery in cases of advanced hair loss, though some patients pursue both as part of a comprehensive hair restoration strategy. A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your pattern of loss, review relevant labs, and recommend the approach most appropriate for your situation.
Why Choose Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics
Hair loss has both medical and aesthetic dimensions, and meaningful PRP hair restoration requires expertise in both. Dr. Elizabeth Damstetter is a board-certified dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD), and founder of Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics. Her dermatology residency at Boston University Medical Center included sub-specialized training in hair loss, a focus she carries directly into her clinical approach today.
Dr. Damstetter completed a two-year clinical trials fellowship in dermatology at Northwestern University and currently holds an academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Rush University Medical Center. She brings that depth of training to every patient evaluation, including those exploring platelet-rich plasma therapy for the first time.
Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics serves patients throughout Glenview, Northfield, Wilmette, Winnetka, and the surrounding North Shore communities. The practice takes a measured, evidence-grounded approach to hair restoration — prioritizing honest expectations, thorough evaluation, and individualized treatment planning over broad promises.
Have more questions beyond what this guide covers? Dr. Damstetter can provide personalized guidance based on your individual situation. Visit reservedermatology.com to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Hair Restoration Therapy
How many PRP sessions are typically needed before seeing results?
Most protocols involve an initial series of three to four treatments spaced approximately one month apart. Visible improvement in hair density or new hair growth may take three months or more from the time of starting treatment, as the hair cycle itself progresses gradually. Your provider will assess your response and recommend the appropriate number of sessions for your situation.
Is PRP hair therapy appropriate for women?
Yes. Women experiencing androgenic alopecia or diffuse hair thinning are among the patients who may benefit from PRP therapy. A dermatology evaluation is important first to rule out contributing conditions such as thyroid disease, hormonal shifts, or nutritional factors that could be addressed alongside or prior to PRP treatment.
Can PRP injections be combined with other hair loss treatments?
PRP therapy is sometimes used alongside other treatments as part of a broader hair restoration plan. In some cases, it is used as a complement to hair transplantation surgery or topical medical treatments. Your provider can discuss which combination approach, if any, is appropriate based on your pattern and goals.
What is the typical cost of PRP hair restoration, and does insurance cover it?
The investment for PRP hair restoration varies depending on the number of sessions required and the extent of the treatment area. PRP therapy for hair loss is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by insurance. Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics can discuss payment options during your consultation so you have a clear picture of what to expect.
Are there risks associated with scalp injections using PRP?
Because PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is low. As with any injection-based procedure, there is a risk of temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection sites. Infection is rare when performed in a clinical setting by a qualified provider. Your provider will review the full risk profile with you before beginning treatment.
How long do PRP hair restoration results last?
Results from PRP therapy are not permanent in the way surgical hair transplantation may be. The beneficial effects of each treatment cycle tend to be maintained with periodic follow-up sessions, typically once or twice per year after completing the initial series. Ongoing maintenance helps sustain improvements in hair density and slow the progression of hair loss over time.
What distinguishes PRP therapy from stem cell hair treatments?
PRP works by delivering concentrated platelets and their associated growth factors directly to the scalp, supporting the follicle’s existing biology. Stem cells represent a distinct category of research and treatment that is still evolving. PRP has a more established clinical track record for androgenetic alopecia and is a well-studied option for appropriate candidates. A consultation is the best opportunity to understand which approach fits your situation.
Taking the Next Step Toward Hair Restoration
Understanding the biology behind PRP hair restoration therapy, the treatment process, and realistic outcomes puts you in a stronger position to have a productive conversation with your provider. Platelet rich plasma PRP therapy offers a biologically grounded approach to hair loss — one that works with your own blood rather than introducing outside substances. For patients in Glenview, IL considering PRP for hair loss, the next step is a thorough evaluation to determine whether this therapy aligns with your specific pattern of loss and overall health picture. Contact Reserve Dermatology and Aesthetics at reservedermatology.com to schedule your consultation with Dr. Damstetter.
