Commentary on Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stem Cells for Hair Growth: A Review of the Literature

August 2019 in “ Aesthetic Surgery Journal ”

Alfonso Barrera

platelet-rich plasma PRP stem cells androgenetic alopecia adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction autologous adipose tissue

TLDR PRP can boost hair growth and thickness, especially in early stages of hair loss, but its effectiveness varies and there's no set method or treatment frequency. Stem cells also show promise for increasing hair density.

In 2019, Alfonso Barrera, MD, FACS, conducted a review on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells for hair growth. The review confirmed that PRP strengthens hair growth, but the degree of effectiveness varies among patients. Barrera had treated 201 patients with PRP over a 4-year period, with treatments conducted once every 6 months. The review also noted that there was no standardized method of PRP preparation at the time, and the optimal frequency of treatments had not been established. PRP was found to provide a modest increase in hair density and thickness in early stages of androgenetic alopecia, but was not effective in cases of complete alopecia. The review also highlighted recent advances in the use of stem cells for hair growth, with one study reporting an increase in hair density within 6 to 12 weeks when combining adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction from autologous adipose tissue with autologous PRP.

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