AAHRS (Asian Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons)

2nd Annual Scientific Metting

May 11-13, 2012

<Advantages in Utilizing Growth Factors in Hair Transplantation>

It is well known that using minoxidil post hair transplantation does help in inducing better results of hair growth, so it is well within the context of idea that various methods that help in elongating anagen phase will be helpful also. So there are merits in utilizign various methods such as PRP and introduction of growth factors which complement wound healing and accelerates the growth phase of hair post hair transplantation.

There are several reports of utilizing PRP to improve hair growth, transplanted follicle revascularization, and to speed the helaing of donor and recipient incision sites. However, PRP also contains several factors other than growth factors that act against the activation of growth such as Il-1, Il-8, TGF-b which activates inflammation cascade and there is report that high concentration of PRP may actually cause apoptotic cell death. It is the ‘growth factors’ that play the key role in wound healing process and revascularization of the hair graft. So if we selectively utilize growth factors we can selectively influence activation effects that we aim for. 

It is ideal to utilize PRP in the initial healing phase of post transplantation to aid the haling phase. But, for the period of growth phase around second to fourth month post transplantation, selective ‘growth factor’s would be better option. The concerned growth factors are: SCF, bFGF, IGF01, KGF, VEGF. It may be good idea to add Noggin also to inhibit BMP signaling.

The timing of introduction of growth factors to the patient may vary from case to case. The patients who undergo hair transplantation show different shedding time schedules. I think the ideal time to start introduction is one month after start of shedding and for about 3 months threreon.