TLDR Platelet-rich plasma may have some benefits in dermatology, but there's not enough evidence to widely recommend its use.
The document critically reviews the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in dermatology, focusing on wound healing, fat grafting, alopecia, scar revision, and dermal volume augmentation. It concludes that while PRP may offer modest benefits for certain conditions, the evidence is insufficient to support its widespread use in dermatology. The literature is particularly lacking in high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), except for chronic wound healing and alopecia areata. In the case of alopecia areata, a study involving 45 patients showed a 60% complete remission rate with PRP treatment after 12 months, compared to 27% with triamcinolone. For androgenetic alopecia and other applications, the studies were small, unblinded, or poorly controlled, indicating a risk of bias. The document suggests that PRP is generally safe with few complications, but emphasizes the need for well-designed trials to determine its true efficacy in dermatological applications.
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164 citations
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October 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery” PRP injections increase hair density and satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia patients.
107 citations
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September 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery” PRP injections improve hair thickness for baldness.
88 citations
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January 2014 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.
183 citations
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January 2014 in “BioMed Research International” AA-PRP injections effectively increase hair count and thickness for male pattern hair loss.
63 citations
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December 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) increases the number of new hair follicles and speeds up hair formation.
205 citations
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August 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.
270 citations
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July 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.
166 citations
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December 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.
251 citations
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November 2006 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery/PSEF CD journals” Using platelet plasma growth factors in baldness surgery can increase the number of hair follicles.