From the Guidelines
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a moderately effective treatment option for androgenetic alopecia, and its efficacy can be enhanced when combined with other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. The procedure involves drawing a patient's blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting this platelet-rich solution into the scalp. A typical PRP regimen consists of three initial treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3-6 months, with a recommended dose of 5-7 mL PRP, using 0.05 to 0.1 mL/cm2, and a platelet concentration of about 1 to 1.5 million platelets per uL 1.
Key Considerations
- The optimal number of PRP treatments, interval between treatment, and the amount of PRP injected per treatment still need to be assessed, but a manual double-spin method for preparation of PRP for AGA is recommended 1.
- PRP works by releasing growth factors that promote tissue repair, increase blood supply to follicles, and stimulate dormant hair follicles, with studies showing a significant increase in hair density and terminal hair density after PRP injections compared to controls 1.
- Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary pain at injection sites, scalp tenderness, headache, and minimal risk of infection, but PRP has been found to be safe and effective for AGA, with high overall patient satisfaction 1.
- The therapy is most effective for early to moderate hair loss, and results typically become visible after 3-6 months of consistent treatment, with some studies showing a significant increase in hair count and terminal hair density in PRP compared to placebo 1.
Combination Therapy
- PRP combined with topical minoxidil has been found to be the most effective treatment modality, while PRP alone and topical minoxidil alone were more effective than placebo 1.
- The use of PRP as an adjuvant to hair transplant surgery has also been found to be beneficial, with a greater retention of follicles and improved hair growth 1.
- Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in comparison to other treatments, such as hair follicle stem cells, and to standardize protocols and administration methods for PRP studies 1.
From the Research
Overview of PRP Therapy for Hair Loss
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a treatment option for androgenetic alopecia, a common cause of hair loss in both men and women 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma, which is derived from the patient's own blood, into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Efficacy of PRP Therapy
- Studies have shown that PRP therapy can increase hair density, improve hair growth, and reduce hair loss in patients with androgenetic alopecia 2, 4, 5, 6.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis found that PRP therapy was effective in treating alopecia, with significant improvements in hair density and terminal hair density 4.
- Another study compared the efficacy of PRP therapy with minoxidil therapy and found that PRP therapy had better outcomes in terms of hair growth and patient satisfaction 5.
Safety and Side Effects
- PRP therapy is considered a safe treatment option, with minimal side effects reported in studies 2, 3, 5.
- The most common side effects reported were mild pain and swelling at the injection site, which resolved on their own within a few days.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- PRP therapy has been compared with other treatments for androgenetic alopecia, including minoxidil therapy, and has been found to have better outcomes in some studies 5.
- However, more research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of PRP therapy compared with other treatments.
Mechanism of Action
- The exact mechanism of action of PRP therapy for hair loss is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the stimulation of hair growth through the release of growth factors and proteins from platelets 3, 6.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which PRP therapy promotes hair growth and to optimize treatment protocols.