Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: Does It Work? Evidence from Meta-Analysis

March 2017 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Salvatore Giordano, Marco Romeo, Petteri Lankinen

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia hair density hair loss PRP injections PRP AGA

Studysummary This meta-analysis suggests that local injection of platelet-rich plasma for androgenic alopecia is associated with an increased number of hairs and some increase in hair thickness, though larger studies are needed for confirmation.

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

This document is a meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treating androgenetic alopecia. The analysis found that PRP treatment showed promising results in increasing hair density and reducing hair loss in patients with AGA. However, the evidence is limited due to the small number of patients and differences in treatment methods. The authors suggest that larger randomized studies are needed to verify the effectiveness of PRP injections for androgenetic alopecia.

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Research cited in this study

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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.

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

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

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and density in patients with male pattern hair loss without major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe and effective treatment option.

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

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

This review discusses the cosmetic applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology, highlighting its potential benefits and the need for more controlled studies.

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

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

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections led to improvements in hair counts, thickness, and strength in patients with androgenic alopecia, showing promise as an effective treatment with no major adverse effects.

research Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Polydeoxyribonucleotide on Female Pattern Hair Loss

54 citations , December 2014 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration”

This study observed that autologous PRP and PDRN injections improved hair thickness and density in women with pattern hair loss, with combined therapy showing greater improvement in thickness than PDRN alone.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

107 citations , August 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This pilot study suggests injecting platelet-derived growth factors into the scalp may offer some clinical benefits for androgenetic alopecia, though further randomized trials are needed for confirmation.

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”

This study reported that AA-PRP injections significantly increased hair count and density in individuals with pattern hair loss compared to baseline, demonstrating their potential for enhancing hair growth.

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

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

In this study, PRP injections increased hair count and reduced hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia not responding to minoxidil and finasteride, with high patient satisfaction reported.

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”

This study found that PRP injections may improve hair density and reduce hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia without significant side effects, but further research is needed to confirm efficacy.

research Promotional Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Follicle Reconstitution In Vivo

63 citations , October 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this study using a mouse model, the researchers found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased the number of newly formed hair follicles and decreased the time for hair formation compared to no treatment.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Is Effective and Safe for the Treatment of Alopecia

45 citations , March 2013 in “European Journal of Plastic Surgery”

In this retrospective study, PRP injections for alopecia were found to improve hair volume and quality, with high patient satisfaction, particularly in those with less than 2 years of hair loss.

research Health Status, Coping Strategies, and Alexithymia in Subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , February 2013 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This study found that people with androgenic alopecia, particularly women, are more prone to anxiety and depression, often adopting avoidant coping strategies, which are linked to emotional and psychological impacts rather than clinical severity.

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.

Letter: Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Male Pattern Baldness