PRP treatment abroad is not worth it as a standalone trip for most patients. The per-session cost of PRP ($500 to $2,000 in the US) is too low relative to travel expenses to produce meaningful savings. The math changes when you combine PRP with a hair transplant abroad, where the transplant savings offset the entire trip.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice.
PRP Pricing: Domestic vs International
PRP costs vary dramatically by country. The procedure itself is straightforward (blood draw, centrifuge, injection), so the price differences primarily reflect local labor costs, clinic overhead, and market positioning.
PRP Cost by Country
| Country | Cost Per Session | Quality Range |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $500 to $2,000 | Wide range; premium clinics use double-spin systems |
| United Kingdom | $400 to $1,500 | Similar quality tier to US |
| Turkey | $100 to $300 | Varies significantly; top clinics match Western standards |
| Thailand | $150 to $400 | Major Bangkok clinics offer high-quality preparation |
| Mexico | $150 to $500 | Tijuana and Mexico City have established clinics |
| India | $50 to $200 | Lowest price point; quality varies widely |
| South Korea | $200 to $600 | High-quality medical infrastructure |
| Spain | $200 to $500 | Growing medical tourism destination |
The cheapest PRP in the world will not help you if the platelet concentration is below the therapeutic threshold of 4x baseline. Low-cost clinics that use single-spin kits or outdated centrifuge systems may produce PRP that is too dilute to stimulate follicular response.
The Cost-Benefit Calculation
Before booking a flight, run the actual numbers. Savings on the procedure itself must exceed the total cost of travel.
Standalone PRP Trip: US vs Turkey
| Expense | Treatment in US | Treatment in Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| PRP session (1) | $500 to $2,000 | $100 to $300 |
| Round-trip flight | $0 | $600 to $1,200 |
| Hotel (2 nights) | $0 | $100 to $300 |
| Airport transfers | $0 | $40 to $80 |
| Meals and incidentals | $0 | $60 to $120 |
| Lost work time (2-3 days) | $0 | $300 to $900 (varies) |
| Total | $500 to $2,000 | $1,200 to $2,900 |
For a single PRP session, traveling to Turkey costs more than staying home in almost every scenario. The savings on the procedure itself ($400 to $1,700) are consumed by travel costs.
When the Math Works: PRP + Transplant Package
The calculation changes entirely when PRP is added to a hair transplant trip.
| Expense | Transplant + PRP in US | Transplant + PRP in Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| FUE transplant (3,000 grafts) | $12,000 to $18,000 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| PRP session (included or add-on) | $500 to $2,000 | $100 to $300 (often included) |
| Round-trip flight | $0 | $600 to $1,200 |
| Hotel (5-7 nights) | $0 | $350 to $1,050 |
| Total travel costs | $0 | $1,200 to $2,800 |
| Grand total | $12,500 to $20,000 | $4,200 to $8,050 |
The transplant savings ($8,000 to $14,000) easily cover all travel expenses and the PRP add-on. Many Turkish clinics include PRP as part of their all-inclusive transplant packages at no additional charge.
Logistics of PRP Treatment Abroad
Before You Travel
- Research clinics thoroughly. Look for clinics that specify their centrifuge system and platelet concentration. Ask for before-and-after photos of PRP-only patients (not just transplant patients who also had PRP).
- Verify the practitioner. PRP should be administered by a licensed physician or under direct physician supervision. Check credentials through the country's medical licensing authority.
- Request a virtual consultation. Most reputable international clinics offer video consultations before you commit to travel.
- Check visa requirements. Turkey, Thailand, and Mexico allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for US and UK citizens for short stays.
During the Trip
PRP is a 30 to 60 minute procedure with no recovery restrictions beyond the standard 48-hour aftercare window.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, settle into hotel, rest |
| Day 2 | Morning PRP session (30-60 minutes), afternoon free |
| Day 3 | Optional second session if doing back-to-back, or travel home |
You can fly the same day as PRP treatment. There are no altitude restrictions or cabin pressure concerns. The only consideration is comfort during the mild tenderness period.
Combining with a Hair Transplant
If you are considering both PRP and a transplant, the optimal sequence is:
- PRP 4-6 weeks before transplant: Prepares the scalp environment and improves blood flow to the recipient area.
- Transplant surgery: The main procedure.
- PRP at the time of transplant: Many surgeons inject PRP into the recipient area during surgery to support graft survival.
- PRP 3-6 months after transplant: Supports native hair and graft health during the growth phase.
For a trip abroad, sessions 2 and 3 can happen during the same visit. Sessions 1 and 4 would need to be done locally or during a return trip.
Risks of PRP Abroad
PRP is a low-risk procedure regardless of location, but international treatment adds specific considerations.
Quality Variability
The biggest risk with international PRP is not safety but efficacy. A cheap session that uses a low-quality centrifuge and produces sub-therapeutic platelet concentration is a waste of money regardless of how little you paid.
Red flags to watch for:
- Clinics that do not disclose their centrifuge system or preparation method
- Providers who cannot tell you the platelet concentration of their PRP
- Unusually low prices (under $50) that suggest corners are being cut on equipment
- No medical doctor present during the procedure
Continuity of Care
PRP requires ongoing maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months. If your provider is in another country, you need a local provider for follow-ups. Switching providers mid-protocol is not ideal but is manageable since PRP is a standardized procedure.
Legal Recourse
Medical malpractice protections vary by country. In Turkey, Thailand, and Mexico, the legal framework for medical tourism disputes is less established than in the US or UK. This is a low practical concern for PRP (given its minimal risk profile) but worth noting.
The Practical Recommendation
For most patients, the best approach is:
- Get PRP locally if you are doing PRP only. The savings from traveling do not justify the time and expense.
- Add PRP to a transplant trip if you are already traveling for surgery. It is often included free or costs under $300 as an add-on.
- Establish a local maintenance provider regardless of where your initial treatment happens.
To assess your stage of hair loss and determine whether PRP, transplant, or a combination approach makes sense, check the Norwood scale or get a free analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze. For data on what PRP actually delivers, see our PRP density results.