Platelet-Rich Plasma Effectiveness in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia: A Comprehensive Evaluation

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained recognition in regenerative medicine due to its concentration of growth factors that promote hair follicle activity, making it a potential treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, variability in PRP preparation and application has led to inconsistent outcomes across studies. This review evaluates the overall effectiveness of PRP in treating AGA based on the latest available evidence. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, identifying 156 articles related to PRP and AGA. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies published between January 2020 and May 2024 were selected. The studies focused on the efficacy of PRP compared to placebo or other treatments and explored different PRP formulations and application methods. The majority of studies demonstrated that PRP is effective in increasing hair density and thickness in patients with AGA. There was a general consensus on the positive effects of PRP, although results varied due to differences in preparation protocols, platelet concentration, and delivery methods. Additionally, combining PRP with other treatments, such as microneedling or topical medications like minoxidil, showed enhanced efficacy in several studies. While some studies reported conflicting outcomes, the overall evidence supports PRP as a promising treatment for AGA. In conclusion, PRP is a viable therapeutic option for AGA, particularly for increasing hair density and thickness. However, the variability in treatment protocols highlights the need for standardized PRP preparation and application methods. Future research should focus on refining these protocols and exploring the potential of combination therapies to maximize treatment effectiveness and consistency.