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PRP Therapy: The Procedure, Step by Step

Concentration and preparation protocol vary widely between clinics, and that variation explains most of the inconsistent published results. This page covers the prp therapy appointment itself — what is prepared beforehand, what happens in the chair, and what the first hours afterwards feel like. Plan for 3-4 initial sessions a month apart, then maintenance every 6 months and 1 day per session.

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Quick answer

A session takes 30-45 minutes in total, including the blood draw and centrifuge time where the protocol requires it. Topical anaesthetic cream, sometimes a cooling device or a scalp block for lower pain thresholds. There are no incisions, so nothing stronger is used. Concentration and preparation protocol vary widely between clinics, and that variation explains most of the inconsistent published results.

Before your procedure

What's confirmed before you're in the chair.

  • Anti-inflammatories and aspirin avoided for several days beforehand, because they blunt the platelet response
  • A trichoscopy baseline with photographs so density change is measured rather than remembered
  • The full protocol confirmed: number of sessions, interval between them, and what is actually being injected
  • Good hydration on the day, which makes the blood draw straightforward
  • A written, fixed price covering 3-4 initial sessions a month apart, then maintenance every 6 months — confirmed before you fly, not on arrival
Step by step

What happens during prp therapy.

  • Stop 01

    Records check on arrival

    Your scan or photographs are reviewed in person against the remote plan. Concentration and preparation protocol vary widely between clinics, and that variation explains most of the inconsistent published results.

  • Stop 02

    Blood draw and separation

    Blood is drawn and centrifuged to concentrate the platelet fraction; spin speed and time determine the concentration you actually receive.

  • Stop 03

    Scalp mapping

    The thinning zones are marked in a grid so the injection points are spaced evenly rather than clustered.

  • Stop 04

    Micro-injection

    Small volumes are injected into the dermal layer across the mapped grid, sometimes combined with microneedling to increase penetration.

  • Stop 05

    What is specific to this option

    Concentration and preparation protocol vary widely between clinics, and that variation explains most of the inconsistent published results.

  • Stop 06

    Debrief and follow-up

    You leave with written aftercare and the follow-up schedule fixed — for this option that means 1 day per session, with 3-4 initial sessions a month apart, then maintenance every 6 months in total.

Anaesthesia & duration

Topical anaesthetic cream, sometimes a cooling device or a scalp block for lower pain thresholds. There are no incisions, so nothing stronger is used.

A session takes 30-45 minutes in total, including the blood draw and centrifuge time where the protocol requires it.

Who performs it

A dermatologist or a doctor trained in the specific protocol. Ask about the centrifuge specification and the resulting platelet concentration — that is the variable that separates protocols, not the brand name.

Right after the procedure

The scalp is pink and slightly tender with small injection marks for a few hours. Some patients get a mild headache or a tight feeling on the evening of the session.

Learn more

Cost and alternatives for PRP Therapy.

Compare vs alternatives → See full cost breakdown →
FAQ

Procedure questions, answered

How many sessions before I see anything?

Usually three, spaced monthly, before shedding slows measurably. Density changes take six months.

Does PRP work after a transplant?

Evidence suggests it supports early graft survival and reduces shock loss, which is why many packages include it.

How many sessions and at what interval?

A single session does very little. A typical induction is three to four sessions four weeks apart, then maintenance every four to six months.

What platelet concentration does your protocol produce?

A serious clinic can answer with a multiple of baseline. If the answer is vague, the protocol is not standardised.

How will we measure whether it worked?

Trichoscopy with the same lighting and the same site, before and after. Anything else is impression rather than evidence.

How many visits does prp therapy need in total?

3-4 initial sessions a month apart, then maintenance every 6 months — and 1 day per session. Any quote that compresses that materially is worth a second read, because laboratory and healing time set the schedule, not the clinic diary.

How does this compare with the closest alternative?

Mesotherapy delivers pharmacological cocktails instead; exosome therapy is the newer, more expensive alternative.

Recognise the signs

Signs it might be time to look into this.

01

Shedding has recently increased

Active shedding responds better than long-established loss.

02

You are preparing for a transplant

Pre-treatment strengthens the recipient area.

03

You want a drug-free option

Autologous treatment avoids systemic medication.

Specific to this option

PRP Therapy: The Procedure, Step by Step: at a glance.

Concentration and preparation protocol vary widely between clinics, and that variation explains most of the inconsistent published results.

Sessions3-4 initial sessions a month apart, then maintenance every 6 months
Time in Turkey1 day per session
RecoveryScalp tenderness for 24-48 hours
Expected lifespanMaintained only with continued sessions

Closest alternative

Mesotherapy delivers pharmacological cocktails instead; exosome therapy is the newer, more expensive alternative.

Related options

You might also compare

See how recovery from prp therapy works

Timeline, aftercare and what to watch for, day by day.

View recovery guide
In-depth guide

PRP Therapy: the procedure in detail

Concentration and preparation protocol vary widely between clinics, and that variation explains most of the inconsistent published results. A session takes 30-45 minutes in total, including the blood draw and centrifuge time where the protocol requires it.

What prp therapy involves on the day

Concentration and preparation protocol vary widely between clinics, and that variation explains most of the inconsistent published results. Topical anaesthetic cream, sometimes a cooling device or a scalp block for lower pain thresholds. There are no incisions, so nothing stronger is used. A session takes 30-45 minutes in total, including the blood draw and centrifuge time where the protocol requires it.

Who does the work

A dermatologist or a doctor trained in the specific protocol. Ask about the centrifuge specification and the resulting platelet concentration — that is the variable that separates protocols, not the brand name. The scalp is pink and slightly tender with small injection marks for a few hours. Some patients get a mild headache or a tight feeling on the evening of the session.

What to confirm before you book

  • Anti-inflammatories and aspirin avoided for several days beforehand, because they blunt the platelet response
  • A trichoscopy baseline with photographs so density change is measured rather than remembered
  • The full protocol confirmed: number of sessions, interval between them, and what is actually being injected
  • Good hydration on the day, which makes the blood draw straightforward

Schedule

3-4 initial sessions a month apart, then maintenance every 6 months and 1 day per session are what the plan is built around. Mesotherapy delivers pharmacological cocktails instead; exosome therapy is the newer, more expensive alternative.

This page is general educational information, not medical advice, and does not replace guidance from your treating clinician. Always follow the specific instructions given by your treating clinic, and contact them directly with any concerns about your individual case.
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