Platelet-Rich Plasma: The Journey So Far

January 2020 in “ Indian Dermatology Online Journal ”

Akanksha Kaushik, Muthu Sendhil Kumaran

platelet-rich plasma PRP alopecia androgenetic alopecia skin rejuvenation cutaneous ulcers acne scar management

Studysummary This review summarizes available evidence on the dermatological use of platelet-rich plasma, particularly noting its efficacy for androgenetic alopecia and skin rejuvenation, but highlights significant gaps due to limited high-quality studies.

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

The 2020 document "Platelet-rich plasma: The journey so far !" reviewed the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in dermatology. PRP, a concentration of platelets in plasma, was used for conditions like alopecia, skin rejuvenation, healing of refractory cutaneous ulcers, and acne scar management. The strongest evidence for PRP's efficacy was in treating androgenetic alopecia and facial skin rejuvenation. However, the routine use of PRP was limited due to a lack of high-quality evidence and large randomized studies. The document also noted that PRP composition and preparation methods were not standardized, and treatment regimens varied widely. The document concluded that while PRP showed promise in various dermatological applications, more extensive and standardized studies were needed to establish its efficacy and safety.

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Platelet-Rich Plasma and Microneedling Improve Hair Growth in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia When Used as an Adjuvant to Minoxidil

research Platelet-Rich Plasma and Microneedling Improve Hair Growth in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia When Used as an Adjuvant to Minoxidil

24 citations , January 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

In this study, the authors reported that among patients with androgenetic alopecia, treatment with minoxidil 5% lotion combined with PRP and microneedling resulted in better hair growth and higher satisfaction compared to other treatment groups.

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This review found that three monthly PRP injections improved hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, but more rigorous studies are needed for broader dermatological applications.

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18 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that PRP therapy resulted in better hair growth and patient satisfaction than minoxidil therapy in men with androgenetic alopecia over six months, and patients with higher platelet counts in PRP experienced greater improvement.

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This study found that after treatment with platelet-rich plasma, male androgenetic alopecia patients showed significant improvements in hair count, hair diversity, and reduction in certain dermoscopic features.

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In this study, patients with androgenetic alopecia treated with platelet-rich plasma showed increased hair density and improved hair quality over six months, with no notable adverse effects, indicating that PRP may be an effective treatment option for this condition.

research Problems and Solutions for Platelet-Rich Plasma in Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review

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research Evaluating Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Facial Aesthetics and Alopecia

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research A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

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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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair density and anagen hair proportions in androgenetic alopecia patients, suggesting potential as an adjuvant therapy.

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

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

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research Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: A Critical Appraisal of the Literature

79 citations , October 2015 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This review assesses the use of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology and concludes that while there may be modest benefits for certain conditions, more evidence is needed before it can be widely recommended.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: Boon or Bane?

119 citations , January 2014 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This review discusses the use of platelet-rich plasma in various dermatological applications and reports no new clinical results; the authors call for more rigorous trials to confirm its effectiveness.

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”

This study found that interfollicular injection of autologous CD34+ cell-containing PRP preparation improved hair count and thickness in patients with pattern hair loss, with better results than placental extract treatment.

research Enhanced Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Containing a New Carrier on Hair Growth

166 citations , August 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that PRP combined with dalteparin and protamine microparticles may enhance hair growth by increasing hair thickness compared to PRP alone.

research The Role of Platelet Plasma Growth Factors in Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

251 citations , October 2006 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery/PSEF CD journals”

In this study, platelet plasma growth factors from patients' autologous plasma improved follicular unit yield in baldness surgery by 15.1% compared to control areas.