Context:Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is finding importance in aesthetic medicine.Aim:The objective of this study was to study efficacy of PRP therapy in follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant.Materials and Methods:It is a single-blind, prospective randomised study on 40 FUE hair transplant subjects, allocated in two groups (PRP and non-PRP) alternately. PRP was injected intra-operatively immediately after creating slits over the recipient area in PRP group; and normal saline in non-PRP group. Two groups were evaluated at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, 3 and 6 months of the procedure.Statistical Analysis:It was done using Chi-square test and test of significance was set as P < 0.05.Results:In PRP group, all subjects had >75% hair regrowth at 6 months, density of >75% grafts was noticed in 12 patients at 4 weeks meaning reduced fall of transplanted hair during catagen phase. New hair growth started at 8 weeks in 16 patients and redness over recipient area completely disappeared in 19 patients at 3 months of surgery and activity in dormant follicles as fine thread like hair was noticed besides the thick transplanted hair in all subjects. In non-PRP group, four patients had >75% hair regrowth at 6 months; none showed >75% graft density at 4 weeks, and 13 subjects showed dormant follicle activity at 4 months. The number of patients having lengthier hairs was significantly more in PRP group.Conclusion:Intra-operative PRP therapy is beneficial in giving faster density, reducing the catagen loss of transplanted hair, recovering the skin faster and activating dormant follicles in FUE transplant subjects.

Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy is a form of regenerative medicine where body's own cells, tissues or organs can be utilized by replacing, regenerating or engineering to restore or establish normal function. Various published articles demonstrating the role of PRP therapy in cosmetic procedures like scar revision, facial rejuvenation, stretch mark removal, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and hair transplant were analyzed in depth to understand its efficacy based on facts and figures along with inputs from personal experience. PRP therapy is one of the most upcoming forms of regenerative medicine with the potential to improve the homeostasis of the treated cells and tissues, provided that harvesting standards are maintained.