PRP for Female Pattern Hair Loss

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a condition characterized by progressive hair thinning primarily affecting the central scalp. PRP is derived from the patient's own blood and contains a high concentration of growth factors that promote hair follicle survival and regeneration. The process involves drawing blood, centrifuging it to isolate the platelet-rich layer, and injecting it into the scalp at areas of hair thinning.

Several studies have demonstrated PRP's efficacy in improving hair density and thickness in women with FPHL. Growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play a crucial role in stimulating dermal papilla cells and prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. A meta-analysis found that PRP significantly increased hair count and density compared to placebo. Moreover, PRP is often used as an adjunct to other therapies, such as minoxidil or low-level laser therapy, for enhanced results

Sources:

Gentile, P., & Garcovich, S. (2020). Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(7), 2702.

Gupta, A. K., Cole, J., & Deutsch, D. P. (2019). Platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 30(8), 774-783.

Alves, R., & Grimalt, R. (2018). Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia. Dermatologic Surgery, 44(9), 126-133.