Preliminary Experience and Extended Applications for the Use of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Transplantation Surgery

In 2007, a study involving over 30 cases over five months suggested that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could be beneficial in hair restoration surgery. PRP was found to enhance wound healing, reduce infection and scarring, increase scar tensile strength, and aid in severe cases of wound dehiscence or infection. PRP contains growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta 1), which stimulate cell replication and new capillary growth, essential for wound healing. PRP was also found to enhance collagen organization without excessive scar formation. The study suggested that PRP could be used in donor wound closures, and when injected into the recipient scalp area, it could provide an enriched environment for healing and new hair growth. The authors observed rapid healing and hair regrowth in particularly difficult cases, indicating the potential of PRP in hair transplantation.