ABSTRACT
Background Limited data are available on the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microneedling versus PRP alone. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of PRP and microneedling with PRP alone in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methodology This prospective, randomized, interventional study was conducted in Pak-Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from September 2020 to December 2020. In total, 60 individuals suffering from AGA of up to Hamilton-Norwood grade 4 were randomly assigned to two groups, namely, PRP+microneedling versus PRP alone. A total of three sessions, each one month apart, were offered. Pre and post-intervention photographs, hair count (/cm2), hair-pull test, and physician's and patient's perception of hair loss were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed. Results A greater proportion of patients in the microneedling group achieved a negative hair-pull test and improved perception of hair loss compared to the PRP-alone group (82.1% vs. 51.9% and 88.0% vs. 73.9%, respectively). The percentage increase in mean hair count in the microneedling group (24.53 ± 9.49%) was significantly higher than the increase in the PRP-alone group (17.88 ± 10.15%) (p = 0.011). For grades 2 and 3 hair loss, microneedling+PRP caused a much greater increase in hair count than PRP alone. This difference was less pronounced for Norwood grade 4. No notable side effects were noted in any patient. Conclusions Combined PRP and microneedling is more efficacious than PRP alone in patients with AGA up to Hamilton-Norwood grade 4.
