Utility of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetics

August 2021 in “ Clinics in dermatology ”

Ryan C. Kelm, Omer Ibrahim

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia alopecia areata skin aging scarring dyspigmentation cellular proliferation regeneration differentiation hair density intralesional corticosteroids collagen production acne scarring microneedling laser therapy PRP AGA AA ILC

TLDR PRP is popular in aesthetic treatments but its effectiveness and safety are still questioned.

The document discusses the utility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in aesthetic medicine, highlighting its efficacy in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), alopecia areata (AA), skin aging, scarring, and dyspigmentation. PRP, an autologous blood-derived product with a high concentration of platelets, promotes cellular proliferation, regeneration, and differentiation. Multiple meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials, including a 2019 meta-analysis of 165 patients, support PRP's significant benefits in increasing hair density for AGA. For AA, PRP's effectiveness compared to intralesional corticosteroids (ILC) shows mixed results. PRP also enhances skin rejuvenation by boosting collagen production and improves outcomes in acne scarring when combined with microneedling or laser therapy. Despite not always being the first-line therapy, PRP serves as a valuable adjunct to other treatments, improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

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Research cited in this study

29 / 29 results

Growth Factor Concentrations in Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: An Intra-Subject, Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Study

research Growth Factor Concentrations in Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: An Intra-Subject, Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Study

13 citations , January 2020 in “Experimental Dermatology”

PRP growth factor concentrations vary, no significant hair growth difference found.

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.

research Comment on 'Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utility in the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Systematic Review'

4 citations , September 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma combined with other treatments improves acne scars better than those treatments alone.

research A Meta-Analysis of the Evidence for Assisted Therapy with Platelet-Rich Plasma for Atrophic Acne Scars

16 citations , September 2019 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma therapy helps improve atrophic acne scars.

research Pilot Study: Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Used in a Topical Cream for Facial Rejuvenation

9 citations , July 2019 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

Topical PRP cream may improve facial skin by boosting collagen.

Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Comparative Study in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata of Scalp

research Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Comparative Study in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata of Scalp

7 citations , July 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is more effective than platelet-rich plasma for treating scalp alopecia areata.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Facial Rejuvenation: An Early Examination

12 citations , June 2019 in “Clinics in dermatology”

PRP shows promise for skin rejuvenation but needs more research.

research A Prospective Study on the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Alopecia Areata

3 citations , May 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

Platelet rich plasma is an effective treatment for alopecia areata.

research Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Intralesional Steroid in Treatment of Alopecia Areata

19 citations , May 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, with fewer relapses than steroid treatment.

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.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Microneedling Improve Hair Growth in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia When Used as an Adjuvant to Minoxidil

research Platelet-Rich Plasma and Microneedling Improve Hair Growth in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia When Used as an Adjuvant to Minoxidil

24 citations , January 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Combining platelet-rich plasma, microneedling, and minoxidil improves hair growth.

research The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Restoration and Facial Aesthetics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

31 citations , January 2019 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can promote hair growth and improve facial aesthetics, including reducing acne scars and facial burns, and it works best with three initial monthly injections.

research Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Rejuvenation of Photoaged Facial Skin

51 citations , November 2018 in “JAMA Dermatology”

PRP injections may improve skin texture and wrinkles based on patient feedback, despite no significant changes seen by dermatologists.

Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

research Treatment of Male Pattern Alopecia with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Analysis of Platelet Number and Growth Factor Levels

57 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment can significantly increase hair count and density in men with pattern baldness, and these improvements can last up to 3 months.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

research Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

46 citations , May 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections effectively treat hair loss, with positive results in both monthly and every three months treatments.

research Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

54 citations , May 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Low level laser therapy works best for hair loss, followed by PRP, finasteride, and minoxidil.

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 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.

research A Split Head Study of Efficacy of Placebo Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

33 citations , January 2017 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma injections can effectively treat male pattern hair loss, improving hair density and quality with high patient satisfaction.

research Identification of Key Genes Induced by Platelet-Rich Plasma in Human Dermal Papilla Cells Using Bioinformatics Methods

16 citations , December 2016 in “Molecular Medicine Reports”

Platelet-rich plasma may help hair follicle cells grow by affecting certain genes and pathways.

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

60 citations , September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP treatment may stimulate hair growth by promoting blood vessel formation, increasing growth factors, and preventing cell death.

research Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenetic (Male-Patterned) Alopecia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

61 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was found not effective in treating male-patterned hair loss.

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 Commentary on Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia

6 citations , August 2014 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections may improve hair loss condition, but more research needed.

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”

Platelet-rich plasma treatment significantly increased hair regrowth and decreased discomfort in alopecia patients, making it a potentially better and safer treatment option.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Promoting Hair Growth

270 citations , March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Comparison of the Efficacy of Homologous and Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia

24 citations , November 2017 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

All types of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) can treat hair loss, but homologous PRP works best due to its higher platelet count and growth factors from multiple donors.