PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) for Hair Loss

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) is a cutting-edge treatment in the field of regenerative medicine, offering new hope for those experiencing hair loss. This autologous therapy utilises the patient’s own blood to harvest a rich blend of growth factors and cytokines, which are then meticulously reintroduced into the scalp. PRF leverages the body’s natural healing processes to stimulate hair follicle regeneration and improve hair density, thickness, and overall health.

You may have heard of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which emerged as a prominent treatment for hair loss in the early 2000s. Like PRF, PRP involves the use of a patient’s own blood to extract and reintroduce growth factors into the scalp, stimulating hair growth. During PRP preparation, anticoagulants are added to prevent the blood from clotting. However, it was later recognised that the natural clotting process plays a vital role in effective wound healing and tissue regeneration. This insight led to the development of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), which capitalises on the clotting process to enhance regenerative outcomes.

Why is PRF is Superior to PRP?

While both PRP and PRF use similar principles, PRF is often considered superior for several reasons:

  • Natural Slow Release of Growth Factors: PRF forms a fibrin matrix that acts as a natural scaffold, allowing for the slow and sustained release of growth factors and cytokines. This extended release mechanism ensures longer-lasting effects in stimulating hair follicles compared to the quicker dispersion seen with PRP, where the use of anticoagulants disrupts the formation of the fibrin matrix.
  • Higher Concentration of Growth Factors: The centrifugation protocol of PRF greatly differs to that used for PRP. Through vigorous laboratory testing, it was found that slower speeds and less time generally result in the highest concentration of growth factors.
  • Simplified Processing: The preparation of PRF is simpler and more natural than that of PRP. PRF does not require the addition of anticoagulants or other chemicals, minimising the risk of allergic reactions or other side effects.

Blood Draw

The first step in the PRF treatment process is a simple blood draw, similar to what you might experience during a routine medical check-up. A small amount of blood is collected from your arm using a sterile technique to ensure safety and comfort. This sample is all that is needed to begin the process of creating a powerful, natural treatment to promote hair growth.

Horizontal Centrifugation

After collecting the blood, it is placed in a horizontal centrifuge, a device that spins the blood at high speeds. Unlike fixed-angle centrifuges, horizontal centrifuges spin the blood samples along their horizontal axis, leading to more effective separation of the blood components. This method enhances the quality of the PRF by better isolating the platelet-rich fibrin layer, which is rich in growth factors essential for tissue regeneration and hair growth.

Administration of Liquid PRF

The final step is the administration of the PRF into the scalp. The liquid PRF, containing a concentration of growth factors and cytokines, is carefully injected into areas of the scalp where hair thinning or loss is evident. This targeted application helps stimulate the hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth and improving the overall health and thickness of your hair. The procedure is minimally invasive, involves minimal discomfort, and requires no downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities immediately.

Low-level Laser Light

The final step to the PRF treatment is low-level laser light therapy. This process helps to increase blood flow and cellular activity at the site, promoting further healing and enhancing the effects of the PRF treatment. The combination of PRF and laser light therapy synergistically boosts hair regrowth, thickness, and overall scalp health. This non-invasive therapy is painless, safe, and complements the natural regenerative properties of PRF, ensuring optimal results.

Results

Results from treatment should be visible as early as two to three months of treatment. As with all forms of clinically-proven hair loss treatment, results may vary between individuals.

“Patient images shown below are from the video ‘ENGLISH – PRF in Aesthetics, Plastic Surgery & Dermatology’ by Process for PRF, available at here. Accessed on [20th August 2024].”

FAQs

In order to maximise the potency and effectiveness of our PRF treatment, we ensure to follow the recommended protocols taught by the pioneers of PRF treatment – Dr Joseph Choukroun and Dr Richard Miron. Furthermore, when you come in for your PRF appointment, our trained staff will take the opportunity to assess your overall hair and scalp condition and discuss the best plan of attack for your hair health concerns. At Bioscor, we endorse a combination-therapy approach which maximises the chances of hair regrowth results.

There are three main reasons to choose PRF over PRP.

Natural Slow Release of Growth Factors: PRF forms a fibrin matrix that acts as a natural scaffold, allowing for the slow and sustained release of growth factors and cytokines.

Higher Concentration of Growth Factors: The centrifugation protocol of PRF greatly differs to that used for PRP. Through vigorous laboratory testing, it was found that slower speeds and less time generally result in the highest concentration of growth factors.

Simplified Processing: The preparation of PRF is simpler and more natural than that of PRP. PRF does not require the addition of anticoagulants or other chemicals, minimising the risk of allergic reactions or other side effects.

Results are typically seen after a series of 2-4 sessions. As with any other forms of clinically-proven hair loss treatment, results may vary between individuals.

We usually recommend one PRF sessions performed one month apart, for the first three months. Then after desired results are achieved, one session every 3-4 months can be performed to “maintain” the results.

1 Session – $400

2 Session Pack – $700 ($350 per session)

Each session includes a low-level laser therapy session after the administration of PRF.

Some patients may experience mild discomfort or a slight stinging sensation during the process. In most cases it is well-tolerated without the use of topical or local anaesthetic. Although your scalp may feel slightly sensitive after the treatment, it is usually safe to resume your day as per normal.

  • Individuals who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
  • History of cancer or autoimmune disease.
  • History of severe allergic reactions.
  • Active infections or inflammation.
  • Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy.
  • Individuals who are on immunosuppressive therapy.

Before consideringPRF therapy for hair loss, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough medical evaluation, discuss potential risks and benefits, and determine if this treatment is appropriate based on individual health conditions and medical history.

It is usually safe to combine this treatment with other treatments you may have been prescribed by our medical practitioner.

At Bioscor, we believe in combination-therapy for maximum results, which is widely regarded as the most effective approach to treating hair loss.

This page is only intended to provide factual information to educate individuals who are interested in learning more about the treatment. Our clinic offers a health-practitioner-led consultation. Depending on the outcome of the consultation, this may or may not lead to the provision of a prescription.