At Kopelman Hair, patients often ask, “What is a PRP shot, and how can it help with hair restoration or joint pain?” A PRP shot, short for platelet-rich plasma injection, is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment designed to promote healing by using a patient’s own blood.
This guide will explain the procedure, medical uses, benefits, and cost of PRP therapy in 2025.
Understanding PRP and How It Works
What Is P R P Treatment?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, a concentrated substance derived from a patient’s own blood. It involves separating the plasma from the red blood cells and concentrating platelets known for their healing properties.
This platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into areas of the body needing repair.
How Platelet-Rich Plasma Affects Healing
Platelets contain proteins and growth factors essential for tissue healing and regeneration. When injected, PRP can stimulate the body’s natural healing process, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery.
PRP injections deliver a higher volume of these healing agents directly to the injured area by concentrating platelets, making it a valuable tool in regenerative medicine.
What PRP Injections Are Used For
What Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP medical treatments are used in various specialties, including dermatology, orthopedics, and aesthetics. They are commonly used for sports injuries, joint pain, and tendon issues.
Common uses include:
- Hair Restoration
- Tennis elbow and other chronic tendinopathies
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder, or hip
- Ligament sprains and partial tears
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Mild to moderate hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
- Skin rejuvenation in aesthetic procedures
PRP for Joint Pain, Hair Loss & More
Platelet rich plasma injections are known to reduce pain and inflammation in joints, improve mobility, and enhance the healing process.
In aesthetic medicine, PRP has gained attention for improving skin quality and stimulating hair growth by rejuvenating the scalp and nourishing hair follicles.
PRP Treatment for Hair
At Kopelman Hair, PRP therapy is frequently used to restore thinning hair and stimulate dormant follicles.
Dr. Kopelman applies PRP directly to areas of hair loss, often combining it with other modalities such as microneedling or hyaluronic acid for improved absorption.
Studies show consistent results in promoting hair density and reducing hair shedding.
PRP Procedure: Step-by-Step Overview
PRP Injection Process Explained
The process begins with drawing a small blood sample from the patient. This blood sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma. Once the PRP is isolated, it is injected into the target area, whether it’s the scalp, joints, or soft tissue.
Injection with Blood: What to Expect
While an “injection with blood” may sound intimidating, the process is relatively quick and well-tolerated.
Most sessions take 30-45 minutes and require minimal downtime. The injection site may feel tender or swollen briefly, but this subsides within a day or two as the healing process begins.
Results, Effectiveness & Recovery
Do PRP Injections Work?
Clinical data and patient testimonials both support the effectiveness of PRP therapy. Many patients report reduced pain, improved joint function, and noticeable hair regrowth within a few months. The concentrated growth factors accelerate wound healing and improve long-term outcomes in chronic conditions.
How Long Do PRP Injections Last?
Results typically begin to appear within three to six weeks and can last anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the treated condition and patient health. Maintenance treatments may be recommended every 4-6 months for ongoing results.
Recovery and Results After a PRP Shot
Recovery is straightforward and non-disruptive. Mild swelling or redness at the injection site is common but short-lived. Most patients can resume daily activities the same day. Over the following weeks, tissue healing continues beneath the surface as platelets work to promote healing.
Risks and Suitability
PRP Injection Side Effects
As PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is minimal. While generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience temporary side effects such as:
- Mild swelling or redness at the injection site
- Bruising or tenderness
- Itching or dryness (particularly in scalp treatments)
- Temporary discomfort during or after the procedure
- Minimal risk of infection if post-care is not followed properly
What Is the Disadvantage of PRP?
The main disadvantage is that PRP is not guaranteed to all patients. Results vary depending on age, health, and severity of the condition.
Additionally, insurance coverage can be inconsistent because it’s still considered innovative in some fields.
Who Should Avoid PRP Injections?
Individuals with blood disorders, active infections, or certain chronic illnesses may not be ideal candidates for PRP.
A consultation with a qualified specialist like Dr. Kopelman is essential to determine eligibility and safety.
PRP Injection Cost and Coverage
PRP Injection Cost Breakdown
The cost of PRP therapy can range from $1,500 to $2,500 per session, depending on the area treated and the number of sessions required. Hair restoration treatments may involve a package of multiple sessions, while joint treatments might require fewer visits.
Is PRP Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, PRP is considered elective and not covered by insurance. However, some orthopedic uses may qualify under specific plans. Patients should consult their provider and request a breakdown of benefits.
Looking Ahead: The Future of PRP
Innovations and Expanding Uses
Ongoing research explores new PRP applications in wound healing, dental regeneration, and post-surgical recovery.
Enhanced techniques using hyaluronic acid or biologics to enrich platelet formulations are also being developed, to improve outcomes across more conditions. PRP continues to evolve as a promising frontier in regenerative care.
Now that you know what platelet-rich plasma is used for, Kopelman Hair is committed to offering safe, advanced, and personalized PRP therapy for patients seeking natural and effective hair restoration and pain management solutions.
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Kopelman delivers expert care tailored to your unique goals.
