Hair loss can have a significant impact on confidence, especially for men. Whether it’s a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or an overall reduction in density, it can leave you feeling older than you are. But modern hair restoration treatments now offer effective, natural solutions that don’t require invasive surgery.

At Dr Janice Brown Aesthetics & Skin, based near Belfast, we specialise in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) hair treatment, a cutting-edge, non-surgical therapy that encourages your own hair to grow thicker and stronger.

Many men considering PRP also wonder whether a hair transplant might be a better choice. While both treatments aim to restore hair, they work in very different ways. This guide explores how PRP compares with surgical hair transplants, so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your individual needs.

Understanding the Two Treatments

What Is PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses the natural healing power of your own blood to rejuvenate weak or dormant hair follicles. During treatment, a small sample of blood is taken, spun in a centrifuge, and the concentrated plasma, rich in growth factors – is injected into the scalp.

These growth factors stimulate follicle activity, improve circulation, and promote the regeneration of new, healthy hair strands.

PRP is completely natural and medically led, with no synthetic substances involved. It’s ideal for those in the early-to-moderate stages of hair thinning who prefer to encourage their body’s own growth mechanisms.

At Dr Janice’s clinic, PRP sessions are performed personally by Dr Janice Brown, a qualified medical aesthetic practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience and a Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Medicine. Every treatment follows strict medical protocols for safety, precision, and comfort.

What Is a Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a surgical procedure where hair follicles are removed from one area of the scalp (usually the back of the head) and implanted into thinning or bald areas.

There are two main methods:

• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) – individual follicles are transplanted.
  
• FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) – a strip of scalp is surgically removed and divided into grafts.

While transplants can achieve permanent results, they are surgical, involve more downtime, and may not always look completely natural, especially if hair loss continues over time.

PRP vs Hair Transplant: The Key Differences

Although both PRP and hair transplants aim to restore fuller, thicker hair, they do so in very different ways. Understanding these differences can help you decide which approach best suits your goals, lifestyle, and stage of hair loss.

PRP hair treatment works by using your body’s own plasma to stimulate natural growth. It’s a completely non-surgical procedure, performed with fine injections rather than incisions. Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable at most, and since there’s no cutting or stitching, there’s also no scarring and no downtime. You can usually return to work the same day and wash your hair within 24 hours.

Hair transplants, on the other hand, are surgical procedures that involve removing follicles from a donor area (typically the back of the head) and implanting them into areas of thinning or baldness. While this method can achieve more immediate coverage in advanced hair loss cases, it requires a longer recovery period often a week or two and comes with the potential for swelling, crusting, and mild scarring at both donor and implant sites.

When it comes to results, PRP delivers a gradual and very natural improvement in thickness and texture. Hair transplants, by contrast, provide permanent redistribution of existing hair, making them more appropriate for men with established bald patches.

In terms of comfort, PRP is generally well tolerated and requires only local cooling or numbing if desired. A transplant typically requires a local anaesthetic and can cause mild discomfort in the days following surgery.

Finally, maintenance differs between the two. PRP works best as a course of treatments, with follow-up sessions every few months to maintain stimulation and results. A transplant, once healed, is long-lasting though future hair thinning in untreated areas may mean additional sessions are needed later in life.

Why Many Men in Belfast Are Choosing PRP

For men who want to slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth naturally, PRP offers an ideal alternative to surgery.

At Dr Janice Brown Aesthetics, PRP therapy appeals to men who:

• Prefer a non-invasive approach.
  
• Want to improve hair density and scalp health.
  
• Have early signs of thinning rather than total baldness.
  
• Value a natural, medically guided solution over surgical intervention.

One of Dr Janice’s patients, Jake, shared his experience:

“I received PRP treatment with Dr Janice… she made me feel calm and relaxed from the offset as I was feeling slightly nervous. The procedure itself was relatively pain-free and extremely fast. Nothing to worry about at all!”

His words reflect a common experience among PRP clients – reassurance, professionalism, and visible results that restore confidence gradually and naturally.

Downtime and Recovery

PRP Hair Treatment

There’s minimal downtime with PRP. You may notice mild redness or tenderness for a few hours, but most patients return to work the same day. You can gently wash your hair the following morning and continue normal routines within 24 hours.

Because PRP is derived from your own blood, there’s no risk of rejection or allergic reaction, making it one of the safest and most natural methods available.

Hair Transplant

Hair transplants involve a longer recovery process. Swelling, crusting, or sensitivity can last up to two weeks, and the newly implanted grafts require careful aftercare to ensure survival. It’s also common for the transplanted hairs to shed before regrowing months later – a process that can feel discouraging if you’re not prepared for it.

Natural Results vs Permanent Coverage

While a hair transplant moves existing hair to balding areas, PRP focuses on revitalising the follicles you already have.

This means PRP delivers results that are:

• Subtle and progressive – improved density over time rather than dramatic overnight change.
  
• Completely natural-looking – no new scars or donor areas.
  
• Supportive for transplants – many surgeons recommend PRP to enhance graft healing and growth.

In contrast, hair transplants can achieve permanent coverage, especially in areas that are completely bald, but may not prevent future hair thinning in untreated regions.

Long-Term Hair Health

PRP is not just a cosmetic procedure; it supports overall scalp health. The growth factors in plasma nourish follicles, improve blood flow, and extend the active growth phase of your hair cycle.

With regular maintenance sessions, many men find their hair feels thicker, stronger, and more resilient. PRP can also reduce excessive shedding and improve scalp texture.

For those who have already had a transplant, PRP can be used as an ongoing maintenance therapy to preserve results and promote continued growth.

A Medically Led Approach You Can Trust

At Dr Janice Brown Aesthetics & Skin, all PRP treatments are conducted in a clinical setting with full medical oversight.

Dr Janice’s background as a Dentist gives her a deep understanding of facial and cranial anatomy, an advantage when it comes to safely performing precision aesthetic treatments. Her Master’s in Aesthetic Medicine, completed with distinction, ensures that every patient benefits from evidence-based, scientifically supported care.

As a proud member of the Aesthetic Complications Expert Group (ACE), Dr Janice upholds the highest standards of patient safety and ethical practice.

Who Is the Best Candidate for PRP Hair Treatment?

PRP may be right for you if you:

• Are in the early stages of hair thinning or receding hairline.
  
• Prefer a non-surgical, discreet solution.
  
• Want to stimulate existing follicles rather than replace lost ones.
  
• Are seeking a natural and medically supervised treatment.

If your hair loss is extensive or patchy, a surgical transplant may offer more visible coverage. However, PRP remains an excellent option for maintaining the health of surrounding follicles or as a complementary therapy post-transplant.

Why Choose Dr Janice Brown Aesthetics for PRP Hair Treatment in Belfast?

• Over 15 years of clinical experience.
  
• Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Medicine (Distinction).
  
• Medically led treatments in a safe, private environment.
  
• Personalised care for both men and women.
  
• Focus on natural, authentic results.
  
• Loyal patients who trust her expertise year after year.

From the moment you arrive at her Hillsborough clinic, you’ll feel supported, informed, and in capable hands. Dr Janice’s calm, reassuring approach has helped countless men across Belfast and beyond restore not just their hair, but their confidence too.

PRP vs Hair Transplant

Both PRP and hair transplants have their place in modern hair restoration.

If you’re seeking:

• A natural, non-surgical treatment,
  
• Minimal downtime
  
• A gradual boost in density and scalp health, then PRP hair treatment in Belfast could be the ideal choice.

If your hair loss is more advanced, a surgical transplant may achieve greater coverage but combining both can deliver the best of both worlds.

Book Your Personal Consultation

If you’re ready to take the next step towards fuller, healthier hair, book a confidential consultation with Dr Janice Brown Aesthetics & Skin today.

You’ll receive a bespoke, medically guided assessment of your hair health, scalp condition, and the most effective treatment plan for your goals.

Rediscover your confidence with PRP Hair Treatment in NI, a natural approach to lasting results.