Outcome of intra-operative injected platelet-rich plasma therapy during follicular unit extraction hair transplant: A prospective randomised study in forty patients

Abstract

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.

The effect of plasma rich in growth factors combined with follicular unit extraction surgery for the treatment of hair loss: A pilot study

“…To our knowledge, this is the first study in which a dual PRGF treatment (intradermal injections plus graft preservation) has been evaluated and compared to normal saline procedure. Our results are consistent with those reported elsewhere in terms of scalp redness and catagen hair death rate . Other reports correlate the use of platelet growth factors to the 15.1% yield increase of follicular units and hair viability 6 months after FUE treatment .…”

“…Our results are consistent with those reported elsewhere in terms of scalp redness and catagen hair death rate. 25 been reported not only to behave as an anti-inflammatory agent via the attenuation of the nuclear factor jB pathway 27 but also as an strong angiogenic inductor thanks to specific growth factors such as VEGF, IGF, and FGFb that promote angiogenesis mediated hair regrowth. 28 During the intra-and postoperative periods, the FTUs are subjected to mechanical and physiological stress that compromises their viability.…”

Platelet rich plasma for photodamaged skin: A pilot study

“…By dispersing hundreds of soluble bioactive proteins, platelets play a critical role in homeostasis, inflammation, immune response, and tissue healing . To harness their activity for therapeutic benefit, these small anucleate cellular fragments are concentrated to supraphysiological levels; however, the efficacy of this technique in aesthetic medicine is controversial despite positive results from numerous dermatologic studies …”

“…8 To harness their activity for therapeutic benefit, these small anucleate cellular fragments are concentrated to supraphysiological levels; however, the efficacy of this technique in aesthetic medicine is controversial despite positive results from numerous dermatologic studies. [9][10][11][12] The preparation of PRP introduces a host of variables into studies evaluating their clinical response. Commercial kits, anticoagulants, centrifugation, activators, and needles, all introduce uncertainty and variation as to the ideal type, temperature, length of time, speed, gauge, and volume required to prepare a PRP capable of producing clinical results.…”

Post Traumatic Scar with Repeated Trophic Ulcers Treated With a Cocktail of Ablative Pixel Erbium YAG Laser, PRP Therapy and Autologous Fat Transplant - A Novel Case Report of Terminal Nerve Ending Regeneration through Regenerative Surgery

“…[1,2]. Already there is supportive literature highlighting the role of PRP therapy in improving microcirculation, collagen remodeling thus improving skin texture and supporting appendage growth specially that of hair follicles [3,4]. Since the PRP therapy has been proven to improve viability of hair follicles, it can act on other structures of skin and other organs as well to renew and regenerate their structural and functional capacity.…”