Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Concentrated Growth Factor in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia - A Retrospective Study

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.