A study of the efficacy of skin needling and platelet rich plasma in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation of platelets in concentrated plasma that may be useful in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Its action depends on the released growth factors from platelets. Skin needling is a technique that uses a sterile dermaroller to puncture the skin and release growth factors. The combination of Skin needling and PRP should enhance the efficacy of both modalities. Objective: To establish the effectiveness of the combined use of Skin needling and PRP in AGA treatment. Method: The study enrolled 10 patients of AGA. The hair pull test was performed before each treatment session. PRP therapy with skin needling was given to them at monthly intervals for 6 months. The effects of therapy were evaluated based on clinical examination, hair pull test, photographic assessment and patient's satisfaction. Result: Before treatment, 80 % of our patients had a positive hair pull test with a mean number of 9 hairs which turned to be negative only after the third session. After 6 months, there was an overall improvement in hair density with the response of grade +2 in 8 patients and +1 in 2 patients on the standardised 7-point evaluation scale. 3 patients rated response as grade 4, 5 patients as grade 3 and 2 patients as grade 2 on patients' subjective evaluation of hair growth. Pain during the procedure and sensible scalp afterwards were the major complaints which subsided in 2-3 days. Conclusion: PRP combined with skin needling is a safe and effective treatment and can be considered as an alternative for management of AGA.