Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Androgenetic Alopecia, Acne Scars, and Non-Healing Ulcers: A Prospective Interventional Study

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentrate obtained by differential centrifugation of whole blood, yielding platelets 4-7 times the baseline concentration with an attendant payload of growth factors including PDGF, VEGF, EGF, FGF, TGF-β, and IGF-1, which promote cellular proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue regeneration.

Material and Methods: A prospective interventional study enrolling 50 patients (20 androgenetic alopecia [AGA], 15 acne scars, 15 non-healing venous ulcers) was conducted at a tertiary care centre in western India from December 2020 to September 2022. PRP was prepared by the manual double-spin method and administered intralesionally at 15-day intervals for 3 months (6 sessions), with monthly follow-up until 6 months. Outcomes were assessed by physician’s global assessment (7-point scale), Hamilton-Norwood/Ludwig grading (AGA), Goodman and Baron’s scale (acne scars), and wound area and volume measurements.

Results: In AGA, 85% showed improvement (mild 45%, moderate 30%, excellent 10%). In acne scars, 73.3% achieved good-to-excellent objective response; 26-50% improvement was most frequent (53.3%). In non-healing venous ulcers, mean wound area reduced by 68% (14.09 cm² to 6.01 cm²) and volume by 66% (4.74 cm³ to 1.61 cm³), with 46.67% achieving excellent response. No serious adverse events were recorded in any group.

Conclusion: PRP is a safe, cost-effective, and efficacious autologous treatment for androgenetic alopecia, acne scars, and non-healing venous ulcers with a favourable side-effect profile.