What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a widely known regenerative medicine therapy that uses your body’s own biology to stimulate hair growth. PRP is a concentrated serum containing platelets rich in growth factors that help repair and revive hair follicles that have been damaged or pushed into a premature resting phase.
Who is Suitable for PRP?
PRP is a non-surgical option for individuals seeking hair restoration treatments across Sydney. It is commonly used for those experiencing:
- Diffuse thinning
- Mild to moderate hair shedding
- Hormonal or stress-related hair thinning
- Miniaturised (weakened) hair strands
- Male or female pattern hair loss
PRP is particularly effective for conditions such as Androgenetic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata. It helps stimulate dormant follicles to re-enter the growth phase, improving density, thickness and overall hair quality.
How Does PRP Work?
A PRP hair appointment begins with a simple blood draw, similar to a routine blood test. The blood is placed into a centrifuge that separates the plasma (rich in growth factors) from the red blood cells. The concentrated PRP is then injected into areas with thinning or reduced hair density.
Once injected, the PRP gets to work repairing and stimulating the follicles. It is then used as a serum and diffused across the scalp using a microneedling device. Because the hair growth cycle is around 3 months, most patients start to notice new growth and increased density within this timeframe.
How to Maximize Your PRP Results
Since PRP is derived from your own blood, supporting your body before and after treatment is essential. A nutrient-rich diet can help boost the growth factors within your PRP. Key nutrients include:
- Protein
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Omega-3
Avoiding alcohol and anti-inflammatories before and after treatment is important because PRP requires a natural inflammatory response to activate the follicles. Smoking should also be avoided as it constricts blood flow, reduces oxygen delivery and weakens PRP effectiveness.
What is Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)? How is it Different From PRP?
PRF and PRP both come from your blood, but they are processed differently, resulting in different behaviours within the skin and scalp.
PRF: PRF is spun for a shorter time without anticoagulants, preserving platelets, white blood cells and stem cells. This creates a thicker fibrin matrix that clots slowly, allowing growth factors to be released over a longer, slower period.
PRP: PRP is more soluble and delivers a faster, more immediate release of growth factors.
Choosing between PRP and PRF depends on factors such as your hair loss stage, goals and treatment intensity.
Risks and Side Effects of PRP & PRF
Although PRP and PRF use your own blood and contain no foreign substances, all medical procedures carry some potential risks. Common temporary side effects include:
- Tenderness to the scalp
- Mild swelling or redness for 24–48 hours
- Bruising (lasting up to 7–10 days)
- Itching or tightness in the treated area
Less common but more serious risks may include:
- Nerve irritation
- Nodules (more common with PRF)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
- Infection (minimised with sterile technique)
Patients are advised to avoid touching the area for 4 hours and avoid sweat-inducing activity for 24 hours to minimise risk.
Can PRP Benefit the Skin?
Yes — PRP is also used to treat a variety of skin concerns, such as:
- Uneven skin tone
- Texture concerns
- Fine lines
- Weakened skin barrier
- Scarring
PRP contains healing proteins, growth factors and stem-cell signalling molecules that stimulate collagen production, elastin regeneration and improved circulation. PRP can be injected into targeted areas (such as under the eyes) to strengthen the skin and minimise pigmentation.
When combined with microneedling, PRP penetrates deeper into the micro-channels created during the procedure, allowing more effective absorption and enhanced results.