Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

BACKGROUND Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment may encourage hair growth by promoting cellular maturation, differentiation, and proliferation. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search combined with meta-analysis was used to calculate the overall standardized mean difference (SMD) in hair density in patients treated with PRP injections in comparison with baseline and placebo treatment. Chi squared analysis and Fisher exact test were used to investigate variation in protocols. RESULTS The overall SMD in hair density was 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.80) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.23-0.80, p < .0004) in favor of PRP treatment when compared with baseline and placebo treatment, respectively. CONCLUSION Platelet-rich plasma is beneficial in the treatment of AGA. It is recommended that 3 monthly sessions of PRP (once monthly x3 treatments) be used followed by a 3- to 6-month maintenance period.