Injection of the Concentrate Derived from Nanofat Graft Promotes Hair Growth in Patients of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Clinical Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair loss disorder in men. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown regenerative potential, but their clinical application is hindered by complex processing. Concentrate derived from nanofat graft (CDNF), rich in ADSCs, promotes hair growth in mice, suggesting its potential clinical efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of intradermal CDNF injection as a novel autologous therapeutic approach for AGA.

METHODS

Ten male AGA patients (Norwood-Hamilton III-VI, aged 22-38) received three CDNF injections (0.25ml/cm2) into the scalp subdermis at 4-week intervals. Changes in hair density, diameter, and pigmentation were evaluated via ultra-high-resolution photography at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.

RESULTS

All patients exhibited hair regeneration at all follow-ups. Significant improvements were observed not only in total hair count but also in hair diameter and pigmentation. Quantitative analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of hairs with a diameter >0.03 mm at all follow-up time points. Conversely, the number of hairs with a diameter ≤0.03 mm demonstrated a notable decrease at the 3- and 6-month assessments. Peak efficacy was observed at 12 months post-injection, with total hair counts significantly exceeding baseline levels. No severe adverse events were reported. Furthermore, treatment outcomes showed no significant variation with patient age.

CONCLUSIONS

Intradermal CDNF injection is an efficacious and safe regenerative therapy for male AGA, suggesting that this regenerative therapy may serve as a promising alternative treatment option for hair loss.

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