Dr Nicole Chiang presents a case study on the treatment of female pattern hair loss using platelet-rich-plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was first described in haematology in the 1970s as a small volume of plasma containing higher concentrations of platelets than the peripheral blood.1 The growth factors and cytokines released by PRP play important roles in wound healing and tissue regeneration (Table 1).2 Several studies have shown that PRP can be effective for hair growth.3
Hair growth is regulated by the β-catenin signalling pathway, which is activated by the Wnt ligands. PRP has been shown to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway needed for melanocyte and keratinocyte proliferation and initiation of hair follicle development.3,4 PRP can also exert some anti-apoptotic effects to increase the survival of hair follicle cells and prolong the anagen (growing) phase of the hair cycle.4,5
Systematic reviews have shown that PRP is a safe and effective treatment for female pattern hair loss, increasing hair count and hair density.5,6 It is a treatment with minimal side effects. This…
