What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of your own blood containing 3 to 5 times the normal concentration of growth factors and healing proteins, injected into the area of injury or pain.

What is PRF and how does it differ from PRP?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate that forms a fibrin matrix releasing growth factors over 7 to 10 days, unlike standard PRP. University Pain Consultants offers both.

What conditions can PRP treat?

PRP treats osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder), tendon injuries, ligament sprains, chronic low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, degenerative disc conditions, plantar fasciitis, and chronic bursitis.

How many PRP injections will I need?

Most patients improve after 1 to 3 injections spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Many experience relief lasting 12 to 18 months or longer.

How is PRP different from cortisone injections?

PRP stimulates tissue regeneration and collagen production rather than just suppressing inflammation. Results are more durable and avoid the risks of repeated steroid exposure.

Does insurance cover PRP therapy?

Most insurance plans classify PRP as investigational. Self-pay pricing is available and HSA or FSA funds are generally eligible.

What happens during the PRP procedure?

The visit takes 45 to 60 minutes. Blood is drawn, centrifuged for 10 minutes, and injected under ultrasound guidance. Most patients resume light activity the same day.

Am I a good candidate for PRP?

Ideal candidates have musculoskeletal injury or degenerative joint disease without adequate relief from physical therapy or traditional injections. Dr. Guiang reviews your history at the initial consultation.

What should I avoid before a PRP injection?

Stop NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) and fish oil 5 to 7 days before the procedure. These suppress platelet function. Stay hydrated and do not fast.

How does ketamine relieve chronic pain?

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that blocks receptors driving central sensitization. At sub-anesthetic doses it resets aberrant pain signaling, providing relief that outlasts the infusion by weeks to months.

What chronic pain conditions does IV ketamine treat?

IV ketamine treats CRPS, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, refractory migraines, central sensitization syndromes, chronic low back pain, post-surgical pain, and treatment-resistant depression co-occurring with chronic pain.

How many ketamine infusions will I need?

The standard protocol is 4 to 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks. Most responders notice improvement by the third or fourth infusion. Maintenance infusions follow every 6 to 12 weeks.

What should I expect during a ketamine infusion?

Each infusion runs 40 to 60 minutes with continuous monitoring. Most patients experience mild dissociation that resolves within 30 minutes. A driver is required on infusion days.

Is IV ketamine the same as Spravato (esketamine)?

No. Spravato is intranasal esketamine approved for depression. IV racemic ketamine is the full molecule with a larger evidence base for chronic pain and more precise dosing.

Is ketamine infusion therapy safe?

At sub-anesthetic doses in a monitored setting, IV ketamine has a well-established safety profile. Dr. Guiang is board-certified in anesthesiology. Side effects at pain doses are mild. Addiction risk is very low.

Does insurance cover IV ketamine for pain?

Coverage is limited. Most payers do not cover IV ketamine as a primary pain treatment. Self-pay pricing is available.

Can ketamine treat both chronic pain and depression?

Yes. Ketamine acts on overlapping neurobiology of pain and depression simultaneously. Up to 50 percent of chronic pain patients meet criteria for depression. Dr. Guiang coordinates with your mental health provider.

Who is not a candidate for IV ketamine?

Contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis or schizophrenia, recent stroke, and active ketamine or PCP use disorder. A full intake evaluation is completed before scheduling.

What is low dose naltrexone (LDN)?

Low dose naltrexone (LDN) uses naltrexone at 1.5 to 4.5 mg per day, one-tenth the standard addiction dose. It transiently blocks opioid receptors to upregulate endorphin production and reduce microglial activation, producing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

How is LDN different from standard naltrexone?

Standard naltrexone (50 mg) fully blocks opioid receptors to treat addiction. LDN uses intermittent partial blockade to reduce neuroinflammation. LDN does not cause sedation, weight gain, or physical dependence.

What is the evidence for LDN in fibromyalgia?

Double-blind, placebo-controlled Stanford trials showed statistically significant reductions in fibromyalgia pain, fatigue, and quality of life, with approximately 30 percent symptom reduction in responders. Additional UK and Israeli trials support these findings.

What other conditions can LDN help with?

LDN has emerging evidence for Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, CRPS, lupus, chronic Lyme disease, and long COVID, due to its mechanism of reducing central neuroinflammation.

How long does it take for LDN to work?

LDN typically requires 4 to 12 weeks for meaningful pain relief. A minimum 3-month trial is recommended. Dosing starts at 1.5 mg and titrates upward by 1.5 mg every 2 to 4 weeks.

What are the side effects of LDN?

LDN is very well tolerated. Vivid dreams in the first few weeks is the most common side effect, usually resolving with continued use. It does not cause sedation, cognitive impairment, weight gain, or dependence.

Can I take LDN if I am on opioid pain medication?

No. LDN cannot be taken with opioids or tramadol because it can precipitate acute withdrawal. A supervised opioid taper is required first.

Is LDN covered by insurance and where is it obtained?

LDN is compounded and not covered by insurance. Monthly cost is approximately $30 to $60. University Pain Consultants provides prescriptions to trusted compounding pharmacies.

Naltrexone is FDA-approved at 50 mg. LDN at 1.5 to 4.5 mg is prescribed off-label, which is legal and common. The FDA has not disapproved LDN; no large approval trial exists because naltrexone is generic.

PRP & PRF Hair Restoration | UPC Regenerative Medicine

UPC Regenerative Medicine • Hair Restoration

Platelet-Rich Plasma & Platelet-Rich FibrinPRP & PRF for Hair Restoration

Harness the regenerative power of your own blood to reverse hair thinning, stimulate dormant follicles, and restore density — naturally, safely, and without surgery. Our physician-performed biologic treatments are backed by a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence.

100% Autologous — Your Own Blood No Surgery Physician-Performed Minimal Downtime

Book a Consultation

All injections are physician-performed under sterile technique. Our board-certified anesthesiologist and pain specialist brings precision injection expertise to every scalp treatment — no technician-administered protocols.

Understanding the Treatment

How PRP & PRF Restore Hair

Hair loss — whether from genetics, hormonal changes, stress, or aging — occurs when hair follicles miniaturize and eventually stop producing terminal (thick, pigmented) hairs. The follicles themselves often remain present but dormant, starved of the growth signals they need to reactivate.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) are autologous biologics — prepared from your own blood — that deliver a highly concentrated payload of growth factors directly into the scalp. These growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-β, EGF, IGF-1) act on dormant follicles, stimulating their reactivation, extending the anagen (growth) phase, improving follicular blood supply, and reducing the DHT-mediated miniaturization that underlies androgenic alopecia.

Because PRP and PRF are derived entirely from your own blood, there is no risk of allergic reaction, immune rejection, or disease transmission. The treatment is minimally invasive, performed in-office, and requires no surgical recovery.

Why choose PRP/PRF over other hair loss treatments? Minoxidil requires lifelong daily use and causes rebound shedding when stopped. Finasteride carries systemic hormonal side effects. Hair transplant surgery is invasive and expensive. PRP/PRF offers a non-surgical, non-pharmacologic, biologically driven alternative — or a powerful complement to existing therapies.

Growth Factors Delivered

PDGF — proliferation

VEGF — vascularization

TGF-β — cell regulation

EGF — epithelial growth

IGF-1 — anagen extension

FGF — follicle stimulation

Choosing Your Treatment

PRP vs. PRF — What's the Difference for Hair?

Both biologics are prepared from your own blood and deliver growth factors to the scalp. PRF represents the next generation — a more natural preparation with a slower, more sustained growth factor release that many clinicians now prefer for hair restoration.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)First Generation

Preparation Blood drawn with anticoagulant; centrifuged to isolate platelet-rich fraction

Form Liquid — injected directly into the scalp dermis

Growth factor release Rapid burst — most released within hours to 1–2 days

Fibrin scaffold None — no structural matrix in the scalp tissue

Platelet concentration 3–8× baseline blood levels

Additives Requires anticoagulant; sometimes activated with thrombin or calcium chloride

Evidence Most extensively studied for hair loss — majority of published RCTs use PRP

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)Second Generation — Advanced

Preparation Blood drawn without anticoagulant; slow spin allows natural fibrin polymerization

Form Injectable liquid (i-PRF) or fibrin membrane — versatile for scalp use

Growth factor release Sustained — slow release over 7–14 days from fibrin matrix

Fibrin scaffold Rich 3-D fibrin matrix that supports cell migration and anchors growth factors

Platelet concentration Lower platelet count but higher leukocyte content and sustained release

Additives None — completely natural, no anticoagulants or activators needed

Evidence Growing evidence base; PRF shown superior to PRP in hair transplant graft survival studies

Our approach: Our physician selects PRP, PRF, or a combined protocol based on your specific pattern of hair loss, scalp condition, and the latest evidence. Many patients benefit from a combination approach. We will discuss the optimal strategy at your consultation.

The Science

How PRP & PRF Stimulate Hair Regrowth

Follicle Reactivation via Growth Factors

PDGF and EGF directly stimulate dermal papilla cells — the control center of the hair follicle — promoting their proliferation and signaling follicles to re-enter the anagen (active growth) phase. IGF-1 extends anagen duration, while FGF counteracts the follicular miniaturization driven by DHT. The result is more follicles actively growing, for longer periods.

Improved Scalp Vascularization

VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) stimulates the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis) around hair follicles. Follicles are highly metabolically active — adequate blood supply is essential for optimal growth. Many cases of hair thinning involve compromised follicular microcirculation, which PRP directly addresses by promoting new vessel formation in the perifollicular dermis.

Anti-apoptotic & Cell Survival Effects

Growth factors in PRP and PRF activate PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways within follicle cells, suppressing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and promoting cell survival. This prevents premature entry into catagen (regression phase) and delays transition into telogen (resting phase) — effectively prolonging each hair's productive lifespan.

Stem Cell Activation in the Bulge Region

Hair follicle stem cells reside in the "bulge" of the follicle outer root sheath. PRP-derived growth factors activate these quiescent stem cells, driving them to proliferate and differentiate into new follicle cells. This stem cell activation is considered central to PRP's hair restoration mechanism and distinguishes it from topical treatments that cannot penetrate to this depth.

Collagen Remodeling of the Scalp Matrix

TGF-β modulates collagen synthesis in the dermal matrix surrounding follicles. A healthy collagen scaffold supports proper follicle geometry, anchoring, and nutrient exchange. PRF's fibrin matrix provides an immediate physical scaffold while stimulating native collagen production — creating a more favorable microenvironment for follicle function long after the growth factors have dissipated.

DHT Signaling Attenuation

While PRP does not directly block DHT production (as finasteride does), growth factors — particularly IGF-1 and PDGF — activate competing intracellular signaling pathways that partially counteract DHT-mediated follicle miniaturization signals. This mechanism complements rather than replaces anti-androgen therapy, making PRP/PRF an excellent addition to existing medical regimens.

The Procedure

What to Expect During Treatment

The entire procedure is performed in-office and takes approximately 60–90 minutes. No general anesthesia is required. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.

Blood Draw

30–60 mL of your own blood is drawn from a vein in your arm — comparable to a standard lab draw. No donor blood is used.

Centrifugation & Preparation

Your blood is processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich fraction. PRP or PRF is prepared under strict sterile technique.

Scalp Preparation

The treatment area is cleansed and a topical numbing agent or scalp nerve block is applied for comfort. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

Scalp Injection

PRP or PRF is injected in a precise grid pattern across the thinning area — typically the vertex, crown, or temples depending on your pattern of loss.

After your treatment: Mild scalp tenderness and occasional small bruises are normal and typically resolve within 2–3 days. Avoid vigorous scalp washing, heavy exercise, or alcohol for 24 hours. Most patients resume normal activities immediately. A mild shedding phase ("shock loss") may occur 2–4 weeks post-treatment before new growth begins — this is normal and expected.

Who Benefits

Who Is a Candidate for PRP / PRF Hair Restoration?

PRP and PRF are most effective when follicles are thinning or dormant but still present. Ideal candidates have early-to-moderate hair loss. Treatment is not effective in areas of complete follicle loss (scarring or complete baldness).

Male Androgenic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness)

Most studied indication. Most effective in Norwood stages I–IV where follicles are thinning but alive. Published meta-analyses confirm significant hair density improvement.

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

Diffuse thinning at the crown and part line. RCTs confirm PRP and PRF improve hair density and patient-reported outcomes in women with Ludwig grade I–II loss.

Telogen Effluvium

Diffuse shedding triggered by stress, illness, nutritional deficiency, or hormonal change. PRP reactivates follicles and shortens recovery time significantly.

Alopecia Areata

Autoimmune patchy hair loss. PRP's immune-modulating and growth-promoting effects have shown promising results in several clinical trials for mild-to-moderate cases.

Post-Hair Transplant Enhancement

PRF applied around transplanted grafts significantly improves survival and take rates. Multiple studies confirm PRF-treated sides outperform untreated controls in graft retention.

Traction Alopecia (Early)

Hair loss from chronic tension on follicles (tight hairstyles). PRP can help rescue follicles if traction is removed and treatment is initiated before permanent scarring occurs.

Adjunct to Minoxidil or Finasteride

Multiple meta-analyses confirm PRP adds statistically significant benefit over minoxidil alone — making it a powerful complement to existing medical therapy.

Hair Thinning Without Defined Pattern

Diffuse global thinning from aging, nutritional deficiency, or hormonal changes often responds well to PRP/PRF biologic stimulation.

The Evidence

What the Research Shows

Androgenic alopecia affects up to 80% of men by age 70 and up to 40% of women, making it the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. Until recently, treatment options were limited to daily medications with significant side effects or invasive surgery. PRP has emerged as a compelling alternative with a rapidly growing evidence base.

A 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery analyzed 9 RCTs involving 238 patients and found PRP significantly increased hair density at both 3 and 6 months compared to placebo (p < 0.05). A separate meta-analysis (Miura et al.) found a mean increase of 14.38 hairs/cm² (95% CI 6.38–22.38, p < 0.001) — a meaningful and clinically significant improvement.

For PRP as a complement to minoxidil, a 2024 PLOS One meta-analysis of RCTs found hair density at 1, 3, and 5–6 months was all significantly better with PRP + minoxidil than minoxidil alone — confirming the additive value of biologic therapy alongside standard of care.

PRF data is newer but promising. Systematic reviews confirm i-PRF improves hair density, alleviates scalp symptoms, and shows superior graft survival when used alongside hair transplant procedures.

Zhang et al. 2023 — PRP for AGA Meta-analysis (PubMed) Miura et al. — PRP AGA Meta-analysis +14.38 hairs/cm² (PMC) Yao et al. 2024 — PRP + Minoxidil Meta-analysis (PLOS One) Mohale et al. — Injectable PRF Systematic Review (PMC 2024) Kieling et al. 2024 — PRP Efficacy in AGA Systematic Review (PMC) Xiao et al. 2024 — PRP + Minoxidil Meta-analysis (PubMed)

+14.38

Mean increase in hairs/cm² vs. control in PRP meta-analysis (95% CI 6.38–22.38, p < 0.001) — statistically and clinically significant

9 RCTs

Randomized controlled trials analyzed in the 2023 Zhang et al. meta-analysis — confirmed significant hair density improvement at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05)

43+

RCTs (1,877 participants) analyzed in the 2025 Springer Dermatology & Therapy systematic review — the most comprehensive PRP alopecia analysis to date

100%

Of studies in the Donnelly 2024 systematic review reported better outcomes with PRP in male pattern hair loss — with no serious adverse events observed

Clinical Overview

Benefits & Risks

Potential Benefits

Increased hair density and thickness confirmed in multiple peer-reviewed meta-analyses

Slows or halts progressive hair loss in most responders

100% autologous — zero risk of allergic reaction or immune rejection

No systemic hormonal side effects (unlike finasteride)

No daily medication compliance required

Additive benefit when combined with minoxidil — confirmed by meta-analysis

Significantly improves hair transplant graft survival when used as adjunct

Minimal downtime — most patients resume normal activities same day

Improves scalp health and follicular microenvironment beyond just hair count

Safe for both men and women across a wide age range

Risks & Limitations

Mild scalp tenderness and soreness for 1–3 days post-treatment — expected

Small bruises or pinpoint bleeding at injection sites — resolves within days

Temporary shedding ("shock loss") 2–4 weeks after treatment is normal before regrowth

Infection — rare (<0.1%); strict sterile technique minimizes risk

Non-response in approximately 20–30% of patients — results cannot be guaranteed

Results develop slowly — most patients see measurable improvement at 3–6 months

Multiple treatment sessions are typically needed for optimal results

Not effective in areas of complete follicle loss or scarring alopecia

Maintenance treatments recommended every 6–12 months to sustain results

Not covered by health insurance — out-of-pocket investment required

Patient Safety

Contraindications & Precautions

PRP and PRF have an excellent safety profile due to their autologous nature, but a physician evaluation is necessary to confirm suitability.

Active Cancer Absolute

Growth factors in PRP/PRF could theoretically stimulate tumor cell proliferation. Oncologist consultation required before any biologic therapy.

Active Scalp Infection Absolute

Injecting through infected tissue risks spreading infection. Any active scalp infection must be treated and cleared first.

Platelet Disorders / Thrombocytopenia Absolute

Insufficient platelet count renders the PRP/PRF preparation ineffective and may increase bleeding risk.

Therapeutic Anticoagulation Absolute

High-dose anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs) at therapeutic levels carry bleeding risk from multiple scalp injections. Discuss with prescribing physician.

Pregnancy Relative

Insufficient safety data for scalp PRP during pregnancy. Generally deferred until after delivery and breastfeeding.

Autoimmune Conditions on Immunosuppressants Relative

Immunosuppressive therapy may alter PRP response. Case-by-case evaluation with your rheumatologist or prescribing physician.

Recent Corticosteroid Scalp Injections Relative

Prior cortisone at the scalp within 4–6 weeks may reduce PRP efficacy. A washout period is recommended.

Severe Anemia / Low Hemoglobin Relative

May affect the quality and platelet yield of the PRP preparation. Nutritional optimization recommended first.

NSAIDs & Aspirin Relative

Anti-platelet medications reduce platelet function. Ideally stop 5–7 days before treatment if medically safe to do so.

Complete Scarring Alopecia Relative

Fibrotic scarring that has permanently destroyed follicles cannot be reversed with PRP/PRF. Physician evaluation determines whether any viable follicles remain.

Peer-Reviewed Research

Key Published Evidence

Our treatment protocols are grounded in the best available clinical evidence for PRP and PRF in hair restoration.

PRP for AGA — Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs | J Cutan Med Surg 2023

Zhang et al. systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials in 238 patients. PRP significantly increased hair density at 3 and 6 months vs. placebo (p < 0.05). Concluded PRP is an effective and safe treatment for increasing hair density in androgenetic alopecia.

View on PubMed

PRP Meta-analysis — +14.38 hairs/cm² | PMC

Miura et al. meta-analysis of 7 studies in 194 AGA patients found a significantly increased hair number per cm² after PRP injections vs. control (mean difference 14.38, 95% CI 6.38–22.38, p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes also showed improvements in hair thickness and percentage change in hair count.

View Full Text (PMC)

PRP + Minoxidil Meta-analysis — Additive Benefit | PLOS One 2024

Yao et al. meta-analysis of 5 RCTs comparing PRP + minoxidil vs. minoxidil alone. Hair density was significantly greater in the PRP + minoxidil group at 1 month (MD: 11.07), 3 months (MD: 21.81), and 5–6 months (MD: 17.80). All trials reported better outcomes with the combination. Concluded PRP adds statistically significant value to standard minoxidil therapy.

View Full Text (PLOS One)

PRP Efficacy in AGA — Comprehensive Systematic Review | An Bras Dermatol 2024

Kieling et al. comprehensive search across 7 databases with subgroup analysis for activator, spin method, risk of bias, and gender. Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023407334). Concluded PRP effectively increases hair density in AGA, with both male and female patients benefiting. Evidence rated using GRADEpro; high heterogeneity acknowledged as a limitation.

View Full Text (PMC)

Injectable PRF Systematic Review — Alopecia & Facial Rejuvenation | PMC 2024

Mohale et al. PRISMA-compliant systematic review of 7 studies (130 patients) using injectable PRF for alopecia and facial rejuvenation. Concluded i-PRF effectively enhances hair density and alleviates scalp symptoms in AGA patients, offering a promising alternative with minimal adverse reactions. PRF also showed benefit in hair transplant graft survival outcomes.

View Full Text (PMC)

PRP in Alopecia — 43 RCTs, 1,877 Participants | Dermatology & Therapy 2025

Vladulescu et al. (Springer) identified 43 RCTs with 1,877 participants assessing PRP across all alopecia types. Activated PRP was effective in increasing hair density and minimizing recurrence compared with placebo. This represents the largest systematic review of PRP for alopecia published to date, with comprehensive analysis of hair density, thickness, side effects, patient satisfaction, and recurrence.

View Abstract (Springer)

Transparent Pricing

Treatment Pricing

All treatments are physician-performed using fresh, same-session autologous PRP or PRF preparation. Because hair restoration with biologics is a cumulative process, we recommend a series of treatments for optimal and lasting results.

Single Session

$700

per PRP or PRF scalp treatment

Full blood draw, centrifugation & preparation
Physician-performed scalp injection
PRP or PRF protocol tailored to your hair loss pattern
Topical anesthesia for comfort
Post-treatment care instructions
Suitable for maintenance or trial session

Recommended

4-Session Package

Save $300 vs. individual session pricing

$2,500

$625 per session • $300 total savings

4 full physician-performed treatment sessions
Spaced every 4–6 weeks for optimal follicle stimulation
All single-session inclusions across all 4 sessions
Mid-series progress assessment & protocol adjustment
Personalized maintenance plan after series completion
Recommended starting protocol for androgenic alopecia
Consultation fee credited toward package
$300 savings vs. individual session pricing

Maintenance sessions (typically every 6–12 months) available at single-session pricing after your initial series.
PRP/PRF hair restoration is not covered by health insurance. HSA/FSA cards may be accepted — please inquire at your consultation.

Consultation Credit: The $95 initial consultation fee will be fully credited toward any regenerative service you purchase — including PRP/PRF hair restoration. Your consultation fee is never lost.

Ready to Restore Your Hair With Your Own Biology?

Schedule a consultation with our physician to determine whether PRP or PRF hair restoration is right for you.

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Medical Disclaimer: PRP and PRF hair restoration are autologous biologic procedures. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions are made on an individual basis following a comprehensive medical and scalp evaluation. These services are not covered by insurance. All peer-reviewed references are provided for informational purposes and link to publicly available abstracts or full texts.