PRP for Hair Loss in St. Louis: Cost, Sessions, and Timeline for Results
Updated: 5 days ago
Can PRP Really Help With My Hair Loss?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for hair loss is a non-surgical treatment that uses a small sample of your own blood, concentrates the platelets, and places them into thinning areas of the scalp to help support healthier, thicker-looking hair. For the right candidates, it can gradually reduce shedding and improve fullness over several months, but it is not a cure for complete baldness or a quick fix. At Mid-County Dermatology in St. Louis, we create a personalized PRP plan based on your type of hair loss, goals, and overall scalp health.
Key Takeaways: Is PRP Right for My Hair Loss?
PRP uses your own blood platelets to support hair follicles in thinning areas of the scalp.
Most patients need several sessions over months before noticing less shedding and fuller-looking hair.
PRP tends to work best for early to moderate thinning, not areas that are completely bald.
Results often need maintenance treatments to stay visible over the long term.
Having PRP done by a board-certified dermatologist helps with safety, diagnosis, and realistic expectations.
At our board-certified dermatology clinic in Mid-County, we offer PRP hair loss treatment as part of a full approach to hair and scalp health. We focus on medical, surgical, cosmetic, and hair-focused services, so we look at the whole picture before suggesting any procedure. PRP is a non-surgical option that can help the right candidates improve hair thickness and reduce shedding over time, but it is not an instant fix or a cure for complete baldness.
What Is PRP for Hair Loss and How Does It Work?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. During a PRP visit, a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to a basic lab test. The tube is placed in a special device that spins the blood so the platelets separate from the red blood cells.
Platelets are parts of your blood that help with healing. They are packed with growth factors, which are natural signals your body uses during repair. When this concentrated plasma is placed into areas of thinning on the scalp, it may help support the hair follicles, calm shedding, and improve hair thickness over time.
At our St. Louis dermatology office, PRP for hair loss is performed by or under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist. We use sterile technique and tailor the placement of PRP to each person’s pattern of thinning. Before suggesting treatment, we examine your scalp and review your health history.
PRP may be considered for:
Evidence is most relevant to male or female pattern hair loss.
Other causes of diffuse shedding require a separate assessment; benefit cannot be assumed.
PRP is usually less helpful for:
Completely bald areas where hair follicles are no longer active
Scarring types of hair loss where skin has changed structure
For many people, PRP is just one part of a broader plan. Your dermatologist may also discuss topical or oral medications, scalp care, and other options so your treatment works together rather than in pieces.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Hair Loss in St. Louis?
PRP tends to be most helpful for men and women with early to moderate thinning. This might look like more hair on your brush, a wider part, or scalp showing through in certain lights, even though there is still some hair in the area. It can be a good option if you are not ready for surgery or feel you are not getting enough benefit from other treatments alone.
During your visit, your dermatologist will look at several factors:
Type of hair loss, such as pattern hair loss compared with other causes
How long thinning has been present and how quickly it is changing
Family history of hair loss
Medical conditions, medications, and scalp health
There are times when PRP might not be recommended or when results may be limited. Long-standing smooth bald spots, scarring alopecia, or uncontrolled medical conditions can all affect what is possible. Proper diagnosis is very important, since different types of hair loss need different care.
Common questions we hear include:
Diagnosis, disease stage, and medical history matter more than a simple age cutoff.
Scalp health and medication use should be reviewed.
Postpartum or illness-related shedding often improves over time; evidence for PRP in these settings is limited.
A full scalp exam and personal history help us decide whether PRP is likely to be helpful for your specific type of hair loss.
How Many PRP Sessions Will I Need, and What Is the Visit Like?
Most people do not see a change from a single PRP session alone. PRP is usually done as a series spread out over several months. The schedule is customized, but it often includes an initial series followed by a maintenance phase if you respond well.
A typical approach may include:
Initial series spaced several weeks apart
Maintenance visits a few times a year if your dermatologist feels they are helpful
The exact number of sessions depends on:
How advanced your thinning is
How your hair responds after the first few treatments
Whether you are also using other therapies such as topical or oral medications
During a PRP visit at our clinic, you can expect:
Check-in and photos so we can track progress over time.
A quick review of any changes in your health or medications.
A small blood draw from your arm.
Processing of the blood to separate the platelet-rich plasma.
Placement of PRP into thinning areas of your scalp using fine needles.
We offer comfort and safety measures, such as numbing for the scalp when appropriate. People often describe the feeling as brief pinches or pressure. Most can return to regular activities the same day, with only mild tenderness or redness that fades.
Your dermatologist will reassess after the initial series. If you are seeing change in shedding or fullness, you may move into a maintenance schedule. If results are limited, we review other options or adjust the plan.
When Will I See Results, and How Long Do They Last?
When improvement occurs, it is generally assessed over months using standardized photographs or measurements. A reduction in shedding or increased density is possible, but a response and its timing cannot be promised.
Over a longer stretch of time, you may see:
Less daily shedding compared with your starting point
Fuller-looking ponytail or thicker-feeling hair
Improved coverage of the scalp in photos
Response varies, and some patients may see little or no improvement. The optimal preparation, treatment schedule, and maintenance interval are not established consistently across trials.
Things that can affect your results include:
Type and length of hair loss before starting PRP
How consistent you are with visits and any home treatments
Genetics and family pattern
Overall health, stress levels, and scalp condition
Because progress is gradual, it helps to track changes with photos spaced several months apart instead of judging by daily mirror checks.
What Should I Expect Before, During, and After PRP?
Before your first PRP visit, we review your medications, supplements, and overall health. In some cases, adjustments to blood-thinning medicines are discussed with your prescribing doctor. Drinking water and having a light meal beforehand can make the blood draw more comfortable. On the day of treatment, we usually suggest coming with clean, dry hair and avoiding heavy styling products.
During the visit, we:
Confirm your treatment plan and answer last-minute questions.
Examine and mark the areas to be treated.
Draw your blood and prepare the PRP.
Place the PRP into the scalp in a pattern that matches your thinning.
The total time in the office is usually under a couple of hours, including prep and aftercare instructions.
Right after treatment, it is common to feel mild soreness or tightness on the scalp. Small bumps from the injections may be seen at first, then settle as the fluid spreads. Your dermatologist will review:
When it is fine to wash and style your hair.
Which hair products are safe to use in the first day or two.
Activities to avoid for a short time, such as intense workouts or hot tubs.
During summer months in St. Louis, we also remind patients to protect the scalp from strong sun with hats or mineral sunscreen sprays where appropriate. A healthy, protected scalp can support better long-term outcomes.
If you notice anything that does not seem expected, such as worsening pain or signs of infection, our team wants to know so we can guide you.
How Much Does PRP for Hair Loss Cost in St. Louis?
Cost is an important part of planning your treatment series. At Mid-County Dermatology, PRP for hair loss is $650 per session. For patients starting the recommended three-treatment introductory series, the cost is $1,800 if paid upfront for all three initial sessions, which provides some savings compared with paying one visit at a time.
Total cost over time can vary based on:
How many initial sessions your dermatologist recommends
Whether you move into a maintenance schedule and how often you come in
Any additional treatments or medications that are part of your hair loss plan
During your consultation, we review expected fees, payment options, and the likely timeline so you have a clear picture before starting. Because PRP for hair loss is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is usually not covered by insurance. Our staff can answer questions about payment, health savings accounts, or flexible spending accounts if you are considering those options.
How Strong Is the Evidence for PRP Hair Loss Treatment?
Randomized studies suggest a possible increase in hair density in pattern hair loss, but small samples, variable methods, and risk of bias limit confidence. The evidence does not establish that most patients will respond.
Primary study: Gentile et al., Stem Cells Translational Medicine (2015). This small randomized trial studied PRP for male pattern hair loss. It does not establish benefit for every cause of shedding or guarantee an individual result.
Evidence review: Systematic review of PRP for male pattern hair loss (2024). The review found potential benefit but emphasized small studies, variable methods, and risk of bias.
Professional organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) note that PRP is a promising option for certain types of hair loss but is not a cure and often works best as part of a combined treatment plan. Your dermatologist will review the potential benefits and limits of PRP based on current evidence and your individual needs.
Selected sources:
Selected evidence: Gentile et al. (2015), randomized PRP trial; and the 2024 systematic review of PRP for androgenetic alopecia. These are the directly linked studies discussed above.
When to Schedule a PRP Consultation at Mid-County Dermatology
If you are noticing more hair shedding, a widening part, or thinner coverage on your scalp, an early evaluation can help you understand your options before hair loss progresses. At Mid-County Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists can examine your scalp, make or confirm a diagnosis, and explain whether PRP and other treatments may fit your goals.
To learn more about PRP for hair loss and get a personalized plan, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our team at Mid-County Dermatology in St. Louis.
FAQ: Real Patient Questions About PRP for Hair Loss
Does PRP Work for Both Men and Women with Hair Loss?
Yes, PRP can be used in both men and women with certain types of thinning, especially pattern hair loss where follicles are still present.
How Painful Is PRP for Hair Loss, and Can I Get Numbing?
Most people describe the shots as brief stings or pressure. Numbing options are often available to make the visit more comfortable.
Is PRP Safe, and What Are the Possible Side Effects?
PRP uses your own blood, so allergy risk is low, but any procedure with injections can cause temporary pain, swelling, tenderness, or bruising. Infection or more serious problems are uncommon when proper technique is used.
Can I Do PRP If I Am Already Using Minoxidil or Taking Finasteride?
PRP is often used along with other hair loss treatments. Your dermatologist will review your full regimen to make sure it fits your plan.
How Soon After Starting PRP Can I Color or Chemically Treat My Hair?
We usually suggest waiting a short period after a session before coloring or doing strong chemical treatments. Timing can vary, so we give specific guidance at your visit.
Will I Need PRP Treatments Forever to Keep My Results?
Maintenance may be discussed if you benefit, but the ideal long-term schedule is uncertain. Reassess results, cost, and alternatives with your dermatologist.
Downtime From Work or Social Activities After PRP?
Many people return to normal daily tasks the same day, though the scalp may feel tender or look a bit pink for a short time.
How Does PRP Compare to Hair Transplant Surgery?
PRP is non-surgical and does not move hair from one area to another. It works with the follicles you already have, so goals and results are different from hair transplantation.
Can PRP Help with Hair Shedding After Pregnancy or Illness?
Evidence for PRP in postpartum or illness-related shedding is limited. These conditions may improve without PRP, so identifying the cause and discussing the likely natural course comes first.
Is PRP Worth It for My Hair Loss Type?
The best way is a visit with a board-certified dermatologist who can diagnose your type of hair loss, review your goals, and explain what results are realistic for you. To explore whether PRP is a good fit, you can schedule a consultation at Mid-County Dermatology so we can talk through your options together.
Explore Hair-Loss Treatment Options
If you are ready to explore a safe, non-surgical solution to thinning hair, our dermatology team is here to help. At Mid-County Dermatology, we evaluate your scalp health, medical history, and goals to determine whether PRP hair loss in St. Louis is the right choice for you. Schedule a consultation today so we can create a personalized treatment plan and support you at every step of your hair restoration journey. Schedule online or call 314-994-0200 to schedule.
Related reading
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about your skin, talk with one of our dermatologists at Mid-County Dermatology.
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