Autologous adipose transplantation an effective method to treat alopecia after trauma: a case report

Autologous adipose tissue injection in the treatment of alopecia: A mini-review

BACKGROUND

Alopecia may decrease patients' quality of life and self-confidence by limiting their social life. Therefore, the main goal of the treatment is to limit or halt the progression of inflammation, scarring, and hair loss. The promising effect of fat injection on hair regrowth, limited adverse effects, and subsiding inflammation can be proof of its efficacy and safety in treating alopecia.

AIMS

This review sought to assess the role of autologous fat tissue injection in scarring and non-scarring alopecia.

METHODS

Accordingly, a thorough search was performed on the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/Medline databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine, for studies published from inception until September 1st, 2023, using the related keywords.

RESULTS

Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is a novel and potentially effective modality for treating alopecia, particularly primary and secondary cicatricial alopecia. AFG can be an effective semi-invasive option for treating refractory lichen planopilaris because it induces angiogenesis, which supports hair regrowth. In addition to cicatricial alopecia, AFG held promise for treating non-scarring alopecia, including androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. The adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) in adipose tissue (AT) secrete different growth factors, further supporting hair regeneration. Moreover, different anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents are known in AT, preventing further damage to hair follicles.

CONCLUSIONS

AFG can significantly control inflammatory processes, improve signs and symptoms, and increase hair density and diameter.

Fat transplant: Amazing growth and regeneration of cells and rebirth with the miracle of fat cells

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVE

During fat transplantation, adipose tissue is removed from the body and injected into different areas under the skin. The goal of this review article is to look into the efficacy and applicability of fat transplantation in regenerative medicine and rejuvenation, including Nanofat, Microfat, and Millifat.

METHODS

As a search strategy and study selection, we searched the PubMed and Medline databases until 2023 using related keywords (e.g., Nanofat, Microfat and Millifat, Regenerative Medicine, and Rejuvenation).

RESULTS

Autologous fat transplantation has no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection of the transplant by the individual. Autologous adipose tissue is considered an ideal filler for facial rejuvenation and is suggested as the most biocompatible and non-immunogenic skin filler. Adipose tissue transplant may have semi-permanent to permanent effects. According to recent reports, adipose tissues possess a high percentage of mature stem cells. The effect of regenerating adipose tissue and its intrinsic cells can be described as an obvious process. Variations in the sizes of adipose tissues can result in different results depending on the surgical site. Based on topographic assessment, graft fats are assigned depending on the anatomical locations and the size such as Millifat (2-2.5 mm), Microfat (1 mm), and Nanofat (500 μm or less).

CONCLUSION

Some characteristics of fat tissue increase its effectiveness, such as increasing stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, and compounds effective in repair, regeneration, and rejuvenation.

Regenerative Medicine Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia

Regenerative medicine and the role of stem cells are being studied for applications in nearly every field of medicine. The pluripotent nature of stem cells underlies their vast potential for treatment of androgenic alopecia. Several advances in recent years have heightened interest in this field, chief among them are the evolution of simpler techniques to isolate regenerative elements and stems cells. These techniques are easy, outpatient procedures with immediate injection, often single session with harvest, and minimal manipulation (usually physical). This paper seeks to critically review the existing data and determine the current evidence and their role in practice.

The Role of Adipose Tissue in Hair Regeneration: A Potential Tool for Management?

Human adipose tissue (AT) is a rich and easily harvestable source of stem cells and various growth factors (GFs). It has been widely used hitherto for facial rejuvenation and volumization. Increasing evidence shows that dermal adipocytes are intricately associated with hair follicles (HFs) and may be necessary to drive follicular stem cell activation. Early published data have shown encouraging preliminary results for the use of adipocytes and their stem cells as a treatment option for hair growth. The aim of this review study is to analyze published literature on the effect of fat on hair growth and to summarize the current evidence.

Transplantation of autologous fat, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for cell therapy of atrophic acne scars: Clinical evaluation and biometric assessment

BACKGROUND

Scarring is an unfortunate result of acne because it causes the psychological and cosmetic problems for the patients. Unfortunately, no single treatment is suitable, and using multiple methods may have a better result. The autologous fat and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and their secretory factors can enhance the angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and migration of fibroblasts, therefore regenerate hurt tissues. Moreover, other treatments for acne scarring, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), induce the increase in scare.

AIMS

This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of transplantation of autologous fat, SVF cells, and PRP as cell therapy techniques on atrophic acne scars.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This study included 9 adult patients with atrophic acne scars on face. All patients received the transplantation of autologous fat, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells, and PRP. The treatment outcome was measured by biometric assessment (VisioFace 1000 D, Colorimeter, multi-probe adapter Cutometer, Tewameter, Mexameter, and skin ultrasound imaging system), and also, the satisfaction of patients was evaluated. The patients were followed 6 months after the treatment.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the skin pores, spots, skin lightness and melanin content of skin, skin elasticity, and TEWL (transepidermal water loss) after 6 months of the treatment. Furthermore, denser skin layers were observed both in the epidermis and in the dermis. Moreover, 66.6% of patients showed good satisfaction after the treatment.

CONCLUSION

In brief, the transplantation of autologous fat, SVF cells, and PRP is an effective cell therapy for atrophic acne scars.

Alopecia treatment using minimally manipulated human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Three case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss. AA appears in extensive forms, such as progressive and diffusing hair loss (diffuse AA), a total loss of scalp hair (alopecia totalis), and complete loss of hair over the entire body (alopecia universalis). Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as a therapeutic alternative for autoimmune diseases. For this reason, preclinical and case studies of AA and related diseases using MSCs have been conducted.

CASE SUMMARY

Case 1: A 55-year-old woman suffered from AA in two areas of the scalp. She was given 15 rounds of minimally manipulated umbilical cord-MSCs (MM-UC-MSCs) over 6 mo. The AA gradually improved 3 mo after the first round. The patient was cured, and AA did not recur. Case 2: A 30-year-old woman, with history of local steroid hormone injections, suffered from AA in one area on the scalp. She was given two rounds of MM-UC-MSCs over 1 mo. The AA immediately improved after the first round. The patient was cured, and AA did not recur. Case 3: A 20-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with alopecia universalis at the age of 12, was given 14 rounds of MM-UC-MSCs over 12 mo. Her hair began to grow about 3 mo after the first round. The patient was cured, and alopecia universalis did not recur.

CONCLUSION

MM-UC-MSC transplantation potentially treats patients who suffer from AA and related diseases.

Autologous whole fat injection stimulates hair growth in resistant Androgenetic Alopecia: Report of nine cases

BACKGROUND

The changes in morphology of hair follicle and aberrant cycling of hair follicle are the main reasons of the most common forms of hair loss (alopecia). However, existing alopecia treatments do not specifically target these processes.

AIMS

Autologous whole fat injection suggests a paradigm shift that may offer alternative therapies that can be used to prevent hair loss. This study aimed to present clinical cases for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia by autologous whole fat injection in the scalp.

METHODS

Nine patients with androgenetic alopecia (7 women and 2 men) were enrolled to our study. After lipoaspiration, autologous whole fat was injected into the patient's scalp. Hair regeneration was evaluated by three clinical tests: the pull test, hair quality, and hair density.

RESULTS

For all patients, before and after treatment, the number (density) and diameter of hair were calculated using trichograms. The pull test was also performed. The pictures were obtained before after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that whole fat injection enormously can increase the level of hair growth.

Advanced Medical Therapies in the Management of Non-Scarring Alopecia: Areata and Androgenic Alopecia

Alopecia is a challenging condition for both physicians and patients. Several topical, intralesional, oral, and surgical treatments have been developed in recent decades, but some of those therapies only provide partial improvement. Advanced medical therapies are medical products based on genes, cells, and/or tissue engineering products that have properties in regenerating, repairing, or replacing human tissue. In recent years, numerous applications have been described for advanced medical therapies. With this background, those therapies may have a role in the treatment of various types of alopecia such as alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia. The aim of this review is to provide dermatologists an overview of the different advanced medical therapies that have been applied in the treatment of alopecia, by reviewing clinical and basic research studies as well as ongoing clinical trials.

Female pattern hair loss: A comprehensive review

Female pattern hair loss is a common form of hair loss in women that increases in incidence with age. The etiology is unknown with numerous factors identified that influence its onset. Female pattern hair loss may be viewed as a marker for an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. New treatments include microneedling, low-level laser therapy, and autologous fat transfer. This article focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, systemic associations, and current treatments for female pattern hair loss, which is the most common cause of alopecia in women.