In general, these treatments involve minimal discomfort. The procedure uses fine needles to inject the platelet-rich plasma or fibrin into the scalp, which may cause a slight pinching or pressure sensation, but Dr. Gentile often applies a topical numbing agent before treatment, significantly reducing any sensitivity. Most patients describe the feeling as tolerable, with mild tenderness or tightness afterward that fades within a day or two.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your goals, the severity of hair thinning, and how your body responds to treatment. Usually, patients will start with 3 to 4 treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart to stimulate hair growth initially. After the initial series, maintenance treatments are recommended every 4 to 6 months to sustain results. Some individuals with more advanced hair thinning may benefit from additional sessions because regular maintenance helps ensure long-lasting hair density and scalp health.

How Long Until I See the Results?

Hair growth is a gradual process, so while PRP/PRF starts working beneath the surface right away, visible results typically appear within 3 to 6 months after your first treatment. You may notice reduced hair shedding and subtle thickening early on, with fuller, healthier hair becoming more apparent over time. Since PRF releases growth factors more slowly than PRP, some patients find the results to feel more natural and long-lasting. Continued improvements can occur up to a year after completing your treatment series as the regenerative effects strengthen hair follicles.

Can I Combine PRP/PRF with Other Procedures?

PRP/PRF can be safely combined with other hair restoration treatments. Many choose to pair it with microneedling, which helps improve the absorption of growth factors and stimulates even more robust hair growth. It can also complement treatments like hair transplants by accelerating healing and boosting graft survival rates. Dr. Gentile will create a treatment plan to determine the best combination for your needs.

What Are the Risks Associated with PRP/PRF?

PRP/PRF hair restoration is considered very safe because it uses your body’s own natural components, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising at the injection sites. Since no synthetic substances are involved, the risk of infection or complications is extremely low when performed by a skilled provider like Dr. Gentile in the Cleveland area.

Youngstown & Akron, OH

PRP/PRF

Introduction

Introduction to PRP/PRF

It’s no secret that hair loss is a common issue for many individuals worldwide. We’ve all seen the commercials for products that claim to promote growth and reverse thinning hair, but let’s be honest: Experience has shown that they almost always don’t work. That’s because they offer temporary fixes rather than addressing the problem’s root cause to sustain long-term results.

That’s where PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) step in as advanced, science-backed solutions. These regenerative treatments utilize your body’s natural healing abilities to stimulate dormant hair follicles, promote new growth, and improve hair density without surgery or harsh chemicals. At Gentile Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gentile offers PRP/PRF hair restoration treatments, helping patients in the Cleveland, OH, area regain fuller, healthier hair with lasting results.

A light-skinned woman with brown wavy hair adjusts her hair while looking at her reflection in a round mirror. She wears a white button-down shirt, a small gold necklace, gold earrings, and a gold ring. The mirror has a light gold or brass frame, and the background is a muted gray-beige with soft hints of pink and green, suggesting a room with blurred elements. The lighting is soft and diffused, with no harsh shadows, creating a calm atmosphere. - PRP and PRF in Youngstown, OH

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood, rich in platelets and growth factors, to stimulate natural healing and tissue regeneration. In hair restoration, PRP works by promoting blood flow to the scalp and reactivating dormant hair follicles, encouraging thicker, healthier hair growth. The process involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and then injecting it directly into areas of thinning hair. Because PRP is derived from your own body, it’s a safe, natural option with minimal risk of adverse reactions.

What is PRF?

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an advanced version of PRP that contains a higher concentration of platelets, white blood cells, stem cells, and growth factors encased in a fibrin matrix. This slow-release structure allows PRF to deliver growth factors over an extended period, enhancing its regenerative effects for longer-lasting hair restoration results. Like PRP, PRF is derived from your blood, but it’s processed without blood thinners, making it 100% natural. PRF stimulates hair growth and improves scalp health, creating the perfect environment for sustained hair density.

What are the
benefits of
PRP/PRF?

PRP and PRF are popular, non-surgical options for both men and women experiencing hair thinning. These treatments naturally stimulate hair growth by reactivating dormant follicles, improving hair thickness, and enhancing scalp health. They are also safe, with minimal risk of allergic reactions or side effects due to their use of the body’s regenerative properties. The procedures are quick and require little downtime, and over time, patients notice fuller, healthier hair with improved texture and strength.

Who are the
best candidates
for PRP/PRF?

If you’re in the greater Cleveland area, experiencing early stages of hair thinning or mild to moderate hair loss, this treatment may be right for you. This includes both men and women dealing with androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness), thinning hair, or hair loss due to stress, hormonal changes, or aging. Candidates should have healthy hair follicles capable of regeneration, as PRP/PRF works by stimulating existing follicles rather than creating new ones. It’s also ideal for those seeking a natural, non-surgical solution with minimal downtime. A consultation with Dr. Gentile will help determine if PRP/PRF is right for your specific hair restoration needs.

What’s the
First Step?

The first thing to do if you’re thinking about getting this treatment is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gentile at either our Youngstown or Akron office. During this appointment, Dr. Gentile will evaluate the health of your scalp, review your medical history and other treatments you’ve tried in the past, and ask about your hair loss concerns. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether PRP, PRF or a combination of both will deliver the best results for you. If you’re a good candidate, Dr. Gentile will create a treatment plan, review it with you, then explain the procedure and get it scheduled.

What to Expect
on the Day of a
PRP/PRF Treatment

The process begins with a simple blood draw, similar to a routine lab test. The collected blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma or fibrin. Once prepared, Dr. Gentile will apply a numbing solution to your scalp before starting the procedure. The PRP or PRF is delivered directly into targeted areas of thinning hair using precise microinjections. The treatment typically takes about 30–60 minutes, and you can return to your regular activities shortly afterward with minimal downtime.

PRP/PRF Recovery

A nice advantage to PRP/PRF treatment is that the recovery time is very minimal and straightforward. In the first 24-48 hours, you might experience mild redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection sites or notice slight scalp sensitivity or a feeling of tightness, but this is easily manageable without medication. It’s recommended to avoid washing your hair, applying hair products, or engaging in heavy or demanding exercises for the first 24 hours post-treatment. Most people return to their normal routines the same or the following day without issues.

How much
does
PRP/PRF
cost in Cleveland, OH?

The cost of PRP/PRF in Cleveland depends on whether you receive PRP, PRF, or both, along with the number of treatments needed to address your areas of concern. On average, PRP can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per session, whereas PRF can cost $700 to $3,000 per session. When combining treatments, there will usually be a discount to bring down the overall cost. Dr. Gentile’s team will provide transparent pricing and discuss any available financing options to help make your treatment more accessible.

Why Choose Gentile Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Gentile’s expertise in advanced regenerative therapies ensures that your hair restoration is performed with precision, safety, and artistry. He stays at the forefront of medical innovation, offering cutting-edge techniques like PRP and PRF to deliver natural-looking, transformative results. With centers in Youngstown and Akron, OH, Gentile Plastic Surgery provides the greater Cleveland area a personalized, patient-focused experience where your goals and safety are the top priority. Dr. Gentile’s compassionate approach and commitment to exceptional results make him a trusted name in both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures.

PRP/PRF FAQ’S

In general, these treatments involve minimal discomfort. The procedure uses fine needles to inject the platelet-rich plasma or fibrin into the scalp, which may cause a slight pinching or pressure sensation, but Dr. Gentile often applies a topical numbing agent before treatment, significantly reducing any sensitivity. Most patients describe the feeling as tolerable, with mild tenderness or tightness afterward that fades within a day or two.
The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your goals, the severity of hair thinning, and how your body responds to treatment. Usually, patients will start with 3 to 4 treatments spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart to stimulate hair growth initially. After the initial series, maintenance treatments are recommended every 4 to 6 months to sustain results. Some individuals with more advanced hair thinning may benefit from additional sessions because regular maintenance helps ensure long-lasting hair density and scalp health.
Hair growth is a gradual process, so while PRP/PRF starts working beneath the surface right away, visible results typically appear within 3 to 6 months after your first treatment. You may notice reduced hair shedding and subtle thickening early on, with fuller, healthier hair becoming more apparent over time. Since PRF releases growth factors more slowly than PRP, some patients find the results to feel more natural and long-lasting. Continued improvements can occur up to a year after completing your treatment series as the regenerative effects strengthen hair follicles.
PRP/PRF can be safely combined with other hair restoration treatments. Many choose to pair it with microneedling, which helps improve the absorption of growth factors and stimulates even more robust hair growth. It can also complement treatments like hair transplants by accelerating healing and boosting graft survival rates. Dr. Gentile will create a treatment plan to determine the best combination for your needs.
PRP/PRF hair restoration is considered very safe because it uses your body’s own natural components, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising at the injection sites. Since no synthetic substances are involved, the risk of infection or complications is extremely low when performed by a skilled provider like Dr. Gentile in the Cleveland area.

Schedule a
Consultation

If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning and want to explore new options that can finally address the root cause of the problem, talk to Dr. Gentile at our Youngstown or Akron office about PRP and PRF treatment. Call us or use our online contact form to get started.