Folliscope Assessment of Lyophilized Growth Factors Scalp Injection in Androgenetic Alopecia

Abstract

ndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common pattern of scalp hair loss in both men and women. It results from shortening of the anagen phase of the hair cycle and subsequently, miniaturization of hair follicles. The importance of AGA comes from the intense emo-tional distress, caused by disrupting self image leading to overwhelming effects on the patient's quality of life. Diagnosis and therapy of hair and scalp diseases were in the last years subject to significant progress. One of the major developments was employing imaging techniques, including hair and scalp folliscope. Although Folliscope is one of the non-invasive imaging techniques, it allows the visualization of hair at high magnification and the measurement of relevant trichologic structures. Treatment of AGA remains a challenge as no treatment is either completely curative or preventive and the only United States FDA approved therapies are minoxidil and finasteride. The use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in medicine has become increasingly more widespread during the last decade. Its use is based on the fact that platelets contain many growth factors in their alpha granules that promote tissue regeneration.