Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment-Resistant Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case Report

September 2019 in “ Dermatologic Therapy ”

Deren Özcan, Ayşe Pınar Vural, Ozlem Ozen

platelet-rich plasma PRP frontal fibrosing alopecia FFA scarring hair loss steroids minoxidil hydroxychloroquine perifollicular erythema lichenoid papules primary cicatricial alopecia growth factors cytokines autoimmune markers Rogaine

TLDR Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may help treat hair loss in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia who don't respond to other treatments.

The case report from September 2019 described the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a treatment for a 44-year-old female patient with treatment-resistant frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a chronic and progressive form of scarring hair loss. The patient had not responded to conventional treatments, including steroids, minoxidil, and hydroxychloroquine. After failing to see improvement with these treatments, the patient was administered PRP injections into the frontotemporal hairline and eyebrows, with a total of 5 treatments at 1-month intervals. PRP was prepared by centrifuging the patient's own blood. Following the PRP treatment, the patient showed improvement in perifollicular erythema, scaling, and lichenoid papules, and no further hair loss was observed after 5 months. The report suggested that PRP could be a promising treatment modality for FFA, especially in cases that are recalcitrant to other therapies. The study highlighted the potential of PRP in treating primary cicatricial alopecia due to its growth factors and cytokines that may support hair growth and reduce inflammation. However, it was recommended that patients be screened for autoimmune markers before initiating PRP treatment for FFA.

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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 Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Restoration and Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

31 citations , January 2019 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can promote hair growth and improve facial aesthetics, including reducing acne scars and facial burns, and it works best with three initial monthly injections.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Case Series of 65 Patients Seen in a Single Italian Centre

23 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

The study concluded that severity of Frontal fibrosing alopecia is not linked to how long someone has it, can start before menopause, and eyebrow loss may be an early sign.

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

64 citations , September 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

PRP treatment may increase hair density and reduce hair loss, but more research is needed.

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 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.