The Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors on Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND Autologous growth factors have proved to promote tissue regeneration in various medical fields. Recent findings suggest that platelet rich plasma may also play an important role in hair follicle restoration. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGFs) for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Five PRGF injections were administered over 19 patients with AGA. Phototrichograms regarding follicle density/diameter and terminal/vellus hair ratio were performed at baseline and after 1 year follow-up period. Consenting participants underwent histologic scalp examination. At the end of the study, overall patient satisfaction and clinical improvement were determined. RESULTS After PRGF therapy, mean hair density/diameter increased and terminal/vellus hair ratio was also improved. Patients presented epidermal thickness, perifollicular neoangiogenesis, cell proliferation, and terminal/miniaturized hair ratio improvement. Plasma rich in growth factors seemed to reduce the perivascular inflammatory infiltrate, promote the remodeling of dermo-epidermal tissue, and increase bulge stem cell niches. Patients declared an overall positive satisfaction, and a high clinical improvement score was achieved when comparing premacrophotographs and postmacrophotographs. CONCLUSION Although randomized clinical trials are needed, this study provides preliminary data supporting the positive therapeutic effect of autologous growth factors on hair follicle regeneration.