Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review

Abstract

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) was described as a small volume of plasma containing higher concentrations of platelets than those found in peripheral blood and initially used as a transfusion product for treatment of thrombocytopenia. To date, it was discovered that there are several growth factors and cytokines that can accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration, leading to a wider range of applications in the medical field, such as in sport medicine, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic medicine. Several studies have shown that PRP can be used effectively for treatment of hair loss. Although it has been widely used, the exact mechanism of action of PRP is still not fully elucidated. In this article, we aim to review and update current information on the definition, classification, mechanism of action, clinical efficacy in hair regrowth, and adverse events of PRP.

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors as an Adjuvant Treatment for the Management of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Retrospective Observational Clinical Study

“…20 Additionally, the deposition of nephronectin in basement membrane creates a unique niche leading to a series of signals for hair follicle survival and integrity that have also been proved to be modulated by GF released by platelets. 48 Therefore, the interactions between DPC, HGMC and bulge cells as well as the signals triggered by binding growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF) activate the proliferative phase of the hair, giving rise to the future follicular unit. 49 The adjuvant use of platelet-based products and other hair loss-related products might enhance the final performance of the treatment.…”

Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

“…In a 2018 review of the literature on patients with FPHL and MPHL, PRP demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in 10 out of 12 studies, most of which used a control group as a comparison [ 66 ]. A recent 2022 review article found a significant increase in hair density and hair diameter in numerous studies in FPHL and MPHL patients, respectively [ 67 ]. A randomized controlled trial in 2020 reported a noted increased hair density in participants treated with PRP, although this difference was not significant when compared with patients treated with saline across 3 months [ 68 ].…”

Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: What Is Available and What Is Coming?

“…PRP has been used as an autologous injection for various medical conditions to promote healing and tissue regeneration/rejuvenation [ 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ]. Additionally, PRP has also been used widely in alopecia treatment due to its ability to induce cell proliferation, supporting HF growth, and extending anagen [ 72 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 ]. Whereas PRP treatment has the advantages of minimal invasiveness, low cost, and being autologous, its effectiveness has not been vigorously validated, partly due to the autologous nature and partly due to the variations in preparation protocols [ 83 ].…”