Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia
Published on: January 27, 2018
A Meta-analysis On Evidence Of Platelet-rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia
Salvatore Giordano1, Marco Romeo2, Pietro di Summa3
1Department of Plastic and General Surgery, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Background:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment has gained popularity among different surgical specialities for improving various conditions. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common disorder, with possible psychosocial implications. Plastic surgeons have increased the practice of PRP injections for hair restoration. A meta-analysis on this topic was performed comparing local injection of PRP versus control to investigate the efficacy of local PRP injections in AGA.
Methods:
We performed a systematic literature search. The increase in number of hairs was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the increase of hair thickness and the percentage increase in hair number and thickness.
Results:
Seven studies involving 194 patients were retrieved and included in the present analysis. A significantly locally increased hair number per cm2 was observed after PRP injections versus control (mean difference [MD] 14.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.38-22.38, P < 0.001). Similarly, a significantly increased hair thickness cross-section per 10-4 mm2 (MD 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.38, P = 0.005) favoring PRP group. The pooled results did not show a significant percentage increase in hair number (MD 18.79%, 95% CI - 8.50-46.08, P = 0.18), neither hair thickness (MD 32.63%, 95% CI - 16.23-81.48, P = 0.19) among patients treated with PRP.
Conclusion:
Local injection of PRP for androgenic alopecia might be associated with an increased number of hairs in the treated areas with minimal morbidity, but there is clearly a lack of scientific evidence on this treatment modality. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of PRP for AGA.
Related Concept Videos
The Evidence for Evolution
Directing Effect of Substituents: meta-Directing Groups
Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Composition of Blood Plasma
meta-Directing Deactivators: –NO2, –CN, –CHO, –⁠CO2R, –COR, –CO2H

