Regenerative Treatments: Microneedling and PRP

September 2019

Colombina Vincenzi, Benedetta Marisaldi, Antonellá Tosti

platelet-rich plasma microneedling follicular regeneration hair loss disorders dermatology PRP

From the encyclopedia

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

technique to create small wounds in skin to activate collagen production and hair growth

Studysummary This review discusses platelet-rich plasma and microneedling as potential regenerative therapies for hair loss disorders but reports no new clinical results; the authors suggest using these approaches alongside existing treatments. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document discussed the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microneedling as emerging regenerative therapies for hair loss disorders. These treatments, initially used in other medical fields, gained popularity in dermatology for their potential to stimulate follicular regeneration. Although several studies and case reports indicated their therapeutic effectiveness, the document emphasized the need for more evidence-based studies to confirm their benefits. The authors suggested using PRP and microneedling in conjunction with existing hair growth-promoting therapies or as standalone treatments when medical treatments are contraindicated.

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Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia Along with Dermoscopic Pre- and Post-Treatment Evaluation

36 citations , August 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

In this study, patients with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia who received platelet-rich plasma injections with microneedling showed improvements in hair growth and thickness, as well as high satisfaction, over a three-month period compared to conventional therapy non-responders.

research Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

53 citations , June 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review suggests that platelet-rich plasma may be effective in increasing hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia, but more research is needed to determine the best treatment protocol.

research Microneedling: Current Status and Systematic Literature Review

92 citations , June 2017 in “Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery”

This review found that microneedling appears to be a safe and effective option for treating scars and wrinkles, with fewer side effects and shorter recovery time than some other treatments.

A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Comparative Study of Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) and Topical Minoxidil (5%) Alone in Androgenetic Alopecia

48 citations , January 2017 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that combining microneedling with PRP and topical minoxidil (5%) significantly improved hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to using minoxidil alone.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Minoxidil 5% in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Trichoscopic Evaluation

62 citations , October 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma was more effective for treating alopecia areata than topical 5% minoxidil, leading to earlier hair regrowth and reduction in hair abnormalities.

research A Mechanistic Model of Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

60 citations , September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This article proposes a mechanistic model for how platelet-rich plasma therapy may stimulate hair growth in androgenetic alopecia by promoting vascularization and activating specific signaling pathways, but it reports no new experimental results.

Micro-Needling Depth Penetration, Presence of Pigment Particles, and Fluorescein-Stained Platelets: Clinical Usage for Aesthetic Concerns

research Micro-Needling Depth Penetration, Presence of Pigment Particles, and Fluorescein-Stained Platelets: Clinical Usage for Aesthetic Concerns

49 citations , August 2016 in “Aesthetic Surgery Journal”

This study found that micro-needling with cosmeceuticals or platelet-rich plasma significantly improved wrinkles, skin laxity, scar softening, and hair growth over 12 months, with minimal side effects, and that the best results occur with pigment and platelet massaging between 5 to 30 minutes post-treatment.

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

29 citations , March 2016 in “Dermatologic therapy”

In this study, a patient with lichen planopillaris experienced complete resolution of itching and hair shedding following treatment with a new platelet-rich plasma regimen, marking the first reported success in this context.

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)”

This abstract discusses platelet-rich plasma therapy for patterned hair loss but provides no new clinical results, suggesting further research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

research Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy

68 citations , May 2015 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology”

This case series found that adding microneedling to conventional finasteride and minoxidil therapy for androgenetic alopecia improved new hair growth and patient satisfaction in poor responders.

research Alopecia Areata: Successful Outcome with Microneedling and Triamcinolone Acetonide

53 citations , January 2014 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Microneedling combined with triamcinolone can safely stimulate faster hair regrowth in people with Alopecia Areata.

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

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 , April 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair regrowth and reduced symptoms of alopecia areata compared to triamcinolone acetonide or placebo, with no observed side effects.

research A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study

136 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that adding microneedling to minoxidil treatment significantly improved hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to minoxidil alone across all assessed measures.

Effects of Topical Application of Growth Factors Followed by Microneedle Therapy in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

research Effects of Topical Application of Growth Factors Followed by Microneedle Therapy in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

34 citations , October 2012 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This pilot study suggests that using growth factors followed by microneedle therapy may benefit women with female pattern hair loss.

research Management of Primary Cicatricial Alopecias: Options for Treatment

98 citations , May 2008 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses evidence-based guidance for managing primary cicatricial alopecias but reports no new clinical results, highlighting significant gaps in knowledge and the need for more quality trials.

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”

In this study, platelet plasma growth factors from patients' autologous plasma improved follicular unit yield in baldness surgery by 15.1% compared to control areas.