Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses a concentration of growth factors derived from a person’s own blood to stimulate hair growth. This plasma is injected into the scalp to encourage dormant hair follicles to enter the active growth phase, known as anagen. Since hair loss is often progressive and hair growth cycles are slow, PRP requires a specific and consistent schedule to be effective. The frequency of these sessions is divided into an initial intensive phase and a subsequent long-term maintenance phase.
The Initial Treatment Phase Schedule
The standard approach to initiating Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy involves a concentrated “loading phase” designed to rapidly saturate the hair follicles with growth factors. This phase typically consists of three to four treatment sessions to establish a strong foundation for new growth. The most common spacing for these initial sessions is approximately four to six weeks apart.
This close spacing is necessary because the injected growth factors have a limited lifespan. Repeated application helps to continually signal the hair follicles, pushing them out of the resting phase and back into active growth. By the time a patient reaches the second or third session, reductions in hair shedding are often noticed. This sustained stimulus aims to achieve the maximum initial response, leading to increased hair density and shaft thickness.
Long-Term Maintenance and Booster Sessions
Once the initial series of treatments is complete, the treatment shifts to a long-term maintenance strategy. This phase is necessary because Platelet-Rich Plasma is not a permanent cure for progressive conditions like androgenetic alopecia. The effects of the initial growth factor saturation diminish over time, requiring periodic “booster” sessions to sustain the results.
The typical frequency for these maintenance treatments ranges from one session every six to twelve months. These less frequent sessions help ensure that hair follicles receive ongoing stimulation, preventing them from reverting to their previous state of miniaturization. The exact timing of these touch-up sessions is often determined by monitoring the patient’s hair density and overall response to the treatment.
Individual Variables That Adjust Frequency
Several individual factors require a physician to customize the Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment plan. The severity and stage of hair loss, often measured by scales like the Norwood classification, influence the required session count. Patients in the early stages of hair loss may respond more quickly, potentially requiring fewer initial sessions or allowing for longer intervals between maintenance treatments.
The patient’s age is a factor, as younger individuals often exhibit a more robust and rapid regenerative response compared to older patients. Health conditions can affect the quality of the patient’s platelets and their body’s healing capacity. If a patient shows a slow or poor response to the initial loading phase, the physician may elect to add extra sessions or maintain a shorter interval before moving to the maintenance phase.