Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

June 2019 in “ Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ”

Guang-Yu Mao, Guohui Zhang, Weixin Fan

platelet-rich plasma androgenic alopecia hair number per cm² terminal hair density PRP treatment genetic hair loss disorder PRP

TLDR Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment may increase hair growth for genetic hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm this.

In 2019, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies involving 262 patients was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment for androgenic alopecia, a genetic hair loss disorder. The review found a significant increase in hair number per cm² and terminal hair density in the PRP treatment group compared to the control group. However, due to the low quality of the studies, small sample sizes, and varying treatment regimens, the results were to be interpreted with caution. Temporary pain at the injection site and bleeding were the most common complications reported. The review concluded that while PRP showed promise as a treatment for androgenic alopecia, more high-quality, randomized controlled studies were needed to confirm these findings and establish standardized PRP preparation and treatment protocols.

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Research cited in this study

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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 Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia

24 citations, November 2017 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

All types of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can treat hair loss, but homologous PRP works best due to its higher platelet count and growth factors from multiple donors.

The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

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PRP injections improve hair density and thickness in women with hair loss.

Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

research Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

136 citations, February 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

PRP treatment improves hair growth, and the device used can affect results, with some being more effective.

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

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

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study on the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Women With Female Androgenetic Alopecia

87 citations, September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP shows potential for treating female hair loss, but more research needed.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenetic (Male-Patterned) Alopecia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

61 citations, September 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was found not effective in treating male-patterned 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.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Microneedling Versus 5% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Patterned Hair Loss

13 citations, January 2016 in “Journal of the Egyptian Women's Dermatologic Society (Print)”

Minoxidil works faster and is more cost-effective for treating hair loss, but platelet-rich plasma microneedling can be an alternative for those who can't use minoxidil.

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

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

People with hair loss feel more depressed and anxious, especially women, and need help managing emotions and beliefs about their condition.

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

166 citations, September 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

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

research Histopathology of Alopecia: A Clinicopathological Approach to Diagnosis

170 citations, December 2009 in “Histopathology”

The conclusion is that accurate diagnosis of different types of hair loss requires good teamwork between skin doctors and lab experts.

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