Hair thinning and hair loss can be frustrating and emotionally taxing, whether triggered by genetics, hormonal changes, stress, or the natural aging process. Fortunately, the cutting-edge treatment with PDGF+ (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor) combined with SkinPen® Elite microneedling and/or administered by injection offers promising results in stimulating natural hair regrowth without the need for surgery or long-term medications. Both of these methods are effective, although they work slightly differently and are often combined.
Method 1: SkinPen® Elite Microneedling with PDGF+ on the Scalp
Microneedling is a well-established aesthetic procedure that uses hair-thin needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. When applied to the scalp using the SkinPen® Elite medical device, these microchannels stimulate the skin’s natural healing response, increasing collagen production, blood flow, and cell turnover—all vital for follicular health. SkinPen® Elite is an FDA-cleared microneedling device designed to create thousands of precise micro-channels in the skin. When used on the scalp, it does two things:
- Enhances absorption: The micro-channels allow topical PDGF+ serum to penetrate more deeply and effectively than simply applying it on the surface.
- Stimulates the scalp: The controlled injury process triggers a wound-healing cascade, which includes increased collagen production and enhanced circulation, both of which are beneficial for follicle health.
When microneedling is paired with PDGF+, the results can be significantly enhanced. PDGF+ is a powerful bioactive protein found naturally in platelets. It plays a key role in:
- Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
- Cell proliferation
- Tissue remodeling
- Stimulation of dermal papilla cells, which are crucial in hair follicle development
PDGF+ is the next generation of regenerative medicine. PDGF+ has been used in several medical specialties, such as dentistry and orthopedics, to enhance wound healing. Instead of relying on the patient’s platelets, the product contains a laboratory-engineered version of PDGF+. PDGF+ is pharmaceutical-grade, and every lot is the same – pure, potent, predictable, sterile, and safe. When applied topically immediately after microneedling, PDGF+ penetrates deeper into the scalp, where it can activate dormant follicles and extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Benefits of PDGF+ with Microneedling:
- Non-invasive with minimal discomfort
- No blood draw needed
- Encourages natural collagen and elastin production
- Safe for most skin types
- Little to no downtime (mild redness is typical)
- Can be combined with injection directly into the scalp
Ideal for:
- Early-stage thinning or diffuse hair loss
- Complementing other hair regrowth treatments
Method 2: Injecting PDGF+ Directly into the Scalp
This technique involves injecting PDGF+ into the deeper dermal layers where the hair follicles reside. It bypasses the skin’s surface entirely, delivering the growth factors directly to the follicular environment.
Benefits of PDGF+ by Injection:
- Highly targeted delivery, the injection into the dermis, is controlled at a depth where the growth factor can be deposited close to the bulb of that hair, near the vascular plexus area
- May offer quicker or more noticeable results for advanced hair loss
- Can be combined with microneedling
- Little to no downtime
- No blood is required
- Encourages natural elastin and collagen production
- Minimal discomfort
Ideal for:
- More advanced hair loss or patchy androgenic alopecia (genetically patterned bald spots in adults)
- Patients seeking aggressive or fast-acting treatment
- Those who tolerate injections well and want maximum efficacy
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Whether you choose microneedling, injections, or both, consistency is key.
- Initial protocol: 4–6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart
- Maintenance: 1 session every 3–6 months, depending on individual response
For optimal outcomes, many providers combine microneedling with PDGF+ serum in early sessions, then transition to targeted injections to enhance density and promote regrowth.
Pre-Treatment Tips
To ensure optimal results:
- Avoid NSAIDs three days before treatment
- Skip alcohol and smoking, which impair healing
- Arrive with a clean scalp, free of products or oils
- Stay well-hydrated to support tissue recovery
Post-Treatment Care
Whether you’ve had microneedling, injections, or both:
- Do not wash your hair for 24 hours
- Avoid sun, sweat, and hair products for 48 hours
- Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoo after your first wash
- No hair coloring or chemical treatments for 7–10 days
- Follow any provider-recommended topicals between sessions
Combining SkinPen® Elite microneedling or scalp injection with PDGF+ is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to reactivate dormant follicles, reduce shedding, and boost hair density. With treatment and proper care, PDGF+ offers a powerful alternative to medications or transplant surgery, particularly for individuals in the early to moderate stages of hair thinning.
If you’re considering this treatment, consult with one of our experienced and licensed aesthetic nurse injectors or licensed aestheticians to learn if PDGF+ treatment for hair loss is appropriate for you. We are excited to offer this innovative and revolutionary treatment for hair loss!
– Jennifer Quigley, Lead Medical Aesthetician