Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and concentrated growth factor in treating androgenetic alopecia - A retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Plasma derivatives have been practiced a lot in orthopedics, burns, and sport medicine. Microneedling (MN) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been proven to improve the micro-circulation and thus improve hair growth. The role of concentrated growth factor (CGF) for hair growth has not been mentioned anywhere in the literature for hair growth which we tried to prove in our article by comparing it with various other studies. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective randomized study involving 20 male patients whose ages ranged from 21 years to 56 years. PRP was prepared using the dual-spin method and injected after activation; post-MN, CGF gel was applied topically. Four sessions were performed, and a follow-up was done after 6 months. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 21 for Windows (SPSS, IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Paired t -test was used for the various comparisons. Results: Hair loss reduced by the end of the first month. At the end of 6 months, postfirst session, microscopic examination showed statistically significant difference in the hair count compared to those during the baseline. Discussion: PRP having platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor acts on stem cells in the follicles, stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting neovascularization. CGF helps stimulating cell proliferation and matrix remodeling due to numerous growth factors in a concentrated form. Thus, this therapy combined helps to boost the hair growth in a very significant way. Summary: This study provides the preliminary evidence of efficacy of PRP along with MN and CGF in treating androgenetic alopecia by promoting angiogenesis along with vascularization and promotes hair follicles to enter and extend the anagen phase. Most of the results obtained show improved results with this therapy. A larger case study for the same can further be done for a stronger recommendation of the use of CGF for hair growth therapy further.

Growth factor concentrate therapy for management of hair loss: a prospective, real-world study

“…18 The hair pull test also showed a pronounced improvement as compared to the baseline result of the same which is comparable to the study performed by Steward and coworkers, in which only one (5%) out of 20 patients had an increase in hair fall in the hair pull test as compared to the results of the hair pull test done preoperatively. 19 Scalp pain during injections was the most common adverse event reported in the present study, which was related to injection pricks, followed by erythema and scalp irritation during healing. All these adverse events were found to be mild and well tolerated by the patients.…”

Clinical observation and evaluation of CGF in the treatment of androgenic alopecia

“…8 The growth factor content in CGF and adhesion and stretch of fibrin are better than those in PRP. 9 Steward et al 10 found that PRP combined with microneedles and CGF gel can improve microcirculation and promote hair growth in 20 patients.…”

“…The growth factor content in CGF and adhesion and stretch of fibrin are better than those in PRP 9 . Steward et al 10 found that PRP combined with microneedles and CGF gel can improve microcirculation and promote hair growth in 20 patients. Tan et al 11 found that when one side of the scalp was injected with CGF, the other side was injected with placebo, and minoxidil was used 3 months after injection, it was observed that the hair density and hair growth rate of CGF injection side were significantly higher than those of minoxidil group alone, which indicated that CGF combined with minoxidil might be better in the treatment of alopecia.…”

Novel Applications of Concentrated Growth Factors in Facial Rejuvenation and Plastic Surgery

“…Steward et al 50 reported a new therapy combining microneedling, PRP, and CGF without using any other drugs or laser therapy to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) of 20 male patients. The venous blood was extracted for preparation of PRP liquid and CGF gel.…”