A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

October 2019 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Alison J. Bruce, Thais P. Pincelli, Michael G. Heckman, Cheryl M. Desmond, Jennifer R. Arthurs, Nancy N. Diehl, Erika Douglass, Charles J. Bruce, Shane A. Shapiro

platelet-rich plasma topical minoxidil foam androgenic alopecia vellus hair density terminal hair density cumulative hair thickness adverse effects quality of life responses PRP minoxidil Rogaine

TLDR Both Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil foam increase hair count in women with hair loss, but Minoxidil is more effective. However, women were more satisfied with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment.

In a study conducted 3 years ago involving 20 women with Androgenic Alopecia, both Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and topical Minoxidil foam were found to be effective in increasing hair count and vellus hair density. However, Minoxidil was more effective, also increasing terminal hair density and cumulative hair thickness. Despite this, PRP led to significant improvements in quality of life responses, suggesting a greater degree of satisfaction with this treatment. Adverse effects were minimal, with only 4 out of 19 participants experiencing pain/discomfort or bruising during PRP treatment, and no adverse effects associated with Minoxidil. The study recommended future research to explore potential combination effects and optimal PRP administration frequency.

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Research cited in this study

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