Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows promise as an androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment.

Objective: To conduct a randomized placebo-controlled split-scalp study to investigate the effects of PRP on hair regrowth and thickness.

Methods: Two 7.6-cm × 7.6-cm squares were tattooed on the scalps of 35 study participants with AGA. Areas were randomly assigned to intradermal injection with PRP or saline. Participants received 3 monthly treatment sessions with evaluation 3 months after the final treatment.

Results: Hair density in the PRP-treated area was significantly increased compared with baseline at all visits. At the final assessment, hair density in PRP-treated areas increased from 151 ± 39.82 hairs/cm² at baseline to 170.96 ± 37.14 hairs/cm², a mean increase of approximately 20 hairs/cm² (P < .05). However, hair density in placebo-treated areas also increased from 151.04 ± 41.99 hairs/cm² to 166.72 ± 37.13 hairs/cm² (P < .05). There was no significant difference in hair density change between the 2 groups (P > .05). No serious adverse events were reported.

Limitations: Possible PRP diffusion due to split-scalp study design as well as microinjections causing microinjury to both sides.

Conclusion: PRP may have benefit in increasing hair density.

Keywords: androgenetic alopecia; female pattern hair loss; hair; male pattern hair loss; platelet-rich plasma; randomized controlled trial.