The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

December 2018 in “ Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ”

Pouria Samadi, Mohsen Sheykhhasan, Hamed Manoochehri

platelet-rich plasma PRP growth factors tissue regenerative properties hair restoration androgenetic alopecia

TLDR Platelet-rich plasma may help in skin and hair treatments, and with muscle and joint healing, but more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations.

The 2018 review examined the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in aesthetic and regenerative medicine, noting its potential benefits due to growth factors and tissue regenerative properties. PRP has been applied in treatments for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, hand rejuvenation, breast augmentation, and musculoskeletal regeneration. Studies have shown PRP to be effective in improving hair density and count, particularly in androgenetic alopecia, with one study of 25 patients and another of 50 patients showing significant results. PRP has also been combined with fat grafting for breast augmentation, showing better volume maintenance. However, the review emphasizes the need for more research to understand PRP's limitations and benefits fully, as not all patients may be suitable for PRP therapy, and the effectiveness can vary based on preparation methods and the condition treated.

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss

12 citations, January 2021 in “Springer eBooks”

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 A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

348 citations, July 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Platelet-rich plasma shows promise for skin and hair treatments but needs more research and standardization.

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

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

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

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”

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil improves hair growth more than just minoxidil in men with hair loss.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Indications, Technique, and Potential Benefits

18 citations, November 2016 in “Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment can potentially increase hair density and quality in people with hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

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”

Micro-needling effectively improves wrinkles, scars, and hair growth, but proper technique and safety are important.

research Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

57 citations, May 2016 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

PRP therapy may effectively treat hair loss, but more research needed.

Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

136 citations, April 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment helps hair growth and density in androgenetic alopecia patients.

Combined Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling Versus Microneedling with Distilled Water in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Concurrent Split-Face Study

research Combined Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling Versus Microneedling with Distilled Water in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Concurrent Split-Face Study

106 citations, January 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Using platelet-rich plasma with microneedling works better for acne scars than microneedling with water.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations, September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

Platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair regrowth and thickness in patients with hair loss.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

74 citations, January 2015 in “Asian Journal of Transfusion Science”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can effectively increase hair density and thickness in people with androgenic alopecia, without major side effects.

research The Role of Nuclear Hormone Receptors in Cutaneous Wound Repair

68 citations, December 2014 in “Cell Biochemistry and Function”

Nuclear hormone receptors play a significant role in skin wound healing and could lead to better treatment methods.

research Emerging Interactions Between Skin Stem Cells and Their Niches

426 citations, August 2014 in “Nature Medicine”

Skin stem cells interacting with their environment is crucial for maintaining and regenerating skin and hair, and understanding this can help develop new treatments for skin and hair disorders.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: Boon or Bane?

119 citations, January 2014 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Platelet-rich plasma might help with hair growth and skin conditions, but more research is needed to prove its effectiveness and safety.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

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

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a cheap and easy treatment for hair loss, but not suitable for everyone. It also helps in healing ulcers, rejuvenating skin, and improving hair transplants.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 100 results

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

in Treatment 40 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include Dutasteride with Ketoconazole, tissue engineering strategies, and androgenetic alopecia therapies. Massage doubles follicular retention, improving treatment effectiveness.

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

in Research 830 upvotes 11 months 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 Nice & pure PRP, 3 ml of this is going to the scalp.

in Research/Science 32 upvotes 3 years ago

The use of PRP to treat hair loss and its potential effectiveness when combined with 5 alpha reductase blockers such as Minoxidil or Finasteride.

community Estenove Transplant Review From NYC Guy Mid 20s

in Transplants 1 upvotes 3 weeks ago

The user had a hair transplant with Estenove, rating the overall experience 6/10 due to logistical issues, unmet expectations, and dissatisfaction with the results. They advise against pricier packages and express regret over the asymmetrical hairline, despite good customer service and post-op care.

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

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 19 upvotes 5 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 How can I get fin in Canada (GP and Derm turned me down) + questions on minoxidil and PRP

6 upvotes 7 years ago

Treatments for hair loss with a focus on finasteride, minoxidil, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The user discussed their family history of balding, asked questions about the effectiveness of different treatments, and was discouraged from taking finasteride by medical professionals.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

Research cited in this study

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss

research A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification

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

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

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Indications, Technique, and Potential Benefits

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

research Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

research Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Half-Head Study to Assess the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Combined Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling Versus Microneedling with Distilled Water in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Concurrent Split-Face Study

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

research The Role of Nuclear Hormone Receptors in Cutaneous Wound Repair

research Emerging Interactions Between Skin Stem Cells and Their Niches

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: Boon or Bane?

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenic Alopecia: Myth or Effective Tool

Related Community Posts Join

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

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

community Nice & pure PRP, 3 ml of this is going to the scalp.

community Estenove Transplant Review From NYC Guy Mid 20s

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

community How can I get fin in Canada (GP and Derm turned me down) + questions on minoxidil and PRP

Related Research

research The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

research Engineering Pro-Regenerative Hydrogels for Scarless Wound Healing

research Skin and Hair: Models for Exploring Organ Regeneration