In the last 10 years, hair restoration has undergone a substantial change, especially for two well-publicized non-surgical procedure PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma ) and exosomes. Both of these treatments claim to stimulate hair regrowth in a natural manner; however, which one is the more effective treatment?
This article will help bridge the gap for exosome vs PRP for hair regrowth, by outlining the similarities and differences including: how the therapies work; treatment effectiveness; side effects; cost; and, ultimately, if one treatment is better than the other; and can exosome and PRP be used together? If you have been searching for effective treatments for hair loss, you’re in the right place.
What Are PRP and Exosome Hair Treatments?
PRP for Hair
PRP means platelet-rich plasma, and is a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood. The PRP process, involves extracting a small amount of blood, placing it in a centrifuge, spinning it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the scalp. The benefit of platelets, is that they have natural growth factors that wake dormant hair follicles and promote the body’s natural production of hair.
Exosome Therapy for Hair Loss
Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells. Exosomes have proteins, RNA and lipids, and act as cellular messengers to regulate activity. The exosome hair restoration method involves injecting exosomes into the scalp to stimulate hair follicle regeneration, as well as reduce inflammation, and increase hair density.
Unlike PRP, that utilizes your own biology, exosomes are sourced from mesenchymal stem cells in a lab. Therefore, it is typical for exosome therapy to be regarded as an advanced cellular treatment option that is at the forefront of regenerative aesthetic medicine.
Is Exosome Better Than PRP for Hair?
So when it comes to the answer to which treatment works better? Many patients ask: Is exosome therapy better than PRP? The short answer is: it depends.
PRP has been used for over a decade, and as many studies demonstrate, it is effective at increasing hair thickness and reducing shedding. In particular, PRP is effective for early-stage androgenetic alopecia.
Exosomes are newer, but in early studies show great regenerative potential. The potential advantage of exosomes is that they contain 10–100x more growth signaling molecules than PRP. Preliminary studies and personal accounts indicate they may produce quicker improvement, and increased response in moderate to advanced cases.
However, exosome therapy is still considered investigational for many, so we do not have long-term clinical data. Although PRP is FDA cleared for certain purposes, and is considered a standard practice.
Quick Differences
– Source: PRP = from your blood; Exosomes = stem-cell derived
– Cell Signaling Delivery Power: exosomes > PRP
– Clinical Data: PRP has more studies; exosomes are newer
– Availability: PRP is considered more accepted; exosomes may not be available yet.
Can I have combine both PRP and Exosome Therapy?
Yes! In fact, PRP and exosomes combination therapy has been a common way to provide treatment in leading hair clinics.
So why use both?
The theory is that PRP is immediate, individualized, growth factors, and exosomes per course or regimen will augment the regenerative response over time. Combined, we may get better responses to both hair density and scalp health.
For example, some clinics will do PRP immediately after microneedling, then use exosome injections or topical exosome application to maximize follicular activation. This procedure is great for people who want aggressive, although non-invasive, hair restoration and a faster progression.
Do Exosomes Regrow Hair Sooner?
How soon are exosome results visible?
In many cases, exosome treatment provides visible results sooner than PRP. Some patients report improvements to hair density and reduced hair fall within 4–6 weeks while PRP may take 2–3 months to show signs of improvement.
However, hair cycles are dependent on the individual; the final results also depend on several factors including, but not limited to, scalp condition, age, hormone levels, and overall health.
How long do the results last?
Early evidence suggests that exosome therapy may provide longer-lasting stimulation than PRP, and fewer maintenance visits are required. Patients may appreciate this low-maintenance, high-impact treatment.
What are the risks and side effects of Exosome Therapy?
Exosome therapy looks promising but is it completely safe?
Are there side effects?
Most patients that receive exosome injections tolerate this well. Minor expected side effects include:
– Temporary redness, swelling, or both at the injection site
– Scalp tenderness
– Mild headache
Unlike PRP, which is autologous (originating with your own body), exosomes come from a donor, which introduces some theoretical risk of immune reaction even though this is extremely rare.
Ethical and regulatory considerations
Exosomes are not yet FDA-approved as a treatment to combat hair loss. This means there are still regulatory frameworks to navigate, and the quality can vary greatly between manufacturers.