Level B· Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
The safety and efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction for nonscarring alopecia: A systematic review
Kang B.Y., Li A.W., Lee M.H., Alam M.
Six studies with 188 patients, including three RCTs; all found improved hair density with no reported severe adverse events.
Level B· Emerging clinical evidence with positive signalsEvidence level of this study
Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.
- Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
- Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
- Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
- Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
- Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
- Study type
- Systematic Review
- Journal
- Archives of Dermatological Research (2022)
- Country
- United States
- Sample size
- 188
- Follow-up
- Varied across included studies
- PMID
- 34014340
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00403-021-02238-7
What was studied
Utility and safety of SVF in nonscarring alopecia such as androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.
Methods
- • Searched MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL from inception to November 2020.
Key findings
- • All studies found improved hair density versus control or baseline.
- • Response depended on follow-up duration, alopecia severity and ADSC concentration within the SVF.
- • Some studies reported increased hair thickness.
Limitations
- • Small total patient numbers.
- • SVF concentration and preparation varied widely.
What this study does not prove
- • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
- • Limited follow-up cannot indicate long-term outcomes.
Clinical interpretation
Includes RCTs, making it among the better evidence bases in the hair category.
Evidence level: Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals