BUSTING MYTHS
Step into any salon, clinic, or spa today and you’ll likely hear buzzwords like PRP, Advanced PRP, Stem Cell Therapy, GFC, or Exosomes. Promises of regrowing hair, reversing baldness, and restoring youth in just a few vials of your own blood sound enticing. But the real question is: Is PRP for hair growth truly effective, or just another cleverly packaged scam? Let’s untangle the science, the myths, and the malpractice.
What is PRP, really?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves drawing a patient’s blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and injecting that golden-colored serum into the scalp. These platelets are rich in growth factors – like PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β – that stimulate healing, increase blood supply, and promote follicular health.
The goal? To revive miniaturized hair follicles, extend the growth phase (anagen), and slow down hair thinning.It’s not magic. It’s science – but science with limitations.
Does PRP Regrow Hair or Just Slow Hair Loss?
That depends. According to clinical studies published in the International Journal of Trichology and Dermatologic Surgery, PRP shows promising results in androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), especiallyin early stages. It can (a) reduce hair fall, improve hair density and reactivate dormant follicles. But PRP cannot regrow hair where follicles are completely destroyed. It is not a hair transplant and does not create new hair roots. Think of it as a fertilizer – it can only nourish what’s still alive.
So, What’s This “Advanced PRP” You’re Being Sold?
Let’s be clear: There is no internationally accepted medical definition of “Advanced PRP.” It is a marketing gimmick. Many centers use this term to justify higher charges, often by:
- Adding a mesotherapy cocktail (vitamins, peptides, amino acids) to PRP
- Using low-cost PRP kits and giving them fancy names
- Injecting PRP with devices and calling it “robotic PRP”
None of these modifications are backed by large-scale clinical trials or standardized protocols.
True advancements in regenerative hair therapies include
- GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate): A refined, purified concentrate of growth factors extracted from the patient’s own blood. It offers better consistency and reduced inflammation.
- Exosomes: Tiny vesicles from stem cells that carry regenerative signals. They may be more potent than PRP, but they remain experimental, expensive, and not yet FDA-approved for hair loss.
- Combination Therapies: Using PRP along with microneedling or meso-dutasteride for enhanced results.
In short, adding a vitamin shot to PRP doesn’t make it advanced – just like adding milk to instant coffee doesn’t make it a cappuccino.
Can PRP Be Painless?
Yes – if done with the right technique and equipment.Traditional PRP injected manually with syringes can be painful. However, sophisticated mesoguns like the U225 (French-made) and MP Gun (Turkish) allow painless, precise, and controlled microinjections.
These medical-grade devices reduce trauma, bleeding, and bruising, especially for needle-sensitive patients.
But beware: Fake or replica devices are increasingly common in unlicensed clinics. They may look similar but lack precision and safety. Choose certified clinics with authentic devices.
What Does Medical Science Say?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes PRP as a “promising option” for androgenetic alopecia. Studies in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology and Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery show improvements in hair count and caliber in over 70% of patients. However, it is not a guaranteed success, and results vary based on individual hair loss type, age, and underlying conditions.
Who Should Perform PRP?
This is a growing concern. PRP injections are increasingly being performed by non-medical personnel – salon staff, technicians, even dental assistants in some centers. PRP is a medical procedure that demands understanding of scalp anatomy, sterile technique, and correct injection depth.
It should only be done by board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons – not by beauticians or technicians with crash courses and zero clinical training. You wouldn’t trust a mechanic to operate on your knee. Don’t trust a technician to inject your scalp.
Some Common (But Crucial) Questions Patients Ask About PRP:
Can PRP regrow hair in bald spots?
No. PRP cannot bring back hair in completely bald areas. It works only if some follicles are still alive, even if miniaturized.
Is PRP permanent?
Not exactly. PRP slows hair fall and thickens hair, but maintenance sessions are needed every 6–12 months.
Is PRP painful?
It can be, but mesoguns like U225 or MP Gun reduce pain significantly. Avoid clinics using crude needles or fake devices.
Is GFC better than PRP?
GFC offers more concentrated and purified growth factors, lower inflammation, and may give better results than conventional PRP.
What’s better – PRP or Exosomes?
Exosomes may be more potent in stimulating follicle regeneration, but are still experimental and very expensive. PRP is safer, evidence-based, and more accessible.
Does PRP work for everyone?
Not always. It works best in early stages, in people under 40, and especially in women with diffuse thinning. Success rate is around 60–80%.
Who is the right doctor for PRP?
A dermatologist or plastic surgeon with formal training in hair disorders. Not a salon, spa, or technician-run setup.
Final Takeaway: PRP – Not a Scam, Not a Magic Wand
PRP is a legitimate medical treatment with proven science – when done properly. It’s not a miracle cure. It’s a tool – and like any tool, its results depend on who wields it, how it’s done, and for whom it’s done.
So next time you’re offered “Advanced Platinum PRP with Hair DNA Activator,” pause and ask:
Is this backed by science – or just marketing noise? Ask questions, choose certified professionals. Trust medicine, not myths!
(Author is an Acclaimed Dermatologist. Founder & Director, Dermis Skin Laser & Hair Transplant Clinic Bemina Bypass, Srinagar. Feedback: [email protected])
