Platelet-Rich Plasma: Evolving Role in Plastic Surgery

December 2020 in “ Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ”

Edward Chamata, Erica L. Bartlett, David M. Weir, Rod J. Rohrich

platelet-rich plasma PRP microneedling laser fat-grafting alopecia skin rejuvenation

TLDR Platelet-rich plasma is used for facial and hair treatments, showing benefits despite varying methods and limited research.

Three years ago, a study titled "Platelet-Rich Plasma: Evolving Role in Plastic Surgery" was conducted by Chamata, Bartlett, Weir, and Rohrich. The study found that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was a popular non-surgical treatment for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration. It was also used in combination with microneedling, laser, and fat-grafting procedures. Despite the lack of standardized protocols for PRP preparation and a scarcity of large-scale studies with long-term follow-up, the available literature suggested a therapeutic advantage to using PRP for alopecia and skin rejuvenation, and in combination with laser skin treatment and fat grafting. However, there was considerable variability in the processing, preparation, and treatment modalities.

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Research cited in this study

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research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

14 citations , November 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP therapy safely improves hair growth in people with hair loss.

Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

research Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

57 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment can significantly increase hair count and density in men with pattern baldness, and these improvements can last up to 3 months.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Treatment Protocol

45 citations , September 2018 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”

PRP shows promise for hair loss treatment, with three initial monthly injections and maintenance every 3-6 months.

research Applications and Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: A Clinical Review

53 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma may improve skin rejuvenation, hair growth, and scar treatment, but more large-scale trials are needed for stronger evidence.

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Preparation and Composition for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

37 citations , May 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP shows promise for hair loss treatment, but needs standardized preparation and composition.

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

31 citations , April 2018 in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery”

PRP therapy may improve skin and hair conditions, but more research with standard methods is needed.

research Meta-Analysis on Evidence of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

29 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Trichology”

PRP treatment helps hair growth and density with 70.7% success, but more research needed.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia Along with Dermoscopic Pre- and Post-Treatment Evaluation

36 citations , August 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP with microneedling effectively treats hair loss, and dermoscopy helps evaluate results.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma—An 'Elixir' for Treatment of Alopecia: Personal Experience on 117 Patients with Review of Literature

31 citations , July 2017 in “Stem cell investigation”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a simple, cost-effective treatment that promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss, with high patient satisfaction.

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

348 citations , July 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Platelet-rich plasma shows promise for skin and hair treatments but needs more research and standardization.

research A Split Head Study of Efficacy of Placebo Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

33 citations , January 2017 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma injections can effectively treat male pattern hair loss, improving hair density and quality with high patient satisfaction.

research A Proposal of an Effective Platelet-Rich Plasma Protocol for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

19 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

The document concludes that injecting platelet-rich plasma can effectively treat androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss.

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”

PRP treatment helps hair growth and density in androgenetic alopecia patients.

Combined Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling Versus Microneedling with Distilled Water in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Concurrent Split-Face Study

research Combined Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling Versus Microneedling with Distilled Water in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Concurrent Split-Face Study

106 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Using platelet-rich plasma with microneedling works better for acne scars than microneedling with water.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations , September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair regrowth and thickness in patients with hair loss.

research Systematic Review of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Dermatology

113 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma may help with hair growth and skin quality but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

74 citations , January 2015 in “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can effectively increase hair density and thickness in people with androgenic alopecia, without major side effects.

research Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Through a One-Year Period

164 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

PRP injections increase hair density and satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical and Histomorphometric Evaluation

183 citations , January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

AA-PRP injections effectively increase hair count and thickness for male pattern hair loss.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

115 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cheap and easy treatment for hair loss, but not suitable for everyone. It also helps in healing ulcers, rejuvenating skin, and improving hair transplants.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

205 citations , April 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.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Promoting Hair Growth

270 citations , March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.

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”

Using platelet plasma growth factors in baldness surgery can increase the number of hair follicles.

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Platelet-Rich Plasma: Principles and Applications in Plastic Surgery