PRP for Hair Loss and Hair Restoration Surgery

January 2025

Paul T. Rose

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia hair transplant growth factors autologous whole blood dermatologic surgery PRP

TLDR PRP can help regrow hair and improve hair transplant results.

The chapter discusses the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating hair loss, specifically androgenetic alopecia and other hair disorders. PRP, derived from autologous whole blood, is rich in growth factors that promote cellular repair and growth. Initially used for wound healing, PRP has shown promise in regrowing hair and improving graft survival in hair transplant surgeries. The chapter reviews the methods of PRP application, associated risks, and potential complications, highlighting its utility in dermatologic surgery for hair restoration.

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Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part II: Clinical Evidence

24 citations , November 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma is most effective for hair loss treatment and wound healing in skin surgery, but more research is needed for consistent results.

The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part I: Definitions, Mechanisms of Action, and Technical Specifications

research The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part I: Definitions, Mechanisms of Action, and Technical Specifications

16 citations , November 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma is most effective for hair loss treatment and shows promise for skin healing and rejuvenation, but more standardized research is needed.

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

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

22 citations , October 2019 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 and Its Utilities in Alopecia: A Systematic Review

21 citations , June 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has been found effective in promoting hair growth for alopecia patients, with minimal side effects like temporary pain and redness.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

39 citations , March 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP therapy increases hair density for androgenetic alopecia.

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

52 citations , May 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

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

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Pattern Hair Loss

42 citations , May 2016 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Using platelet-rich plasma, which is full of growth factors, can help treat pattern hair loss.

research The Role of Platelet Plasma Growth Factors in Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

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.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 109 results

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

in Chat 35 upvotes 1 year ago

Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

community Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 10 months ago

Dutasteride may not be effective for everyone due to underlying issues, suggesting scalp biopsies for further diagnosis. Users discuss using higher doses of dutasteride, topical treatments, minoxidil, and pyrilutamide for hair loss management.

community If we can clone a sheep why we can't cure baldness till now

in Research/Science 181 upvotes 3 months ago

Hair loss treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and stem cell therapies exist, but a complete cure is hindered by genetic complexity and market dynamics. Cloning hair follicles is considered a potential solution, but it's currently not feasible.

community I have been on finasteride for 9 months. (6 months on 0.25 mg, 3 months into 0.5 mg daily) here are the progress pictures.

in Progress Pictures 273 upvotes 7 months ago

A user shared progress pictures after 9 months on finasteride, starting with 0.25 mg and increasing to 0.5 mg daily, noting improved hair density, especially at the crown, with initial side effects that resolved after the first month. The discussion includes user experiences with finasteride, concerns about side effects, and alternative treatments like rosemary oil and platelet-rich plasma therapy.

community If you can give one advice to your younger self then what that would be?

in Research/Science 2737 upvotes 1 year ago

Users discussed hair loss treatments, specifically minoxidil and finasteride. They shared personal experiences and advice on starting these treatments early.

Similar Research

6 / 1000+ results

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss

4 citations , August 2018 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), a protein-rich extract from a patient's blood, shows promise in improving hair density, thickness, and quality, but the best method of use and number of treatments needed for noticeable results are still unclear.

research Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Saline Solution as a Preservation Solution for Hair Transplantation

13 citations , June 2020 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open”

PRP preservation improves hair transplant results better than saline.

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treating Alopecia: Focusing on Efficacy, Safety, and Therapeutic Durability

24 citations , January 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a safe and potentially effective way to treat hair loss, especially when combined with minoxidil.

Meta-Analysis on Evidence of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

PRP for Hair Loss and Hair Restoration Surgery

Research cited in this study

research The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part II: Clinical Evidence

research The Physician's Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatologic Surgery Part I: Definitions, Mechanisms of Action, and Technical Specifications

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

research Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utilities in Alopecia: A Systematic Review

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

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

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Pattern Hair Loss

research The Role of Platelet Plasma Growth Factors in Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

Related Community Posts Join

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

community Dutasteride Isn't Working? Get a Scalp Biopsy NOW

community If we can clone a sheep why we can't cure baldness till now

community I have been on finasteride for 9 months. (6 months on 0.25 mg, 3 months into 0.5 mg daily) here are the progress pictures.

community If you can give one advice to your younger self then what that would be?

Similar Research

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss

research Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Saline Solution as a Preservation Solution for Hair Transplantation

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treating Alopecia: Focusing on Efficacy, Safety, and Therapeutic Durability

research Meta-Analysis on Evidence of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

research Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utilities in Alopecia: A Systematic Review

research Experimental and Early Investigational Drugs for Androgenetic Alopecia