Efficacy of Oxygen-Enriched Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined With Minoxidil in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUNDAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common disorder that negatively affects quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown efficacy in hair regeneration. Ozone treatment amplifies the biological effects of PRP, thereby strengthening its role in follicular regeneration.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxygen-enriched PRP combined with 5% minoxidil compared with minoxidil monotherapy in AGA.

METHODSIn this retrospective comparative study, treatment of 72 patients was reviewed. Patients were categorized according to the treatment they had received: oxygen-enriched PRP combined with minoxidil or minoxidil monotherapy. The combination group received 5 PRP injection sessions at two-week intervals with daily topical minoxidil, while the control group used minoxidil alone. Efficacy was assessed by dermoscopic parameters and satisfaction scores; adverse events were recorded.

RESULTSThe combination group showed significantly greater improvements in hair density, hair diameter, and follicular density compared with monotherapy (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in terminal hair ratio or mean number of hairs per follicular unit (p > 0.05). Patient and physician reported satisfaction scores were higher in the combination group. Adverse events were mild and transient, with no serious complications.

CONCLUSIONOxygen-enriched PRP combined with minoxidil is more effective than minoxidil alone for improving hair growth parameters and patient satisfaction. These findings support ozone-treated PRP as a promising therapy for AGA.

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