The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Alopecia - A Review of the Literature

The document reviews the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for treating different types of alopecia. PRP, which contains high concentrations of growth factors, has been shown to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation around the hair bulb, promote angiogenesis, and influence the induction and prolongation of the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. The review found that PRP treatment increased overall hair density in androgenetic alopecia and promoted hair regrowth in chronic plaque alopecia. Combining PRP therapy with minoxidil or finasteride yielded better results than using these treatments separately, with the best outcomes achieved with minoxidil and PRP. However, the document emphasizes the need for standardization of the PRP preparation process to achieve the best and safest results. Two studies were mentioned, one involving 25 patients and the other 45 patients, both showing significant improvements in hair growth after PRP treatment.