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Efficacy and Safety of Scalp Microneedling in Male Pattern Hair Loss
Priscila Kakizaki1, Leticia Arsie Contin1, Marina Barletta2
1Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal-São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction:
There are few reports involving scalp microneedling in MPHL patients, and in most of them, physical stimulus is associated with other therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risks of isolated scalp microneedling in MPHL patients.
Methods:
Thirty patients were included in this randomized single-blinded study and submitted to 4 monthly scalp microneedling sessions. Two different microneedling devices were used: roller (n = 15) and tattoo cartridge (n = 15). Scalp coverage and hair density changes were measured 4 and 16 weeks after the last session. Adverse events were observed throughout the study, and scalp biopsies were performed before and after to investigate scarring changes.
Results:
Four of 12 participants in the roller group and 2 of 14 participants in the tattoo cartridge group showed an improvement in clinical pictures at the first follow-up visit. Only half of these patients sustained an improvement until the last follow-up visit. No benefit in hair density was observed in either group. No reports of adverse events were made. Neocollagenesis and elastolysis were noted in scalp biopsies.
Discussion/Conclusion:
Isolated scalp microneedling did not show improvement in scalp coverage or hair density of MPHL participants in this study.
Insights
Isolated scalp microneedling did not improve hair density or scalp coverage in patients with male pattern hair loss (MPHL). Further research is needed to explore alternative treatments for MPHL.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Trichology
Background:
- Limited studies exist on scalp microneedling for male pattern hair loss (MPHL).
- Previous research often combined microneedling with other therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of using scalp microneedling as a standalone treatment for MPHL.
- To evaluate changes in scalp coverage and hair density post-microneedling.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, single-blinded study included 30 MPHL patients undergoing 4 monthly scalp microneedling sessions.
- Two devices were used: a roller (15 patients) and a tattoo cartridge (15 patients).
- Measurements of scalp coverage and hair density were taken 4 and 16 weeks after the final session; biopsies were analyzed for scarring.
Main Results:
- A small number of participants showed temporary clinical improvement in scalp coverage, but no sustained benefit was observed.
- No significant improvement in hair density was noted in either microneedling group.
- Scalp biopsies revealed neocollagenesis and elastolysis, but no adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- Scalp microneedling as a monotherapy did not demonstrate efficacy in improving scalp coverage or hair density in MPHL patients.
- The observed histological changes suggest a potential biological response, but clinical benefits were not evident in this study.
