Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Use for Cicatricial and Non-Cicatricial Alopecias: A Narrative Review

June 2020 in “ Dermatology and therapy ”

Rubina Alves, Ramon Grimalt

platelet-rich plasma PRP alopecia androgenetic alopecia minoxidil alopecia areata scarring alopecia Rogaine

TLDR Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can promote new hair growth and increase hair density, but its effectiveness varies depending on the type of hair loss.

The review from June 2020 examined the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in treating various types of alopecia. PRP, a blood product with high concentrations of platelets, was found to promote new hair growth, speed up the transition from the resting to the growth phase of the hair cycle, and increase hair density. In a study of 20 female patients with Androgenetic Alopecia, PRP was effective for hair regrowth, but not as effective as minoxidil. In a study of 45 patients with Alopecia Areata, PRP increased hair regrowth compared to a placebo. However, in a study with 10 patients with total hair loss from Alopecia Areata, PRP had no significant effect. The review also suggested that PRP might be effective in some types of scarring alopecia, but more clinical trials are needed for further evidence.

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research A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Comparing Platelet-Rich Plasma to Topical Minoxidil Foam for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia in Women

22 citations , June 2020 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Both Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil foam increase hair count in women with hair loss, but Minoxidil is more effective. However, women were more satisfied with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

39 citations , October 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP therapy increases hair density for androgenetic alopecia.

research Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cicatricial Alopecia

28 citations , July 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) may help improve hair density in primary cicatricial alopecias (PCAs) patients, but more trials are needed to confirm its benefits.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Regrowth in Patients with Alopecia Areata Totalis: A Clinical Pilot Study

14 citations , June 2019 in “Dermatologic therapy”

PRP did not significantly regrow hair in alopecia areata totalis patients.

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

45 citations , February 2019 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 Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Preparation and Composition for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

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

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

research Prognosis, Treatment, and Disease Outcomes in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective Review of 92 Cases

36 citations , January 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Most patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia stabilized with treatment, especially younger ones, using intralesional corticosteroids and tacrolimus.

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 Mechanistic Model of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

60 citations , December 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment may stimulate hair growth by promoting blood vessel formation, increasing growth factors, and preventing cell death.

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.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Novel Treatment for Lichen Planopillaris

29 citations , March 2016 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma may successfully treat lichen planopillaris, as shown by one patient's symptom regression.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Treatment Options

20 citations , January 2016 in “Intractable & Rare Diseases Research”

Combination therapy, especially with finasteride, is effective for treating frontal fibrosing alopecia.

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

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

Platelet-rich plasma may have some benefits in dermatology, but there's not enough evidence to widely recommend its use.

research Successful Treatment of Corticosteroid-Resistant Ophiasis-Type Alopecia Areata with Platelet-Rich Plasma

30 citations , September 2015 in “JAAD case reports”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections successfully treated a woman's steroid-resistant hair loss, causing hair to regrow within a month.

research Platelet Preparations for Use in Facial Rejuvenation and Wound Healing: A Critical Review of Current Literature

66 citations , June 2015 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Platelet preparations generally show positive effects on wound healing and facial rejuvenation, but more thorough research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research Primary Scarring Alopecias

27 citations , January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology”

The document concludes that primary scarring alopecias cause permanent hair loss, have unpredictable outcomes, and lack definitive treatments, requiring personalized care.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Potential Treatment for Noncicatricial Alopecias

58 citations , January 2015 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Platelet-rich plasma, which carries growth factors, could be a promising treatment for non-scarring hair loss, promoting hair growth and density with no major side effects.

research Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Alopecia Areata: Our Centre Experience

61 citations , January 2015 in “Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment could potentially be an effective way to treat chronic alopecia areata with minimal side effects.

research Hair Loss in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment

24 citations , January 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology”

The document concludes that accurate diagnosis of hair loss in children is crucial due to limited treatment options and the condition's psychological impact.

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

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

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

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

107 citations , September 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections improve hair thickness for baldness.

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

205 citations , August 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 , July 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

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

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

166 citations , December 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , February 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.