281-771-1684If you are noticing thinning hair and want a natural approach before considering surgery, you are not alone. Many people are turning to PRP and PRF as non surgical options that use their own blood to support healthier, fuller looking hair. At Rivela Hair Restoration in The Woodlands, TX, these treatments are used as part of a thoughtful thinning hair treatment plan that is personalized to your needs.
About PRP For Hair Restoration
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Your blood contains red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets are packed with growth factors that help the body heal and repair tissue. In PRP for hair restoration, a small amount of your blood is drawn and then spun in a special device to concentrate these platelets. The resulting plasma has a much higher concentration of growth factors than your normal bloodstream.
When this concentrated PRP is placed into areas of thinning hair, those growth factors send signals to the hair follicles to become more active. The goal is to help hairs stay in the growing phase longer, produce thicker strands, and gradually improve density over time. Many people looking for PRP in Houston choose this option because it relies on their own biology rather than synthetic medications.
About PRF For Hair Restoration
PRF stands for platelet-rich fibrin. It is similar to PRP but is prepared a bit differently. The blood is processed at a lower speed and without certain additives, which allows a fibrin matrix to form. This fibrin acts like a natural scaffold that holds platelets and white blood cells in place and releases growth factors more slowly over time.
Because of this slow release, PRF can provide a longer lasting stimulation to hair follicles compared with standard PRP. People seeking PRF in Houston often like the idea of an even more natural product with no added anticoagulants and a sustained effect that may support hair growth over several weeks after each treatment.
The Science Behind PRP And PRF for Thinning Hair
Both PRP and PRF work by delivering a concentrated dose of your own growth factors directly into the scalp where hair follicles live. These growth factors are believed to
- Improve blood flow around hair follicles
- Support the health of the follicle cells
- Extend the growth phase of the hair cycle
- Increase hair shaft thickness over time
Clinical studies suggest that repeated sessions can lead to visible improvements in density and hair quality for many patients, especially when treatment begins in the earlier stages of thinning hair. Results can vary, which is why an honest discussion about realistic expectations is so important.
Key Differences Between PRP And PRF
While both options are used for thinning hair treatment, there are a few practical differences. PRP is usually a liquid that is easy to place evenly across larger areas of the scalp. PRF has a thicker, gel-like quality and may stay in place longer, allowing growth factors to release more gradually.
Some patients may start with PRP and then add PRF, while others may benefit from one approach based on their hair loss pattern, health, and goals. At Rivela Hair Restoration, recommendations are tailored, not one size fits all, so you can feel confident the plan is built for you rather than around a single product.
Good Candidates For PRP and PRF
PRP in Houston and PRF in Houston can be good options if you have mild to moderate thinning hair, still have many active follicles, and want to avoid or delay surgery. These treatments are often recommended for men and women in the earlier stages of hereditary hair loss, or for those who have noticed diffuse thinning rather than complete bald patches.
People who have certain medical conditions, unstable hair loss, or very advanced baldness may not see as much benefit. In those cases, PRP and PRF might be combined with other therapies or used to support results after a transplant rather than as the primary treatment. A consultation is the best way to find out where you fall on that spectrum.
What To Expect And Typical Recovery Time
Most PRP or PRF hair sessions take under an hour. After a small blood draw and processing, the scalp is prepared and the product is placed into the thinning areas. Many patients describe the feeling as brief pressure or tiny pinches, and a numbing option can be used for added comfort.
After treatment, you can usually return to normal activities the same day. The scalp may feel tender or slightly full for a day or two, and mild redness or sensitivity is common but temporary. Because hair grows slowly, improvements usually appear gradually over several months, often after a series of sessions spaced weeks apart.
Why Choose Dr Rivela For Thinning Hair Treatment
Dr. Lucian Rivela, M.D. F.A.C.S is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and has completed residencies in both Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. Since 1998, Dr Rivela and his dedicated staff have provided comprehensive cosmetic and skincare care to patients in The Woodlands and the greater Houston area. He has also been voted The Best Plastic Surgeon in The Woodlands by Woodlands Online for 16 consecutive years, reflecting consistent trust and satisfaction from the community.
At Rivela Hair Restoration, thinning hair treatment is never rushed or generic. Dr Rivela takes time to review your history, examine your scalp, and discuss whether PRP in Houston, PRF in Houston, or a combination approach fits your situation. If you ever need or consider additional options in the future, such as hair transplantation, you already have a trusted expert who understands your journey.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are curious whether PRP or PRF could help your thinning hair, the first step is a personalized consultation. You can learn more about these treatments on our dedicated PRP and PRF hair restoration page and explore the full range of services available at Rivela Hair Restoration in The Woodlands, TX.
To find out if these natural options are right for you, schedule a consultation using our online contact form. Dr Lucian Rivela and his team are ready to answer your questions, set realistic expectations, and help you move forward with a plan that feels both hopeful and grounded.
Lucian Rivela
Dr. Lucian Rivela M.D., F.A.C.S. is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery having completed residencies in both Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. Since 1998, Dr. Rivela and his dedicated staff have been offering comprehensive care in both cosmetic surgery and skincare, and he is proud to offer innovative techniques in men’s and women’s hair restoration and hair transplantation for treatments of hair loss, balding, and thinning hair.
