If you are experiencing hair loss, you have likely come across two popular treatment options: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy and hair transplant surgery. Both treatments can effectively address hair loss, but they work in completely different ways and are suited for different stages of hair loss. PRP is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates your existing hair follicles, while a hair transplant surgically relocates healthy follicles to balding areas. At IMAGE Clinic, our expert dermatologists help you understand which treatment—or combination of treatments—will deliver the best results for your specific condition.
Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide, impacting confidence and self-esteem. The good news is that modern treatments offer real solutions. However, choosing between PRP and hair transplant requires understanding your hair loss pattern, its progression, and your treatment goals.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare PRP therapy and hair transplant surgery, explain how each treatment works, discuss their advantages and limitations, and help you determine which option is right for your hair restoration journey.
Book a hair loss consultation with our expert dermatologists today.
What is PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a non-surgical hair restoration treatment that uses your own blood to stimulate hair growth. The treatment harnesses the healing power of platelets—blood cells rich in growth factors—to rejuvenate dormant hair follicles and promote new hair growth.
How PRP Works:
The PRP process involves three simple steps:
Blood Collection: A small amount of blood (similar to a routine blood test) is drawn from your arm.
Centrifugation: The blood is placed in a centrifuge machine that spins at high speed, separating the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components.
Injection: The concentrated PRP is injected directly into the scalp in areas of thinning hair using fine needles.
The growth factors in PRP stimulate the hair follicles, increase blood supply to the scalp, and prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. This results in thicker, stronger hair and can slow down or reverse hair thinning. Learn more about our PRP hair treatment options.
Important Read: Top Hair Transplant Clinics in Kolkata with Proven Results
What is Hair Transplant Surgery?
Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that permanently restores hair by relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp (donor area) to balding or thinning areas (recipient area). Unlike PRP, which stimulates existing follicles, hair transplant physically moves follicles that are genetically resistant to hair loss.
Types of Hair Transplant:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area using a micro-punch tool. This method leaves tiny, nearly invisible scars and has a faster recovery time.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): A strip of scalp is removed from the donor area, and individual follicular units are dissected and transplanted. This method allows for more grafts in a single session but leaves a linear scar.
At IMAGE Clinic, our surgeons specialise in advanced hair transplant techniques that deliver natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
PRP vs Hair Transplant: Complete Comparison
Understanding the key differences between PRP and hair transplant will help you make an informed decision.
| Feature | PRP Therapy | Hair Transplant |
| Procedure Type | Non-surgical | Surgical |
| How It Works | Stimulates existing follicles | Relocates healthy follicles |
| Best For | Early to moderate hair thinning | Advanced hair loss, bald patches |
| Treatment Time | 30-60 minutes per session | 4-8 hours (single session) |
| Sessions Required | 3-6 initial + maintenance | Usually 1-2 sessions |
| Downtime | None (return to work same day) | 7-14 days recovery |
| Results Timeline | 3-6 months for visible results | 9-12 months for full results |
| Longevity | Requires maintenance sessions | Permanent results |
| Pain Level | Minimal (mild discomfort) | Local anaesthesia used |
| Scarring | No scarring | Minimal (FUE) to linear (FUT) |
Who Should Choose PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is ideal for individuals who:
- Are in the early stages of hair thinning (not completely bald)
- Want to slow down or prevent further hair loss
- Prefer a non-surgical, minimally invasive approach
- Cannot take time off work for recovery
- Want to enhance results after a hair transplant
- Have diffuse thinning across the scalp
- Are looking for a more affordable initial treatment
PRP works best when hair follicles are still present but weakened. It cannot regrow hair in areas that are completely bald. Explore our hair loss treatments for comprehensive options.
Who Should Choose Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant surgery is recommended for individuals who:
- Have significant hair loss with visible bald patches
- Have a receding hairline that they want to restore
- Want permanent, long-lasting results
- Have stable hair loss (not rapidly progressing)
- Have sufficient donor hair at the back and sides of the scalp
- Are in good overall health for surgery
- Have realistic expectations about outcomes
Hair transplant provides permanent results because the transplanted follicles are genetically resistant to the hormones that cause pattern baldness. View real patient results in our gallery.
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Book a consultation, and our experts will assess your hair loss and recommend the best approach.
Can PRP and Hair Transplant Be Combined?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, combining PRP with hair transplant often delivers the best results. Many dermatologists recommend this combination approach for optimal hair restoration.
Important Read: Hair Transplant in Kolkata: Common Questions About Hair Transplants Answered
Benefits of Combining Both Treatments:
Enhanced Graft Survival: PRP applied during or after transplant surgery improves the survival rate of transplanted follicles.
Faster Healing: The growth factors in PRP accelerate wound healing and reduce recovery time.
Strengthens Existing Hair: While a transplant adds new hair, PRP strengthens your existing hair, creating fuller overall coverage.
Prevents Further Loss: Ongoing PRP sessions can help prevent future hair loss in non-transplanted areas.
At IMAGE Clinic, we often recommend PRP sessions before and after hair transplant for patients seeking maximum results. Learn more about our comprehensive hair restoration programmes.
What Results Can You Expect?
PRP Therapy Results:
After 3-4 Sessions: Reduced hair fall, improved hair texture
After 6 Sessions: Visible increase in hair density and thickness
Long-term: Continued improvement with maintenance sessions every 4-6 months
Hair Transplant Results:
1-2 Weeks: Initial healing, transplanted hair may shed (normal)
3-4 Months: New hair begins to grow from transplanted follicles
6-9 Months: Significant visible improvement
12-18 Months: Full results achieved, permanent, natural-looking hair
Why Choose IMAGE Clinic for Hair Restoration in Kolkata?
IMAGE Clinic is Kolkata’s trusted destination for advanced hair restoration treatments. Here is what makes us different:
Expert Dermatologists: Our qualified dermatologists specialise in diagnosing the root cause of hair loss and recommending personalised treatment plans.
US FDA-Approved Technology: We use internationally certified PRP preparation systems and advanced hair transplant equipment for safe, effective results.
67,992+ Patients Treated: Our extensive experience means we understand hair loss patterns in Indian patients and deliver consistently excellent results. Read our patient testimonials.
Comprehensive Hair Analysis: We conduct a thorough scalp analysis to determine the exact cause and stage of hair loss before recommending treatment.
3 Convenient Locations: With branches in Deshapriya Park, Shakespeare Sarani, and Salt Lake, expert hair treatment is accessible from anywhere in Kolkata.
Combination Treatments: We offer integrated hair treatments combining PRP, mesotherapy, and transplant for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP painful?
PRP involves minimal discomfort. Most patients describe it as a mild pricking sensation during injections. Topical numbing cream is applied before the procedure to ensure comfort. There is no downtime, and you can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
How many PRP sessions do I need?
For optimal results, we recommend 4-6 initial PRP sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart. After the initial course, maintenance sessions every 4-6 months help sustain results. The exact number depends on your hair loss stage and treatment goals, which our dermatologist will assess during consultation.
Will hair transplant results look natural?
Yes, modern hair transplant techniques deliver completely natural-looking results. Our surgeons carefully design the hairline to match your facial features and implant follicles at the correct angle and direction. Once healed, transplanted hair grows, falls, and regrows just like your natural hair, and no one can tell the difference.
Can women undergo these treatments?
Absolutely. Both PRP and hair transplant are suitable for women experiencing hair loss. Female pattern hair loss often responds well to PRP therapy. Hair transplant can also be performed on women, though the approach may differ based on the hair loss pattern. Our dermatologists will recommend the most suitable treatment after evaluation.
What is the cost of PRP vs hair transplant?
PRP therapy has a lower per-session cost but requires multiple sessions and ongoing maintenance. Hair transplant has a higher upfront cost but provides permanent results without ongoing treatments. The total investment depends on your hair loss and treatment plan. We offer flexible payment options, including EMI through Bajaj Finance, SaveIn, and credit card instalments. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Ready to Start Your Hair Restoration Journey?
Hair loss does not have to be permanent. Whether PRP, hair transplant, or a combination of both is right for you depends on your unique situation. The first step is a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan from an expert.
Important Read: PRP Therapy for Hair: Is It the Secret to Stronger, Thicker Hair?
Visit IMAGE Clinic at any of our 3 convenient Kolkata locations:
Deshapriya Park Branch: Ground Floor, 34 Kavi Sabitri Pr Chattopadhaya Road, Lansdowne Ter, Deshapriya Park W, Kolkata 700026
Phone: +91 94337 06234 | 033-4004 0575
Shakespeare Sarani Branch: Ground Floor, Embassy Building, 4, Shakespeare Sarani, Elgin, Kolkata 700071
Phone: +91 99031 39028
Salt Lake Branch: EC-33, 2nd Cross Rd, above Aqua Java, EC Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064
Phone: +91 89816 53595
Book Your Hair Loss Consultation Online
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(Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. A consultation with our dermatologist is recommended to determine the most suitable treatment for your specific condition.)
