What it is
Platelet-rich plasma is autologous — derived from your own blood. A standard venous draw is processed in a centrifuge, which separates plasma rich in platelets from red cells and other components. Activated platelets release a cocktail of growth factors — PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, IGF — that signal local repair, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling at the site of injection.
In a dermatology setting PRP is used for two primary indications: androgenetic hair loss, where it is injected into the scalp to support follicle activity; and skin protocols, where it is layered with microneedling for tone, texture, and acne scarring. Other applications exist and are considered case by case.
How Dr. Brown approaches it
PRP at Esvie begins with the right diagnosis. Hair loss has many causes — androgenetic, telogen effluvium, traction, alopecia areata, scarring alopecias, nutritional and endocrine drivers — and PRP is appropriate for some of those, ineffective for others, and contraindicated in a few. Dr. Brown evaluates the scalp, reviews relevant labs, and confirms the diagnosis before recommending PRP. If the underlying cause is not what PRP addresses, you are told that.
When PRP is appropriate, it is rarely the only intervention. Most patients are placed on a combined plan — topical minoxidil, oral therapy when indicated, nutrition and lifestyle adjustments, and PRP as the regenerative layer. Skin protocols similarly combine PRP with microneedling and a defined home-care plan.
The PRP itself is processed on-site, used immediately, and administered by Dr. Brown.
What to expect
Draw: Standard venous blood draw — typically two to four small tubes depending on the planned treatment.
Processing: Roughly fifteen minutes in the centrifuge. The platelet-rich fraction is separated and prepared.
Treatment: For scalp, PRP is injected through a fine needle across the affected zones; topical anesthetic and cooling are used to keep the experience tolerable. For skin, PRP is applied during or after microneedling so the channels created by the needling carry it into the dermis.
Recovery: Tenderness, mild swelling, and occasional bruising at injection or microneedling sites for one to several days. Avoid aggressive scalp manipulation, harsh hair products, and chemical services for several days per the specific protocol.
Timeline: Hair response is judged at four to six months against baseline photographs. Skin tone and texture changes appear gradually over six to twelve weeks. Most protocols include several initial sessions and a maintenance cadence.
Candidacy
Good candidates have a confirmed diagnosis that PRP can support — early to moderate androgenetic hair loss, scarring or texture concerns appropriate for combined PRP and microneedling — and are willing to commit to a multi-session protocol with realistic expectations.
Not a candidate if you are pregnant or nursing, if there are no viable follicles in the area you want treated, if you have an active scalp or skin infection, if you have an active untreated malignancy, or if you have a bleeding disorder or anticoagulation that cannot be safely held.
If PRP is not the right tool for your situation, Dr. Brown will say so, and direct you to the workup or therapy that is.