Autologous stromal vascular fraction cells combined with platelet-rich plasma for androgenic alopecia treatment: a case series
Background: Stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFs), which can be produced using a mechanical or digestive enzymatic process, are heterogeneous cells with the potential to grow hair in androgenic alopecia patients. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous cell source that is widely used to treat androgenic alopecia. However, the combined use of PRP and SVFs to treat alopecia is rarely reported. Case presentation: This case series describes three cases of androgenic alopecia, including a32-year-old male, a 43-year-old male, and a 65-year-old male. Androgenic alopecia in these patients was treated by injecting the bald area of the scalp with local autologous PRP combined with SVFs. Follow-up was performed 1–3 months after treatment, which showed good results. The hair grew denser, with increased thickness for each strand. The hair pull test revealed that the hair remained intact. Conclusion: The combination of PRP and SVFs affected all cycles of the hair growth process. SVFs are multipotent cells with the potential to become antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anti-fibrotic cells. SVFs can regenerate cells that secrete the growth factors, that are essential for angiogenesis, which can improve therapeutic outcomes. This case series will enrich the existing literature by expanding available treatment options for androgenic alopecia.