PRP vs Hair Transplant - Which Is Right for Your Hair Loss
Hair transplant or PRP? It is the question everyone with significant hair loss eventually asks.
The answer is not always straightforward. Both have their place. Sometimes one is clearly better. Sometimes combining them delivers optimal results.
Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
Understanding the Two Approaches
Hair transplant surgically moves hair follicles from areas of good growth (usually the back and sides of your head) to areas of thinning or baldness. It is permanent because transplanted follicles are genetically resistant to the hormones causing pattern baldness.
PRP therapy stimulates your existing hair follicles to produce thicker, stronger hair. It does not add new follicles but optimises what you have.
These are fundamentally different approaches solving different problems.
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When PRP Is the Better Choice
Early hair loss: If you are in the early stages of thinning with good hair density remaining, PRP can strengthen and thicken existing hair, potentially delaying or avoiding the need for transplant.
Diffuse thinning: When hair is thin all over rather than completely bald in patches, PRP can improve overall density. Transplant cannot cover entire scalp thinning.
Women with hair loss: Female pattern hair loss is often diffuse. PRP is frequently the better option as women rarely have the same donor capacity as men.
Wanting to avoid surgery: If you prefer non-invasive treatment, PRP offers results without surgical risks, scars, or recovery time.
Maintaining transplant results: PRP after hair transplant can improve graft survival and strengthen surrounding native hair.
Budget considerations: PRP is significantly less expensive than transplant surgery.
When Hair Transplant Makes More Sense
Significant baldness: If you have areas of complete baldness with no functioning follicles, transplant is the only way to restore hair to those areas.
Stable hair loss: Transplant works best when hair loss has stabilised. Operating on actively receding hairlines risks needing further procedures.
Adequate donor hair: Good candidates have sufficient healthy hair in donor areas. Limited donor supply limits transplant options.
Realistic expectations: Transplant density never matches original hair. Understanding this helps set appropriate expectations.
Permanent solution priority: If you want one-time treatment without ongoing maintenance, transplant offers this (though some patients need touch-ups).
Comparing Key Factors
Invasiveness
PRP: Non-surgical. Blood draw and injections only.
Transplant: Surgical procedure. Local anaesthesia. Several hours.
Recovery
PRP: None. Return to normal activities immediately.
Transplant: One to two weeks of restrictions. Healing takes months.
Scarring
PRP: None.
Transplant: Linear scar with strip method. Dot scars with FUE.
Results timeline
PRP: Gradual improvement over three to six months.
Transplant: Visible results at six to twelve months.
Longevity
PRP: Requires maintenance treatments. Results fade without them.
Transplant: Permanent, though native hair may continue thinning.
Cost
PRP: Lower. Multiple sessions still less than transplant.
Transplant: Higher. Varies by technique and graft number.
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Why Many Patients Choose Both
The best results often come from combining approaches.
PRP before transplant can improve scalp health and potentially increase graft survival. PRP after transplant maintains native hair and may enhance overall density.
Even patients with transplants continue losing non-transplanted hair. PRP helps maintain this surrounding hair, preserving natural appearance.
The Consultation Matters
An honest assessment tells you what is realistic. Some patients are told they need transplant when PRP would suffice. Others pursue PRP when their hair loss is too advanced to respond.
We assess your hair loss pattern, donor capacity, scalp health, and goals. Recommendations are based on what will actually work for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PRP regrow hair on a completely bald scalp? No. PRP stimulates existing follicles. Areas with no functioning follicles cannot respond to PRP.
Is hair transplant painful? The procedure is done under local anaesthesia so you feel nothing during. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and manageable.
How do I know if I have enough donor hair? Assessment during consultation determines this. Not everyone is a transplant candidate.
Can I start with PRP and get a transplant later? Yes. Many patients do exactly this. Starting with PRP is a reasonable approach when hair loss is not advanced.
The right choice depends on your specific situation.
