TLDR Platelet-rich plasma may improve healing and hair growth in cosmetic surgery but results vary.
The 2013 document reviews the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in cosmetic surgery, emphasizing its role in enhancing wound healing and its potential in esthetic procedures like hair restoration and soft tissue augmentation. PRP, which is plasma with higher levels of platelets and growth factors, is believed to aid in tissue regeneration through the release of growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-ß, and VEGF. These factors contribute to cell differentiation, proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. The document highlights PRP's clinical applications in skin rejuvenation, recovery time reduction in procedures like CO₂ laser resurfacing, and improved soft tissue healing. It also notes PRP's promise in hair restoration, where it may stimulate hair regrowth and increase hair thickness. PRP is prepared by centrifugation of whole blood and activation of platelets. Despite the potential benefits, the document cautions about the variability in clinical outcomes and suggests that future positive study results could establish PRP as a standard in cosmetic surgery. Two FDA-approved systems for PRP preparation mentioned are Selphyl and RegenKit.
270 citations,
March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.
166 citations,
September 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.
251 citations,
October 2006 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery/PSEF CD journals” Using platelet plasma growth factors in baldness surgery can increase the number of hair follicles.
16 citations,
March 2020 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America” Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), a substance from a patient's own blood, can stimulate hair regrowth in people with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) who haven't had success with other treatments, but more research is needed to optimize its use.
18 citations,
November 2016 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.
4 citations,
January 2019 in “Archives of clinical and medical case reports” Combining FUE hair transplantation with PRP improves hair density and patient satisfaction in scarring alopecia.
March 2013 in “Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica” Using platelet growth factors can improve hair density in transplants, especially for those with fine hair.
May 2024 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Platelet-derived products help regenerate tissue and are used in various skin and hair treatments.
3 citations,
November 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Platelet-Rich Plasma may improve skin health and reduce wrinkles, but more research is needed for standard treatment guidelines.