Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: A New Era in Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss can be an emotionally distressing experience for both men and women. Whether it's gradual thinning or sudden shedding, the impact on confidence and appearance can be significant. For years, people have relied on over-the-counter products, supplements, and hair transplants to manage hair loss. However, in recent years, a game-changing, natural solution has emerged: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.

At Kaveri Karhade MD Dermatology in San Francisco, CA, we are proud to offer PRP treatment for hair as an innovative option for patients seeking real, long-term results. This minimally invasive therapy taps into your body’s own regenerative power to stimulate dormant hair follicles, improve scalp health, and restore natural hair growth, without surgery or medication.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated form of plasma that is rich in platelets—tiny blood cells packed with healing proteins and growth factors. PRP is derived from a simple blood draw from your arm. The blood goes into a centrifuge, which then separates the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells and other parts. The resulting solution contains 3 to 5 times more platelets than normal blood.

PRP has long been used in sports medicine, orthopedic treatments, and wound care for its ability to accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. Now, dermatologists have harnessed its power for hair restoration. When injected into the scalp, PRP stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, enhances cell turnover, and encourages the production of collagen and keratin—all essential for healthy hair growth.

At our San Francisco clinic, Dr. Kaveri Karhade uses a personalized medical approach to ensure the highest quality PRP is used for each patient.

Hair follicles, like other tissues in the body, respond to biological signals for repair and growth. Over time, these follicles may shrink or enter a dormant phase due to aging, hormonal changes, stress, or genetic factors. This is where PRP for hair loss shines.

When injected into areas of thinning hair, the platelets in PRP release growth factors that stimulate and nourish inactive or weakening hair follicles. These growth factors promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), encourage the proliferation of dermal papilla cells (key to hair follicle development), and reduce inflammation in the scalp.

Typically, patients receive a series of 3 to 4 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Once the initial treatment course is complete, maintenance sessions are recommended every 4 to 6 months to help preserve and even enhance the achieved results. Because it uses your blood, PRP is considered very safe, with minimal risk of adverse reactions.

Patients often report improvements in hair texture, thickness, and coverage within the first few months, with results becoming more pronounced over time.

PRP therapy offers several unique benefits that make it a compelling choice for those experiencing hair thinning or early-stage hair loss:

PRP is derived from your blood, so there is virtually no risk of allergic reactions or complications. It’s a drug-free, chemical-free option for hair restoration.

There is no surgery or long recovery time involved. Most patients resume normal activities immediately after treatment, making it ideal for busy individuals.

PRP strengthens existing hair and often stimulates the regrowth of new strands, leading to increased volume and fullness.

PRP can be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as minoxidil or low-level laser therapy, to enhance results.

For many patients, seeing visible improvements in their hair helps restore confidence and a sense of well-being.

At Kaveri Karhade MD Dermatology, we’ve seen remarkable transformations in patients who had previously tried other treatments without success. Our customized PRP plans are tailored to your scalp condition and personal goals.

If you're thinking about PRP for hair, you're probably curious about what the process involves. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect at our San Francisco clinic:

We start with a comprehensive scalp examination and medical history review. Dr. Karhade will assess whether you're a good candidate based on your hair loss pattern, health status, and expectations.

A small sample of your blood is drawn, typically from your arm, similar to routine lab work.

A centrifuge spins the blood, effectively separating the plasma and concentrating the platelets. This process takes about 10-15 minutes.

The PRP is carefully injected into the thinning areas of your scalp using fine needles. While the procedure is generally well-tolerated, a topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce any discomfort.

ou may experience mild redness or tenderness in the treated areas, but this typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Most patients can go back to work on the same day.

Results vary, but patients often begin to notice increased hair density and healthier follicles after 2 to 3 sessions.

PRP for hair loss is an excellent option for individuals experiencing early-to-moderate hair thinning, male or female pattern baldness, or hair loss due to stress or hormonal changes. It’s especially effective when started early in the hair loss journey.

However, PRP may not be suitable for patients with severe hair loss, scarring alopecia, or certain medical conditions. It’s essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine your candidacy.

At Kaveri Karhade MD Dermatology, we provide honest guidance and evidence-based care to help you make the best decision for your hair health.

If you're tired of hiding thinning areas or feeling self-conscious about hair loss, PRP therapy could be the breakthrough you've been waiting for. As a trusted dermatologist in San Francisco, Dr. Kaveri Karhade offers advanced solutions like platelet-rich plasma to help you regain fuller, healthier hair naturally. We also provide dermal fillers, neurotoxins, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and more.

Call us today at (415) 923-3377 to schedule your personalized consultation. Our friendly team will walk you through your options and develop a tailored treatment plan to achieve the results you deserve.