The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part II: Clinical Evidence

November 2019 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Amelia K. Hausauer, Shannon Humphrey

platelet-rich plasma PRP androgenetic alopecia post-procedure wound healing scar revision striae rejuvenation dermal filling

TLDR Platelet-rich plasma is most effective for hair loss treatment and wound healing in skin surgery, but more research is needed for consistent results.

The review article "The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part II: Clinical Evidence" from 2019 analyzed the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in dermatology, particularly in hair restoration, soft-tissue remodeling, resurfacing, and rejuvenation. The strongest evidence was found for its use in treating androgenetic alopecia, followed by post-procedure wound healing, scar revision, striae, rejuvenation, and dermal filling. However, the study noted a lack of large randomized controlled trials, significant heterogeneity in the variables studied, and a lack of specificity in preparatory protocols. The authors suggested future research should address these issues to improve the effectiveness and consistency of PRP treatments in dermatology.

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Research cited in this study

42 / 42 results

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

39 citations, March 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP therapy increases hair density for androgenetic alopecia.

research The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Restoration and Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

31 citations, January 2019 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can promote hair growth and improve facial aesthetics, including reducing acne scars and facial burns, and it works best with three initial monthly injections.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

6 citations, October 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP therapy helps slow hair loss and increases hair thickness.

research Commentary on the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cicatricial Alopecia

3 citations, September 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can improve hair loss in cicatricial alopecia cases, but treatment must be ongoing and results vary among patients.

research Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cicatricial Alopecia

28 citations, August 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may help improve hair density in primary cicatricial alopecias (PCAs) patients, but more trials are needed to confirm its benefits.

research Injectable Platelet-, Leukocyte-, and Fibrin-Rich Plasma in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

16 citations, July 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

iL-PRF treatment improves hair growth for androgenetic alopecia.

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”

PRP injections effectively treat hair loss, with positive results in both monthly and every three months treatments.

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

54 citations, May 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 Platelet-Rich Plasma on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Tested on 10 Patients

25 citations, April 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP injections increase hair density and diameter in female androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Tretinoin in Treatment of Striae Distensae: A Comparative Study

22 citations, December 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma injections are more effective and satisfying for treating skin scars than tretinoin cream.

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

24 citations, November 2017 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.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Combination With 5% Minoxidil Topical Solution and 1 mg Oral Finasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study

19 citations, May 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Combining platelet-rich plasma with 5% minoxidil solution improves hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia patients.

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

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

52 citations, May 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

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

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: Does It Work? Evidence from Meta-Analysis

64 citations, March 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP treatment may increase hair density and reduce hair loss, but more research is needed.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Non-Scarring Hair Loss: Systematic Review of Literature

25 citations, March 2017 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment for non-scarring hair loss shows mixed results and needs more research.

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.

Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

research Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

136 citations, February 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP treatment improves hair growth, and the device used can affect results, with some being more effective.

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations, January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

research A Split Head Study of Efficacy of Placebo Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

33 citations, January 2017 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma injections can effectively treat male pattern hair loss, improving hair density and quality with high patient satisfaction.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma by Single Spin Process in Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia: Is It an Effective Treatment?

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

PRP injections can help increase hair density and thickness in men with hair loss.

research A Proposal of an Effective Platelet-Rich Plasma Protocol for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

19 citations, January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

The document concludes that injecting platelet-rich plasma can effectively treat androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss.

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

62 citations, October 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

PRP more effective than minoxidil 5% for treating alopecia areata.

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

87 citations, September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

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

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenetic (Male-Patterned) Alopecia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

61 citations, September 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was found not effective in treating male-patterned hair loss.

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

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

PRP therapy may effectively treat hair loss, but more research needed.

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”

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

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Novel Treatment for Lichen Planopillaris

29 citations, March 2016 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma may successfully treat lichen planopillaris, as shown by one patient's symptom regression.

Combined Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling Versus Microneedling with Distilled Water in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Concurrent Split-Face Study

research Combined Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling Versus Microneedling with Distilled Water in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Concurrent Split-Face Study

106 citations, January 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Using platelet-rich plasma with microneedling works better for acne scars than microneedling with water.

Outcome of Intra-Operative Injected Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy During Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant: A Prospective Randomized Study in Forty Patients

research Outcome of Intra-Operative Injected Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy During Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant: A Prospective Randomized Study in Forty Patients

39 citations, January 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Injecting platelet-rich plasma during hair transplant surgery improves hair regrowth rate, speeds up skin recovery, and enhances hair quality.

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 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 Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

74 citations, January 2015 in “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can effectively increase hair density and thickness in people with androgenic alopecia, without major side effects.

research Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Polydeoxyribonucleotide on Female Pattern Hair Loss

54 citations, December 2014 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration”

PRP injections may improve hair thickness and density in female hair loss patients.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

107 citations, August 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections improve hair thickness for baldness.

research Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix for Androgenetic Alopecia

25 citations, May 2014 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

PRFM may help treat hair loss, especially in mild cases.

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 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”

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

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.

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

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

88 citations, December 2012 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 Enhanced Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Containing a New Carrier on Hair Growth

166 citations, September 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.

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