Our Experience: What PRP for Hair Loss in San Diego Actually Looks Like

For the sake of privacy, let's call this man "David." He's a 38-year-old software engineer from North Park who started noticing more hair in his brush about two years ago. This is his story, told through our conversations with him before, during, and after his treatment at Total T Clinic.

The Consultation: "Am I a Good Candidate?"

David came to us in early 2025 after spending months researching everything from minoxidil to hair transplants. He'd read about PRP for hair loss in San Diego but wasn't sure if it was worth the hype or just another expensive trend.

"Honestly, I was skeptical," David told us. "I'd seen the before-and-afters online, but I also read that it doesn't work for everyone. I wanted someone to tell me the truth, not just sell me a package."

During his consultation at Total T Clinic, we did exactly that. We explained that PRP—platelet-rich plasma—uses his own blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, then injected back into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. We also made something clear from the start: PRP is not a cure, and it doesn't work for everyone.

Research shows that while many patients see improvement in hair density and thickness, responses vary. A 2020 randomized trial found that PRP increased hair density compared to placebo, but the difference wasn't always dramatic. Another study noted that younger patients and those with moderate, not advanced, hair loss tend to respond best .

David had what we'd call moderate thinning at the crown and some recession at the temples. No shiny bald spots yet. He was a reasonable candidate, but we tempered his expectations: You're not going to wake up with a full head of hair. This is about slowing the loss and maybe thickening what's still there.

He decided to move forward with a three-session protocol, spaced about a month apart, which aligns with what many studies recommend.

The First Session: "Weird, But Not Painful"

David arrived at our San Diego clinic on a Tuesday morning. We reminded him to eat a full breakfast—blood draws can make you lightheaded on an empty stomach.

The process started with a standard blood draw, about 20 milliliters from his arm. That blood went into a centrifuge, which spun it down to separate the red blood cells from the plasma and platelets. The concentrated PRP was then loaded into a syringe with a fine needle.

"Honestly, the blood draw was the worst part," David said. "The injections felt like little pinpricks. Not fun, but not unbearable."

We used a topical numbing cream beforehand, and we iced the scalp during the procedure to minimize discomfort. David described the sensation as "pressure, mostly. Like someone tapping on your head with a tiny rubber hammer."

The whole appointment took about 45 minutes. He went back to work afterward.

The Waiting Game: "I Didn't See Anything for Two Months"

Here's the part most clinics don't emphasize enough: PRP takes time.

David didn't notice anything after the first session. Or the second. By week six, he was starting to wonder if he'd wasted his money.

We told him this was normal. Research consistently shows that initial results typically appear around three months after starting treatment, with maximum improvement taking up to a year. The follicles need time to respond to the growth factors.

By the time he came in for his third session, David admitted he'd started seeing "peach fuzz" along his hairline. Fine, unpigmented hairs. A good sign, but not the dramatic change he'd hoped for.

The Six-Month Check-In: "Realistic Improvement"

We caught up with David about six months after his first session. He'd continued with quarterly maintenance injections, which is the typical schedule after the initial three-month loading phase.

"I'm not going to pretend I have a teenager's hairline," he said. "But the shedding has basically stopped. That alone was worth it. And the crown area does look thicker. My barber noticed before I did."

That tracks with what the research tells us. PRP's most reliable benefit is slowing or stopping hair loss, with modest regrowth as a secondary effect. A 2014 study (Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study 7. Schiavone G, Raskovic D, Greco J, Abeni D 2014 Italy) found that 62 of 64 patients showed some degree of improvement after two injections, but "improvement" is a broad term.

David's advice for anyone considering PRP in San Diego: "Go in with realistic expectations. If you're expecting a miracle, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking to hold onto what you have and maybe get a little thickening, it's worth trying."

What We Tell Every Patient

David's experience reflects what we see across our patient base. PRP is a legitimate tool for androgenetic alopecia, but it's not a standalone miracle.

• It works best in combination. Studies consistently show better results when PRP is paired with proven treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.

• It's a commitment. You can't do one session and expect results. The typical protocol involves three monthly sessions, then quarterly maintenance.

• It's safe. Because it uses your own blood, allergic reactions are essentially impossible. Side effects are mild: soreness, bruising, and occasional tenderness that fades within a day or two.

• It's not FDA-approved for hair loss. This is important. The FDA has cleared the equipment used to make PRP, but the procedure itself is considered investigational for hair loss. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means insurance won't cover it, and you should understand the regulatory landscape.

The Bottom Line

David still comes in every three months for maintenance. He's not planning to stop anytime soon. "It's not cheap, and it's not magic," he says. "But I'm not losing ground anymore. That's enough for me."

If you're considering PRP for hair loss in San Diego, the best first step is an honest consultation. We'll look at your hair, your history, and your expectations—and tell you whether PRP is worth your time and money.

Individual results vary. This article reflects one patient's experience and general information about PRP therapy. It is not a guarantee of results. Always consult with a qualified provider before beginning any treatment.