PRP for hair in Geneva: who is it for, and what are its limitations?

When hair becomes finer or the parting widens, it is tempting to look immediately for a treatment that promises regrowth. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is one of the options often discussed. But hair loss does not have just one cause, and PRP does not address every situation. The first useful step is to understand why density is changing, how long this has been happening and whether the process is still active.

Hair PRP is prepared from a blood sample taken from the person being treated. After the blood components are separated, the platelet-rich fraction can be injected into selected areas of the scalp. The aim is to support the environment of follicles that are still present. It is neither a transplant nor a way to create new follicles in an area where they have disappeared. Published results vary, particularly because studies do not all use the same preparation method and protocol. This is precisely why suitability must be assessed individually.

Identify the cause before discussing injections

Diffuse shedding after an illness, childbirth, a period of stress or a deficiency is not assessed in the same way as androgenetic alopecia that has been progressing for several years. Some scalp conditions require specific dermatological care. A consultation provides an opportunity to describe the history of the hair loss, examine hair distribution and decide whether further investigations are needed. Taking photographs under consistent conditions can also help track changes, without turning every variation in lighting into a “result”.

This diagnosis avoids two disappointments. The first would be treating a temporary problem as a lasting loss of density. The second would be offering PRP when follicles have already disappeared or when another cause needs to be treated first. It is reasonable to ask the doctor what diagnosis they have reached, what other options could be considered and how they will measure any response.

When might PRP be discussed?

Clinical data mainly concern certain forms of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Several trials suggest a possible benefit for hair density or thickness, but the quality of the evidence and the protocols remain heterogeneous. A review of randomised trials highlights this potential while noting that results cannot be guaranteed for any particular person.

PRP may be considered as one option among others when follicles are still active and the goal is realistic. Depending on the situation, the doctor may discuss treatments with different supporting evidence, a combination of measures or simply monitoring. An honest consultation also addresses the possibility of little or no response.

What does treatment involve?

Blood collection and PRP preparation take place before injections into the selected areas. Before the procedure, the practitioner checks medical history and current treatments. The exact protocol, number of sessions and intervals should not be copied from an advertisement: they depend on the diagnosis, method used and medical assessment. Ask what will actually be injected and how the materials are prepared.

After a session, scalp tenderness, minor redness or injection marks may occur. A procedure using your own blood is not therefore free of risks: every blood draw and injection requires an appropriate technique, hygiene measures and an assessment of contraindications. The doctor will provide personalised aftercare instructions and explain which signs mean you should contact them again.

When can the result be assessed?

The hair cycle is slow. An assessment immediately after an injection therefore makes no sense. Before starting, it is better to agree on a baseline for comparison and a follow-up schedule with the practitioner. The impression of denser hair is not always enough: hairstyle, length, season and lighting can alter it.

It is also necessary to distinguish between an improvement in ongoing shedding, stabilisation and a genuine increase in density. PRP does not promise to restore the hair you had at another stage of life. If no satisfactory change is observed, the plan should be open to reassessment rather than continued automatically.

PRP, medical treatments and transplantation: different roles

A medical treatment may target the cause or mechanism of hair loss. A transplant moves follicles to an area with lower density. PRP is a complementary procedure discussed for certain indications; it replaces neither a diagnosis nor, automatically, these other approaches. The choice depends in particular on the type of alopecia, its stage, expectations and contraindications.

To understand what the practice offers, the hair PRP in Geneva page presents the treatment. PRP for the face addresses a different indication: information about facial skin should not be applied to hair.

Frequently asked questions

Does PRP regrow hair in a completely bald area?

It does not create new follicles. This is one of the limitations to discuss before starting, particularly when hair loss is long-standing or advanced.

Is it suitable for every cause of hair loss?

No. Recent shedding, a scalp disease or scarring alopecia requires a specific assessment. Diagnosis comes before choosing a procedure.

Is one session enough?

Studies and practices use different protocols. A number of sessions cannot responsibly be set without an examination and follow-up goals. The time needed for assessment must also be taken into account.

Can a result be guaranteed?

No. Studies concern groups; they do not predict an individual’s response. A medical discussion should present both the possible benefit and the uncertainty.

Making a considered decision

The right starting point is not a “before and after” photograph, but a diagnosis and an explanation of the options. If hair loss concerns you, a consultation in Geneva can help determine whether hair PRP has a place in your situation or whether another approach should come first.

Sources to check during medical review

• Systematic review of randomised trials on PRP in androgenetic alopecia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37533146/
• Comparative review of PRP and minoxidil: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41219547/

About the illustration

Hair Brush - Styling Long Hair — geehairimages (geehair.com). CC BY 2.0. Cropped, resized and converted to WebP. Illustration only: this image does not show an SGL patient or treatment result.