Hair thinning can change more than your appearance. You may start checking your part in every mirror, adjusting your hairstyle to cover your crown, or worrying about the hair collecting in your shower. At Fine Skin Dermatology, we help you understand what is happening and explore treatment with a clear medical plan.
We offer PRP hair restoration at all four Fine Skin Dermatology locations: Orland Park, Joliet, Burr Ridge, and New Lenox, Illinois. This nonsurgical treatment uses platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood to support hair growth in suitable patients, particularly those with male or female pattern hair loss.
Our approach starts with your diagnosis. We examine your scalp, discuss your symptoms, and consider whether PRP belongs in your treatment plan. We also explain alternatives, expected progress, and the commitment involved in maintaining results.
Whether you have recently noticed a widening part or have been managing thinning hair for years, we want you to feel informed about your next step.
Schedule your hair restoration consultation with Fine Skin Dermatology or call 888-723-5944.
What Is PRP Hair Restoration?
PRP hair restoration is an office-based procedure that involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into areas of scalp thinning. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, while platelets contain proteins involved in healing and cellular signaling.
To prepare PRP, we collect a blood sample and process it in a centrifuge. This separates blood components so that a platelet-rich portion can be prepared for treatment. We then administer small injections across the selected scalp areas.
PRP is described as an autologous treatment because it comes from your own body. The objective is to support the activity of existing hair follicles and improve hair coverage where treatment is appropriate. It does not involve transplanting follicles from another area of your scalp.
Cleveland Clinic’s overview of PRP therapy explains this blood-processing and injection approach and discusses its use for male and female pattern hair loss.
At Fine Skin Dermatology, we place the procedure within the bigger picture: what is causing your thinning, which areas remain treatable, and what combination of care gives you a reasonable path forward.
How PRP May Support Hair Growth
Hair follicles pass through repeating phases: anagen, the active growth phase; catagen, a transitional phase; and telogen, a resting phase. Hair shedding and replacement are part of this cycle, but certain conditions disrupt the balance.
In androgenetic alopecia, also called pattern hair loss, susceptible follicles gradually produce finer, shorter hairs. This process is known as follicular miniaturization. Over time, it can make your part appear wider or reduce visible coverage across your crown.
PRP contains signaling proteins, including platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Researchers are investigating how these signals influence follicular cells and the surrounding tissue. The proposed benefits involve supporting follicle activity and the local environment needed for hair growth.
A small randomized, placebo-controlled study of PRP for pattern hair loss reported improvements in hair density and changes in tissue markers after treatment. Its findings support further investigation, but they do not establish that every patient will respond.
We explain this distinction during your consultation. A biological mechanism can make a treatment promising; your diagnosis and actual progress determine whether it is worthwhile for you.
We Start by Finding the Cause of Your Hair Loss
Thinning hair is a symptom with several possible explanations. A receding hairline, sudden shedding, and a smooth bald patch may require very different treatment decisions.
Our general dermatology services include evaluation of hair loss, alopecia, and scalp conditions. Before recommending PRP, we consider how your hair loss began, how quickly it has changed, and whether your scalp shows signs of irritation or inflammation.
Your history may include recent illness, childbirth, medication changes, restrictive dieting, or family members with similar thinning. These details help us distinguish hereditary hair loss from other causes.
Depending on your examination, we may recommend targeted testing. This can include blood tests when there is a reason to investigate iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, or another contributing condition. Some patients need a closer scalp examination or biopsy to clarify the diagnosis; these are not automatic requirements for everyone.
Our blog article, Everything Medical Dermatology Orland Park Patients Need to Know, explains how hair and scalp evaluation fits into our broader dermatology care.
The aim is practical: we want your treatment to address the reason you are losing hair, rather than leave an underlying problem unexplored.
Who May Benefit From PRP Hair Restoration?
PRP is most commonly considered for people with pattern hair loss who still have existing hair in the affected areas. Your candidacy depends on your scalp examination, medical history, expectations, and willingness to attend follow-up appointments.
Men With Gradual Hair Thinning
For men noticing reduced coverage at the crown or thinning through the top of the scalp, we evaluate whether androgenetic alopecia is responsible. We also assess the hairline and discuss how long those changes have been present.
Hereditary male pattern hair loss involves genetic susceptibility and androgen-related effects, including the influence of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. PRP is one treatment option to discuss, while medications may address other aspects of the condition. Cleveland Clinic’s guide to male pattern baldness outlines the condition and available treatment categories.
Your priorities matter. Some men want to preserve current coverage; others want to improve the appearance of a specific thinning area. We discuss which goals are realistic.
Women With a Widening Part or Reduced Density
Female pattern hair loss often becomes noticeable as a widening part or thinning over the upper scalp. We understand how frustrating it can feel when your ponytail seems smaller or styling no longer gives you the coverage you want.
We evaluate whether pattern hair loss, increased shedding, or more than one condition is contributing. Hormonal history and pregnancy plans may also affect treatment choices.
The American Academy of Dermatology’s guide to female pattern hair loss discusses PRP as a developing option while emphasizing that more research is needed. We bring that balanced perspective into our recommendations.
People Seeking a Nonsurgical Option
PRP may appeal to you if you want an office-based procedure without transplant surgery. However, choosing a nonsurgical option still requires considering injections, follow-up visits, cost, and variable results.
You do not need to arrive certain that PRP is the answer. Your consultation is where we help you decide.
When Another Treatment May Come First
We do not recommend PRP simply because hair loss is present.
Telogen effluvium can cause increased shedding after physical or emotional stress, illness, childbirth, or other triggers. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause patchy hair loss. Tight hairstyles may contribute to traction alopecia, while infection and inflammatory scalp disease require their own evaluation. The American Academy of Dermatology’s overview of hair-loss causes explains these important differences.
Scarring alopecia deserves particular attention. In these conditions, inflammation can permanently damage follicles. Treatment often focuses on controlling the disease and protecting remaining hair. PRP should not be presented as a reliable way to replace follicles that have been destroyed. Cleveland Clinic’s scarring alopecia guidance explains why early assessment matters.
Contact us promptly if thinning comes with burning, tenderness, significant scaling, or rapidly expanding patches. We want to evaluate these symptoms before planning a cosmetic procedure.
Choosing Fine Skin Dermatology means having that diagnostic conversation first, even when the best initial recommendation is something other than PRP.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your consultation gives us an opportunity to understand both your hair loss and what you want treatment to accomplish.
We will discuss when you first noticed changes, which areas concern you, and whether shedding has increased. Tell us about treatments you have already tried, including minoxidil, prescription medications, supplements, scalp oils, or procedures performed elsewhere.
Bring a current medication list and, if available, older photographs showing your hair before the changes began. Photos can help explain your concerns, especially when thinning has progressed gradually.
We also want to hear what a successful outcome would mean to you. Your goal might be better coverage along your part, less concern about your crown, or a manageable long-term routine.
Before you decide, we discuss the proposed treatment area, likely appointment schedule, possible side effects, and how progress will be reviewed. You should leave with a clear understanding of the recommendation and room to ask questions.
Learn more about Fine Skin Dermatology and our approach to care.
Your PRP Scalp Treatment Appointment, Step by Step
1. Review and Treatment Planning
We review relevant changes in your health and medications and confirm the scalp areas being considered for treatment. Tell us if you have developed an illness, scalp irritation, or a new medical concern since your consultation.
This is also the time to discuss injection anxiety or previous difficulty with blood draws. Knowing your concerns helps us plan your visit.
2. Blood Collection
We collect a sample of your blood for PRP preparation. As with a routine blood draw, you may feel a brief pinch, and some bruising at the collection site is possible.
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma Preparation
Your blood sample is processed to separate its components and prepare the platelet-rich portion. Preparation methods can differ between systems and practices, which is one reason treatment protocols should be discussed rather than assumed to be identical everywhere.
4. Scalp Injections
We clean the treatment area and administer PRP through a series of small injections. We discuss comfort measures beforehand so you know what to expect.
You may experience stinging, pressure, or tenderness. We encourage you to tell us how you are feeling during the procedure.
5. Aftercare and Follow-Up
Before you leave, we explain scalp care and the timing of your next visit. Ask about washing your hair, applying products, returning to exercise, and resuming any topical scalp treatments.
For a general explanation of preparation and injection-related considerations, see Cleveland Clinic’s PRP injection overview.
Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?
PRP can improve hair density in some patients with androgenetic alopecia, but improvement is not universal.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found improved hair density compared with placebo at three and six months. However, the findings for hair count and diameter were less consistent. That distinction matters: a treatment can show benefit for one measurement without proving the same benefit for every outcome patients care about.
Individual trials also report different results. In one randomized controlled study, both PRP-treated and placebo-treated areas improved, without a significant difference in density change between the groups. Another placebo-controlled pilot trial did not demonstrate improvement from PRP alone.
At Fine Skin Dermatology, we use this evidence to support an honest conversation. We do not promise a specific percentage of regrowth or suggest that published photographs predict your personal results.
We focus on whether you are a reasonable candidate, whether treatment fits your priorities, and whether your own follow-up findings justify continuing.
How Many PRP Sessions Will You Need?
PRP usually involves a series of treatments rather than a single visit. A commonly described approach begins with monthly appointments for approximately three months, followed by maintenance when appropriate. The American Academy of Dermatology’s hair-loss treatment guidance describes repeat injections and ongoing maintenance.
Your schedule at Fine Skin Dermatology will depend on your assessment and response. We will explain the proposed interval before you begin.
Timing may influence outcomes. A randomized study comparing PRP treatment schedules found greater improvement with an initial monthly approach than with a less frequent schedule in that study population. This does not establish one perfect protocol for everyone.
We also discuss the practical commitment. If attending regular appointments will be difficult, tell us early. Treatment planning should account for your calendar and budget as well as your scalp.
Missing one appointment is a reason to contact us and adjust the schedule, rather than assume the entire plan has failed.
When Will You See Results?
Hair changes develop gradually, so immediate visible regrowth is not a reasonable expectation.
Research commonly evaluates PRP outcomes over several months. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials discusses improvements in density alongside limitations in the available evidence and differences among study protocols.
We encourage you to evaluate progress over the interval discussed during your consultation. Changes in hairstyle, lighting, hair length, or the use of concealing fibers can make casual before-and-after comparisons misleading.
For your own photographs, use the same room, angle, part placement, and approximate hair condition each time. Tell us if you have started another treatment, because that can affect how we interpret changes.
Your follow-up discussion should also include whether the benefit feels meaningful to you. A measurable difference and a satisfying cosmetic result are related, but they are not always the same thing.
PRP Compared With Other Hair-Loss Treatments
Different treatments serve different purposes. We help you compare the options relevant to your diagnosis rather than assume that every choice is interchangeable.
Treatment | Main role | Ongoing commitment | Key consideration |
PRP scalp injections | May support improved hair density in suitable patients | Initial treatment series and possible maintenance | Results vary; blood collection and injections are required |
Topical minoxidil | Supports growth in certain forms of pattern hair loss | Regular application to maintain benefit | Scalp irritation and other side effects are possible |
Prescription oral treatment | Addresses selected hair-loss pathways according to the medication | Continued treatment and appropriate monitoring | Suitability depends on medical history, risks, and reproductive considerations |
Low-level light therapy | Uses selected light-based devices to support growth | Repeated use over time | Evidence, device characteristics, and response vary |
Hair transplantation | Redistributes existing donor follicles to selected areas | Surgical planning and recovery | Requires suitable donor hair and a broader plan for ongoing hair loss |
This comparison describes treatment categories for discussion; it does not mean that every option is appropriate for you or offered at every Fine Skin office. Cleveland Clinic’s hair-loss treatment overview provides additional background.
Can We Combine PRP With Medication?
For some patients, we may discuss PRP alongside an appropriate medical treatment. Combination care aims to address more than one aspect of hair loss.
We review what you already use, how well you tolerate it, and whether it is helping. We will also explain which treatments should continue around your appointments. Do not stop prescribed medication or change your dose based on an online comparison.
Our cosmetic dermatology services include PRP, while our medical dermatology care helps us evaluate the underlying hair and scalp concerns that shape treatment decisions.
Safety, Side Effects, and Medical Considerations
PRP uses your own blood, but it remains a medical procedure with potential risks.
Reported effects in the PRP literature include injection discomfort, scalp tenderness, swelling, bruising, and headache. A systematic review of PRP for alopecia discusses safety findings alongside the limitations of available studies.
Before treatment, tell us about bleeding problems, low platelet counts, anemia, active infections, and all medications or supplements you take. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant medical conditions also need to be discussed as part of your individual assessment.
We will explain whether anything in your history changes your candidacy or requires coordination with another treating physician. Never independently discontinue aspirin, an anticoagulant, or another prescribed medication to prepare for PRP.
After treatment, contact us if you develop worsening pain, spreading redness, drainage, fever, or another unexpected symptom. Clear communication before and after the procedure is part of responsible care.
Caring for Your Hair Between PRP Appointments
Your daily routine should support comfortable scalp care and avoid unnecessary damage.
Use gentle handling when washing, detangling, and styling. Repeated pulling from tight hairstyles, excessive heat, and harsh processing can add breakage or traction-related problems to existing thinning.
Nutrition also matters, but more supplements do not automatically mean more growth. The American Academy of Dermatology’s hair-loss self-care guidance recommends discussing supplements before taking them and notes that excessive amounts of some nutrients can worsen hair loss.
Bring your products and supplement list to your consultation if you are unsure what belongs in your routine. We can discuss which concerns require treatment and which habits may need adjustment.
Follow the instructions we give you after each PRP session. Generic online timelines for washing, exercise, coloring, or scalp products may differ from the guidance appropriate to your appointment.
How Much Does PRP Hair Restoration Cost?
Your PRP cost depends on the treatment plan recommended after your evaluation. Contact Fine Skin Dermatology for current pricing rather than relying on another practice’s advertised rate.
When considering the investment, ask about the initial series, follow-up appointments, and possible maintenance. Comparing one injection session with a complete course of care can create a misleading impression of value.
Useful questions include:
- What is included in the quoted treatment price?
- How many initial sessions are recommended?
- When will we review whether treatment is helping?
- What maintenance might be appropriate?
- Are consultation, testing, or medication costs separate?
We want the financial commitment to be understandable before you decide. Share your budget concerns so we can discuss the options relevant to your diagnosis and goals.
Insurance coverage for a medical hair-loss evaluation can differ from coverage for PRP. Ask our team and your insurer about your specific benefits; do not assume that coverage for an office visit also covers the procedure.
Why Choose Fine Skin Dermatology?
Choosing a hair-restoration practice means choosing the team you will turn to for questions, treatment decisions, and follow-up.
Fine Skin Dermatology was founded by Dr. Renuka Bhatt, our board-certified dermatologist. Our practice brings medical and cosmetic dermatology together, allowing us to consider both scalp health and your appearance-related goals.
We want you to understand the reason behind our recommendation. That includes explaining when PRP may be suitable, when another treatment deserves attention, and when your expectations need a more detailed discussion.
Our four locations also give you options for arranging ongoing visits close to your routine. Consistency is easier to plan when you can choose an office that works for your daily life.
If scheduling is a concern, our guide to seeing a telehealth dermatologist explains how virtual visits may help with selected consultations and follow-up needs. PRP injections require an in-person appointment, and some hair-loss concerns also need an office examination.
PRP Hair Restoration at All Four Fine Skin Locations
Fine Skin Dermatology offers PRP hair restoration in Orland Park, Joliet, Burr Ridge, and New Lenox. When you contact us, let us know your preferred office so we can help coordinate your consultation and treatment schedule.
PRP Hair Restoration in Orland Park
Visit our Orland Park office at 10743 W 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60467.
Call 708-226-0044 to discuss an appointment. We welcome patients who want an evaluation of thinning hair and a clear explanation of whether PRP fits their needs.
PRP Hair Restoration in Joliet
Our Joliet office is located at 2202 Essington Rd, Suite 101, Joliet, IL 60435.
Call 815-676-5310 to arrange your consultation. Tell us about the changes you have noticed and any hair-loss treatments you currently use.
PRP Hair Restoration in Burr Ridge
Find our Burr Ridge office at 570 Village Center Dr, Suite 201, Burr Ridge, IL 60527.
Call 630-789-9900 to ask about scheduling. We will help you take the next step toward understanding your options for hair restoration.
PRP Hair Restoration in New Lenox
Our New Lenox office is located at 120 Batson Court, 2nd Floor, New Lenox, IL 60451.
Call 815-717-8606 to request an appointment. For more about comprehensive examinations, our article on skin exams in New Lenox explains why the scalp deserves attention alongside other skin concerns.
Take the Next Step Toward a Personalized Hair-Restoration Plan
You do not have to keep guessing why your hair is thinning or which treatment to try next.
At Fine Skin Dermatology, we help you connect your symptoms with a diagnosis and understand the choices available to you. If PRP is appropriate, we explain the procedure, proposed schedule, costs, and follow-up plan before you begin.
Contact Fine Skin Dermatology or call 888-723-5944 to schedule your consultation in Orland Park, Joliet, Burr Ridge, or New Lenox.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Hair Restoration
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Hair Restoration
PRP can improve hair density in some people with pattern hair loss, but it does not work for everyone. Your diagnosis, remaining follicles, and individual response influence the outcome. We evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate and explain how we will review progress before recommending a treatment course.
Is PRP worth the money?
That depends on your candidacy, expectations, response, and budget. Questions about value and maintenance recur in patient discussions about PRP experiences, but individual testimonials cannot predict your outcome. We help you compare the full treatment commitment with other appropriate options so you can make an informed decision.
How many PRP sessions do I need for hair loss?
Many treatment approaches start with approximately three monthly sessions, followed by reassessment and possible maintenance. Your recommendation may differ. At Fine Skin Dermatology, we explain your proposed schedule after examining your scalp and reviewing your history. One appointment should not be treated as a complete test of every possible PRP benefit.
How long does it take to see results?
Expect assessment over several months rather than days. Hair growth is gradual, and research commonly measures outcomes at three to six months. We discuss a reasonable review period for your plan and encourage consistent photographs instead of daily comparisons that can be distorted by lighting and styling.
Are PRP hair-restoration results permanent?
PRP should not be considered a permanent cure for hereditary hair loss. Pattern hair loss can continue over time, and maintenance may be considered if you benefit. We discuss the longer-term plan before treatment so you can consider future visits and related costs alongside the initial series.
What happens if I stop PRP?
Benefits may diminish, and the underlying hair-loss condition may continue progressing. The timing varies between patients. Stopping does not automatically mean your hair will become worse than it would otherwise have been. If you want to discontinue treatment, we can review your progress and discuss an ongoing plan that fits your priorities.
Is PRP better than minoxidil?
There is no single answer for every patient. Minoxidil and PRP differ in their use, cost, evidence, and practical commitment. We consider your diagnosis and treatment history when comparing them. Some patients may discuss combination treatment, while others may prefer an appropriate medication-based approach before considering procedures.
Can I have PRP without taking finasteride?
Finasteride is not a universal requirement for PRP. Whether it belongs in your care depends on your diagnosis, medical history, reproductive considerations, and preferences. Tell us if you have concerns about medication or have experienced side effects. We will explain the advantages and limitations of the options appropriate for you.
Does PRP work for women?
PRP may be considered for suitable women with female pattern hair loss. However, a widening part and increased shedding can have different or overlapping causes. We examine your scalp and discuss your health history before recommending treatment. Pregnancy plans, breastfeeding, and current medications should be part of that conversation.
Can PRP restore a receding hairline or bald crown?
The answer depends on the condition of the follicles in that area. We assess whether there is treatable thinning and discuss the degree of improvement that may be realistic. PRP should not be expected to recreate a youthful hairline or reliably restore a long-standing, completely bald area.
Is PRP painful?
You may feel stinging, pressure, or tenderness during scalp injections, along with the brief discomfort of the blood draw. Sensitivity varies. We discuss comfort measures before treatment and encourage you to tell us if you are anxious about needles. PRP should not be advertised as completely painless.
Can PRP cause more shedding?
If you notice increased shedding after treatment, contact us rather than assuming it is necessary for regrowth. Hair-cycle changes, the underlying diagnosis, and changes to other treatments may need review. We want to understand the timing and severity, especially if shedding is accompanied by pain, redness, or scalp irritation.
Can I wash my hair or exercise after PRP?
Follow the instructions we provide for your appointment. We will explain when to wash your scalp, resume exercise, and restart topical treatments or styling products. If you have an important event, color appointment, or strenuous activity planned, mention it before treatment so we can discuss timing.
Is PRP the same as PRF or microneedling with PRP?
No. PRF means platelet-rich fibrin and differs from PRP in preparation and composition. Microneedling is a separate technique and should not be assumed to provide the same treatment as scalp injections. Our microneedling with PRP page describes skin-focused uses. We explain the specific procedure recommended for your hair concerns.
Do you offer PRP hair restoration at every Fine Skin location?
Yes. We offer PRP hair restoration at all four Fine Skin Dermatology locations: Orland Park, Joliet, Burr Ridge, and New Lenox. Call 888-723-5944 or request your consultation online. Let us know which office you prefer, and we will help you plan the next step.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
