Shock Waves for Hair Growth and Regeneration in Patients With Female Pattern Hair Loss

BackgroundFemale pattern hair loss (FPHL) is women's most common form of alopecia. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and regeneration in women with FPHL. MethodsA prospective single-center noncontrolled study was conducted in patients with FPHL who underwent eight treatment sessions with C-Actor, a shock wave applicator. Outcome measures included total hair count, number of follicular units (FUs)-single FUs, double FUs, triple and bigger FUs-the average thickness, cumulative hair thickness, and changes in the Derived Sinclair scale, assessed with Tricholab (Fotofinder System). Patients completed a survey to assess their subjective perceptions of hair improvement regarding softness, hair loss, quality, and volume. ResultsTwenty women were included with a mean age of 43 (SD = 5.65). The mean increase in total hair count was 8.9% (p < 0.00001), in number of FUs 4.6% (p = 0.00031), in number of triple and bigger FUs 18.4% (p = 0.0004), in cumulative hair thickness 8.0% (p < 0.00001), with a decrease of 5.7% in mean Derived Sinclair scale value by 2.2-2.1 (p < 0.0001). After 3 months, 85% of patients perceived improvement in hair volume. ConclusionExtracorporeal shock waves for hair growth and capillary regeneration in women with FPHL showed statistically significant outcomes, and all patients reported an improvement in hair characteristics.