PRP Hair Restoration vs Hair Transplant: How to Choose the Best Option

Hair loss is frustrating, but there are effective solutions available. Two of the most talked-about options are PRP Hair Restoration and Hair Transplant. 

The key difference between PRP and hair transplant? PRP is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates natural hair growth, while a hair transplant vs PRP comparison highlights that a transplant is a surgical procedure that relocates healthy hair follicles to thinning areas.

If you’re experiencing hair loss and wondering which treatment option is right for you, this guide will break down the differences, benefits, costs, and practical tips to help you make an informed decision.

PRP Hair Restoration vs Hair Transplant: What’s the Difference?

Procedure

• PRP Hair Restoration: Your blood is drawn, processed to extract platelet-rich plasma, and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair regrowth.
• Hair Transplant: A cosmetic surgery method where hair follicles are taken from a donor area and implanted into balding sections to combat hair loss.

Cost

• PRP Hair Restoration: Cost of PRP Hair Restoration Treatment at Express Med Spa starts at $375.
• Hair Transplant: Can range from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the number of grafts and technique used.

Suitability

• PRP Hair Restoration: Best for early stages of hair loss and those looking for a non-invasive option to promote hair growth.
• Hair Transplant: More effective for advanced hair loss and bald spots, especially for individuals considering a hair transplant because their hair loss is significant.

Result Span

• PRP Hair Restoration: Results become noticeable in 3-6 months and improve over time.
• Hair Transplant: Permanent results take 6-12 months to fully develop.

Longevity

• PRP Hair Restoration: Requires maintenance sessions every few months.
• Hair Transplant: A long-term solution, but additional procedures may be needed if hair loss is more diffuse and continues over time.

What is PRP Hair Restoration?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a cutting-edge, innovative treatment designed to rejuvenate existing hair follicles and promote natural hair growth. It leverages the body’s own healing factors to repair and strengthen hair thinning or hair loss. 

The treatment has been widely used in dermatology and sports medicine for its regenerative properties.

How It Works

PRP is extracted from your blood and injected into targeted areas of the scalp. The platelets contain growth factors that boost collagen production, repair damaged follicles, and stimulate hair growth.

Benefits

• Stimulates dormant hair follicles to regrow hair.
• Minimally invasive with no incisions or stitches.
• Natural and safe—uses your own blood.
• Quick recovery time—can resume normal activities the same day.
• Improves hair thickness and density over time.
• Reduces hair shedding and strengthens existing hair follicles.
• Enhances scalp health, making it a great complementary treatment for other hair restoration because their hair is thinning.
• Helps individuals maintain their hair by preventing further loss.

Potential Risks

• Mild discomfort at injection sites.
• Temporary redness or swelling.
• Results of PRP require maintenance sessions.
• Effectiveness varies by individual, with some patients seeing better results than others.
• Possible bruising or minor bleeding at the injection sites.

Recommendations

• PRP works best when started early in the hair loss treatment process.
• Combine PRP with nutritional support (like biotin and collagen supplements) for better results.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking before treatment to improve healing.
• Be patient—PRP isn’t instant; noticeable improvements appear after 3-6 months.
• Stay consistent with multiple sessions as recommended by your provider.
• If you’re considering PRP, consult with a specialist to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

Procedure

1. A small amount of blood is drawn.
2. The blood is processed in a centrifuge to extract platelet-rich plasma.
3. PRP injection is administered into thinning areas of the scalp.
4. PRP hair restoration involves a quick and minimally invasive process with no downtime.
5. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately.

What is Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical hair restoration procedure that involves relocating healthy hair follicles from a donor site (usually the back of the head) to areas experiencing thinning or baldness. It provides a long-term solution to hair loss and has been successfully used for decades.

How It Works

There are two primary methods of hair transplantation:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): A strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, and individual follicles are extracted and transplanted.
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Hair follicles are individually extracted and implanted, leaving minimal scarring.

Benefits

• Long-term and natural-looking results.
• No need for continuous maintenance treatments.
• Effective hair restoration for significant hair loss.
• Once transplanted, hair grows naturally and permanently.
• Can be combined with PRP therapy for enhanced results, especially for those with a previous hair transplant.
• Improves hairline and overall hair density.

Potential Risks

• Temporary swelling, redness, or shock loss (hair shedding after transplant).
• Scarring (more common with FUT transplants).
• Longer recovery time compared to PRP.
• Risk of infection if post-procedure care instructions are not followed properly.
• Not suitable for everyone—patients with poor donor hair availability may not be ideal candidates.

Practical Tips

• Choose a qualified and experienced surgeon to ensure the best results.
• Be patient—final results can take up to a year to fully develop.
• Use PRP post-transplant to speed up healing and improve growth.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure and follow post-operative care strictly.
• Follow healthy lifestyle habits like a balanced diet and stress management to maintain hair health.

Procedure

1. Hair follicles are harvested from a donor area (usually the back of the head).
2. They are implanted into balding areas.
3. Healing takes about 7-10 days.
4. New hair begins growing after 3-4 months, with full results in 6-12 months.

FAQs

What is the Best Hair Restoration Treatment for Me?

Choosing between PRP Hair Restoration vs. Hair Transplant depends on your hair loss stage and goals.

• Pick PRP if:
  • You have early-stage thinning.
  • You want a non-invasive treatment.
  • You’re okay with ongoing maintenance.
• Pick Hair Transplant if:
  • You have advanced baldness.
  • You want permanent results.
  • You don’t mind surgery and recovery time.

At Express Med Spa, we offer customized PRP treatments for hair restoration. Schedule a consultation to find the best option for you.

PRP or Hair Transplant—What to Choose?

Both PRP Hair Restoration and Hair Transplant have advantages. PRP is a non-surgical option for early hair loss, while a hair transplant is a long-term fix for severe hair loss.

If you’re ready to explore PRP hair restoration at Express Med Spa, contact us today and take the first step toward fuller, healthier hair!