Growth Factor Concentrations in Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: An Intra-Subject, Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Study

March 2020 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Tee Wei Siah, Hongwei Guo, Thomas G. Chu, Leopoldo Duailibe Nogueira Santos, Hisae Nakamura, Gigi Leung, Jerry Shapiro, Kevin J. McElwee

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia growth factors PRP AGA

TLDR PRP growth factor concentrations vary, no significant hair growth difference found.

A 3-year-old pilot study investigated the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 10 male participants. The study found that the concentration of growth factors in PRP varied between individuals and that there was no significant difference in hair growth between the PRP and placebo sides. Further research is needed to determine the optimal concentration of growth factors in PRP for treating AGA.

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research Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

57 citations , March 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment can significantly increase hair count and density in men with pattern baldness, and these improvements can last up to 3 months.

research Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

54 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Low level laser therapy works best for hair loss, followed by PRP, finasteride, and minoxidil.

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Preparation and Composition for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

37 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP shows promise for hair loss treatment, but needs standardized preparation and composition.

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

52 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP injections improve hair density and thickness in women with hair loss.

research Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia

24 citations , February 2018 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

All types of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can treat hair loss, but homologous PRP works best due to its higher platelet count and growth factors from multiple donors.

research Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

53 citations , January 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders”

PRP treatment helps hair growth in most cases, but more research needed.

research A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

348 citations , July 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Platelet-rich plasma shows promise for skin and hair treatments but needs more research and standardization.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Indications, Technique, and Potential Benefits

18 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment can potentially increase hair density and quality in people with hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Identification of Key Genes Induced by Platelet-Rich Plasma in Human Dermal Papilla Cells Using Bioinformatics Methods

16 citations , December 2016 in “Molecular Medicine Reports”

Platelet-rich plasma may help hair follicle cells grow by affecting certain genes and pathways.

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study on the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Women With Female Androgenetic Alopecia

87 citations , November 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP shows potential for treating female hair loss, but more research needed.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Pattern Hair Loss

42 citations , May 2016 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Using platelet-rich plasma, which is full of growth factors, can help treat pattern hair loss.

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”

PRP treatment helps hair growth and density in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Systematic Review of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Dermatology

113 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma may help with hair growth and skin quality but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy

68 citations , May 2015 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology”

Microneedling can effectively promote new hair growth in men with hair loss who didn't improve with traditional treatments.

research Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Alopecia Areata: Our Centre Experience

61 citations , January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment could potentially be an effective way to treat chronic alopecia areata with minimal side effects.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Potential Treatment for Noncicatricial Alopecias

58 citations , January 2015 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Platelet-rich plasma, which carries growth factors, could be a promising treatment for non-scarring hair loss, promoting hair growth and density with no major side effects.

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

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

PRP injections increase hair density and satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Commentary on Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

6 citations , September 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections may improve hair loss condition, but more research needed.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

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

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cheap and easy treatment for hair loss, but not suitable for everyone. It also helps in healing ulcers, rejuvenating skin, and improving hair transplants.

research The Effect of CD34+ Cell-Containing Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: A Preliminary Study

88 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Injecting CD34+ cell-containing platelet-rich plasma into the scalp can improve hair count and thickness in people with pattern hair loss.

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical and Histomorphometric Evaluation

183 citations , January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

AA-PRP injections effectively increase hair count and thickness for male pattern hair loss.

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

205 citations , August 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment significantly increased hair regrowth and decreased discomfort in alopecia patients, making it a potentially better and safer treatment option.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Is Effective and Safe for the Treatment of Alopecia

45 citations , March 2013 in “European Journal of Plastic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma is a safe and effective way to treat hair loss.

research Effects of Topical Application of Growth Factors Followed by Microneedle Therapy in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

34 citations , January 2013 in “Journal of Dermatology”

Growth factors and microneedle therapy increase hair density in women with hair loss.

research Letter: Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Male Pattern Baldness

36 citations , December 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can increase hair growth rate and density in male pattern baldness.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Promoting Hair Growth

270 citations , July 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.

research Expression Patterns of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Neurturin, Their Cognate Receptors GFRα-1, GFRα-2, and Common Signal Transduction Element c-Ret in Human Skin Hair Follicles

18 citations , February 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Certain proteins and their receptors are more active during the growth phase of human hair and could be targeted to treat hair disorders.

research Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF-Mediated Angiogenesis

520 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

VEGF helps hair grow and determines follicle size by increasing blood vessel growth.