Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair treatment is a promising new treatment for hair loss. It involves harvesting regenerative cells from your blood and reinjecting them to areas of thinning hair to encourage regrowth and regeneration.
Research shows encouraging results, but what is the success rate of PRP hair treatment? Here, we examine the research into PRP hair treatment, look at alternative treatments, and discuss how to maximise the success of PRP therapy.
PRP therapy has been used for years to successfully treat musculoskeletal problems, such as damage to tendons, muscles, and ligaments. More recently, it has gained attention as a potential solution to hair loss and skin problems.
The individual components of PRP occur naturally in your blood, along with platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells. There are several steps to produce PRP, but it’s a minimally invasive procedure.
Research into PRP hair treatment has focused heavily on its effects on androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male or female pattern baldness. However, studies have also begun to explore the role of PRP in treating other types of hair loss. Here, we’ll look at the success rate of PRP hair treatment by condition.
This condition affects up to 80% of men and 50% of women in the course of their life [1] and causes progressive hair loss on the scalp, starting any time after puberty. In men, hair loss tends to affect the crown of the head and frontotemporal regions. In women, there is hair loss at the crown and top of the head, which appears as a wider centre parting.
The success rate for PRP varies depending on which studies you look at and the factors they measure. Here are the results from studies into PRP hair treatment for AGA:
A 2022 study investigated patient satisfaction and clinical effects of PRP for AGA [2]. 57% of participants were male and 43% were female. In general, patients were satisfied with the results, with average satisfaction at 7.29 on a scale from 0 to 10.
There was an average score of 8 (on a scale of 1 to 10) when patients ranked how likely they were to recommend PRP to friends and family. Improvements were noted in hair thickness, density, quality, new hair growth, and less hair loss.
Another 2022 study reviewed 17 recent clinical trials of PRP hair treatment for AGA. Studies on PRP for both male and female pattern baldness were included. It concluded that PRP is a highly effective treatment for AGA that can be improved even further when combined with standard care treatments such as Minoxidil and Finasteride [3].
Many trials also showed that PRP is more effective and acts faster than topical Minoxidil and oral Finasteride. There were a few trials that did not support the use of PRP for AGA treatment, but these were heavily outweighed by trials that showed positive results.
A 2017 study analysed the literature available at the time to see whether PRP was effective for AGA [4]. The results of the 12 studies suggested that PRP effectively increases hair density and diameter. Ten of the 12 studies had positive outcomes for PRP as a hair loss treatment.
There are two main types of hair transplant: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). Our highly experienced surgeons at Wimpole Clinic offer both methods.
In general, FUE is best suited for people who need a smaller number of hair grafts and want a procedure with minimal scarring and a fast recovery time. FUT is best for people who need more extensive hair grafts and are okay with a slower recovery time.
There has been some initial research into the use of PRP to improve recovery after a hair transplant; so far, this has mainly focused on FUE hair transplants. Despite promising results, more research is needed in this area. Here are some of the studies:
This 2016 study looked at the effects of PRP therapy during FUE hair transplant [5]. It was found that patients who received PRP therapy during their transplant experienced longer hair growth, faster hair density, better skin recovery and increased activation of dormant hair follicles.
This 2020 study looked at the use of PRP as a preservation solution for hair transplant rather than as an injection into the scalp [6]. It compared the difference between preserving hair grafts in PRP before implantation versus preserving hair grafts in saline solution.
Patients whose hair grafts were preserved in PRP experienced faster improvements in hair density and skin recovery than those in the saline group. One year after surgery, their hair uptake and hair thickness were still significantly better than the saline group.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your hair follicles. It usually affects the head and face, although it can cause hair loss anywhere on your body.
Alopecia areata is the second most common form of hair loss, after female and male pattern baldness. It causes patchy hair loss in the areas it affects, although some people lose all their hair on their scalp.
A 2022 study analysed the available research on PRP as a treatment for alopecia areata and concluded that PRP is a promising steroid-free treatment for the condition. There were no differences in outcomes between treatment with PRP and triamcinolone acetonide (TrA), a topical steroid that is usually the first line of treatment for alopecia areata [7].
A 2013 study examined the effects of PRP on alopecia areata. It suggests that, although more research is needed in this area, PRP appears to be a safe and effective treatment [8].
PRP often has more noticeable results when combined with other hair loss treatments. These include hair transplants, medications and lifestyle changes. Here, we’ll explore these treatments in more detail and how they can be combined with PRP.
Although PRP can have great results as a hair loss treatment, a hair transplant may be necessary for more extensive hair loss. You may also prefer that a hair transplant is a permanent cure, unlike PRP, which requires top-up sessions to maintain results.
When combined with a hair transplant, PRP improves recovery time, skin discolouration, and final hair thickness and length. A hair transplant with PRP injections provides an effective and comprehensive cure for hair loss.
Medications for hair loss include finasteride, minoxidil and spironolactone. These work in different ways to reduce hair loss. Some medications, such as minoxidil, can be combined with PRP hair treatment.
Finasteride works by stopping testosterone (a sex hormone) from turning into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) [9]. DHT can stop hair growth and cause hair loss. By stopping its production, finasteride can prevent hair loss and encourage hair growth.
The process by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth is not fully known yet. However, it can reverse male or female pattern baldness through the following methods:
Research shows PRP therapy and minoxidil combined have greater effects as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia than when used individually [10]. Your clinician can advise you on which medications are suitable for you and which can be combined with PRP therapy.
In addition to combining PRP with complementary therapies, you can make several lifestyle changes to increase the effects of PRP hair treatment. Here are some of the areas to focus on:
PRP therapy relies on your body’s ability to create healthy blood cells, which are influenced by your nutrient levels. Including more leafy, green vegetables in your diet provides you with essential vitamins and minerals that help with the production of healthy blood cells. Examples include brussel sprouts, spinach, cabbage, kale, and others.
A healthy blood supply and good blood oxygenation create a healthy blood flow to the scalp. Improved blood flow to the scalp improves hair growth and reduces hair loss [11].
Iron and vitamin B, particularly vitamin B12 and vitamin B9, are key nutrients for a healthy, well-oxygenated blood flow. You can make sure you’re getting these nutrients by eating plenty of leafy greens, dairy products, and meat, such as poultry.
Aerobic exercise before PRP therapy improves the efficiency of your cardiovascular system, increasing blood flow and the quantity of platelet-rich plasma available. Research shows just 20 minutes of vigorous exercise increases the quantity of platelets in PRP [12].
Smoking and drinking alcohol have a negative effect on your immune system and ability to heal. Smoking and drinking before, during, or after the PRP process may reduce the benefits you experience.
Although a relatively new technology in hair loss treatment, PRP therapy has proven successful in treating hair loss and improving hair growth. As we’re always at the forefront of new advances in hair regeneration, PRP therapy is available with our experienced clinicians.
Our trichologists can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and advise you on the best treatment plan, including PRP therapy if this is a suitable treatment. Book a consultation today to get started.
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