Clinical Results of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represents a small volume of plasma in which the platelet concentration in normal blood is increased to optimum values. Its effect depends on the growth factors released from platelets. Although it has been investigated and used in many areas of plastic surgery, PRP injection has recently attracted interest in the treatment of hair loss. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant therapy in patients with male and female alopecia by establishing a standard protocol for the preparation and application of PRP. Methods: Fifteen patients with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (Ludwig alopecia score I-II for women and Hamilton-Norwood score 1-4 for men) who had not received topical or systemic treatment for alopecia in the last 6 months were included in the study. Eleven of the patients were male and 4 were female. The mean age was 41 years (27-55). PRP was prepared using a single spin method with high acceleration force and low centrifugation time, and three sessions were performed with an interval of 3-4 weeks. Patient satisfaction was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). The assessments on day 0, 1 st month, 2 nd month and 6 th month were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Hair pull test was positive in all patients (100%) before the treatment and the mean number of hair loss was 6.7. After the third treatment session, the hair pull test was negative in 13 patients (86.6%) with a mean of number of 2.5 hair loss. An improvement in hair density and quality was demonstrated with macroscopic photographs taken in a standard manner before and after the procedure. The mean VAS value decreased from 6.8 to 2.1 after the procedure. Discussion: PRP injections, which are prepared in a simple way without using a commercial kit, are an effective treatment option in alopecia treatment with high patient satisfaction and low cost.