Abstract
Studies have shown that platelet concentrates can induce the proliferation of the dermal papilla and the vascularization of the perifollicular tissue, as well as accelerate the telogen-to-anagen transition, thereby promoting the regrowth of hair improving the appearance of hair loss. Herein, we report on the application of a new, modified form of platelet concentrates, namely, concentrated growth factors (CGFs), in 15 cases of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). 15 cases of androgenetic alopecia were treated with the use of monthly, subcutaneous injections of autologous CGF in the scalp. A total of 3 injections were administered 4 weeks apart, and the patients were followed up for 6 months. Assessments were performed before the treatments and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after the first treatment. The treatment outcomes were assessed by taking macroscopic photographs and trichoscopic photomicrographs, as well as by using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and the patient satisfaction survey. In order to determine the safety of the treatment, the injection area was observed for signs of infection or mass evaluation. The photographs showed significant improvement in hair appearance after injections of CGF. The hair photomicrographs showed that CGF promoted the regrowth of hair in balding areas, with an increased hair density and an increased ratio of terminal to vellus hair. The GAIS suggested that CGF treatments were effective in treating AGA, and the majority of patients were satisfied with their improvement. In addition, treatments resulted in a faster rate of hair growth and a decrease in the greasy and unpleasant sensation of the hair of the patients. At the last visit, none of the 15 patients reported experiencing side-effects during the follow-up period. To conclude, the application of CGF can be an effective method in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Highlights
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a major cause of hair loss, which is characterized by a progressive hair loss; AGA affects both genders, with a pattern of recession of the frontal hairline and a hair loss of the vertex in males and a pattern of central region thinning with a preserved frontal hair line in females [1]
In vitro and vivo experiments confirmed that growth factors are involved in the regulation of hair follicle growth and development and hair cycle, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and fibroblast growth factor (FGFs) [2,3,4,5]
The hair photomicrographs showed that concentrated growth factors (CGFs) treatment promoted the regrowth of hair in balding areas, with increases in hair density and ratios of terminal to vellus hair
Summary
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a major cause of hair loss, which is characterized by a progressive hair loss; AGA affects both genders, with a pattern of recession of the frontal hairline and a hair loss of the vertex in males and a pattern of central region thinning with a preserved frontal hair line in females [1]. Several studies have revealed that the pathogenesis of AGA is related to an impaired perifollicular vascularization and an imbalance of growth factors. Various studies have shown that platelet concentrates can induce the proliferation of the dermal papilla, prolong the anagen phase and increase the vascularization around hair follicles, leading to a positive trend in hair growth [11, 12]. These findings have been further verified in clinical trials [13]
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