How successful is PRP in treating male pattern baldness? Are there studies supporting it's use for hereditary hair loss?

Question

It doesn't seem like there's tons of evidence supporting the effective use of PRP for male pattern baldness. Is it worth trying?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

More research is being released every day regarding the effectiveness of PRP for hair loss, including some medical hair loss problems that otherwise don't have a good solution. PRP is still a relatively new treatment for male pattern baldness, and more evidence is coming out all the time to support its use. While PRP is not going to generate new hair follicles where none exist, I do consider it to be a good option for patients who do not want a hair transplantation procedure, or would like additional non-surgical treatments to support a transplant. I consider it another tool in my toolbox for treatment of hair loss, just like minoxidil, finasteride, etc.
All the best,

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

You are correct in that there is little good data to support PRP for hair loss.  PRP does not bring dead follicles back to life.  Thus, it must be used in the right person who has thinning.  In the wrong person, it is a total waste of your time and money.  Be sure to see someone who has experience in using PRP for hair growth.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

You're right, PRP is not effective for male pattern baldness since there really is no "cure" for male pattern balding.  It may help for some people but the studies and results can be confounding.  We've offered it for over two years with overall disappointing results.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.PRP does show results when used for alopecia. Its better early on and requires multiple treatments.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Joyce Davis, MD · Answer

Nothing is absolutely guaranteed in medicine.  PRP has its place in the treatment of hair loss. As do oral propecia and topical minoxidil.  Many men fear the side effects of anitandrogenic therapy and like the idea of a natural alternative.  PRP utilizes one's the platelets found in one's own blood.  The injections are a successful therapy for many people.  I find that everyone grows hair; it is a question of how much hair you will grow.  If you are not satisfied, additional therapies can be added.

Rana Irfan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

PRP .... Platelet Rich Plasms is the procedure in which we take your own blood and shake it in machine for 15/20 minutes ....in this way the plasma is separated from the cells ....... Two prominent layers of plasma can be seen after shaken for 15/20 minutes ...one is of Platelet Poor Plasma and other one is Platelet Rich Plasma ....we would suck out the PRP platelet Rich Plasma and inject it in the roots of follicles immediately after activating it ......the he individual experience is very good in FPHL .... ( hair losses in women ) ... ..in MPHL it's still being tested and studies are going on but it will take time to write down a confident versions about PRP ....

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The scientific evidence for the usefulness of PRP is significant - but for use in things like dental implants and bone surgeries!  There have been some promising pilot studies with PRP (and proteins) with androgenetic alopecia, but it is fair to say this is still a treatment that is in its experimental stages.  The likelihood is that it won't hurt you, but it can be expensive and it may not help.Here's the link to one of the more recent studies.  Believe me, we are ALL waiting for this particular set of scientific data to "mature."

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

PRP means platelet rich plasma, and this is obtained by putting some of your
blood in a tube, then spinning it down so that the plasma segment from the mix
allows the red blood cells to fall to the bottom of the blood tube. The plasma
is on the top of the tube and it is drawn off and then used by doctors to
re-inject into your body. Some doctors use this plasma injection during the
transplant process. Some doctors use it without transplants, as you suggested
here, which is then injected into the balding area.

Some doctors claim that the injection of plasma into the bald skin will
reverse balding or slow it down, but there is absolutely no proof that there is
any benefit of the process. There is one benefit to the surgeon, though — the
professional fee he pockets from performing this technique. My advice to you is to stick to treatments that work and do not volunteer
your body to unproven experimentation. If you can’t tolerate finasteride
(Propecia), work this out with your doctor as this is the only proven treatment for hereditary hair loss (angrogentic alopecia).

How successful is PRP in treating male pattern baldness? Are there studies supporting it's use for hereditary hair loss?

Answers (8)

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