Autologous PRP for Hair Loss: The Riyadh Method

The application of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Riyadh(حقن البلازما للشعر في الرياض) embodies a highly personalized and regenerative approach to aesthetic medicine. The term "autologous" simply means the material—the plasma—is sourced from the patient's own body, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission and maximizing biological compatibility.¹ This technique is a cornerstone of non-surgical hair restoration across the capital, frequently employed in both dermatology and specialized hair transplant clinics.

The Riyadh method of delivering autologous PRP is characterized by the use of advanced concentration technology and a structured, multi-session protocol aimed at achieving maximum hair follicle stimulation and density improvement.²

The Autologous Advantage and Standardization

Autologous PRP relies on the patient’s own blood, which is the foundational element of its high safety profile and efficacy in stimulating hair growth.³ The procedure works by delivering a super-concentrated dose of the body's natural healing and growth factors directly to the miniaturizing hair follicles.⁴

The Protocol in Riyadh Clinics

While no single universal protocol exists, high-standard clinics in Riyadh adhere to a meticulous, multi-step process to ensure a potent and sterile final product:

1. Blood Collection: A small volume of peripheral venous blood (typically 10 mL to 60 mL, depending on the system and required concentration) is collected from the patient's arm.⁵ Anticoagulants are often added to the collection tubes to prevent clotting.

    

2. Advanced Centrifugation: The collected blood is processed in specialized, high-quality centrifuge systems.⁶ Many clinics utilize advanced devices (sometimes referred to by proprietary names or as "double-spin" systems) designed to yield a plasma fraction with a platelet concentration 5 to 8 times higher than baseline blood levels.⁷ The goal is often to minimize the contamination of red blood cells and white blood cells (leukocytes), as some studies suggest a "purer" PRP may be more effective for hair restoration.

    

3. PRP Extraction and Preparation: The concentrated PRP layer is carefully extracted. In some protocols, the PRP is "activated" just before injection using a substance like calcium chloride to ensure the immediate release of growth factors upon administration.⁸ In others, non-activated PRP is preferred, allowing activation to occur naturally upon injection into the tissue.

    

4. Targeted Micro-Injection: The prepared autologous PRP is injected directly into the mid-dermis of the scalp, targeting areas of hair thinning (such as the crown, temples, and frontal hairline). Fine needles are used to minimize discomfort, and sometimes local anesthesia is applied to the scalp beforehand.⁹ The injections are spaced strategically to ensure even distribution of the growth factors across the area of concern.

    

Pricing and Value of Autologous PRP

The autologous nature of the treatment allows clinics to focus the cost entirely on the quality of the service, the technology, and the professional expertise, which drives the varying price spectrum in Riyadh.

• Single Session Cost: The price for a single autologous PRP session typically ranges from 700 SAR to 3,000 SAR.

• The Full Course Investment: Since efficacy relies on continuous stimulation, patients commit to an initial course of 3 to 4 sessions, usually spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.¹⁰ The package price for this initial course often ranges from 3,000 SAR to 10,000 SAR or higher, reflecting the commitment to premium concentration systems.

   

The higher expense for some advanced packages is often justified by proprietary technologies that guarantee maximum concentration and purity of the platelets, maximizing the regenerative potential delivered to the hair follicles.

The Regeneration and Maintenance Commitment

Autologous PRP is a commitment to a cyclical process of regeneration, requiring patience and scheduled follow-up.¹¹

• Results Timeline: Patients typically experience reduced hair shedding within the first few weeks to two months.¹² Visible changes in hair thickness, density, and new hair growth usually become noticeable after the third session, around 3 to 6 months from the start of the treatment.¹³

   

• Long-Term Maintenance: To maintain the achieved hair thickness and density, booster sessions are necessary.¹⁴ These maintenance treatments are typically recommended once or twice a year (every 6 to 12 months), depending on the individual patient's response and the progression of their hair loss condition.¹⁵

   

Integration with Hair Transplant Surgery

Autologous PRP is not just a standalone treatment; it is a vital supportive measure in Riyadh's hair transplant centers.¹⁶ It is routinely used to:

1. Enhance Graft Survival: Injecting PRP into the recipient area immediately following an FUE or DHI procedure provides a concentrated nutrient bath that helps nourish and secure the newly transplanted grafts, improving their survival rate and accelerating their growth.

2. Accelerate Healing: It significantly speeds up the healing process in both the donor and recipient areas, reducing post-operative redness and swelling.¹⁷

    

The autologous PRP method in Riyadh offers a sophisticated and biologically sound path for individuals fighting hair loss. By investing in the body's own regenerative power, patients seek to achieve a natural increase in hair density, quality, and overall scalp health, underpinned by a precise and evidence-based clinical protocol.