This clinical study aims to evaluate a breakthrough treatment for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, AGA) using dissolvable threads placed under the scalp skin. The investigators hypothesize that these specially designed threads can improve hair growth, avoiding the need for invasive surgery. Current AGA treatments taken orally often have limitations, prompting researchers to explore localized approaches. While early studies show promise for localized scalp thread embedding, three key challenges remain: 1) No standardized way to measure effectiveness, 2) Lack of objective biological markers to track progress, and 3) Limited understanding of how exactly these treatments work. This study addresses these gaps through precise thread placement in balding areas, following international dermatology guidelines. Using advanced measurement tools, the investigators will track changes in hair thickness (primary measure), blood flow patterns under the skin, and oil gland activity (secondary measures). By focusing on one key treatment factor, this research provides the first comprehensive evidence showing how this minimally invasive approach may slow or reverse AGA progression.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
9
Volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the trial. All participants underwent treatment intervention in the vertex alopecic area via vertex alopecic area scalp thread embedding. A single thread embedding session was performed upon enrollment, with monthly follow-ups conducted over a total period of 6 months. Operative procedure: After fully exposing and disinfecting the treatment area, threads were inserted into the scalp at an approximately 15-degree oblique angle, with needle tips reaching the subgaleal space at a depth of 2-4 mm. Threads were spaced 1 cm apart. Upon completion, the treated area was disinfected and applied with erythromycin ointment.
Dongfang Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
Hair Shaft Parameters
The German FotoFinder trichoscopy system (FotoFinder Systems GmbH, Birbach, Germany) was utilized, incorporating its integrated trichometric analysis module and high-resolution optical imaging system (Medicam 1000HD) with 20X-140X magnification. Hair shaft parameters include: total hair count, hair density, hair shaft diameter, and hair follicle typing.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 months
Scalp thickness
Scalp thickness measured by B-mode ultrasound(Acuson S1000,Siemens AG,Germany)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 months
Scalp blood flow
Scalp blood flow velocity assessed by Doppler ultrasound (Acuson S1000,Siemens AG,Germany)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 months
Scalp sebum production
The scalp sebum measurement was performed using the German Sebumeter SM815 (Courage \& Khazaka electronic GmbH, Germany), with sebum test kits procured from Beijing Jinhongfan Trading Co., Ltd. The quantification principle adheres to the internationally recognized SEBUMETER® methodology, which employs photometric analysis to quantify sebum content by measuring light transmittance through a 0.1-mm-thick matte-finish adhesive film that absorbs cutaneous lipids.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 months
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