How Much Does PRP Hair Treatment Cost?

• The cost of PRP therapy for hair restoration depends on the number of treatments needed and whether medication is used alongside the injections
• PRP therapy for hair restoration costs $2,700, on average
• This treatment is only covered by insurance if hair loss is a result of certain diseases

Hair loss is a common condition affecting both men and women. In recent years, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have become a popular solution for this concern. Your PRP hair treatment cost will depend on the number of treatments you undergo and whether you add regenerative products or additional therapies to your procedure.

How Does PRP Treat Hair Loss?

PRP therapy is a procedure in which platelets from your own blood are concentrated and injected into a specific area of your body. Platelets secrete growth factors that stimulate cell production. By injecting them into areas of the scalp with dormant hair follicles, you can slow hair loss and encourage new hair growth.

PRP therapy is a three-step process. Blood is drawn from your body and put into a centrifuge, which separates your blood into three parts: platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into your scalp using a stamp-like device tipped with tiny needles. 

Typically, 3–6 months are required to see results, as the inactive hair follicles need time to respond to treatment and start growing new hair.

How Much Does PRP Hair Restoration Cost?

The cost of PRP hair restoration depends on two main factors: the number of treatments you receive and whether you add additional products or therapies to the procedure. Other cost variables to consider are your geographic location and your choice of dermatologist, plastic surgeon or nurse practitioner.

Number of treatments

Most people receive a series of three treatments over 4–6 weeks, which costs about $2,700. 

Maintenance appointments should start 6–12 months after your initial series and can cost around $400 per session.

Add-on treatments

Adding another service or product to your PRP injections will increase your overall cost, but may improve your results.

One is topical minoxidil, known by the brand name Rogaine. A study of men with male pattern baldness found that PRP in combination with topical minoxidil was more effective than PRP alone. Minoxidil must be applied daily and costs approximately $15–$30 a month.

Finasteride, an oral medication known by the brand name Propecia, can also be used concurrently with PRP. Propecia costs $60–$80 a month, while generic finasteride can cost as little as $20 per month.

Another add-on is an exosome therapy serum. Similar in principle to stem cell therapy, these products encourage cell regeneration and boost hair growth. The Exovex serum from Exocel Bio costs approximately $250 for a 2 mL bottle, and usually 5 mL is recommended for scalp treatments.

A third option is laser hair therapy, which, when combined with PRP treatments can potentially provide better results than PRP therapy alone. The cost of this treatment, also known as low-level laser therapy, ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on how many sessions you undergo.

Are PRP Hair Loss Treatments Covered by Insurance?

PRP hair loss treatments are usually considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore not covered by insurance. However, if hair loss is the result of a disease, it may be covered.

Is PRP Worth the Money?

PRP shows some promise as a solution for several kinds of hair loss. However, data about its effectiveness is limited to a few small studies, and larger, controlled trials are necessary to establish the most effective protocols. 

PRP is also used to treat alopecia areata, a disease that causes sudden, patchy hair loss. One literature review found that PRP for this condition had an efficacy rate of 32%–76%. 

Alternative treatment plans, such as daily oral or topical medications such as Propecia and Rogaine, have lower upfront costs, however, they must be taken on a regular basis to maintain results.

Good candidates

This procedure works best in the early stages of hair loss. For those affected by extensive hair loss, it’s more effective when paired with a hair transplant.

While PRP hair restoration treatments are safe for most people, it is not recommended for those with the following medical concerns:

• Blood cancer
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Hepatitis C
• HIV or AIDS
• Skin cancer in the treatment area

How long do PRP injections last?

PRP injections for hair restoration last approximately 12–24 months. To prevent hair loss and continue hair regrowth, repeat maintenance treatments are recommended every 4–6 months.

Side effects

Side effects of PRP injections include:

• Blood vessel injury
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nerve injury
• Irritation during the healing process
• Itching 
• Nausea
• Scalp pain
• Scar tissue at the injection sites
• Swelling 

Takeaway

Platelet rich plasma therapy utilizes your own blood’s natural regenerative and healing properties to aid in hair loss reversal and hair regrowth.

Your PRP hair treatment cost depends on how many sessions you undergo and whether you add additional products or therapies. An initial series of three sessions costs about $2,700, and maintenance injections (recommended every 6–12 months) will cost about $400 per session.

Topical minoxidil or oral finasteride used along PRP may improve your results and costs $15–$60 a month; other add-on treatments such as exosome therapy are significantly more expensive. 

Meet with your dermatologist to determine if you are a good candidate for PRP therapy as a hair restoration treatment option.