… density. Standard deviation (SD) is placed in between brackets for each value in numbers per cm 2 . This report describes the potential effect of the combination of platelet-rich plasma and adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (ACA SVF ) on androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Ten consecutive cases of AGA…
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Background
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by miniaturization of the hair follicles gradually causing conversion of terminal hairs into vellus hairs, leading to progressive reduction of the density of hair on the scalp. Approved therapeutic options are limited and show side effects.
Objectives
To evaluate injections of stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which is rich in adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) in combination with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the upper scalp as a new autologous treatment option for AGA.
Methods
Ten male patients (age range, 25-72 years), suffering from AGA at stage II to III according to the Norwood-Hamilton scale, have been treated with a single injection of autologous PRS (ACPSVF: combination of PRP and SVF) in the upper scalp. Preinjection and 6 and 12 weeks postinjection changes in hair density were assessed using ultra high-resolution photography (Fotofinder).
Results
Hair density was significantly increased after 6 weeks and 12 weeks postinjection (P = 0.013 and P < 0.001). In hair-to-hair matching analyses, new hair grew from active follicles. Furhtermore nonfunctioning hair follicles filled with hyperkeartotic plugs, up to today assumed incapable of forming new hair, proved to grow new hair. No side effects were noted after treatment.
Conclusions
A single treatment of platelet-rich stroma injected in the scalp of patients with AGA significantly increased hair density within 6 to 12 weeks. Further research is required to determine the optimal treatment regimen. Preferred options to our opinion include the repetition of PRS or additional treatments with PRP.
Level of Evidence: 4
Hieronymus P Stevens, MD, PhD, Simone Donners, BSc, Julia de Bruijn, BSc
in Aesthetic Surgery Journal
Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 38, Issue 8, 13 July 2018, Pages 811–822, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjy029
Published: 15 March 2018
Journal Article