Platelet-rich plasma in androgenic alopecia: Myth or an effective tool

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become a newer method for the treatment of various types of alopecia. In this prospective study, safety, efficacy and feasibility of PRP injections in treating androgenic alopecia were assessed. Eleven patients suffering from hair loss due to androgenic alopecia and not responding to 6 months treatment with minoxidil and finasteride were included in this study. The hair pull test was performed before every treatment session. A total volume of 2-3 cc PRP was injected in the scalp by using an insulin syringe. The treatment was repeated every two weeks, for a total of four times. The outcome was assessed after 3 months by clinical examination, macroscopic photos, hair pull test and patient's overall satisfaction.Results:A significant reduction in hair loss was observed between first and fourth injection. Hair count increased from average number of 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units. Therefore, average mean gain is 22.09 follicular units per cm2. After the fourth session, the pull test was negative in 9 patients.Conclusion:PRP injection is a simple, cost effective and feasible treatment option for androgenic alopecia, with high overall patient satisfaction.

A study of the efficacy of skin needling and platelet rich plasma in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

“…The positive effect of PRP in the treatment of AGA has been documented in other studies. [11,12,13].Mechanisms of hair regrowth induced by skin needling include: [14,15,16] release of platelet derived growth factor, epidermal growth factors through platelet activation and skin wound regeneration mechanism; activation of stem cells in the hair bulge area; overexpression of hair growth related genes vascular endothelial growth factor, B catenin, Wnt3a, and Wnt10 b. A 12-week study by Dhurat et al [17] showed that dermaroller along with Minoxidil treated group was statistically superior to Minoxidil treated group in promoting hair growth in men with AGA.…”

Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

“…These studies include Anitua et al [29], Puig et al [30], Mapar et al [31], Gupta et al [32], and Alves and Grimalt [33]. Studies from 2015 (Singhal et al [12] and Gentile et al [34]), 2014 (Gkini et al [27], Khatu et al [35], Schiavone et al [36], and Cervelli et al [28]), and 2011 (Takikawa et al [37]) are also compared. …”

“…Significant reduction in hair loss was evident per patient questionnaires. Both Gkini et al [27] and Khatu et al [35] assessed patient satisfaction, and found the reported means of 7.1 and 7.0 out of 10, respectively. …”

“…Investigators also suggested that the PRP treatment appeared to lead to increases in hair diameter more than hair count. Khatu et al [35] also led a small prospective cohort study to investigate PRP efficacy in 11 subjects. After 4 sessions of PRP, 9 subjects reverted to having a negative hair pull test.…”

The Wonder Tool Platelet Rich Plasma in Cosmetic Dermatology, Trichology and Hair Transplant

“…Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes the proliferation of papilla cells in vitro and, therefore, plays a key role in hair shaft elongation. Activated PRP promotes the proliferation and prevents apoptosis of dermal papillary cells [19].…”