Evaluation of efficacy of follicular unit extraction versus follicular unit extraction with platelet rich plasma in treatment of cicatricial alopecia.

[BACKGROUND] Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive surgery that is becoming popular in hair restoration in cicatricial alopecia (CA).

[AIM] Evaluation of FUE with or without platelet rich plasma (PRP) in scarring alopecia.

[PATIENTS AND METHODS] Twenty patients with CA were randomized into two groups. Group A (10 patients) underwent FUE, group B (10 patients) underwent FUE + PRP. PRP was injected 1 week before surgery, then monthly after surgery for 3 months. Follow up was done after 3, 6 and 12 months by calculating the density of surviving follicular units and the survival rate.

[RESULTS] In group A, there was statistically significant increase in mean survival rate which was 30.30%. At 3 months, 67.26% at 6 months and 78.15% at 12 months. In group B, there was a significant increase in mean survival rate being 30.14% at 3 months, 58.75% at 6 months and 69.74% at 12 months. There was no significant difference between both groups at anytime during follow up period.

[CONCLUSION] Follicular unit extraction is a preferred procedure for hair restoration in CA with few side effects. The role of PRP in HT is controversial. In the present study, PRP does not significantly affect the survival rate of hair grafts.