Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

January 2023 in “ PubMed ”

Mario Cruciani, Francesca Masiello, Ilaria Pati, Giuseppe Carlo Marano, Simonetta Pupella, Vincenzo De Angelis

platelet-rich plasma androgenetic alopecia alopecia areata PRP triamcinolone

From the encyclopedia

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

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary This systematic review and meta-analysis found limited, low-quality evidence suggesting that platelet-rich plasma injections may increase hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia compared to saline, but results were inconclusive for alopecia areata.

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Research cited in this study

41 / 41 results

Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Regrowth and Lesional T-Cell Cytokine Expression in Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Observer-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Head Pilot Study

research Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Hair Regrowth and Lesional T-Cell Cytokine Expression in Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Observer-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Head Pilot Study

9 citations , December 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma had limited efficacy in treating alopecia areata but may help restore immune balance in the affected areas.

research Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

33 citations , July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, PRP increased hair density in areas treated for androgenetic alopecia, but there was no significant difference when compared to placebo-treated areas.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

18 citations , July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that PRP injections using the Eclipse system significantly improved hair density and caliber in women with androgenetic alopecia compared to saline placebo at 24 weeks.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Therapy for Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

15 citations , May 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that platelet-rich plasma treatments improved hair density and thickness in people with androgenetic alopecia, without serious adverse effects.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

65 citations , April 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review indicates that most studies reported positive effects of platelet-rich plasma injections for treating androgenic alopecia, with no major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe alternative to Minoxidil and Finasteride.

Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

research Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

15 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study suggests platelet-rich plasma may be more effective than other non-surgical treatments for male androgenetic alopecia, while low-level laser therapy ranks highest for women; however, the evidence quality was low.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

8 citations , January 2020 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

This pilot study found that platelet-rich plasma injections did not improve hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.

research A Comparative Study of Therapeutic Response to Intralesional Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide in Alopecia Areata

8 citations , January 2020 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

In this study, PRP injections showed comparable effectiveness to triamcinolone for alopecia areata, with a significant decrease in SALT score at one interval, and 12.5% of patients in the PRP group experienced excellent hair regrowth compared to none in the triamcinolone group.

research Dermoscopic Assessment of Microneedling Alone Versus Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Cases of Male Pattern Alopecia: A Split-Head Comparative Study

5 citations , January 2020 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that both microneedling and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma improved hair thickness and density in male pattern alopecia, but no additional benefit was observed with the addition of platelet-rich plasma.

research Comparison of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy With or Without Topical 5% Minoxidil in Male-Type Baldness: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo Control Trial

26 citations , December 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma combined with topical minoxidil was more effective in increasing hair density for male-type baldness than either treatment alone.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma: Current Applications in Dermatology

25 citations , September 2019 in “PubMed”

This review discusses the therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology and highlights the need for standardized treatment protocols, but reports no new clinical results.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Pattern Hair Loss: A Systematic Review

18 citations , August 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study found that autologous platelet-rich plasma was associated with increased hair density in people with pattern hair loss, but with considerable variability and unclear risks of bias.

research Fractional Laser-Assisted Hair Regrowth and Microneedling for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Review

7 citations , June 2019 in “Cureus”

This literature review suggests that fractional lasers and microneedling, particularly when used with topical agents, may be effective treatments for alopecia areata; however, the small size and number of studies highlight a need for larger trials to confirm efficacy.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treating Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

27 citations , June 2019 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment may increase hair growth for genetic hair loss, but more research is needed to confirm this.

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

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

In this study, both platelet-rich plasma and intralesional corticosteroids improved hair re-growth in alopecia areata patients, but the difference between treatments was not significant, with fewer relapses observed in the platelet-rich plasma group.

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”

This review found that three monthly PRP injections improved hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, but more rigorous studies are needed for broader dermatological applications.

research A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Minoxidil Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

18 citations , January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that PRP therapy resulted in better hair growth and patient satisfaction than minoxidil therapy in men with androgenetic alopecia over six months, and patients with higher platelet counts in PRP experienced greater improvement.

research Alopecia Areata: A Multifactorial Autoimmune Condition

148 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity”

This review discusses genetic and environmental factors contributing to autoimmunity in alopecia areata and reports no new clinical findings, emphasizing the need for further study on its aetiology and pathophysiology.

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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair count, density, and the percentage of anagen hairs in patients with androgenetic alopecia, but these improvements did not correlate with platelet or growth factor levels.

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

29 citations , January 2018 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This meta-analysis reported that platelet-rich plasma injections for androgenetic alopecia may increase hair number and thickness locally, but further studies are needed to establish their overall effectiveness.

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

24 citations , November 2017 in “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”

In this study, researchers found that homologous PRP (h-PRP) significantly increased hair density more than both nonactivated (n-PRP) and activated (a-PRP) autologous PRP in patients with androgenetic alopecia, suggesting h-PRP as a potentially more effective treatment option for hair loss.

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

348 citations , July 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This review discusses the use of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology for various applications such as tissue regeneration and wound healing, but it reports no new clinical results and calls for clearer guidance on suitable treatments.

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.

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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly improved hair density, thickness, and patient satisfaction in women with female pattern hair loss compared to a placebo.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Non-Scarring Hair Loss: Systematic Review of Literature

25 citations , March 2017 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This review found that the current evidence on using platelet rich plasma to treat non-cicatricial alopecia, such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, is of low quality and yields controversial results.

Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

research Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

136 citations , February 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This study observed that autologous platelet-rich plasma treatment improved hair count and density in areas with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, with differing outcomes based on the PRP collection device used.

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”

This study found that PRP injections improved hair density, quality, and thickness in males with androgenic alopecia compared to placebo, with reported high patient satisfaction and no major side effects.

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 Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study on the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Women With Female Androgenetic Alopecia

87 citations , September 2016 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma did not significantly improve hair mass index or hair count in women with female androgenetic alopecia, though some patients perceived benefits in hair quality.

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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma was not effective in treating androgenetic alopecia in men with grade 4–6 hair loss.

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”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair density and anagen hair proportions in androgenetic alopecia patients, suggesting potential as an adjuvant therapy.

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

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

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and density in patients with male pattern hair loss without major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe and effective treatment option.

research Systematic Review of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Dermatology

113 citations , July 2015 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This review discusses the cosmetic applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology, highlighting its potential benefits and the need for more controlled studies.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Potential Treatment for Noncicatricial Alopecias

58 citations , January 2015 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma for treating non-cicatricial alopecias and suggests it may be effective, though further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

research Therapeutic Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Polydeoxyribonucleotide on Female Pattern Hair Loss

54 citations , December 2014 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration”

This study observed that autologous PRP and PDRN injections improved hair thickness and density in women with pattern hair loss, with combined therapy showing greater improvement in thickness than PDRN alone.

research The Effect of Autologous Activated Platelet Rich Plasma Injection on Pattern Hair Loss: Clinical and Histomorphometric Evaluation

183 citations , January 2014 in “BioMed Research International”

This study reported that AA-PRP injections significantly increased hair count and density in individuals with pattern hair loss compared to baseline, demonstrating their potential for enhancing hair growth.

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

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

This review discusses the use of platelet-rich plasma in various dermatological applications and reports no new clinical results; the authors call for more rigorous trials to confirm its effectiveness.

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 Promising Therapies for Treating and Preventing Androgenic Alopecia

36 citations , June 2012 in “PubMed”

This review discusses various treatments for androgenetic alopecia, including minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, ketoconazole, and experimental options, but reports limited clinical trial evidence for efficacy.

research Follicular Transplantation: Patient Evaluation and Surgical Planning

29 citations , September 1997 in “PubMed”

This paper reviews follicular hair transplantation techniques and planning, emphasizing careful evaluation and long-term strategy for achieving excellent cosmetic results.