📅 Recovery Timeline
Expect some redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection sites. Pain level: 3-4/10. Avoid touching the treated area. You can return to non-strenuous work.
Swelling and soreness may persist. Pain level: 2-3/10. You can gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid strenuous activities.
Swelling and soreness should start to subside. Pain level: 1-2/10. Continue to be gentle with your scalp.
Most of the initial swelling and soreness should be gone. You can resume most normal activities, but continue to avoid strenuous exercise and direct sun exposure. You can wear a loose-fitting hat.
Your scalp should feel mostly back to normal. You can typically resume your normal hair care routine and light exercise. It is safe to get a haircut after day 14.
You may not see any new hair growth yet. Some patients experience shedding of finer hairs, which is normal. Continue to be gentle with your scalp and follow a healthy lifestyle.
You may start to see some early signs of new hair growth, often as fine, soft hairs. Hair texture may start to improve.
New hair growth becomes more noticeable. Hair will appear thicker and fuller. This is often when patients see a significant improvement.
Hair growth continues to improve in thickness and density.
You will see the most significant results around this time. Hair will be longer, thicker, and healthier.
Results are typically stable at this point. Maintenance treatments are often recommended every 6-12 months to maintain the results.
⚡ Shock Loss & Shedding
Some patients may experience a temporary shedding of hair, known as shock loss, within the first few weeks to a month after PRP treatment. This is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, where the treatment stimulates the follicles to enter a new, healthier growth phase, causing the older, weaker hairs to fall out. This shedding is temporary and typically affects a small percentage of hairs. New, stronger hair will begin to grow in its place within a few months.
📈 Growth Milestones
New hair growth is typically first seen around 2 to 3 months after the initial PRP treatment, appearing as fine, soft hairs. By the 3 to 6-month mark, you can expect to see more significant growth, with the hair becoming thicker and the overall volume improving. At 9 to 12 months, the results will be more pronounced, with the hair appearing much fuller and healthier. The final results are generally visible between 12 and 18 months after the initial series of treatments.
💊 Pain Levels & Medication
Pain after PRP hair treatment is generally mild and manageable. You can expect some soreness and tenderness at the injection sites for the first few days, with a pain level of around 2-4 on a 10-point scale. This discomfort usually subsides within a week. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to manage any discomfort. It is important to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) for at least two weeks before and after the procedure, as they can interfere with the healing process.
✅ Do's
- ✓Do follow your doctor's post-treatment instructions carefully.
- ✓Do gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water 24 hours after the treatment.
- ✓Do sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights to minimize swelling.
- ✓Do stay hydrated and eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support hair growth.
- ✓Do protect your scalp from direct sun exposure by wearing a hat or using sunscreen (SPF 30+) for the first few days.
- ✓Do gently massage your scalp with your fingertips after 48 hours to boost circulation.
- ✓Do resume light activities and work as you feel comfortable, but avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours.
- ✓Do be patient, as it takes time to see the full results of PRP treatment.
- ✓Do schedule and attend your follow-up appointments as recommended by your doctor.
- ✓Do communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms to your doctor promptly.
❌ Don'ts
- ✗Don't take hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms for at least 48 hours after the treatment.
- ✗Don't use harsh chemicals, hair dyes, or styling products on your hair for at least a week after the treatment.
- ✗Don't engage in strenuous exercise or activities that cause excessive sweating for the first 48 hours.
- ✗Don't smoke or consume excessive alcohol, as this can hinder the healing process and affect your results.
- ✗Don't take anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin for at least two weeks before and after the treatment.
- ✗Don't scratch or pick at the injection sites.
- ✗Don't wear tight hats or hairstyles that pull on the hair for the first few days.
- ✗Don't expose your scalp to direct sunlight for extended periods for the first week.
- ✗Don't be discouraged by initial shedding, as this is a normal part of the process.
- ✗Don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
🚨 When to Contact Your Doctor
- ⚠Severe or increasing pain, swelling, or redness at the injection sites.
- ⚠Signs of infection, such as pus or drainage from the injection sites, fever, or chills.
- ⚠Excessive bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.
- ⚠Allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.
- ⚠Dizziness, fainting, or severe headache.
- ⚠Numbness or tingling that persists for more than a few days.
💡 Tips for Optimal Results
- ›Follow a consistent treatment plan as recommended by your doctor, which may involve multiple sessions.
- ›Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
- ›Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- ›Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals known to support hair health, such as biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin D, after consulting with your doctor.
- ›Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- ›Avoid harsh chemical treatments and excessive heat styling.
- ›Protect your scalp from the sun.
- ›Consider combining PRP with other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil or finasteride, as recommended by your doctor.
- ›Be patient and consistent with your treatment and aftercare.
- ›Schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.