If you’ve been researching hair restoration options, you’ve probably come across two names more than any others: PRP and Alma TED. Both are used to address thinning hair. Both work by stimulating the scalp and supporting hair follicle health. And both can produce real, measurable results.
But they’re not the same — and the differences matter.
I’m Gregory LaFontaine, PA-C at Retro Health & Aesthetics in Worthington, Ohio. I perform Alma TED personally, and I want to give you a straight clinical comparison so you can make the right decision for your situation.
What Is PRP for Hair Loss?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. The treatment works like this: we draw a small amount of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and then inject that concentrated plasma directly into your scalp.
The idea is that your own growth factors — delivered right to the hair follicles — can wake up dormant follicles, slow shedding, and stimulate new growth.
PRP has been around for years and has a solid evidence base. It works. But the process involves needles — multiple injections across the scalp — and most patients need numbing cream and report at least some discomfort during treatment. There’s also minor swelling and sensitivity for a day or two afterward.
For the right patient, PRP is a legitimate option. But a lot of people come to me and say the same thing: “I want the results, but I don’t want the needles.”
That’s exactly where Alma TED comes in.
What Is Alma TED?
TED stands for Trans-Epidermal Delivery. Instead of injecting growth factors into the scalp, Alma TED uses low-frequency ultrasound energy combined with air pressure to temporarily open channels in the scalp — allowing the TED+ Hair Care Formula to penetrate deep into the dermis where it can actually make a difference.
No needles. No blood draw. No numbing cream. No injections of any kind.
The treatment takes about 25 minutes. Patients describe the sensation as a mild vibration. You walk out and go about your day immediately — there’s no redness, no sensitivity, no recovery time.
Alma TED vs. PRP: A Direct Comparison
Needles: PRP requires multiple injections across the scalp. Alma TED uses zero needles — entirely non-invasive.
Comfort: PRP involves real discomfort for most patients even with numbing cream. Alma TED patients consistently describe it as comfortable — a mild vibration at most.
Downtime: PRP typically causes 24-48 hours of scalp sensitivity and minor swelling. Alma TED has zero downtime — you can return to normal activity immediately.
Active ingredients: PRP uses your own platelet-rich plasma. Alma TED uses the TED+ Hair Care Formula — a proprietary blend of peptides, growth factors, and biotin delivered deep into the scalp via ultrasound.
Treatment protocol: Both typically require 3 sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart for best results.
Results timeline: Both show reduced shedding within a few weeks and visible new growth by the 2-3 month mark.
Who it works for: Both are effective for androgenic (pattern) hair loss, hormonal thinning, postpartum hair loss, and stress-related shedding.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Honestly? For most patients, I recommend Alma TED — and not just because it’s what I offer.
The science behind ultrasound-driven transepidermal delivery is compelling. The TED+ formula contains clinically validated ingredients. And the fact that we can achieve comparable results without needles, without drawing blood, and without any recovery time is a genuinely significant advance in how we approach hair restoration.
That said, there are cases where PRP may still be the better fit — particularly if a patient has had great results with PRP in the past, or if they’re seeing a provider who doesn’t offer TED. I’m not here to tell you PRP doesn’t work. It does.
But if you’re looking at both options and comfort matters to you — if the idea of multiple scalp injections has been holding you back from doing anything at all — Alma TED removes that barrier entirely.
What to Expect at Retro Health
Every Alma TED treatment at Retro Health is performed personally by me. That’s not something I say as a marketing line — it’s just how we practice here. You’re not getting handed off to a medical assistant or a technician. You get the same clinical attention at your hair restoration appointment that you’d get at any other visit.
We also look at hair loss as part of your complete health picture. Thinning hair is often connected to hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or other underlying factors — especially for patients in their 40s and 50s. For Retro Health members, TED treatments are integrated into your ongoing care plan, with progress tracked at every visit.
Pricing is straightforward: $600 per treatment for members, $800 for non-members. A package of 4 drops to $1,800 for members or $2,800 for non-members. A free consultation is always included — we’ll talk through your hair loss pattern, your goals, and whether TED is the right fit before you commit to anything.
Ready to Find Out If Alma TED Is Right for You?
Book a free consultation at Retro Health & Aesthetics in Worthington, Ohio. We’ll evaluate your scalp health, walk you through what to expect, and build a plan that actually fits your life.
