Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the clinical value of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rb-bFGF)-based combined therapy in hair transplantation, focusing on its optimization effects on follicle survival rate, postoperative hair-loss dynamics, complication control, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Sixty patients with moderate-to-severe androgenetic alopecia were randomly assigned to either an rb-bFGF group or a control group. In the rb-bFGF group, harvested follicles were intraoperatively immersed in an rb-bFGF-enriched solution and patients received postoperative topical rb-bFGF gel for 3 weeks, in addition to baseline medications and minoxidil. Control group follicles were stored in saline, with postoperative minoxidil alone. Quantitative assessments include measurements of hair follicle viability and hair density at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a three-level scale, and complication rates were recorded. RESULTS: The rb-bFGF group demonstrated superior outcomes compared with controls, including higher 12-month follicle survival (91.1% vs. 81.0%), lower hair-loss rate (11.6% vs. 22.7%), greater patient satisfaction (96.7% vs. 80.0%), and fewer complications (20.0% vs. 85.3%). All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative follicle immersion and postoperative topical application of rb-bFGF significantly enhance graft survival, reduce early hair loss, decrease complications, and improve overall outcomes in hair transplantation.