PRP for Hair Restoration at Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
At Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago, IL, we’re proud to offer advanced PRP therapy for hair restoration. Led by Dr. Michael Horn, a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for his expertise in cosmetic and regenerative medicine, our team utilizes the latest techniques to deliver impressive results. Whether you’re dealing with pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, or thinning hair, our personalized approach helps you achieve fuller, healthier hair.
What is PRP for Hair Restoration?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair restoration is an innovative treatment that uses the growth factors found in your own blood plasma to rejuvenate hair follicles and encourage natural hair growth. The process starts with a standard blood draw, where a small amount of your whole blood is collected. The blood sample is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells and white blood cells. The resulting PRP concentrate is packed with growth factors and proteins that play a key role in tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into the scalp, PRP releases these growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor beta, which work to heal damaged tissue, boost blood circulation, and promote hair follicle health.
Benefits of PRP for Hair Restoration
PRP therapy offers a wide range of benefits, making it a preferred choice for many patients seeking a non-surgical solution to hair loss. Here’s what you can expect:
- Natural Hair Growth: Uses your body’s own growth factors to stimulate hair follicle activity without the need for drugs or surgery.
- Enhanced Hair Density: Improves hair thickness and density, helping to reduce the appearance of thinning areas.
- Minimal Downtime: Quick recovery with no major side effects, allowing you to return to your daily routine immediately.
- Versatile Treatment: Suitable for various types of hair loss, including androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and alopecia areata.
- Safe and Effective: Since PRP is derived from your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or complications is minimal.
- Complementary Therapy: Can be combined with other treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and laser hair therapy for enhanced results.
- Regenerative Benefits: Promotes tissue healing, boosts blood flow to the scalp, and reduces scalp inflammation.
These benefits extend beyond just hair restoration; PRP’s regenerative properties make it a valuable tool in treating soft tissue injuries, wound healing, and certain dermatology conditions like psoriasis and contact dermatitis.
Who Should Consider PRP for Hair Restoration?
Ideal candidates for PRP therapy include individuals experiencing early-stage hair loss or thinning hair who are looking for a natural, non-invasive treatment. PRP may be especially effective for:
- Those with androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
- Patients noticing thinning hair but not yet experiencing significant bald spots
- Individuals seeking to enhance the effects of other hair treatments, such as hair transplants or laser hair removal
- People with no history of severe scalp conditions, autoimmune diseases, or platelet disorders like thrombocytopenia
Before starting treatment, Dr. Horn will conduct a thorough evaluation of your hair and scalp, review your medical history, and discuss any contraindications such as active infections, severe anemia, or ongoing blood-thinning medication use.
What to Expect Before Your PRP Treatment
During your consultation, our Nurse Injectors will evaluate your hair density, scalp condition, and overall health to decide if PRP is suitable for you. They will explain the process thoroughly, address any questions you may have, and help you set realistic expectations for your results. The aim is to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs and goals. Preparation for PRP therapy is straightforward. Here’s how you can get ready:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications (like ibuprofen or aspirin) for at least a week prior.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to enhance the quality of your blood plasma.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours before your session.
How We Get Your PRP
The PRP harvesting process involves drawing a small sample of your whole blood, similar to a routine blood test. The blood is then placed in a specialized centrifuge machine, which spins it at high speed to separate the blood components. This process isolates the platelet-rich plasma, which is a concentrated mix of platelets, white blood cells, and growth factors essential for healing and tissue regeneration. Key growth factors in PRP include:
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Stimulates blood vessel formation, improving blood flow to the scalp.
- Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β): Supports cell growth, tissue repair, and collagen production.
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Aids in cell regeneration and wound healing.
This PRP concentrate is then ready for injection, offering a powerful boost to your scalp’s natural regenerative processes.
The PRP Injection Treatment
The PRP procedure is simple and typically takes about 45 minutes. The Nurse Injectors begin by applying a topical numbing cream to the scalp to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the treatment. Using a fine needle, the PRP is carefully injected into the areas of your scalp experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. Most patients report only mild discomfort, similar to tiny pinpricks. The growth factors in the PRP immediately go to work, promoting blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging hair follicles to enter an active growth phase. Unlike corticosteroid injections used for other scalp conditions, PRP focuses on regeneration rather than suppressing symptoms.
When Will I See Results from PRP for Hair Restoration?
PRP isn’t an overnight fix—it works gradually, harnessing your body’s natural healing abilities. Most patients start noticing new hair growth and improved thickness about two to three months after the first treatment. As your hair follicles respond to the growth factors in PRP, you’ll see continued improvements, with full results typically visible around 6 to 12 months. The timeline may vary depending on your individual hair health and the severity of hair thinning.
What to Expect After PRP Treatment: Recovery
One of the great things about PRP for Hair Restoration is that it requires very little downtime. You can get back to your daily activities immediately after your session. It’s normal to have some mild redness or tenderness at the injection sites, but this usually fades within a few hours to a day. You might also experience slight swelling or a tingling sensation on your scalp, but this should resolve quickly. Here’s what to keep in mind right after your treatment:
- Avoid touching or massaging your scalp for the rest of the day to minimize irritation.
- Skip washing your hair for at least 24 hours to allow the PRP to settle.
- Refrain from intense exercise for 48 hours, as sweating can increase the risk of irritation.
Most patients feel comfortable resuming their usual routines the very next day.
Tips for Maintaining Your PRP Results
Consistency is key to getting the most out of your PRP treatments. For optimal results, the Nurse Injectors usually recommend a series of three to four initial sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart. After completing the initial treatment series, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months can help prolong your results and keep your hair looking its best. To maintain and enhance your results:
- Follow a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health, like biotin, zinc, and vitamin D.
- Be gentle with your hair care routine, avoiding harsh shampoos and limiting the use of heat styling tools.
- Protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat or using a sunscreen spray designed for the scalp when outdoors.
The Nurse Injectors may also suggest complementary treatments or hair products to boost your results further based on your individual hair health and goals.
Why choose PRP for Hair Restoration with Dr. Horn's team?
Dr. Michael Horn's team are recognized experts in cosmetic and regenerative medicine, dedicated to ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. With extensive experience in PRP therapy, the Nurse Injectors provide personalized care to meet your specific needs. At our Chicago med spa, we utilize the latest technology to deliver effective, minimally invasive treatments that help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Schedule Your Chicago PRP for Hair Restoration Consultation at Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa Today
Let’s get your hair back on track. Book a consultation with Dr. Michael Horn and start your journey toward thicker, healthier hair. Call us at (312) 202-9000 or visit our website to schedule your appointment.
PRP for Hair Restoration FAQs
Most people find it only mildly uncomfortable, thanks to the numbing cream we use.
Risks are minimal since PRP comes from your own blood. Some redness or swelling is normal and fades quickly.
Results typically last up to a year, with many patients opting for yearly maintenance sessions.
There’s little to no downtime. You can usually get back to your day right after your session.
The cost varies based on your treatment plan. Dr. Horn will go over all the details and pricing during your consultation.
