Medical Comparison of Hair Restoration Success Rates in Sheffield

Hair restoration continues to evolve, offering both surgical and non-surgical solutions. In Sheffield, as in the rest of the UK, patients often weigh up the likely success of different treatments before committing. While advertisements may promise results, true clinical success depends on biological, technical, and post-operative factors. As a doctor, I want to provide clarity on how effective the most common treatments—Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy—actually are. I also encourage patients to seek a GP consultation before any intervention, and I’ve included trusted NHS practices in Sheffield for that purpose.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – Evidence and Outcomes

FUE is widely regarded as the gold standard in surgical hair restoration. It involves extracting individual follicular units and re-implanting them into balding areas. The appeal lies in its minimally invasive approach, lack of visible scarring, and high patient satisfaction.

What determines success? Several key factors:

• Surgeon skill and technique
• Graft handling and hydration
• Depth, angle, and density of implantation
• Post-operative healing environment

Reported graft survival rates are often between 85% and 95%, but these figures depend heavily on surgical precision and patient compliance with aftercare. A recent prospective study published in the International Journal of Trichology found a mean survival rate of 91.7% at 12 months in well-executed FUE procedures.

Patients with good donor hair, realistic expectations, and stable hair loss patterns tend to see the best outcomes. In Sheffield, most reputable clinics offering FUE restrict surgery to appropriate candidates based on scalp condition, donor capacity, and medical history. This selection process is key to maintaining high success rates.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Clinical Role in Hair Regrowth

PRP therapy is non-surgical and uses the patient's own blood, processed to extract platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the scalp. The theory is that these factors stimulate dormant follicles, prolong anagen (growth) phase, and increase hair shaft diameter.

While PRP is less invasive than FUE, its success is more variable. Its benefits tend to be greatest in early-stage androgenetic alopecia or as adjunctive treatment post-transplant. A meta-analysis published in Dermatologic Surgery reviewed 12 controlled trials and confirmed PRP's superiority over placebo in improving hair density, but it also emphasised the need for standardised treatment protocols.

In practice, most patients require a course of 3–6 PRP sessions at monthly intervals. Maintenance treatments may be needed every 4–6 months. The success rate is heavily influenced by age, hormone levels, and ongoing scalp inflammation.

In our experience, PRP rarely produces significant cosmetic improvement in advanced hair loss cases. It does, however, complement FUE well, improving healing and potentially increasing the quality of growth in the transplant zone.

Typical Pricing for Hair Restoration in Sheffield

For Sheffield Patients at My Hair UK, our pricing is transparent and fixed based on the number of grafts required in a single day. The current costs are:

• Up to 1000 grafts: £2,899
• Up to 1500 grafts: £3,299
• Up to 2000 grafts: £3,699
• Up to 2500 grafts: £4,099
• Up to 3000 grafts: £4,499
• Up to 3500 grafts: £4,899

This includes consultation, procedure, and aftercare. Beard transplants are offered at a fixed cost of £2,899. PRP therapy is available as a standalone or add-on service, starting at £300 per session.

When reviewing clinics in Sheffield, patients should assess transparency around costs, qualifications of medical staff, and the availability of aftercare—not just headline prices.

Importance of a GP Health Assessment Before Treatment

Hair loss can be a symptom of systemic issues, including iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance, autoimmune disease, or medication side effects. It is unsafe and clinically inappropriate to proceed with surgical intervention without first ruling out reversible causes.

We strongly recommend that patients attend a GP consultation before committing to any cosmetic procedure or hair restoration treatment. This allows for a basic physical exam and appropriate blood tests, such as thyroid function, ferritin, testosterone, and vitamin D levels.

Below are three well-regarded NHS GP surgeries in Sheffield where you can book a routine health check:

• The Sloan Medical Centre
• 2 Little London Road, S8 0YH
• www.sloanmedicalcentre.co.uk
• Dovercourt Surgery
• 3 Skye Edge Avenue, S2 5FX
• www.dovercourtsurgery.co.uk
• Shoreham Street Surgery
• 126 Shoreham Street, S1 4ST
• www.shorehamstreetsurgery.nhs.uk

These practices provide general health screening and can refer patients for dermatology review if necessary. Addressing systemic factors early can significantly influence treatment planning and long-term outcomes.

Clinical Perspective

FUE remains the most reliable option for permanent hair restoration in Sheffield, offering high success rates when performed correctly. PRP therapy may benefit those with mild to moderate thinning, or those recovering from surgery, but its effects are generally temporary and limited in isolation. The success of either method depends on careful medical screening, proper patient selection, and qualified surgical teams. No procedure should take place without a full health review—this is not just good practice; it's good medicine.