The best PRP hair clinics are run by board-certified dermatologists or hair restoration surgeons who use FDA-cleared preparation systems and can show you healed patient results at 6 to 12 months. The difference between a good and mediocre PRP provider often determines whether you see a 30-40% density increase or waste $2,000 to $8,000 on a treatment course with minimal results.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Why Clinic Choice Matters for PRP
PRP quality varies enormously between clinics. The concentration of platelets in your injection, the preparation method used, and the injection technique all directly affect treatment outcomes. Two patients with the same Norwood stage can get very different results based solely on where they receive treatment.
The three variables that matter most:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Platelet concentration | Higher concentrations (4-6x baseline) correlate with better hair growth outcomes |
| Preparation system | FDA-cleared systems produce more consistent platelet yields than manual methods |
| Injection technique | Correct depth (dermal papilla level) and distribution pattern affect follicle stimulation |
Step 1: Verify Provider Credentials
Who Should Perform PRP
The physician performing your PRP injections should hold board certification in one of the following specialties:
- Dermatology (American Board of Dermatology)
- Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS or ISHRS member)
- Plastic Surgery (American Board of Plastic Surgery)
Some clinics have nurse practitioners or physician assistants perform the injections under a doctor's supervision. This is acceptable as long as the supervising physician is on-site and the protocol was developed by a qualified specialist.
Red Flags in Provider Credentials
- No board-certified physician on staff
- PRP performed by aestheticians or medical spa technicians
- Provider cannot explain their specific PRP preparation protocol
- No formal training in hair loss assessment or scalp anatomy
- Clinic offers PRP as an add-on to unrelated cosmetic procedures without hair loss specialization
Step 2: Evaluate the PRP Preparation Method
Not all PRP is created equal. The device used to process your blood determines the platelet concentration, and concentration directly correlates with results.
PRP Preparation Systems Comparison
| System Type | Platelet Concentration | Consistency | Cost to Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA-cleared automated (e.g., Emcyte, Harvest) | 4-7x baseline | High | Higher |
| Semi-automated kits | 2-5x baseline | Moderate | Moderate |
| Manual centrifuge (basic lab centrifuge) | 1.5-3x baseline | Variable | Lower |
Ask your clinic which PRP preparation system they use. Clinics using FDA-cleared systems invest more in equipment but produce consistently higher platelet concentrations. A preparation that achieves only 1.5x baseline platelet concentration is unlikely to produce meaningful hair growth.
Key Questions About Preparation
- What brand and model of PRP system do you use?
- What platelet concentration does your system typically achieve?
- Do you use single-spin or double-spin processing?
- Is the PRP activated before injection (calcium chloride or thrombin)?
- Do you add any supplements to the PRP (biotin, ACell)?
Double-spin systems generally produce higher platelet concentrations than single-spin methods. Some providers add activating agents to release growth factors before injection, though research is mixed on whether activation improves outcomes.
Step 3: Review Patient Results
What to Look For in Before-and-After Photos
A credible PRP clinic will show you before-and-after photographs with the following characteristics:
- Consistent lighting and angles across before and after images
- Healed results at 6-12 months, not immediately post-treatment
- Multiple patients with varying degrees of hair loss
- Similar hair loss patterns to yours (same Norwood stage)
- Unedited photographs without filters or enhancement
Be skeptical of clinics that only show immediately-after photos. PRP results take 3 to 6 months to become visible, and the redness from treatment can make hair appear darker or denser in fresh photos.
Patient Testimonials
Ask whether the clinic can connect you with past PRP patients who are willing to share their experience. Online reviews on Google, RealSelf, and Trustpilot provide additional data points, but in-person or phone conversations with actual patients give you the most honest feedback.
Step 4: Assess the Consultation Process
A quality PRP clinic should offer a thorough consultation before recommending treatment. During the consultation, the provider should:
- Assess your Norwood stage and document your current hair density
- Take baseline photographs for future comparison
- Review your medical history and medications
- Explain the expected number of sessions (typically 3-4 initial, then maintenance)
- Discuss realistic outcomes for your specific hair loss pattern
- Provide a written treatment plan with pricing
Consultation Red Flags
- Guaranteeing specific results or hair counts
- Pushing you to commit during the first visit
- No baseline photos or measurements taken
- Recommending PRP for advanced baldness (Norwood 6-7) without qualification
- Unable to explain why PRP would or would not work for your case
PRP produces the best results for early-stage hair loss at Norwood 2 through 4. Patients with extensive baldness typically see limited benefit because most follicles in those areas have fully miniaturized and cannot be revived by growth factors alone.
Step 5: Compare Pricing Transparently
PRP treatment costs $500 to $2,000 per session. A full initial course of 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart costs $1,500 to $8,000 total. Maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months add ongoing costs. See the detailed PRP cost guide for regional pricing data.
Pricing Comparison by Provider Type
| Provider Type | Per Session Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Academic medical center | $1,000-2,000 | Research-backed protocols, highest oversight |
| Hair restoration specialist | $800-1,500 | Hair-focused expertise, comprehensive treatment plans |
| Dermatology practice | $700-1,200 | Medical-grade facilities, dermatologist supervision |
| Medical spa (physician-owned) | $500-1,000 | Lower overhead, varies in quality |
| Medical spa (non-physician) | $300-700 | Lower cost but higher variability in outcomes |
Be cautious with pricing that falls significantly below $500 per session. Lower prices may indicate a basic centrifuge setup that achieves low platelet concentrations, less experienced injection technique, or shorter treatment times that cover fewer injection points.
What to Ask About Pricing
- Is the quote per session or for the full treatment course?
- Are follow-up consultations included?
- What is the cost for maintenance sessions after the initial course?
- Do you offer package pricing for 3-4 sessions?
- Are there additional fees for numbing, consultation, or PRP supplements?
Get Your Hair Loss Assessment First
Before investing in a PRP consultation, find out whether PRP is likely to work for your pattern of hair loss. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to receive an AI assessment of your Norwood stage and a personalized treatment recommendation that accounts for your current follicle status.