For so many years, people suffering from hair loss have been turning to hair transplants for hair restoration. However, not everyone is open for the idea of going through surgery just to have hair on their scalp. There are those who prefer a non-surgical approach. Luckily, there’s a new treatment called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy that offers exactly what they want. It’s currently the closest challenger to hair transplant. So, you are likely to be faced with a dilemma when it comes to choosing between the two. To help you choose wisely, here’s a comparative overview.
- Mechanism of Action
During a hair transplant, a surgeon takes hair from where you have it and transfer it to where you are lacking. Normally, the hair is obtained from the side of your head but it can also be taken from other parts. It’s surgically done under local or general anesthesia.
In the case of PRP, an expert takes your blood under sterile conditions, isolates platelets from it to have PRP, and then injects the PRP into your skin to stimulate hair growth.
- Hair Loss Type
Normally, hair transplant is ideal for someone with a genetic (inherited) hair loss condition. So, it’s a good option for addressing baldness that runs in the family. The hair on the sides of your head is partly removed and transferred to the middle part.
Though PRP can treat baldness, it’s widely identified with conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that leads to bald spots on the head) and traction alopecia (a condition associated with tight hair designs).
- Cost of Treatment
On average, hair transplant costs at least $4,000 per session. The final cost depends on the transplant technique, the surgeon’s rates, and the complexity of the process. The problem is that insurance will not pay for the procedure as it’s considered cosmetic, so you’ll have to get into your pocket.
On the other hand, PRP costs at least $400 per session. Though insurance may not pay for it either, it’s the cheaper option.
- Recovery Time
Hair transplant is likely to take several hours and you can go home the same day. However, there are situations when you may be hospitalized for a few days. After being discharged, you may have to take a few days off before you can resume work.
In the case of PRP, some people resume work immediately and others take time. You can also go home on the same day. Furthermore, you are allowed to shampoo your hair immediately after PRP but you have to wait for a few days after a hair transplant.
- Result Expectations
For both cases, it takes time before you can realize the results. Roughly, it takes 8 months in the case of PRP and 10 months in the case of hair transplant. After a transplant, the transplanted hair may shed off a few days before it can regrow.
Using the above basics, you can decide option is good for you. You should be able to identify what suits your condition and your budget. You can talk to your PRP for hair loss or hair transplant expert about it to understand the risks for both options.