PDO for Hair Regrowth at a Glance
What is being done? PDO threads are inserted into the scalp. For best results the treatment can be combined with PRP or PRF.
How long does the treatment take? Approximately 60-90 minutes.
Is anesthesia necessary? Yes, the scalp is locally anesthetized.
Is there a downtime? No, you can resume your normal activities immediately.
How often does the treatment need to be repeated? Typically, one session is sufficient. A refresh can be done after 12–18 months, possibly with PRP or PRF only.
What is the cost of PDO for hair regrowth? The costs vary with the size of the treatment area and start at around €390 (indicative price).
How do PDO Threads Stimulate Hair Growth?
During the treatment of hair loss, PDO threads are inserted beneath the scalp. There, they form a kind of “mesh”. This mesh serves as a supportive structure for the growth of new hair. It also stimulates blood circulation and collagen production, leading to healthier and stronger hair growth. The threads also stimulate the production of elastin, a protein that is important for the elasticity and strength of the hair.
PDO Threads Regenerate the Scalp.
Additionally, the implantation of the threads provokes a mild inflammatory response. It stimulates the immune system to accelerate the healing process and promote hair growth. During the invisible process of wound healing, growth factors are concentrated in the scalp. They promote the proliferation of fibroblasts. Moreover, new blood vessels form, allowing for the nourishment of hair follicles. Additionally, the growth factors trigger the growth phase of the hair, known as the anagen phase.
Effectiveness of PDO Threads Scientifically Proven
The positive effect of PDO threads on hair growth has already been demonstrated in initial scientific studies. The stimulating effect has been demonstrated in both animal studies and human trials. In animal studies, mice that were implanted with PDO threads under the skin showed a significant improvement in hair density compared to the two control groups treated with the well-known active ingredient Minoxidil and placebo. And this improvement was observed after only 16 days.
Study: PDO Slows Down Hair Loss After 2 Months
In a study involving male participants, signs of significant improvement were observed just two months after the placement of PDO threads. Hair loss was slowed down, and hair count started to increase again. Six months later, a significant improvement in hair volume and coverage was observed. Prior to the study, the participants had previously experienced unsuccessful treatments with finasteride and minoxidil over several months.
Study: PDO Threads Improve Hair Growth in 3 out of 4 Women
The positive effects of PDO on hair loss have also been demonstrated in women. In a recently conducted study, the effects of PDO threads were compared to a placebo group receiving saline solution. The endpoints of the study included hair count, hair mass index (HMI), and self-assessment by the participants. In 3 out of 4 participants in the treatment group (compared to 0% in the placebo group), a significant improvement in hair loss, hair loss rate, and hair thickness was observed. Furthermore, 3 out of 4 participants in the treatment group (compared to 1 out of 5 in the placebo group) reported that their hair felt denser or heavier after the placement of PDO threads.
Treatment Process
The treatment of hair loss with PDO threads in my practice in Munich follows a fixed five-step protocol. Patient safety and the quality of the outcome are always my top priorities. The procedure is straightforward but relatively comprehensive, especially when combining the insertion of PDO threads with PRP or PRF. Therefore, I dedicate sufficient time to each patient and plan the procedure individually.
Consultation
The first step is a detailed discussion of the patient’s initial situation and esthetic goals. What should be achieved with the treatment? Is the goal realistically achievable? What are the costs? What are the risks? If all questions are answered satisfactorily, then the patient signs a consent to treatment and a fee agreement. There are no surprises regarding the scope of treatment or costs as everything is thoroughly discussed and agreed upon in advance. This step takes 15-30 minutes.
Cleaning & Disinfection
Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the treatment area are essential to exclude bacterial infections. I disinfect the scalp using a skin-friendly disinfectant. This step takes 5 minutes.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is essential for the placement of PDO threads under the scalp. For this purpose, I inject a local anesthetic, similar to what is used in dentistry. This step takes an additional 5 minutes. If the treatment is combined with PRP or PRF, I proceed next with the blood collection. This allows the blood to be centrifuged and the PRP to be obtained while I proceed with the placement of PDO threads.
Placement of PDO Threads
The insertion of the threads under the scalp is relatively quick. Approximately 30 threads are required for a medium-sized spot on the back of the head. This part of the treatment takes about 15 minutes. If PRP or PRF is additionally injected, it adds another 10–20 minutes to the procedure.
Aftercare & Follow-up
After the treatment, a brief check is conducted to ensure that everything is okay and no notable reactions to the treatment are observed. We schedule a follow-up appointment in 14 days. In case of any complications between the treatment and the control appointment, we will contact you immediately. You have my phone number for that.
What is the Cost of PDO for Hair Regrowth?
For the treatment of hair loss, PDO monofilaments are used. A treatment with 20 threads costs approximately €290 (indicative price) in my practice. This is sufficient for smaller treatment areas, such as those observed in female pattern hair loss or alopecia areata.
The treatment of receding hairline requires 30-50 threads, resulting in costs ranging from €400 to €600. For larger areas on the crown and back of the head, often 60 threads or more are required, which can result in costs around €800 or more.
If PDO threads are combined with PRP or PRF, which I generally recommend to my patients, an additional cost of €300-500 will be incurred, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Please note that the mentioned prices are only indicative values and serve as a guideline for orientation. Each treatment is billed individually according to the regulations of the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ). Actual costs may therefore deviate from the mentioned indicative values, including significant variations.
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About the author:
Dr. med. univ. Eva Maria Strobl is the owner of LIPS and SKIN Aesthetic Medicine practice in Munich. She is a trained specialist in general medicine (MedUni Vienna) and has over 10 years of specialization in non-surgical aesthetic procedures. She is a member of the German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Therapy e.V. (DGBT), the German Society of Anti-Aging Medicine e.V. (GSAAM) and of Network Global Health. She publishes regularly on her blog and on DocCheck.
Sources of this article:
Barthi, Sonthalia et al., Scalp threading with polydioxanone monofilament threads: A novel, effective and safe modality for hair restoration, Link
Shin, Lee, Kwon et al., The Success of Thread-embedding Therapy in Generating Hair Re-growth in Mice Points to Its Possibly Having a Similar Effect in Humans, Link
