Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Prepared by Automatic Blood Cell Separator Combined With Topical 5% Minoxidil in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2023 in “ Skin Research and Technology ”

Wei Wei, Yuanjing Zhang, Binman Long, Yuanyuan Zhang, Chi Zhang, Siping Zhang

platelet-rich plasma PRP minoxidil androgenetic alopecia AGA topical placebo hair density automatic blood cell separator Rogaine

TLDR Using platelet-rich plasma injections and 5% minoxidil topically can safely and effectively treat mild-to-moderate male pattern baldness.

The study involved 30 male patients with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia (AGA), divided into two groups. Group A received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and topical 5% minoxidil, while Group B received PRP injections and a topical placebo. After 3 months of treatment, 93.3% of patients in Group A showed clinical improvement, compared to 73.3% in Group B. Hair density increased significantly in all patients, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Patient satisfaction was higher in Group A (86%) than in Group B (73%). The study concluded that PRP injections, prepared by an automatic blood cell separator, combined with topical 5% minoxidil, are safe and effective for treating mild-to-moderate AGA. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups is needed.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

19 / 19 results

research Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia: Efficacy, Side Effects, Compliance, Financial Considerations, and Ethics

17 citations , November 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Combination therapies for androgenetic alopecia work best but can have significant side effects and costs.

Comparison of 5% Minoxidil Lotion Monotherapy Versus Its Combination with Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia in One Hundred Males

research Comparison of 5% Minoxidil Lotion Monotherapy Versus Its Combination with Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia in One Hundred Males

3 citations , February 2021 in “Medical journal, Armed Forces India”

Combination therapy promotes better hair growth and density.

research Treatment of Male-Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma

4 citations , December 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Using Platelet-Rich Plasma injections for male-pattern baldness didn't significantly improve hair growth.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia of Varying Grades

19 citations , June 2019 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improve hair density and thickness in both male and female pattern hair loss, especially in early stages.

research Applications and Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: A Clinical Review

53 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma may improve skin rejuvenation, hair growth, and scar treatment, but more large-scale trials are needed for stronger evidence.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Management of Hair Loss: Better Alone or in Combination?

12 citations , June 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP is effective for hair loss and might work better with other treatments, but more research is needed.

research Genetic and Molecular Aspects of Androgenetic Alopecia

24 citations , January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Androgenetic alopecia is mainly caused by genetic factors and increased androgen activity, leading to hair follicle miniaturization.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review

153 citations , March 2017 in “Endocrine”

Male pattern baldness involves genetics, hormones, and needs better treatments.

research The Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors on Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

70 citations , February 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Treatment with plasma rich in growth factors improved hair density and thickness for hair loss patients.

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

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

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair regrowth and thickness in patients with hair loss.

research Platelet Preparations for Use in Facial Rejuvenation and Wound Healing: A Critical Review of Current Literature

66 citations , June 2015 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Platelet preparations generally show positive effects on wound healing and facial rejuvenation, but more thorough research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

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 Exogenous IGF-1 Promotes Hair Growth by Stimulating Cell Proliferation and Downregulating TGF-β1 in C57BL/6 Mice In Vivo

53 citations , March 2014 in “Growth Hormone & IGF Research”

IGF-1 injections help mice grow more hair by increasing cell growth and blocking a hair growth inhibitor.

research Guidelines for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia Based on BASP Classification: The Asian Consensus Committee Guideline

29 citations , November 2012 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Use 5% minoxidil or oral finasteride for mild-to-moderate hair loss, combine with hair transplant for severe cases.

research Effect of IGF-I on Hair Growth Is Related to the Anti-Apoptotic Effect of IGF-I and Up-Regulation of PDGF-A and PDGF-B

72 citations , January 2012 in “Annals of Dermatology”

IGF-I promotes hair growth by keeping hair follicles in the growth phase longer.

research Trichoscopy for Common Hair Loss Diseases: Algorithmic Method for Diagnosis

89 citations , December 2010 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

The conclusion is that an algorithm using trichoscopy helps diagnose different types of hair loss but may need updates and a biopsy if results are unclear.

research PDGF Isoforms Induce and Maintain Anagen Phase of Murine Hair Follicles

136 citations , June 2006 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

PDGF isoforms can promote and sustain hair growth.

research Effect of Minoxidil on Proliferation and Apoptosis in Dermal Papilla Cells of Human Hair Follicle

149 citations , April 2004 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by increasing cell production and survival.

research The Psychosocial Consequences of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Research Literature

180 citations , September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.

Related Research

5 / 5 results

research Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia Compared to Placebo and Topical Minoxidil: A Systematic Review

December 2022 in “Scientia Pharmaceutica”

PRP is more effective than minoxidil and placebo for treating hair loss.

research What’s New in Hair Loss

5 citations , March 2019 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

New treatments for hair loss show promise, but require more research on long-term effects and proper dosing.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis in a Child with Alopecia Areata

4 citations , January 2017 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

A child used a hair growth lotion for hair loss, but it caused excessive hair growth on his face and neck instead.

research Topical Minoxidil for Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata and Androgenetica

24 citations , February 1987 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil promotes hair regrowth, but more research needed for effectiveness and response factors.

research Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

16 citations , April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Topical minoxidil can help hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, but maintaining the growth after stopping treatment is inconsistent.