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Platelet-rich plasma injection is effective and safe for the treatment of alopecia

European Journal of Plastic Surgery volume 36, pages 407–412 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Mesotherapy has become a new method for the treatment of different types of alopecia. However, there is a paucity of data in the literature about its efficacy and side effects. In this retrospective study, safety, efficacy, and feasibility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections were assessed.

Methods

Between October 2009 and October 2010, 42 patients (8 women and 34 men) with hair loss or androgenic alopecia were included in this study. Before each session, the hair pull test was performed three times. A total volume of 8–12 cc was injected by using 32 or 30.5 G needles. The treatment was repeated five times over a period of 2 months. Outcome measures were assessed after 3 months by clinical examination, macroscopic photos, pull clinical test, and the patient’s overall satisfaction.

Results

Before treatment, 90.5 % of our patients had a positive pull test with a mean number of eight hairs. After the third session, the pull test was negative in all patients with an average number of three hairs. Global pictures showed a significant improvement in hair volume and quality, which was confirmed by a high overall patient satisfaction. The results were even more obvious in patients who suffered from alopecia for less than 2 years. Poorer results were found in patients with marked alopecia type VI–VII according Norwood classification in men.

Conclusions

PRP injections are simple and efficient, have minimal morbidity with a low cost-to-benefit ratio and can be regarded a valuable alternative for the treatment of alopecia.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Regenlab for providing the materials for this study.

Conflict of Interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic Lemanic, Avenue de la Gare 2, 1003, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Evelyn-Evanthia Betsi & Veronique Emmenegger

  2. Regenlab, En Budron B2, 1052, Le Mont-sur, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Esnault Germain

  3. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic and Handsurgery, University Hospital Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland

    Daniel F. Kalbermatten & Mathias Tremp

  4. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Clinic Lemanic, Avenue de la Gare 2, 1003, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Evelyn-Evanthia Betsi

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  1. Evelyn-Evanthia Betsi
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  2. Esnault Germain
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  5. Veronique Emmenegger
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Correspondence to Evelyn-Evanthia Betsi.

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Betsi, EE., Germain, E., Kalbermatten, D.F. et al. Platelet-rich plasma injection is effective and safe for the treatment of alopecia. Eur J Plast Surg 36, 407–412 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-013-0816-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-013-0816-5

Keywords

  • Platelets
  • Hair loss
  • Alopecia
  • Receptors
  • Growth factor