PRP after a hair transplant: does it help?

PRP after a hair transplant: how it works, what it may add, what it costs, and whether it's worth it.

What PRP is

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy means drawing a small amount of your blood, spinning it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the scalp. The platelets release growth factors involved in tissue repair.

After a transplant the new grafts are fragile. PRP may support healing; evidence is mixed. Many Istanbul clinics now include PRP in their transplant packages.

What it may do

The growth factors in PRP are thought to support new blood vessel formation around the grafts. Some patients report faster early growth and less shock shedding; the evidence is mixed, and results vary from person to person.

When it's done

Timing varies by clinic; the session included in the DHI and Hair + Smile packages is scheduled by the clinic during your stay. Some doctors suggest further sessions later; ask your own doctor at home.

Cost

In the US, PRP for hair loss averages about $2,019 for a course of sessions (RealSelf, patient-reported costs, July 2023). At the partner clinic a session is $200 added to a hair or dental trip, and one session is included in the DHI and Hair + Smile packages.

Is PRP worth it?

For some patients it may be: the cost at the partner clinic is low, and if your package includes a session there's little reason to skip it. But the evidence is mixed, and it's not a miracle cure. It's meant as a complement to a well-performed transplant, never a substitute; the team's skill and the technique matter far more than any add-on.