Asking the right questions before PRP treatment separates patients who get real results from those who waste thousands of dollars on subpar providers. PRP costs $500 to $2,000 per session, and a full treatment course of 3 to 4 sessions represents a significant investment that depends entirely on the skill and equipment of your provider.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Questions About Provider Experience
These questions help you evaluate whether the person injecting your scalp has the training and track record to deliver results.
1. What is your board certification?
The provider should be a board-certified dermatologist, hair restoration surgeon (ABHRS or ISHRS member), or plastic surgeon. PRP for hair loss requires specific knowledge of scalp anatomy and hair follicle biology that general practitioners and aesthetic technicians do not typically have.
2. How many PRP hair treatments have you performed?
Look for a provider who has completed at least 100 PRP hair treatments. Experience matters because injection technique, depth, and distribution patterns directly affect how well the growth factors reach the follicular papilla. Ask specifically about hair loss PRP, not facial rejuvenation or joint PRP, which use different protocols.
3. Can I see before-and-after photos of your PRP patients?
Request photos of patients with a similar Norwood stage to yours. The photos should show healed results at 6 to 12 months with consistent lighting and angles. Be cautious if the clinic only shows immediately-after photos, as post-treatment redness can make hair appear temporarily denser.
4. What percentage of your PRP hair patients see visible improvement?
An honest provider will tell you that 60 to 80% of patients at Norwood 2-4 see measurable improvement. If a provider claims a 100% success rate, that is a red flag. PRP does not work for every patient, and its effectiveness decreases with more advanced hair loss.
Questions About the PRP Preparation
The equipment and method used to prepare your PRP directly determines the concentration of platelets in your injection. Higher concentrations correlate with better hair growth outcomes.
5. Which PRP preparation system do you use?
FDA-cleared systems like Emcyte, Harvest SmartPrep, and Eclipse PRP produce consistent, high-concentration preparations. Manual methods using basic laboratory centrifuges yield variable results and typically lower platelet counts.
6. What platelet concentration does your system achieve?
Effective PRP for hair loss should achieve a platelet concentration of 4 to 6 times your baseline blood level. Preparations below 2x baseline are unlikely to stimulate meaningful follicle activity.
| Concentration Level | Expected Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Below 2x baseline | Unlikely to produce results |
| 2-4x baseline | Moderate stimulation |
| 4-6x baseline | Optimal range for hair growth |
| Above 7x baseline | Diminishing returns, potential irritation |
7. Do you use single-spin or double-spin processing?
Double-spin protocols generally produce higher and more consistent platelet concentrations. Ask your provider to explain their specific centrifuge settings and processing time.
8. Do you add anything to the PRP before injection?
Some providers add activating agents (calcium chloride, thrombin) or supplements (ACell, biotin, exosomes) to the PRP. Ask what is being added and why. While some additives show promise in early research, others have limited evidence supporting their use.
Questions About Your Treatment Plan
9. Am I a good candidate for PRP?
Your provider should evaluate your specific hair loss pattern and give you a direct answer. PRP works best for patients at Norwood 2 through 4 who still have miniaturized but living follicles. It is less effective for patients at Norwood 5 and above where follicles have fully shut down.
Factors that affect candidacy:
| Factor | Better Candidate | Weaker Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Norwood stage | 2-4 | 5-7 |
| Duration of hair loss | Less than 5 years | More than 10 years |
| Follicle status | Miniaturized but present | Fully dormant |
| Age | Under 50 | Over 60 |
| Overall health | No blood disorders | Platelet dysfunction |
10. How many sessions will I need and how far apart?
The standard protocol is 3 to 4 initial sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After the initial course, maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months sustain the results. A provider who recommends monthly treatments indefinitely without a clear initial protocol may be prioritizing revenue over outcomes.
11. When should I expect to see results?
Reduced shedding typically appears within 4 to 6 weeks. Visible density improvement takes 3 to 6 months. Full results from the initial treatment course are usually apparent by 9 to 12 months. Providers who promise results in days or weeks are not being honest about PRP timelines.
12. What density increase can I realistically expect?
Research and clinical data show an average density increase of 30 to 40% for appropriate candidates. Your provider should give you a range based on your specific situation rather than a guaranteed number.
Questions About Cost and Logistics
13. What is the total cost for the initial treatment course?
Ask for the all-in price covering 3 to 4 sessions, not just the per-session rate. The total initial course costs $1,500 to $8,000 depending on location and provider. Read the PRP cost guide for detailed regional pricing.
14. What do maintenance sessions cost?
Maintenance sessions typically cost $500 to $1,500 each and are needed every 3 to 6 months. Factor this ongoing cost into your long-term budget. Some clinics offer maintenance packages at a reduced per-session rate.
15. What happens if PRP does not work for me?
Ask about the clinic's policy for non-responders. A good provider will discuss alternative treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, or hair transplant surgery. They should not pressure you into additional PRP sessions if the first 3 to 4 show no improvement.
Bring This List to Your Consultation
Print or save these 15 questions and bring them to your PRP consultation. A provider who answers each question thoroughly and honestly is far more likely to deliver results than one who rushes through the conversation or avoids specifics.
Get an Assessment Before Your Consultation
Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to receive an AI evaluation of your current hair loss stage before booking your PRP consultation. Knowing your Norwood stage in advance helps you ask better questions and evaluate whether a provider's recommendations align with your actual level of loss.