Comparative Evaluation of Buffy Coat-Derived and Apheresis Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: Laboratory and Clinical Insights

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation methods, buffy coat and apheresis, in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in 163 patients. Both methods significantly improved hair density and shaft diameter, with no significant difference between them. The buffy coat method had a slight advantage in patient-reported outcomes, with 51.7% of patients reporting significant improvement compared to 46.1% in the apheresis group. Apheresis produced higher platelet concentrations and larger PRP volumes, while buffy coat had better platelet recovery efficiency. The study suggests both methods are effective for AGA, with minor differences in clinical outcomes, and highlights the importance of factors beyond platelet count, such as growth factor release and platelet activation, for PRP efficacy. Limitations include a small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up. Future research should focus on larger trials and explore new approaches like PRP-derived exosomes and combination therapies.