PRP hair treatment in Adelaide uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to stimulate follicle activity in thinning areas.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy has become one of the more widely discussed non-surgical approaches to hair thinning. It’s offered across Adelaide by several clinics, each with slightly different protocols and equipment.
This article covers how PRP works, what a typical session involves, who may benefit from it, and the limitations worth knowing before you book.
Considering your options? Book a clinical consultation with Dr Rahma Targett to discuss whether PRP suits your situation.
What PRP Hair Treatment Actually Involves
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are a component of your blood that contain growth factors involved in tissue repair. The theory behind PRP for hair loss is that concentrating these platelets and injecting them into the scalp may stimulate dormant or weakened follicles.
The procedure itself is straightforward. A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich layer, then injected into targeted areas of your scalp.
- Blood draw. A nurse or doctor takes a small sample, typically 20-60ml depending on the protocol.
- Centrifugation. The blood is spun at high speed to separate red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma. This takes around 10 minutes.
- Injection. The concentrated PRP is injected into the scalp using fine needles, targeting areas of thinning.
The entire appointment typically takes under an hour. Most people return to normal activities the same day.
Does PRP Hair Treatment Work for Hair Loss?
The evidence is mixed but cautiously positive. Several peer-reviewed studies, including a 2019 systematic review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, found that PRP can improve hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia.
That said, results vary significantly between individuals. Some patients see noticeable improvement after three to four sessions. Others see minimal change.
- Best candidates tend to be those with early-stage thinning rather than extensive hair loss
- Response time is typically three to six months before visible changes appear
- Maintenance sessions are usually needed every six to twelve months to sustain any benefit
- Not a standalone solution for advanced hair loss, where surgical options like FUE hair transplants may be more appropriate
PRP is not suitable for all types of hair loss. Conditions like scarring alopecia, where the follicle structure is destroyed, typically do not respond to PRP. A clinical assessment is the only way to determine suitability.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for PRP in Adelaide?
PRP tends to work best for people who still have active hair follicles that are producing thinner or weaker hair. If the follicles have been dormant for an extended period, the treatment may be less effective.
Factors that influence suitability include:
- Type of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) responds best. Alopecia areata may also respond in some cases.
- Stage of thinning. Earlier stages generally see better results than advanced loss.
- Overall health. Certain blood disorders, active infections, or autoimmune conditions may make PRP unsuitable.
- Medications. Some medications that affect platelet function may reduce the effectiveness of PRP.
- Expectations. PRP can thicken existing hair and may slow thinning. It is unlikely to regrow hair in areas that have been completely bare for years.
At StranDr, Dr Rahma Targett assesses each patient individually during a clinical consultation to determine whether PRP is a realistic option for their situation.
What to Expect During a PRP Session
PRP is a clinic-based procedure. No general anaesthetic is needed. Most Adelaide clinics use a topical numbing agent on the scalp before injections to reduce discomfort.
| Stage | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Blood drawn from arm, scalp cleaned and numbed | 10-15 min |
| Processing | Blood sample centrifuged to extract PRP | 10 min |
| Injection | PRP injected into target areas of scalp | 15-20 min |
| Aftercare | Brief review, head home same day | 5 min |
Some redness, mild swelling, or tenderness at injection sites is normal and typically resolves within a day or two. Most people wash their hair the next morning and return to work the same day.
Risks and Side Effects of PRP Hair Treatment
Because PRP uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is very low. But like any procedure involving needles and injection, there are potential side effects.
- Scalp tenderness at injection sites for 24-48 hours
- Minor bruising or pinpoint bleeding
- Temporary swelling around the forehead or temples
- Infection is rare but possible at any injection site
- No improvement is itself a risk. Not everyone responds, and there is currently no reliable way to predict who will benefit most.
Choosing a clinic with proper sterilisation protocols and an experienced practitioner reduces these risks. AHPRA regulates health practitioners in Australia and provides guidance on what to look for when choosing a provider.
How PRP Compares to a Hair Transplant
PRP and hair transplant surgery serve different purposes. They’re not competing treatments so much as different tools for different situations. Some patients benefit from both.
| PRP | FUE Hair Transplant | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure type | Non-surgical (injections) | Surgical (follicle extraction and implantation) |
| Best for | Early thinning, strengthening existing hair | Advanced loss, restoring coverage in bare areas |
| Sessions needed | 3-4 initial, then maintenance every 6-12 months | Usually one session |
| Recovery | Same day return to normal activities | 7-14 days for full recovery |
| Results timeline | 3-6 months for visible change | 6-12 months for full growth |
| Longevity | Requires ongoing maintenance sessions | Results are highly resistant to further thinning |
Some patients use PRP as a complement to a transplant, either before surgery to strengthen existing hair or after to support healing. This is something to discuss during a consultation rather than deciding on your own.
How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed?
Most protocols involve an initial course of three to four sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart. After the initial course, maintenance sessions are typically recommended every six to twelve months.
- Initial course: 3-4 sessions over 3-4 months
- First results: Usually visible between 3-6 months after starting
- Maintenance: Every 6-12 months, depending on individual response
- Ongoing commitment: Stopping treatment may result in a gradual return to the previous rate of thinning
The specific schedule depends on how your hair responds. Dr Targett adjusts the treatment plan based on progress at each follow-up appointment.
Choosing a PRP Provider in Adelaide
Several clinics in Adelaide offer PRP for hair loss. The quality of the treatment can vary depending on the equipment used, the concentration of platelets achieved, and the experience of the practitioner performing the injections.
Questions worth asking before you book:
- What centrifuge system do they use, and what platelet concentration does it achieve?
- How many PRP hair treatments has the practitioner performed?
- Is the treating practitioner a registered medical doctor?
- What does the initial assessment involve?
- What happens if you don’t respond to treatment?
At StranDr, PRP is performed by Dr Rahma Targett, a FRACGP with additional training in dermatology and cosmetic medicine and a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
PRP hair treatment in Adelaide is a non-surgical option that may help slow thinning and improve hair density for suitable candidates. It’s not a solution for everyone, and the evidence, while encouraging, is still evolving.
The only way to know whether PRP is appropriate for your situation is through a clinical assessment. Contact StranDr to book a consultation and discuss your options with Dr Targett.