Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2021 in “ Indian Dermatology Online Journal ”

Aseem Sharma, Kavish Chouhan, Satish K. Bhatia, Shuken Dashore

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia PRP hair growth double-spin method platelet concentration finasteride minoxidil low-level laser therapy randomized controlled trials RCTs hair diameter hair count AGA Propecia Rogaine LLLT

From the encyclopedia

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

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

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This expert group provided recommendations for preparing and using platelet-rich plasma in treating androgenetic alopecia, suggesting a manual double-spin method and specific dosing, although further studies on injectable platelet-rich fibrin are needed.

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

The document reviewed the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), highlighting its potential to stimulate hair growth through various pathways. Despite promising results, the effectiveness of PRP was limited by inconsistent preparation methods and lack of standardization. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed an increase in hair diameter and count, but results were not statistically significant due to high methodological variability. The manual double-spin method was recommended for PRP preparation, with a platelet concentration of 1 to 1.5 million/μL being optimal. PRP showed better hair growth results compared to finasteride, minoxidil, and low-level laser therapy, and was effective in women unresponsive to minoxidil. The study concluded that PRP should be part of a multipronged approach for treating AGA due to its minimal adverse effects and significant efficacy.

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