Like many women, I’m on the wrong side of 40… and while I’ve never been fitter thanks to a GLP-1 medication, a complete overhaul of my diet, and training six days a week (including Muay Thai ), there’s one thing that definitely hasn’t appreciated the 23kg weight loss…
My hair. 
Add in the joys of perimenopause, and I’d noticed more and more hair shedding every time I washed or brushed it. Then last Thursday, during Muay Thai, my training partner accidentally pulled out a decent chunk of my hair. That was my tipping point.
I’d previously spoken to my cosmetic nurse back in Australia, who had recommended PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy, but life got in the way and I never booked it.
Being on holiday in Bali, and after receiving a strong recommendation from Fan Jonesie I decided it was finally time.
Cocoon Medical Spa – Legian
What actually happens?
A blood sample is taken from your arm (yes… they cannulate you just like having blood tests).
The blood is spun in a centrifuge, separating the components.
The red blood cells settle at the bottom.
The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) rises to the top.
The plasma is then transferred into a fresh sterile syringe and injected directly into the scalp.
I also noticed they changed needles regularly throughout the procedure, which was reassuring.
Does it hurt?
Let’s be honest…
Yes.
Unlike many Australian clinics that combine microneedling and local anaesthetic, this is multiple direct injections into the scalp.
Ironically…
The needles themselves aren’t particularly painful.
It’s actually the plasma entering the scalp that creates a warm, burning sensation.
The doctor was very upfront during the consent process, explaining it is generally considered more painful than Botox or lip fillers.
Fortunately, years of tattoos and cosmetic treatments appear to have given me a fairly decent pain tolerance.
The Doctor
My treatment was performed by Dr. Theresia Indri Indrawati Setiadi (Dr. Theri), Sp.DVE, a Korean-trained aesthetic dermatologist.
She was professional, gentle, informative and never rushed the consultation.
Time
From consultation…
Blood collection…
PRP preparation…
Treatment…
to walking out the door…
Approximately 90 minutes.
Cost
2,800,000 IDR
When I looked at Australian pricing previously, quotes started around AUD $350+, often depending on how the treatment is performed.
For me, Bali made this a much more financially achievable option.
Things worth knowing
You sign a detailed consent form.
The doctor explains realistic expectations.
This is NOT a one-off miracle treatment.
Most people require monthly sessions for up to five months depending on their degree of hair loss.
You receive an aftercare booklet.
They even give you your remaining PRP to apply to your scalp at home.
Recovery
Honestly…
I expected my scalp to look terrible.
Instead…
No bleeding
No swelling
No redness
No itching
No visible injection marks
No ongoing pain or burning
The only instruction was not to wash my hair until the following day.
The Spa
The clinic itself is absolutely beautiful.
Regal.
Immaculately clean.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Professional from start to finish.
Cleanliness and infection control were beyond question.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely.
Watching handfuls of hair disappear every wash had become genuinely upsetting.
If this encourages healthier hair growth, it’s worth every needle.
I’ll happily report back over the coming months so everyone can see whether the results justify the investment.
Overall Rating
12/10
Professionalism.
Facilities.
Cleanliness.
Staff.
Clinical care.
Could not fault it.
I forgot to take photos during the treatment… unless everyone is particularly excited to see a test tube full of my plasma!
As always, this is my personal experience only and not medical advice. PRP results vary between individuals, and anyone considering treatment should have an appropriate consultation to determine whether they’re a suitable candidate. — with Tammy Kay.
