PRP Hair Restoration in NYC
Advanced PRF Scalp Injections for Thicker, Stronger Hair — Without Surgery
A Smarter Approach to Hair Restoration
Board-Certified Dermatologist. Advanced PRF Technology. Real Expectations.
Medically reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | Board-Certified Dermatologist | Founder, The Dermatology and Laser Group, New York City | Faculty, Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology
Last Medically Reviewed: March 17, 2026
Hair loss affects millions of people — and if you're researching PRP hair restoration in NYC, you've probably already read a lot of confusing information. Some clinics promise miraculous regrowth. Others dismiss the treatment entirely. The truth, as with most things in medicine, is more nuanced than either extreme.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group on Manhattan's Upper East Side, Dr. Arash Akhavan takes a different approach. As a board-certified dermatologist who has spent over a decade treating hair loss in New York City, Arash Akhavan, MD understands the biology behind thinning hair — what PRP can realistically accomplish, who it works best for, and why the specific preparation method matters more than most patients realize.
That's why our practice has moved beyond traditional PRP to exclusively offer PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) for scalp injections — a next-generation preparation that delivers growth factors to your hair follicles slowly and steadily over 7 to 14 days, rather than all at once. We still call it "PRP" because that's the term most people call it, but the treatment you'll receive here is scientifically superior to what most clinics in NYC are offering.
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Over 300 media appearances as a national expert in cosmetic dermatology and body contouring.
How PRF Scalp Injections Actually Work
PRP hair treatment works by harnessing the regenerative proteins that already exist in your blood. Here's the process in plain terms: we draw a small vial of your blood — the same kind of routine blood draw you'd have at any doctor's visit — and place it in a specialized centrifuge. That centrifuge separates the components of your blood, concentrating the platelets and growth factors that your body uses to heal and regenerate tissue.
Those concentrated growth factors are then injected directly into the areas of your scalp where hair is thinning. Once there, they go to work on the miniaturized hair follicles — the follicles that haven't died but have been slowly shrinking under the influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for the vast majority of pattern hair loss in both men and women.
The key growth factors involved — Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) — do three critical things at the follicular level:
- Stimulate new blood vessel formation around the hair follicle, improving the nutrient supply that thinning follicles desperately need
- Prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, keeping follicles in active growth mode for longer
- Halt premature follicular apoptosis — essentially preventing the programmed cell death that causes follicles to stop producing visible hair
A 2019 meta-analysis published in Dermatologic Surgery reviewed 11 clinical studies and confirmed that PRP injections produce statistically significant improvements in hair density and thickness compared to placebo. However — and this is something Dr. Arash Akhavan is always transparent about — the degree of improvement varies meaningfully from patient to patient. More on that below.
Why We Use PRF Instead of Traditional PRP
If you've been comparing PRP hair restoration providers in NYC, you've probably noticed that most clinics offer traditional PRP. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, Dr. Arash Akhavan made the decision to transition entirely to PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) for all scalp injections — and the reason comes down to biology.
Traditional PRP is prepared using tubes that contain a chemical anticoagulant — a substance that prevents your blood from clotting during processing. The blood is then spun at high speed. The result is a concentrated liquid that's rich in platelets, but those platelets release up to 95% of their growth factors within the first 10 to 60 minutes after injection. It's a powerful burst of biological activity, but it fades quickly.
PRF takes a completely different approach. Your blood is drawn into additive-free tubes — no anticoagulants, no chemicals whatsoever — and processed at a slower centrifugation speed. This allows your blood's natural fibrinogen to convert into fibrin, forming a three-dimensional biological scaffold that physically traps platelets, white blood cells, and mesenchymal stem cells within its structure.
"The way I explain it to patients is simple," says Arash Akhavan, MD. "With traditional PRP, you're getting a burst of growth factors that peaks and fades within hours. With PRF, you're getting a slow, sustained release over 7 to 14 days — which is much closer to how your body naturally heals. For hair follicles that need ongoing stimulation to wake back up and start producing thicker hair again, that sustained delivery makes a real clinical difference."
A 2021 systematic review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirmed that PRF preparations demonstrate superior sustained growth factor release and higher concentrations of leukocytes compared to traditional PRP — both of which are advantageous for follicular regeneration.
What to Expect During Your PRP Hair Restoration Treatment
Your PRP hair restoration treatment at The Dermatology and Laser Group is performed personally by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD — not delegated to a nurse, physician assistant, or technician. Every step, from the blood draw to the final injection, is handled by a board-certified dermatologist.
Here's what a typical appointment looks like:
Step 1: Blood Draw
We draw a small amount of blood from your arm — typically 1 to 2 vials. It's the same quick, routine process you'd experience at any doctor's visit.
Step 2: PRF Preparation
Your blood is placed in our centrifuge and processed using the additive-free PRF protocol. While the centrifuge is working, we prepare your scalp with topical numbing cream to ensure comfort during the injections.
Step 3: Targeted Scalp Injections
Using a fine needle, Dr. Arash Akhavan precisely injects the PRF concentrate into the areas of your scalp where thinning is occurring. The injection pattern is customized to your specific hair loss pattern — whether that's diffuse thinning along the part line, recession at the temples, or thinning at the crown. For patients concerned with pain we also offer Pro-Nox, an FDA cleared analgesia that delivers 50% Nitrous Oxide and 50% Oxygen as an option with no extra fee.
Step 4: You're Done
The entire appointment takes approximately 15-30 minutes. There's no downtime — you can return to work, exercise, and all normal activities the same day. Most patients experience mild tenderness at the injection sites for a day or two, but nothing that requires medication or time off.
Recommended Protocol: For optimal results, Dr. Akhavan recommends a series of 4 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart. After the initial series, maintenance sessions every 4 months help sustain and build on your results over time.
PRP Hair Restoration Before and After Images
Before & After Gallery — Coming Soon
We are currently building our PRP/PRF Treatment gallery and invite a select number of patients to participate. As a thank-you for sharing your results, participants receive preferred pricing on their treatment series. If you're interested, mention the Before & After program when you book your consultation.
Cost of PRP Hair Restoration in NYC
The cost of PRF hair restoration at The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City is $850 per session. A package of 4 sessions (the recommended initial treatment course) is available for $3,060.
Every treatment is performed personally by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD — a board-certified dermatologist, Castle Connolly Top Doctor for over 13 consecutive years, and Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai Department of Dermatology. At many NYC clinics offering PRP hair treatments, the injections are performed by nurses or technicians under a physician's general supervision. At our practice, Dr. Arash Akhavan performs every single injection himself.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
How PRF Scalp Injections Compare to Other Hair Loss Treatments
PRF hair restoration occupies a unique position among the non-surgical hair loss treatments available in New York City. The table below compares PRF scalp injections against the most common alternatives across the clinical factors that matter most when choosing a treatment.
| Feature | PRF Injections | Minoxidil | Finasteride | LLLT Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Type | In-office injection | Topical (daily) | Oral pill (daily) | At-home device |
| Mechanism | Growth factor release | Vasodilation | DHT blocker | Light stimulation |
| Source Material | Your own blood | Synthetic drug | Synthetic drug | N/A (device) |
| Systemic Side Effects | None | Possible | Possible | None |
| Safe for Women | Yes | Yes (2% formula) | No (pregnancy risk) | Yes |
| Daily Commitment | None | 1-2x daily | 1x daily | 3-7x per week |
| Results Onset | 2-6 months | 3-6 months | 3-12 months | 3-6 months |
| Can Combine w/ Others | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physician-Performed | Yes (Dr. Akhavan) | No (self-applied) | No (prescription) | No (self-use) |
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Hair Restoration
PRP (and the more advanced PRF preparation we use) has meaningful clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for hair loss. A 2019 meta-analysis published in Dermatologic Surgery reviewing 11 studies found statistically significant improvements in hair density and hair thickness compared to placebo. However, Dr. Arash Akhavan is always transparent with patients: results vary depending on your individual biology, the stage of your hair loss, and the quality of your growth factors. Some patients see impressive regrowth — noticeably thicker, denser hair. Others see more modest stabilization of shedding and subtle thickening. The only way to know how your body will respond is to undergo the treatment course. PRF is not a guaranteed cure for hair loss, but for the right candidates, it's one of the most effective non-surgical options available.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) are both derived from your own blood, but they're prepared differently — and that difference matters. Traditional PRP uses chemical anticoagulants and high-speed centrifugation, which causes growth factors to be released in a rapid burst that fades within hours. PRF is prepared without any chemical additives and processed at a lower speed, allowing a natural fibrin matrix to form. This matrix releases growth factors slowly over 7 to 14 days, providing sustained stimulation to the hair follicles. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, Arash Akhavan, MD exclusively uses PRF for all scalp injections because the sustained release profile is biologically superior for follicular regeneration.
PRF hair restoration at The Dermatology and Laser Group costs $850 per session. The recommended initial course of 4 sessions is available as a package for $3,060. All treatments are performed personally by Dr. Arash Akhavan, a board-certified dermatologist — not a nurse or technician. Pricing includes the blood draw, PRF preparation, and all scalp injections. Maintenance sessions every 4 months are recommended after the initial series.
The best candidates for PRF hair restoration are patients with early to moderate hair thinning — meaning the follicles are miniaturized but still biologically active. If you're noticing increased shedding, a widening part line, thinning at the temples, or reduced hair density at the crown, you are likely a strong candidate. PRF is not effective for patients with complete baldness in the treatment area — if the follicles have permanently died and been replaced by scar tissue, there are no living cells for the growth factors to stimulate. During your consultation at our Manhattan office, Dr. Akhavan will evaluate your scalp, discuss your hair loss pattern, and give you an honest assessment of what PRF can realistically achieve for you.
Dr. Arash Akhavan typically recommends an initial series of 4 PRF sessions spaced 4 weeks apart for hair restoration. Most patients begin noticing improvements in shedding reduction and hair texture within 2 to 3 months. Visible thickening and increased density become more apparent between 4 and 6 months after beginning treatment. After the initial series, maintenance sessions every 4 months help sustain and continue building results. Hair loss is a progressive condition, so ongoing maintenance is an important part of a long-term strategy.
There is essentially no downtime after PRF scalp injections. You can return to work and all normal activities immediately after your appointment. Most patients experience mild scalp tenderness at the injection sites for 24 to 48 hours — similar to the feeling after a vigorous scalp massage. We ask that you avoid washing your hair for at least 6 hours after treatment and avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours. There are no activity restrictions beyond that first day.
Yes — and in many cases, a multi-modal approach produces the strongest results. PRF scalp injections work well alongside topical minoxidil, oral finasteride or dutasteride (for appropriate candidates), low-level laser therapy, and nutritional optimization. PRF addresses hair loss from a regenerative angle — stimulating the follicle directly — while medications like minoxidil and finasteride address it from hormonal and vascular angles. Dr. Arash Akhavan will discuss whether a combination approach makes sense for your specific situation during your consultation.
PRF scalp injections are an excellent option for women experiencing hair thinning, and women actually make up a significant portion of the PRP hair restoration patients at our NYC practice. Female pattern hair loss typically presents as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp rather than the receding hairline pattern common in men — and this diffuse thinning pattern tends to respond particularly well to PRF injections. Unlike finasteride, which is not FDA-approved for women and carries pregnancy-related risks, PRF uses only your own blood and has no hormonal effects whatsoever. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD considers PRF one of the best first-line treatments for women with early to moderate hair thinning.
No — and any provider telling you otherwise is not being honest. PRF hair restoration works by stimulating existing, living hair follicles that have miniaturized (become smaller and weaker). If an area of your scalp is completely bald — meaning the follicles have permanently shut down due to advanced androgenetic alopecia — there are no follicles remaining for the growth factors to act on. This is why candidacy assessment is so important. During your consultation, Dr. Akhavan will examine your scalp to determine which areas have viable follicles that can benefit from PRF, and will tell you directly if surgical hair transplantation would be a more appropriate option for certain areas.
PRP/PRF and hair transplantation are fundamentally different treatments that serve different purposes. A hair transplant physically moves hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back of the head) to a thinning or bald area — it's a surgical procedure that produces permanent, visible results but requires significant downtime and investment. PRF, on the other hand, is a non-surgical treatment that strengthens and revitalizes your existing hair follicles. Many patients use PRF as a standalone treatment for early-stage thinning, or as a complement to a hair transplant — PRF can help optimize the transplanted follicles and strengthen the surrounding native hair. Dr. Arash Akhavan can discuss which approach, or which combination, makes the most sense for your stage of hair loss.
Manhattan's Upper East Side — Your Destination for Advanced Hair Restoration
The Dermatology and Laser Group is located at 110 East 60th Street, in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side — just steps from Park Avenue and easily accessible from Midtown, Lenox Hill, Sutton Place, the West Side, and all points across New York City via the 4, 5, 6, N, R, and W trains. Whether you're fitting a PRP hair treatment into your lunch break from a Midtown office or heading over from home on the Upper West Side, our private, luxury medical suite offers a discreet and comfortable environment for your treatment. Every PRF scalp session is performed by Dr. Arash Akhavan personally in a setting that reflects the premium, physician-led care our NYC patients expect.
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Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.