A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification
July 2017
in “Skin appendage disorders”
TLDR Platelet-rich plasma shows promise for skin and hair treatments but needs more research and standardization.
The 2017 document reviews Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), highlighting its potential in dermatology for tissue regeneration, wound healing, skin rejuvenation, and treating alopecia. PRP, a high concentration of platelets obtained from the patient's blood, contains growth factors and cytokines that aid in cell processes beneficial for hair growth. The review discusses the history and biological aspects of PRP, including the debate on platelet activation and the lack of consensus on the best preparation method. Various PRP classifications are mentioned, with the DEPA classification system focusing on platelet dose, efficiency, purity, and activation. The document underscores the need for more randomized controlled trials to confirm PRP's efficacy in alopecia treatment and calls for standardization in PRP preparation to improve research interpretation.
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