Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Versus Topical Minoxidil in Men With Moderate Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Open-Label Trial

February 2023 in “ Journal of Dermatological Treatment ”

Mithinkumar Balasundaram, Rashmi Kumari, Sivaranjini Ramassamy

platelet-rich plasma PRP minoxidil androgenetic alopecia AGA Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary In this study, both platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil increased hair counts and density in moderate androgenetic alopecia in men, but patient satisfaction was higher with minoxidil, which also had fewer side effects.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This study compared the efficacy and safety of autologous Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to topical Minoxidil in treating moderate androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men. Involving 64 participants aged 20-50, the trial found that 56% of those using Minoxidil and 38% of those receiving PRP showed improvement at week 24, though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.124). Both treatments increased hair count and density by week 12, but patient satisfaction was higher with Minoxidil. Adverse events were more common with PRP (53%) compared to Minoxidil (37%). The study concludes that while PRP is effective, it may not differ significantly from Minoxidil in treating moderate AGA.

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Research cited in this study

15 / 15 results

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treating Alopecia: Focusing on Efficacy, Safety, and Therapeutic Durability

24 citations , January 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This review found that platelet-rich plasma therapy improved hair growth and thickness in most studies on alopecia, with the highest improvement seen when combined with Minoxidil.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Therapy for Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

15 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that platelet-rich plasma treatments improved hair density and thickness in people with androgenetic alopecia, without serious adverse effects.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

65 citations , April 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review indicates that most studies reported positive effects of platelet-rich plasma injections for treating androgenic alopecia, with no major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe alternative to Minoxidil and Finasteride.

research Comparison of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy With or Without Topical 5% Minoxidil in Male-Type Baldness: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Trial

26 citations , December 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma combined with topical minoxidil was more effective in increasing hair density for male-type baldness than either treatment alone.

A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

research A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

22 citations , October 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma was effective for hair regrowth in women with androgenic alopecia, though less so than minoxidil, but it was associated with improved quality of life responses.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

27 citations , June 2019 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment may increase hair growth for genetic hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm this.

research A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

18 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that PRP therapy resulted in better hair growth and patient satisfaction than minoxidil therapy in men with androgenetic alopecia over six months, and patients with higher platelet counts in PRP experienced greater improvement.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

research Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

46 citations , May 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study, subdermal platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and shaft caliber in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, with monthly treatments potentially offering greater benefits.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Minoxidil 5% in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Trichoscopic Evaluation

62 citations , October 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma was more effective for treating alopecia areata than topical 5% minoxidil, leading to earlier hair regrowth and reduction in hair abnormalities.

research Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

57 citations , May 2016 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This analysis suggests that platelet-rich plasma therapy may be promising for treating androgenetic alopecia, but further controlled trials with standardized measures are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

136 citations , April 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair density and anagen hair proportions in androgenetic alopecia patients, suggesting potential as an adjuvant therapy.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Microneedling Versus 5% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss

13 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)”

This abstract discusses platelet-rich plasma therapy for patterned hair loss but provides no new clinical results, suggesting further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations , September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and density in patients with male pattern hair loss without major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe and effective treatment option.

research Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Through a One-Year Period

164 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

This study found that PRP injections may improve hair density and reduce hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia without significant side effects, but further research is needed to confirm efficacy.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.