Supporting Hair Regrowth with LLLT and PRP After Hair Transplant in Birmingham

Patients considering a hair transplant in Birmingham often ask what else they can do to support regrowth and improve long-term outcomes. Two adjunctive treatments commonly discussed are Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. Both have received attention in recent years for their role in enhancing follicular recovery, stimulating the anagen phase of hair growth, and potentially increasing graft survival after Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedures. Understanding the biological mechanisms, clinical evidence, and practical considerations behind these treatments can help you decide whether they are appropriate following surgery.

LLLT involves exposure of the scalp to red or near-infrared light, typically at wavelengths between 630 and 670 nm. The aim is to stimulate cellular activity within the hair follicle. Mitochondrial activity appears to be central to its proposed mechanism, where photons are absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase, leading to increased ATP production and modulation of reactive oxygen species. The result is improved energy availability in follicular stem cells and dermal papilla cells, which are essential for initiating new hair growth. A meta-analysis by Gupta and colleagues published in Lasers in Medical Science found that LLLT significantly increased hair density in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia, with a good safety profile and minimal side effects. However, treatment requires sustained commitment. Sessions are often performed two to three times per week, either in-clinic or using a home device, for several months. The evidence suggests benefit is most pronounced when started within the first few weeks post-transplant, once the crusting phase has resolved.

PRP, by contrast, is an injectable therapy using the patient’s own blood. The process involves centrifugation to isolate platelets, which are rich in growth factors including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). When injected into the scalp, these proteins are thought to improve angiogenesis, reduce inflammation, and encourage follicular activity. A systematic review concluded that PRP is associated with statistically significant improvements in hair count, thickness, and density when used as a monotherapy or post-transplant adjunct. It may also reduce the telogen phase duration, helping transplanted follicles enter the active growth phase more rapidly.

For patients in Birmingham considering FUE transplant surgery, both treatments can be considered as part of a multi-modal aftercare plan, but expectations should be realistic. PRP is typically delivered in a series of 3–4 monthly sessions, followed by maintenance injections every 4–6 months if results are sustained. It is a more invasive treatment compared to LLLT but can yield quicker visual improvements. LLLT, while less invasive, requires consistent and prolonged application. Some patients benefit from a combination of both, depending on their medical history, donor area quality, and desired outcomes.

Hair transplant procedures at clinics such as My Hair UK are usually priced between £2,499 for up to 500 grafts and £4,899 for up to 3,500 grafts: https://www.my-hair.uk/hair-transplant-cost  This covers the surgical cost of extraction and implantation but does not include LLLT or PRP, which are typically charged separately. Some clinics offer these as part of a care package, but in many cases, patients seek these treatments independently in the months following surgery. It's important to assess cost versus benefit. LLLT devices for home use may cost between £300 and £800, while each PRP session may be priced between £250 and £400 in private clinics across Birmingham.

Before committing to these therapies, I advise having a general health check with your local GP. Hair loss can be affected by underlying systemic conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid disease, or androgen imbalance. Addressing these can sometimes lead to better transplant outcomes or even reduce further native hair loss. In Birmingham, several NHS GP surgeries can offer this assessment, including:

• Harborne Medical Practice, 4 York Street, B17 0HG

• Selly Park Surgery, 2 Reaview Road, B29 7NP

• Bournbrook Varsity Medical Centre, 1A Alton Road, B29 7DU

They can arrange basic blood tests and refer you to dermatology or endocrinology if necessary. A healthy scalp environment and hormonal balance are essential foundations before layering advanced therapies like PRP or LLLT.

As with any adjunctive treatment, it is important to critically evaluate the available evidence and consider individual factors including age, pattern of loss, scalp characteristics, and overall health. While neither LLLT nor PRP can replace surgical restoration, both can play a meaningful role in improving graft retention, accelerating regrowth, and supporting surrounding native follicles. If you have already undergone FUE surgery or are planning to do so, these therapies may offer additional support—provided they are timed correctly, delivered with appropriate medical oversight, and tailored to your specific needs.