Longtime WHLP member, Lina, shares her experience having PRP with Dr. Joseph Greco in Sarasota, Florida.
I thought I was at a place of “acceptance”, or as I like to rephrase it, “realization” as I’m not sure if I will ever completely accept my hair loss. I’m a full-time wig wearer. I threw out all my snake oil and promise pills, my 25+ years dealing with hair loss and the ups and down down downs it brings has exhaustipated me.
I’m at a point where I am done with pills and chemicals, Lord knows what kind of lethal cocktail I was ingesting with everything I was putting into my body. Well after reading about PRP on-site I decided this is the one thing I have not tried and decided to look into it further. The premise of using what is in our own body to help heal is very appealing to me, not to mention the NO side effects. I decided I needed to try this treatment. I do realize that with anything else, probably the sooner one seeks treatment the better. That being said a lot of loss and damage has been realized to my hair and scalp as my condition has been going on for years. As much as I am looking for a miracle, I need to have realistic expectations about what PRP can do for me.
For any of you who are curious I decided I would take you along my PRP journey, visit by visit (I will explain why I already decided I would have more than one treatment). I will post pictures along the way – I feel it is my “duty” to put aside my embarrassment and help my sister’s here who have suffered like I have.
Please note: I will be as brief as possible, I am not a doctor, I will probably screw up on terms but I just want to give you a gist of the whole experience.
Treatment #1 – February 17, 2015. Performed by Dr. Joseph Greco in Sarasota Florida.
All this hair is my wig… I de-wigged once in my consult with Dr. Greco.
I met Dr. Greco and his staff. They were so pleasant, reassuring and very professional – I was instantly at ease, although nervous. I went into a medical room where blood was drawn from me, so 5 minutes. Then my blood was taken to the lab where they put it in a centrifuge (I believe that means spin the crap out of it?) This takes like 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, Dr. Greco took me into his office and we discussed my hair loss history and he walked me through the amazing world of PRP.
He showed me research, before and after photos, explained the separation of blood and its components and explained matrixes – not only in treating hair loss but for joint injuries and even burn injuries. To say I was fascinated is a complete understatement – I never knew science was so amazing, nor how healing what is in our body can be, I could of listened to him for hours.
What I took away from this was it could not hurt in the least to have the goodness and proteins of my blood injected into my scalp. Dr. Greco asked me what my objectives were, you girls have seen my shaved head photos, I don’t think it is very realistic to expect I’m going to grow me some Rapunzel hair (darn). I said, I would like to keep what I have and hopefully have the texture improve and perhaps have some fill-in so that I could maintain a very short hair cut under my wig and not have to shave. He told me he thought my goals were very realistic.
I may get this wrong but Dr. Greco said his dad (not 100%) was a doctor and had a patient walk in on a Wednesday who was sick and told the doctor to make him better by Sunday because he had a wedding to go to. The doctor’s reply: “how long have you been sick”?
So as much as I want to see improvement instantly, the moral is patience. This is why I decided I will do more than one treatment to evaluate the personal benefits of PRP. I will say after 5 days my hair does actually feel less wiry and less dry. Dr. Greco says improvements are usually noticed after 4 months. I will take photos every month up until my next treatment, which I am planning to do in August (6 month mark).
Quickly, here is what happened.
After the blood was prepared, I sat in what looks like a dentist’s chair. Dr. Greco and his nurse wet my head with a spray bottle. Then they used a small tool that vibrated while they injected a topical numbing agent – the vibration tricks the mind to not notice your head is being injected. Pain level – please I’ve waxed my legs and that hurts way worse!
After that another small tool is used and rubbed over the scalp in a back and forth motion to disturb the follicles with a little bit of pain (which you don’t feel because you are numb) forcing the follicles to go into a “wake-up heal” mode. Immediately after the blood is injected into your scalp and voila – finito. Total time – around 15 minutes.
Nurse gives you small after-care instructions and off you go to have a glass of wine, oh wait, that’s what I did 🙂
Hair wash next day, little tenderness for 2-3 days. I took zero pain meds.
Now here is where I am to practice my patience…
I need to know that I have done all I can in my hair loss battle so I am very grateful that I tried this treatment, met such compassionate, wonderful professionals in Dr. Greco and his staff and I look forward to seeing them again and having my follicles nourished 🙂
It has been my pleasure from the Get-go to meet Dr. Greco! Say that three times fast 🙂
Stay tuned
hugs and swishes,
Lina
{ 82 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi ,I heard about this treatment sometime in the fall of 2014,didn’t do much research. You know they can piece pictures together to make it look as if it’s working. but with u we can travel alone. I will continue to follow you and keep u in pray. Watching you in your treatments will give us true answer s about this treatment. Thank you for sharing
I have bold spots on both sides of my head and the top of my head is very thin barley have hair on the top. I am a black woman sixty two years old. I can not grow my hair back.I have seen a hair Dr. He ran test and said my follicle was damage.hade me on some pills that did me good. I need some help please.
Looking forward to hearing about your results!
I wish you all sorts of positive luck! I was hoping this was a real story of acceptance…giving up on all the false hopes and taking care of what you DO have. I was disappointed to see that it wasn’t the case. If it works it will be the miracle we’re all secretly hoping for… otherwise it is merely another money making scam, directed at the desperate.
Lina.. Thank You so very much for sharing this journey with us. I have read about this treatment option on WHLP and have been sitting back waiting to hear of some positive results. I have had hair loss for many years, about 35… so I feel like I may be too far gone for any help… I pray that is not so. If I discover this procedure does in fact work, I may consider it even though I live clear across the country in California. I pray for all the women that go thru this debilitating issue. And I call it debilitating because it inhibits our activities so much. No one understands except those women going through it! Thank you again for candidly sharing your experience with us and I will be sure to stay tuned.
Ms P.
Thank you for keeping me in prayer. I will definitely keep you girls updated. You girls will have to help me with the keeping patient part 🙂
Naulla
I am not a doctor and I have no idea what you have been diagnosed with. Maybe you should go see your doctor? All I can do is share my PRP experience as it unfolds. I wish I could help honey.
Lisa
Thank you, I will definitely share.
Lisa F.W.
Well, I’m 25+ in the battle so I am trying to remain hopeful but realistic. I will say from what I learned in discussion with Dr. Greco and the science behind it – feeding my follicles with my blood nutrients can not hurt my situation so I am definitely going to practice some patience – but it’s hard. I will keep you girls updated. And yes – debilitating is a perfect word.
Hi Lina,
I’m praying for you and all our sisters. I have been experiencing hair loss since the age of 13; I’m in my 40s now. I was just diagnosed with androgenic alopecia. I’ve been seeing Dr. Sadick in NYC for PRP for a little over a year thanks to this wonderful blog. I’m now on maintenance therapy. While I’ve had my ups and downs, in general PRP has helped to control the shedding and hair loss. However, since my condition is chronic, it’s certainly not a cure. I’m going through exacerbated shedding again after experiencing severe emotional stress. I’d love to be able to wear a wig, but don’t know if I’d find one that’s comfortable to wear. I wonder how expensive Dr. Greco is since Dr. Sadick can be quite expensive. Thanks so much for sharing with us! Blessings to all
Thanks for this essay, Lina. Good luck to you and keep us posted.
BTW, you are gorgeous.
Lina,
We would love an undate. Even if there is not much new–just your impressions at this point. Also I am guessing you did PRP & CRP. Correct?
Looking forward to hearing.
Sweet Sue, well you sure are sweet, thank you for the compliment (they are so hard to hear still, never mind believe). I’m a work in progress.
megan99, I was going to take a pic on the 17th as it is a month since my treatment. Like I said, I have to practice patience and I have had a lot of bad hair years under my belt. That being said, the one thing I have noticed is my hair feels less flat but the big thing? Well I stopped shaving my head a month ago to see if PRP would help, my hair is all over the place as it hasn’t yet been cut but I have some pieces I would say are 2″ maybe. When I now aggressively brush my hair, whether out of a shower or second day if I haven’t washed my hair – the amount of hairs that come out? Hardly bloody anything – like 10 or less! FOR REAL. That’s gotta be good – coming from the 300+ a day girl! I hope this keeps up and that some new hair can actually grow. Like I said, I’m trying to be patient and not focus too much as it stresses me and obsesses me, which I believe is counter productive. However, I will tell you that not even a month later, I’m already checking my schedule in August to go back to Dr. Greco. I did have the PRP/CRP combo.
Hilary, I am sorry if I disappointed you. I am not trying to give anyone false hope, I am just trying to share my experiences and please note that I feel vulnerable doing so and I only do it because I know how it felt to feel so alone.
As for acceptance, I believe shaving my head and wearing a wig every day and while not advertising, I tell the truth that I am wearing hair. This is a story of taking care of what I have – enter PRP. If I thought this was snake oil, I would not peddle it. I can only share my experience with it. I have been the victim to snake oil salesman of every kind and suffered a long 25 years.
My goal with this treatment is to see if there is any improvement and to at the least keep what I have. I have already decided that if my improvement is not what I hope it to be, I will go back to shaving and keep wearing my wig. I needed to know that I have tried everything I possibly could and this was basically my last thing I didn’t try. I can only tell the truth and share me – you girls here are my family and even if I help demystify or answer one person’s questions or offer my support and friendship, I will feel internally happy, I was alone for so long.
Marie, I copied this from BW’s post.
“Yeah, that would have been helpful to add about the price…. The treatment I had costs $1695 the first time, $1200 for the next one and $1000 for follow up treatments. I guess they offer a $200.00 travel discount for people that fly in for appointments, though that didnt apply to me .”
I don’t know of your doctor or how often it is recommended to have the treatments from him. I am shooting for every six months. It is a lot of money but I have spent so much money on so many things that never helped – I will just consider PRP my vacation money.
I’m sorry to hear you are under a lot of stress lately. I understand that. I hope you can decompress soon and that you continue to see benefits. Hugs to you
Marie, oops I forgot – as far as wearing a wig? There definitely is a whole other process and set of emotions and learning curve but I can tell you this – 3 years later, sometimes I think “oh shit, I forgot to put my wig on”
Instant panic sets in and then I touch my head – whew 🙂
Hi Lina,
I too went to Dr. Greco in July, 2014 for an initial PRP/CRP treatment. I have been dealing with hair loss for about 10 years with all of the same distress I hear everyone else experiencing. Dr. Greco said he recommends people come for 3 treatments 6 months apart to start. It’s now been 8 months since my 1st treatment and I am really struggling with deciding whether to go back given the cost for treatment and travel. My hair is feeling so dry, thin, and crappy right now. I think there MAY have been some bit of improvement after my 1st treatment, but overall, it’s no better today than it was before I went in July. My quandry is wondering if that is an indication that I should bite the $bullet and go back for a next treatment asap, or if it’s an indication that it really wont work for me and will be a waste of money and false hope. It is so hard to have hope for ANYTHING related to fixing this really shitty problem 🙁
Anyway, I don’t mean to be a debbie downer and am certain that it works for some, and hopefully you 🙂
On another note, feeling so terribly about this at the moment, it really is comforting to hear/read what others have to say – to not feel so along and wacked out over my hair. I would love to start some kind of a support group conference call that women could call into 1x/month or something. Would others of you have interest in that? …. just a thought 🙂
Good on you being brave enough to share this experience and for having the energy & hopefulness to try another treatment option! Helps to see if this “natural” treatment will be an effective road to go down. I hope that your hair improves in growth and texture 🙂
I have to be extremely lovable and cheerful all the time to make up for my boldness… that’s hard work!!!I am tired of it!!
Heavy cross to bear….
However, my daughter has a lot of hair….I am thankful for that…I would rather have it that way than the other way around…..
Thanks for sharing Lina. Good luck!
Colleen, I am sorry to hear you are in turmoil. I do understand the cost involved in PRP, and in everything helper hair to boot. I just booked my second PRP treatment for August and that will put me at the 6month mark. I have been suffering for 25 years and as much as I want PRP to be my instant miracle – I know that any improvement will take time. Dr. G. said around the 4 month mark is when some type of improvement usually begins. I will say it’s been one month to the day and my shedding has diminished incredibly and I believe my hair texture is starting to become less dry. Dr. G did tell me that with PRP it is something that you will need to maintain in order to reap the benefits or your hair will revert back. In my case I am sure that I not only have dormant hair follicles but dead ones and probably a lot – 25 years ugh. I personally am going to give PRP a good college try. I wish you all the best and am sending you hugs my love.
LC, thank you for your encouraging words. PRP was basically the last thing I didn’t try and I just mentally needed to know I did all I could. I will keep you girls posted.
Marg, who doesn’t love loveable and cheerful? You are obviously a very caring mother and person. Not sure if you wear any helper hair or not but I did wonders for my self-esteem and let me go out in the world. Hugs to you.
Lina, thank you for sharing your personal experience with PRP, I look forward to tracking your journey & I hope you get the outcomes you desire! Like you, I feel I need to do everything in my power to fight back. Some may say I have not accepted my genetic folly but I don’t think acceptance means giving up… we must not lose hope. Anyhow, a day with less shedding is a marvelous day & Im happy to hear you’ve experienced less shedding. Best of luck to you 🙂
It would be absolutely wonderful if PRP works for you. I’m looking for a “fix” for this problem as well. I will follow your progress…August, 2015…your next appointment…then give it some time for PRP to do it’s thing.
Then the results…is that 4 months after your last treatment?
Then the follow up’s would be what…every 6 months…twice a year to keep the results from diminishing?
Thanks for being our guinea pig…lol. Ciao, Lu
Melanie, thank you for your kind words and wishes. I will definitely keep you girls update – I actually posted a “one-month update” even though I was told I would begin to notice improvements around the four-month mark (I just wanted a reference point). Hallelujah on the less shedding – it used to literally drop me to my knees. Have a happy day. xo
Lu, I’m not sure if it’s a fix or a stabilization/improvement. I was told by Dr. Greco that around the four month mark after treatment I would begin to notice some type of improvement (not grow Goldilocks) but texture change, less shedding, some modest regrowth… I have noticed the less shedding already (6 weeks by now). yes, the treatment needs be done perhaps every 9 months or so, I’m going to do a six-month regime so far.
Happy to be your guinea pig. xo
Lina , thank you so much for your updates. I too am looking into PRP as an option to stop my hair loss. I know some on the board are using it to help with chronic TE or TE. Is anyone using it for androgenic alopecia? After switching birth control pills last year my hair started falling like crazy and now I’ve just been diagnosed with androgenic alopecia. Right now everyone tells me they wouldn’t know if I didn’t say anything but I know because I can see it and feel the difference. Yes, there are days that the hair loss brings me to my knees as well. I feel a mini panic attack coming on every time I head into the bathroom to shower or comb my hair. At this point I’m just hoping to stop the shedding now and keep what I have.
Hi Petey3,
I have AGA and bouts of TE but AGA is my demon. This is what I am using PRP to help combat.
Hi Lina,
I’m really pleased for you that it has addressed your shedding. I had my first PRP on 17th March and it actually triggered a mammoth shed that lasted about two weeks and is still fluctuating. I just wondered whether you have seen any new growth yet? I have none whatsoever although I know it is still early but I had hoped to see something after a month. Trying desperately not to panic but I can’t help but wonder if I am amongst the 25% or so who do not respond to PRP. I’d love to know if you had seen any new growth. Like you, I am struggling with both AGA and bouts of TE. I wish you all the best with continued improvement from your treatment and would love to hear updates.
Kind regards and best wishes, Kate
Kate 🙁 I’m so sorry it triggered a mammoth shed – that shit can give you a heart attack – well for me anyway. Lucky us AGA and TE, I’d like to add an FU hairloss! I don’t know where you had your treatment done or if all procedures are exactly the same? Dr. G said I would begin – begin to notice some type of improvement at the four month mark, the 17th of April will mark my 2 month mark. I was shedding 300+ hairs a day and that is why I shaved. I have about 5 months of hair growth so it is short but you can see what hair I have. The shedding I have noticed uh like holy crap – so much less! I haven’t inspected my hair for new hair growth – promised myself to not even try before the four months – I’m trying to “ignore” my hair and let time pass if that makes any sense, I could quickly slip into negative if I don’t see any babies. I haven’t seen new hair growth in so long that I truly afraid that much of my follicles are past dormant and have died 🙁 We will see. However the texture has also changed, it just seems to be less flat and lifeless. I have suffered for years and years so I promised myself that as much as I would love instant results I am going to give PRP a good chance for me, I have a second treatment booked for Aug 3. I hope you stop shedding soon and can see some positive results soon. Keep in touch and let me know. hugs
Hi Lina,
Very many thanks for your reply. I think you are very wise to try to not even look for any ‘babies’ lol, but it’s so hard to not do “the part, flatten and scrutinise under a bright bathroom light”. Like you, my hair has also changed in texture and I also feel concerned that the follicles are more than dormant. It’s weird, I wouldn’t even know how a dormant and a an extinct follicle would differ in appearance. My most recent dermatologist said my alopecia is non-scarring but one wonders if the dermal papillae might ‘forget’ how to produce hair after a long time of being barren, as it were. My treatment was in Iowa City and was simply PRP – no CRP. I have a second appointment booked for mid May which will be exactly 2 months since the first one. I may postpone, pending what happens/doesn’t happen in the interim It seems, from my rather obsessive research on PRP, that the schools of thought differ very greatly with regard to the timing of follow-ups. Some even recommend a set of 3 treatments, each two weeks apart. Sadly, it is hard to filter financial motivation out of the equation when it comes to a relatively untested (pioneering?) medical procedure. The clinic where I had my treatment had literally just started offering PRP for hair loss and I think it is as much a learning curve for them as for me but I was both grateful and surprised to have somewhere geographically proximate that does this treatment – I certainly couldn’t afford the cost of a flight out of state. Being in inexperienced hands makes this whole thing even more disconcerting. I had just the frontal third of the scalp done, cost $900. What area did you have injected – apologies if I have missed that info in your replies to others.
On the brighter side, I think – think – my really offensive level of shedding is starting to taper off – maybe losing around 200 per day, mainly in the shower, (along with lots of teardrops). I think just so see a tiny flutter of follicular activity would encourage me that my scalp hasn’t ‘forgotten’ how to make hairs, but nothing yet. I’ll keep you posted. I really hope your shed continues to diminish and wish you continued resolve with the ‘not looking’! Fingers crossed for new growth for both – for ALL – of us!
Hugs to you, Kate x
Kate, I echo all of your sentiments and concerns! How unfair that we have to suffer the physical, mental and emotional bullshit that comes from hair loss and then have to pay for it! Supplemental hair, treatments, lotions, potions, pills, “cures” – ugh! I could put down a huge chunk of cash on a house with all the money I have spent in the hair journey! Who can truly afford it – hello credit card. I can only imagine what the credit card people think when they read my statements! ha. My hair has turned into my “no vacation, no clothes shopping, no mani-pedis” just put every extra penny down on my card (so hard not to be bitter). My treatment was basically the top – from the hair line to the crown – gravity is supposed to work its way to the entire scalp. Yes, I don’t know what others PRP entails, I will say the time taken with me to explain Dr. G’s methods and procedures and ideologies were and are amazing to me, so I will keep hopeful. It is hard because so many years have passed but alas, it is what it is – such as much in life. So happy to hear your offensive shedding is lessening – what a great word, it damn well is offensive! You can friend me and we can chat there if you wish “4everlost”.
hugs to you and fingers, toes and eyes crossed for us.
xo
Sometimes I do and sometimes I do not enjoy wearing wigs.
I’ve tried expensive hair systems–upkeep, faraway styling salons because you have to get styled at the salon owned by the hair system company; daily massages, oils, special ointments (anyone remember the lady who dreamed the perfect hair growth recipe?).
Lately I’ve been enjoying at least looking at the various wig styles. I’m getting good at styling my wigs (I wear futura, and natural hair, rarely 100% synthetic (because of allergies).)
When I’m sick of wigs I go “natural” –I have alopecia areata (seems to be at least partially hereditary).
I just got back from my appointment with a hair loss doctor up in Canada. So funny that I am crossing the border to find a doctor who knows what they are doing. I wish I could go see Dr. Greco but Toronto is closer to where I am than Florida. I did find his website very helpful in helping me to figure out what questions to ask though.
The doctor I saw uses an FDA approved closed system and a 3.4 ratio or concentration. He doesn’t use the derma roller( he doesn’t like that it rips out some hair) but does use a form of micro needling to help activate the PRP. He also recommended 2 treatments 3 months apart to start and then measure the results and decide whether to continue. Results for him mean hair growth. He said he doesn’t think it would be beneficial to continue if you’re not seeing any new growth.
I’m so confused about the actual numbers that PRP works for. I’ve seen 30-40% and I’ve seen as high as 60%. I’ve also seen that there is an “optimal concentration” for PRP. The treatment is expensive so I want to make sure I’m in the right hands. Where did everyone find the most helpful information for PRP when doing your own research? I think I’m just a bit nervous to “jump” right now. Thank you.
peter
I am also from Toronto.
can I ask what doctor you are seeing?
Sorry spell check changed that haha. petey3
Dr. Jeff Donovan. He seems very patient and knowledgeable. He hasn’t pushed me in any one direction treatment wise and has answered all of my follow up email questions very quickly.
Hi Lina.
I know you are not even at the three month mark with your treatment, but I was hoping for maybe a little update when you have a chance? 🙂 I have tried to join the network here a number of times, but for whatever reason never receive a response to my request. I thought there might be a conversation happening there on PRP that I would love to be part of.
Anyway, how fair thee?
Hi megan,
I will post a three month update with pics on the 17th – that’s 3 months. But I can give you an update here: I tried to sneak a peak at my scalp (I used to do the sit on the vanity part the head and try to find any kind of “new growth” – it was horrendous). I promised I wouldn’t do it until at least the 4 month mark since Dr. Greco said that was when I would start to notice some kind of improvement. I see some small hairs! Not a ton but some new ones all overish – and the shedding is still very minimal – such a difference there. It’s odd because every time I wash and brush my hair I hold my breath – expecting the huge sheds to commence. It’s a mind screw after suffering for so long and so traumatically. I can’t wait to have another treatment in August – I know that I have to practice patience – that is SO hard.
I did put a little blog on the site, I hope you can get on? Hugs sister
Wonderful! Much appreciated Lina. Minimal shedding is a dream–small hairs is heavenly.
I did get my invite code so I will look for your blog. xo
Hi Lina and any others who have gone for PRP. When I went for my 1st PRP treatment Dr. Greco recommended, in addition to the PRP regimen, that I continue taking 5000 mg of biotin 2x/day, continue with my minoxidol treatment and that I add in using a dermaroller on my scalp 1x/week following the application of minoxidol. Has anyone else heard of or had that recommendation for use of a dermaroller – to enhance the absorption of the minoxidol I believe? Dr. Greco said they were having some success with that in India. Just wondering if anyone has any updates on that or has experience with a dermaroller on the scalp?
I have seen some videos on YouTube from a hair clinic in either Australia or New Zealand about that but I personally do not have any experience with it.
Lina, are you doing just PRP or adding CRP like Y? My doctor up here doesn’t offer that. I scheduled my first treatment for May 29th. I’m so nervous because I want it to work sooooooooo bad!
Sorry, scrolled up and found it. Der. So CRP is like supercharged PRP?
PRP is a bam with the immediate growth factors I believe and the CRP component involves proteins that take longer to break down and you get a “delayed” or later affect from that – that is why I can go 6 months between treatments. I am not a doctor but Dr. G. has a description of PRP and CRP differences. Good luck honey xo
Just want to share my experience regarding PRP. I’ve had 2 treatments to the top of my head and sides (back is okay). One was in Aug 2014 and one in Jan 2015 so not quite 6 months apart. I also noticed shedding the first time and freaked out thinking maybe I’m an anomoly and going to lose all my hair (lol). My hair grows very slowly and at about the 5 month mark, I could feel fuzzies on my scalp and the way I knew that new hairs were coming in was by holding down the hair on eachh side of my center part and I could see little hairs about 1/2 inch long sticking up – those were the new hairs. Now after treatment 2 still waiting to see those new little hairs. I’m supposed to have a 3rd appt which I have yet to set up but probably will do in July and hoping to see even more but waiting to see whether or not trmt 2 did anything. The discouraging fact is that I guess you have to keep these up for life or your hair falls out again. I am also using a shampoo my doctor recommended called glytone anaphase. It keeps your hair from falling out and it works!!! I don’t lose many hairs during a shower. There’s also something called Neoptide that you can spray on your hair which does the same thing. The shampoo is about $45 but well worth it. I can’t afford PRP on an ongoing basis so just hoping to jumpstart my hair growth and will try my best to keep it going with other products (oh yea, also the red light laser is big now and that stimuluates hair growth. Purchasing a hairmax laser light to use at home which is cheaper over the long-term and will try using to see if that works. It’s FDA approved for hair-growth and much cheaper than capillus which is about $3000). GLTA
Thank you Debbie for sharing your PRP experience.
Who was your doctor? I think it is important to know what doctor people went to for there PRP since protocols and centrifuge machines will be different among doctors.
Also, did the new little hair you got on the first treatment stick around and continue to grow?
Many thanks.
*their
Did anyone else get the instructions to stop taking all vitamins one week before and after the procedure? Why is that? All these vitamins that are supposed to make me feel better I have to stop, but the birth control pill I can stay on? All my doctors (yes I have several. lol ) are practically screaming from the rooftops not to come off the Yaz. Trapped by the very thing that started the whole hair loss hell in the first place. Sigh. Anyone have any luck coming off the pill while using PRP? I’m not ready to take that leap yet, but maybe in the future if the PRP works for me. Fingers, toes, arms…everything crossed it works!
Hi guys,
Its good to see I’m not alone. Its nice to hear someone else say “my hair loss has brought me to my knees” because thats how I’ve felt for as long as I can remember. The stress has been nearly unbearable. I am a nurse and have been dealing with thinning hair since about 18. Tried PRP and micro needling about 4 months ago. Hair stopped falling out and started growing for the first time in about 12 years. However, after the three and a half mark i realized i needed to do it again. Bloody f***ing amazing.
I am scared to do it again because ANYTHING makes my hair fall out. Stress, chlorine, dermal filler etc., and I know it is a trauma to the skin… but If i don’t continue I will loose all progress so… here I go, please send me good mojo!! In the mean time sisters, I’ll be praying for relief of suffering for all of us!
Namaste,
Elise
Debbie,
I read your comment about having to keep it up for life and I couldl’t help but think… “my god, who cares!?!?!? At least something works for us!” From what the trainer who trained me on the procedure and sold us the PRP prep kit claims (and another friend i have who does this in his office), people will do a series 3-5, then only have to do another once every 9 months to a year. I thought that was pretty low maintenance!
Petey3,
I do the procedure in my office now ( I am a cosmetic nurse) after seeing the results do soooo well on myself and a few of my female patients (who were almost completely bald!) The only thing i can think of is that they wouldn’t want you to take any VITIMANS (not medications e.g. YAZ) that would thin your blood and make you bleed like crazy because it is a bloody procedure anyhow. These would include Aspirin, fish oils, vitamin A, vitamin E and Vitiman D. I hope that helps.
<3 to you both!
Also Debbie,
Don’t be discouraged, I have seen this work for people only after about the 3rd or 4th treatment. You may still respond!
<3
Congratulations! So glad something works for you. I am so nervous to get mine done. My appointment is coming up on the 29th and I think the stress of it might just make my hair fall out faster! Aside from the whole, “this is going to hurt” factor, I’m mostly terrified that it won’t work for me. I so desperately want to be one of those women whose hair miraculously stops shedding after PRP. Regrowth would be a dream but just to stop the shedding would help me to breathe again. I sure hope Xanax isn’t on the list of pills I need to stop taking. 😉 Sending good mojo…
Quick question…does anyone know if CRP might work in patients who didn’t show much or any progress using just PRP?
Elise – encouraging to hear your results and that u perform the process as well! What system are you using? I see a naturopath who uses Harvest Labs. Do u have an opinion based on your experience? Where do u live? Someone here may be close and prefer to come to see you. Any other tips or advice as the naturopath I am seeing the is nota hair guru he just happens to use this system for injuries and when I inquired and visited him a year ago he was not offering this as a procedure but has recently started along with other cosmetic procedures.
Really considering this. I have Hashimotos and thyroid problems, but even with good thyroid levels (from meds), my hair continues to fall out with no new regrowth. Really anxious to see how you like it Lina. Low lever laser therapy is a big ripoff, didnt work. I spent a fortune and alot of time getting those treatments. Nothing.
Hi Lina,
I’ve been following your post. Any updates??
What is the cost of PRP? Does anyone know of someone in the Chicago area who will do it? I have looked and found one dr. whom is a neurologist…I went to see her and she didn’t seem well versed on it! I am hesitant to go with her, Plus, it was $1000 per treatment!
I would LOVE to apart of your group. It’s unfortunate, that so many of us go through the same stress because of the one negative thing that we all have in common. I honestly don’t think nothing will work for me. I have been having this issue for at least 20 years. It’s depressing and it have me choosing the wrong mate because you feel so insecure in thinking how can i get a real nice man and hide your head forever, because it’s down right embarrassing.
On average, about $1000. Some doctors charge more, some less. The one I’m seeing next week charges $1000 per treatment. I have seen some doctors charge as little as $400 for just the PRP. I wish I lived near them… The problem is not all PRP is the same because it is a relatively “new” field/ treatment, so make sure you do your research.
I am in Northern Indiana and just had prp performed almost 2 weeks ago at a hair restoration place in Merrillville. I am not sure how far this is from were you are located. The treatment cost $800 for prp and $2900 for prp plus acell. I just did prp. It has only been 2 weeks so no results yet. The procedure was done by a doctor that comes in to preform it. My experience was slightly different there was no numbing and no dermroller used. I am crossing my fingers and hoping that it works and I was not scammed.
Marsha, I just had PRP too and am really trying to exercise patience as well. It’s only been a few days for me. I think I read that most patients see a reduction in shedding by the 2 month mark and more benefits at 4 months. I really hope it works! Hang in there. Fingers crossed.
Is this board active anymore? I can’t read any of the blogs or anything because I am still waiting for my invite code.???? Where did everyone go? Best wishes to all.
Petey3,
this board is still active? Have you been accepted yet?
Girls I finally posted a new update on almost 4monts of prp.
hugs to you all
I am waiting for my invite code too. I feel like a complete stalker coming on this site every SINGLE day just reading the other stories of all these wonderful women. I hope that the PRP is the answer or even the stem cell therapy I hear that is under way.
lina–where did you post the update?
Hi Marsha and Petey3
I had my PRP with Dr. Greco almost a month ago, I haven’t seen any improvement yet. My shedding is the same, it hasn’t diminished at all. I know it takes time to see results, Dr. Greco said that usually at the 4th month is when the treatment reaches its best results. But I was expecting too see some small changes, because it has been a month!
It’s been really hard to practice patience when the hair keeps falling and falling.
I’m very happy for the girls that have had positive improvements, I wish I could say the same.
By the way, I’d like to read Lina’s update but I’m still waiting a code to be a member.
I just received my invite code. Yay. It sucks to be a part of this hairloss sisterhood but I am so glad that there are other women out there who understand what I am going through and can speak openly and honestly about it and support each other through all of the ups and downs of it all.
Hi Marsha and Petey3 I had my PRP with Dr. Greco almost a month ago, I haven’t seen any improvement yet. My shedding is the same, it hasn’t diminished at all. I know it takes time to see results, Dr. Greco said that usually at the 4th month is when the treatment reaches its best results. But I was expecting too see some small changes, because it has been a month! It’s been really hard to practice patience when the hair keeps falling and falling. I’m very happy for the girls that have had positive improvements, I wish I could say the same. By the way, I’d like to read Lina’s update but I’m still waiting a code to be a member.
Hi Pat20. Thank you so much for posting. Did you have just PRP or the PRP/CRP combo like some of the other women? What was your impression of Dr. Greco? In an email exchange with me, he told me that roughly 80% of his patients see a reduction in shedding by the 2 month mark but like you said, it takes 4 months to see optimal results. So hang in there. Sending good vibes your way…
For me it has only been about a week and a half. My doctor told me it only works in 40% of his patients so of course I’m freaking out! I am considering just going to Florida for the PRP/CRP combo but I need to ask DR. Greco a few more questions. I am confused by what my doctor said and the results of Dr. Greco’s published study. What kinds of things can anyone remember him telling you in their meeting? Success stories, statistics, etc…maybe I’m getting too fixated on the numbers. Does anyone else have that fear that they will be one of the “other percentage” that it doesn’t work for? How do you stay positive and patient?
Hi, Lina! I would be very interested in hearing about your progress. I had the A-Cell PRP combo done just last week. I have very thin hair with a viewable scalp. Wigs are not the answer for me. I’ve tried Rogaine for women, but instead of growing hair on my head, I grew it on my hands. Needless to say, I immediately stopped using that product. I’m hoping the treatment is the answer for me.
I received a invite code but not sure how to post so hope this makes it onto the board. I am in a similar predicament as most of you here as I’ve been suffering from thinning hair for several years. I was always concerned about this as my mother had such sparse hair she wore a wig most of her adult life. I noticed mine was getting worse since menopause and then accelerated after taking HRT with testosterone. Fast forward to last week when I had my first PRP with fine needling after a not so great initial consult with a dermatologist followed by locating a naturopath literally three blocks from where I live who does the series for $1000 less…..so I am in the waiting stage with fingers anxiously crossed!
Isn’t the waiting the worst? I alternate between being full of hope and trying to convince my self that it could work to being convinced that this hairloss hell has no end at all. I really hope this works for you. All the best.
Thanks, Petey3….yes, waiting is tough! We were at the movies last night and I found myself distracted by the female lead’s luxurious head of hair (no doubt supplemented with extensions but still) and wondering how much of that scalp thickness could I ever hope to regain.
The naturopath who is performing my PRPs -as I will be undergoing two more – also has me on vitamin and mineral supplements including something called DaVinci hair effects, rich in biotin and zinc as well as RegeneMax. Curious if anyone else is on or has,heard of these?
Just an update – getting ready to set up my 3rd prp appt for July so I will have had 3 in a year. As was the case with my first treatment, I am at the 5 month mark of treatment #2 and seeing some little hairs.
Megan, sorry I didn’t see your post earlier but I see Dr. Morno in Vernon Hills at Ritacca Laser Center (love that place). Another physician who was at the cutting edge of this procedure did my first treatment but I had a lot of facial swelling that they said could happen but doesn’t very often. I spent a week dealing with facial swelling that started at my forehead and moved down over my entire face over the course of a week – it was so awful I was hesitant to do a second treatment. Ritacca started doing these procedures (they were next door to the first physician’s office and have had prior positive experiences there) and I expressed my concerns to Dr. Morno and she said the lydocaine most likely caused the swelling and could use less which she did and also gave me 3 day’s worth of steroids that she said I could use or not – I did because of a weekend event. No swelling plus I slept with my head elevated which I’m sure helped. Going back to her for the 3rd treatment.
I’ve continued to use the anaphase shampoo (this really helps a lot) and started with the hairmax laser light about a month ago – not sure if it’s coincidence but honestly my hair feels fantastic after starting the light treatment. I love that device and am hoping it’ll maintain new growth from the PRP treatment. Feeling very confident I’m going to have a great outcome with everything I’m doing. GLTA
Forgot to add that Dr. Morno also used a derma roller after treatment to get maximum penetration.
Thank you so much to all of you for sharing your stories. I would be lost and alone otherwise. I’ve been reading about PRP for about 18 months and I’m finally at a place in my life where I’ve tried every other option other than PRP and the more drastic surgery (which I am likely not a candidate for). I’ve heard so many great things about Dr. Greco but unfortunately I can’t afford to travel to get the treatment. Does anyone have any personal or second hand experience of doctors who could perform PRP in New York City? The most common hit is Dr. Amiya Prasad but he’s a cosmetic surgeon who administers PRP and doesn’t specialize in hair loss.
I would appreciate any advice anyone has to offer. Every time I think its getting better, it gets worse and I feel so numb I can’t even feel the depression anymore… I’m trying to be as strong as I can and find happiness it my other accomplishments but I don’t have to tell this group how hard it is. Thank you in advance.
I am glad I found this sisterhood! I was doing some research bc my dermatologist proposed this PRP and microneedling; however, his suggestion is 6 weeks apart for optimal results. On this board I am seeing treatments several months apart. I am also looking to follow Lina on her journey. I thought my doc was expensive, but his cost if $750 per treatment for both.
I feel your concerns, TP and Amy. I went to a naturopath after consulting with the “hair specialist” at my dermatologists office but was put off by his jocular demeanor and spending more time talking to my husband about his real estate in Hawaii !! that when it came time to looking at me and answering questions about PRP he actually told us to “look it up on the Internet” before calling his girl to schedule in anoth office before he left on vacation. Needless to say, I wouldn’t have even be able to get I before his vacation, then I was heading out of town for a month and he was leaving again when I was due to return!
After doing some research, I found a naturopath less than two miles from my home who spent nearly a half hour on the phone with me detailing the procedure when I first called….AND his pricing wa $1000 less for the three sessions. Each doctor did state they’d be done six weeks apart.
I had my first PRP in early June with the dermaroller and have supplemented with various vitamins. It’s still early but happy to say I have been amazed at the outcome – within three weeks I was able to see little nubs of growth along the hairline. I’m sure the supplements have also helped as during a manicure two weeks ago I was mortified to see long hairs on of all places the back of my hands I actually had to wind up shaving – now that was a dirst – but as my husband says I suppose I’ll have to take the good with the bad and if it means I’ll be getting the effects I want with new hair growth on my head I’ll be one satisfied customer.
Hi girls, just posted some photos and update on blog. All registered users can view.
Lots of love to you all xo
Hi Lina! Could you tell me how to find your blog? I’m very interested in following your PRP progress. Thank you!
Hi Elle 🙂
Any registered user can view my blogs under the blogs tab once logged in. Please let me know if you still can’t find me. Hugs xo
I am not sure if this will be helpful or not but it cannot hurt. I have struggled with whether or not to even post anything. My heart is in the right place here and I only mean to give an additional suggestion and to share what has helped my daughter. Maybe you all have already been this route, I do not know. My daughter has had hair loss that began in college – she is now 35 years old. She tried everything including laser hair therapy etc. I know she spent $5,000 just on that alone and it gave her zero results. Heartbreaking for sure! She has went through everything that I read everyone else is going through and has gone through. She also believes in doing everything the natural way and has done literally hours upon hours of research to find the root cause and how to fix it naturally – with the hope of, if nothing else, just halting the hair loss and living without thick beautiful hair. She always knew there were underlying physical causes for the hair loss but did not know how to help it. Her research always brought her back to the same result – reducing inflammation and detoxing her body. So, she discovered that the research needed to be geared toward body detoxing & inflammation etc. and not hair loss because the detox usually leads to helping the hair loss. Body detoxing is such hard work – especially when you have a job to go to every day and/or you have small children. Plus, if you live on this planet, you need to detox your body! But, she persevered in her research and detoxing and eventually, her hair loss slowed dramatically. Recently, further research has lead her to a daily dose of a product that consists mainly of silica, which is very good for your hair and skin. She is getting good results from this. So, my suggestion is, if all else fails, try to do some research on body detoxing and inflammation. This is an individual and personal decision based upon your own research. I know a lot of people feel that body detoxing is bogus. It is much more than just taking vitamins and minerals. I have no idea if what helped my daughter will help you. But, you never know, it may help you too!
I wish you all the best!
Hi,
I’ve been reading these threads and am taking the PRP/CRP plunge with Dr. Greco this month! I’ll try to ad to this thread about my results too.
Hoping to receive an invite code too, so I can see blogs and maybe start my own.
This site is a source of comfort and info for me and I’m grateful to all the women sharing their stories!
Hi Gia,
Please post your results as Lina seems to have flaked in posting her results.
HI,
I also have been dealing with hairloss for many years. I am 44 years old and it maddens me EVERY day!! I don’t have the money at all for these treatments and can’t believe something hasn’t come out on the market that simply grows hair for REAL.
I will follow the results of the PRP and if its working perhaps somehow someday I COULD afford to try it. Being a single mom it really depresses me and I don’t even want to date because who the heck wants a woman with a balding head!!
Hi,
I have been doing research on PRP too since I suffer from hair loss as well. Approximately how much does a treatment cost? Is this something that insurance would cover?
I had my first PRP down last week in Miami, looking forward to less shedding and regrowth. I wish my Dr offered the CRP matrix or other type of booster for the PRP.
Hi
Can anyone share their hair growth results with prp with me? I am desperate to know if Dr. GRECO prp worked for your AGA. Can you share results, please? Thanks! Beth
I hope i can get and invite code . LOVE LOVE these women so much thank you . I need you every day it helps so much not being alone. Want to know more about PRP get RED or AMBER HIGH OR LOWER for hair loss , which one is good or better????