3 Reasons PRP for Hair Restoration May Not Be Right for You

Losing more hair each day? Hair loss treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Before trying PRP, learn who benefits most from this treatment. Get the facts about timing, commitment, and candidacy to make the right choice for your hair loss.

Every morning, you notice more hair on your pillow. The shower drain clogs more frequently. Your part keeps getting wider. Hair loss can feel like a neverending cycle of disappointment that you hope gets better on its own. That’s why platelet-rich plasma (PRP) — a nonsurgical treatment that uses your body’s own plasma — sounds so promising.

At Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas, Henderson, and St. George, Nevada, our expert team has helped many navigate hair loss treatment decisions. Our experienced team, which includes board-certified dermatologists, understands the emotional impact of hair loss. But while PRP has transformed many of our patients' lives, it isn't right for everyone. Here's why:

Your hair loss is too advanced

If you've waited until substantial balding has occurred, PRP may not give you the results you're hoping for. PRP works best when you still have active hair follicles — it can strengthen existing hair and wake up dormant follicles, but can't create new ones from scratch.

You'll see the most dramatic improvements when you start treatment while your hair is still thinning rather than completely balding.

This doesn't mean you're out of options. Vivida Dermatology offers several effective hair restoration alternatives, including follicular unit extraction (FUE) and prescription medications that better suit your needs.

FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique in which we extract individual hair follicles from areas with thicker growth and precisely transplant them to thinning or bald spots. This creates natural-looking results with minimal scarring.

You're looking for a one-and-done solution

While PRP can deliver impressive results, it's not a permanent fix, and maintaining results requires ongoing treatments. Most patients need 3-4 initial sessions spaced about a month apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 4-6 months.

If you're seeking a more permanent solution with less ongoing commitment, explore other options we offer, such as FUE combined with long-term medication protocols.

Your medical history raises red flags

Not everyone is a good candidate for PRP, even if their hair loss pattern seems ideal. You might not be suitable for treatment if you:

Take blood thinners
Have a history of bleeding disorders
Currently smoke (smoking can significantly reduce treatment effectiveness)
Have certain scalp conditions or infections
Have platelet dysfunction syndromes or other blood-related conditions

If you have underlying health issues causing your hair loss — such as thyroid problems or autoimmune conditions — these need to be addressed first before considering PRP treatment.

Your next steps in hair restoration

At Vivida Dermatology, we'll help you find the right hair loss solution, whether PRP or another treatment. Call us, text us, or book online to schedule your consultation at our Las Vegas, Henderson, or St. George office. The sooner you address your hair loss, the better your results.