TLDR Platelet-rich plasma might help with hair growth and skin conditions, but more research is needed to prove its effectiveness and safety.
The document from 2014 reviews the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in dermatology, with a focus on hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, and healing chronic ulcers. PRP, which is rich in growth factors, is thought to aid tissue repair and regeneration. The review points out the low level of evidence supporting PRP's effectiveness due to scattered data and calls for more well-designed, larger trials to validate its use. It describes PRP preparation methods and types, and while some studies show PRP's potential benefits, particularly in increasing hair density and aiding skin conditions, the overall quality of evidence is low to intermediate. The document also notes PRP's safety as an autologous preparation but stresses the need for further research to confirm its efficacy and long-term safety.
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.
88 citations,
December 2012 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Injecting CD34+ cell-containing platelet-rich plasma into the scalp can improve hair count and thickness in people with pattern hair loss.
34 citations,
December 2012 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Mesotherapy shows promise for cellulite and facial rejuvenation but has mixed results for body sculpting and hair loss, with more research needed for safety and effectiveness.
36 citations,
December 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can increase hair growth rate and density in male pattern baldness.
270 citations,
March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.
166 citations,
September 2011 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Platelet-rich plasma with a new carrier significantly increases hair thickness without serious side effects.
37 citations,
March 2009 in “Hair transplant forum international” PRP treatment helped reverse hair thinning and promoted new hair growth.
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.