PRP vs Hair Transplant: Is PRP Better Than FUE Surgery?

For those battling hair loss, choosing between PRP vs hair transplant can be quite puzzling, clouding your path to effective hair restoration. 

This confusion lingers, leaving many individuals confused about which treatment holds the most promise for reclaiming their once-thick locks. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the complexities of PRP vs FUE hair transplant procedures, aiming to offer a clear and insightful perspective that empowers you to make the right choice for your unique hair loss concerns.

What is the difference between PRP and hair transplant surgery?

The main difference between an FUE hair transplant and PRP is that a FUE hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the extraction and transplantation of hair follicles, providing permanent results. PRP therapy, on the other hand, is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates hair growth using the patient’s own platelets.

Weighing up FUE vs PRP for your specific needs

Choosing between FUE and PRP for hair restoration shouldn’t be solely based on cost or convenience. Your unique needs and expectations should shape this crucial choice.

To guide your decision-making process, let’s explore who are likely suitable candidates for these hair restoration treatments:

FUE Hair Transplant:

FUE is a great choice if you’re dealing with moderate to advanced hair loss. It works best for people who have stable donor areas, usually at the back or sides of the scalp. If you’re after a permanent and natural-looking solution for your hair loss, FUE might be the right fit for you.

Moreover, FUE is suited for those who are okay with a surgical procedure and have practical expectations about the results. It’s essential for candidates to be aware of what to expect and be willing to commit to the process.

PRP treatment:

PRP treatment is a good option if your hair is thinning, so is a great option for those wanting to improve the quality and thickness of their existing hair. PRP is a good choice if you prefer a non-invasive procedure and a quick recovery period.

If you’re considering PRP treatment, it’s important to be prepared for multiple sessions and to be patient, as it may take some time before you see the full results. Understanding the process and having realistic expectations is key to a successful PRP experience.

Combined PRP and FUE:

What is FUE and PRP in tandem going to do for you? Well, this approach is perfect for people dealing with moderate to advanced hair loss who want lasting results and a faster recovery.

It’s a great fit for those who prefer an integrated strategy that improves both existing hair quality and promotes new hair growth. It’s all about achieving the best results possible through a well-rounded approach.

PRP vs hair transplant comparison chart

To provide clarity and assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve created this detailed hair transplant vs PRP treatment comparison: 

Hair transplant vs PRP procedure

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this PRP into the scalp. 

In comparison, hair transplant surgery, including methods like follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicle unit transplantation (FUT), is a surgical procedure where hair follicles are extracted from a donor area and transplanted to areas with thinning or no hair.

While you might be tempted to go for PRP hair restoration over FUE hair transplantation, keep in mind that we also carry out PRP as part of a FUE transplant. Also keep in mind that PRP is more limited in terms of expected results compared to FUE, which will have way more dramatic results as you can see on our hair transplant before and after page.

PRP vs hair transplant cost

FUE hair transplant cost in Chicago varies significantly based on the extent of the procedure and whether shaving is required and is charged on a “per graft” basis.

Here at Solve Clinics, the cost is $5 per graft for must shave and $6 per graft for no shave. For example, a transplant of 1,000 grafts could cost between $5,000 to $6,000.

In comparison, we offer PRP hair treatment cost in Chicago for $330 per treatment. While multiple sessions are often required for optimal results, the overall cost tends to be higher compared to a hair transplant procedure.

In the long run, FUE is still the cheaper option since the results are permanent, compared to PRP where you still need to have multiple sessions to maintain your results.

Important note: It’s fruitless to base your decision based on costs since both treatments are beneficial in their own respects, have different procedures and results. Instead, you should focus on which of these treatments suits your personal situation.

PRP or hair transplant for quick recovery

PRP therapy offers a quicker and less demanding recovery period. Following a PRP session, most patients can immediately resume their daily activities with minimal to no downtime.

Hair transplant surgery involves a more extended recovery process. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and scabbing in the days immediately following the procedure. While most patients can return to their regular routines within a week, a complete recovery may take several weeks as the transplanted hair grafts settle and start growing.

Hair transplant or PRP for quick results

After an FUE procedure, it may take 3–4 months for pronounced hair growth. However, you can expect full results from 12 months.

PRP therapy may require multiple sessions for optimal results, and some patients begin to observe improvements in hair thickness and quality within 4–6 months of starting PRP treatments.

Although results for PRP are quicker, keep in mind that they aren’t permanent, whereas FUE transplants are permanent.

PRP vs FUE scar visibility

PRP therapy is a non-surgical procedure that typically leaves no visible scars. Since it involves injection into the scalp, any temporary marks or redness from the injections tend to fade quickly, and there are no long-term scars associated with PRP treatments.

FUE surgery is designed to minimize scarring; however, it may still leave tiny, scattered puncture-like scars in the donor area where follicles are extracted.

PRP vs FUE success rate

Both PRP and FUE hair transplant are effective ways to deal with hair loss. PRP therapy is great for quickly improving hair thickness and quality, which is your best option if you prefer non-surgical options.

FUE hair transplant surgery is known for its impressive success rate, providing permanent and natural-looking results, particularly for hair transplant candidates with stable donor areas.

Both PRP and FUE hair transplant are considered successful treatments for hair loss. However, the choice between the two depends on your individual preferences, goals, and the extent of hair loss.

If you’re still unsure as to which is the best option for you, we have a recap coming up, or you can hit the button below to get in touch with us so we can guide you further.

Is PRP better than hair transplant surgery for you? Final points

The comparison between PRP treatment and FUE hair transplant surgery lacks a definitive “better” option as it relies on individual factors. 

Your decision should revolve around your unique hair loss situation and what you personally prefer. PRP works well for combating thinning hair and if you’d rather avoid surgery, whereas FUE, which is great for an  African American hair transplant, is the go-to option for more advanced hair loss when you’re looking for lasting results.

Keep in mind that, in terms of results, FUE is much more dramatic, whereas PRP’s results are more limited.

As a final note, remember that this is just a guide. The best way to create a treatment plan for you is to come in for a consultation with one of our hair loss experts.

Note: Be sure to also check out our FUT vs FUE guide!