From the Guidelines
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a viable treatment option for telogen effluvium, with studies showing a significant increase in hair density and a decrease in the proportion of telogen hair. PRP therapy involves drawing a patient's blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and injecting this platelet-rich solution into the scalp. The typical regimen consists of 3-4 initial treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3-6 months as needed, as recommended by a task force assigned by the Indian Association of Dermatologists 1.
Key Considerations
- The number of platelets is an important factor in the effectiveness of PRP, with higher concentrations having a greater effect on hair density, follicle diameter, and terminal hair density 1.
- The use of PRP in combination with minoxidil has been shown to be more effective than minoxidil monotherapy, with studies demonstrating an increase in hair density and a decrease in the proportion of telogen hair 1.
- PRP has been found to increase the proliferative activity of hair follicle cells and improve hair morphology in patients with androgenetic alopecia, with noticeable results typically appearing after 3-6 months of treatment 1.
- Side effects of PRP therapy are generally mild and may include temporary scalp tenderness, swelling, or headache.
Treatment Protocol
- A manual double-spin method for preparation of PRP for AGA is recommended, with a minimum of 3–5 sessions of PRP and a 1-month interval between sessions 1.
- The recommended dose is 5–7 mL PRP, using 0.05 to 0.1 mL/cm2, with a concentration of platelets in PRP of about 1 to 1.5 million platelets per uL 1.
- Activation of PRP is not required when it is used for AGA, as nonactivated PRP has been found to have a greater increase in hair count and total hair density than activated PRP 1.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- PRP has been compared to other common procedures such as minoxidil and finasteride, with studies showing that PRP can be considered as a treatment option for AGA, especially in patients who do not respond to conventional therapy 1.
- The use of PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) has also been studied, with promising results showing an increase in hair density and a decrease in the proportion of telogen hair, although further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRF compared to PRP 1.
From the Research
Role of Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- PRP therapy has been evaluated as a potential treatment for telogen effluvium, with studies suggesting its efficacy and safety in promoting hair growth 2.
- A randomized, controlled, double-blind, pilot clinical trial found that PRP therapy resulted in a significant increase in hair density and thickness in patients with chronic telogen effluvium 2.
- The study compared two different methods of PRP preparation and found that both methods were effective, with no significant difference between them 2.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Other treatments for telogen effluvium, such as oral minoxidil, have also shown promise in reducing hair shedding and promoting hair growth 3.
- A review of the literature found that telogen effluvium can be treated with a variety of therapies, including corticosteroids, minoxidil, and novel treatments such as CNPDA 4.
- A comparative study found that botulinum toxin A injection and multivitamins mesotherapy were both effective in treating telogen effluvium, with minimal side effects 5.
Mechanism and Efficacy
- The exact mechanism of PRP therapy in treating telogen effluvium is not fully understood, but it is thought to promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles 2.
- The efficacy of PRP therapy in treating telogen effluvium has been demonstrated in several studies, with significant improvements in hair density, thickness, and patient satisfaction 2, 6.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and efficacy of PRP therapy in treating telogen effluvium, as well as to compare its effectiveness with other treatments 6.