Aim: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and microneedling in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
Study Design: This analytical cohort study was conducted over an 18-month period, involving 40 male participants with Hamilton-Norwood grades II–IV AGA.
Materials and Methods: Participants were divided into two groups of 20 each. Group A received microneedling sessions once every three weeks, while Group B underwent PRP therapy at the same frequency. Both groups were supplemented with 5% topical minoxidil applied twice daily. Efficacy assessments included dermoscopic evaluation of hair density, hair count, Hamilton-Norwood grading, hair pull tests, and treatment satisfaction scores over a 12-week period. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS v26, with paired and unpaired t-tests applied to measure pre- and post-treatment outcomes.
Results: Both microneedling and PRP therapy demonstrated significant improvements in all evaluated parameters. Microneedling showed a mean increase in hair count from 155.75 ± 15.86 to 199.65 ± 20.25 (p < 0 xss=removed>
Conclusion: Both microneedling and PRP are effective, minimally invasive treatments for AGA. While microneedling demonstrated slightly greater efficacy in improving hair count and density, PRP therapy showed comparable outcomes and excelled in hair retention. These therapies offer viable alternatives for managing AGA, with treatment selection tailored to individual patient preferences and clinical needs.
Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia, Platelet-rich plasma, Microneedling, Hair loss treatment, Hair density, Hair count, Hamilton-norwood grading, Patient satisfaction, Minimally invasive therapy, Scalp health
