Micro needling: A novel therapeutic approach for androgenetic alopecia, A Review of Literature

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is an androgen-dependent hereditary trait resulting in hair miniaturization. It is the most common type of alopecia in men and women. During the last years, multiple treatment modalities have been studied, but only topical minoxidil and finasteride have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Microneedling (MN) is a minimally invasive technique that induces collagen formation, as well as growth factors production and neovascularization. Even though not many studies of MN in alopecia have been performed, it remains a favorable treatment modality; however, no standardized protocol for MN in hair loss has been proposed yet. Current evidence is not sufficient to allow a direct comparison with other therapies, but it shows promises to increase hair density, thickness, and quality of hair, especially when combined with other treatments or when used as a drug delivery system. This article aims to summarize the available literature regarding the use of MN alone or associated with other therapies for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia—A Meta-Analysis

“…Interestingly, some studies reported significant increases in hair density even for the placebo treatment (e.g., from 151.04 ± 41.99 to 166.72 ± 37.13 hairs/cm 2 , mean ± SD [ 43 ]). Although the authors explained such effects as resulting from a possible diffusion of the growth factors from the PRP-injected to the placebo-injected area, it is also plausible that microstimulation by needle puncture itself exerts beneficial effects on hair growth; this principle is currently applied in microneedling, another novel therapy used for AGA [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Observation on the Efficacy of a Combined Treatment for Moderate and Severe Androgenetic Alopecia Incorporating Electric Microneedles

“… 10 Additionally, multiple studies have reported that as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for androgenetic alopecia, microneedling treatment performs beneficial effects on promoting hair growth and enhancing the penetration of local therapies. 11 , 12 Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment for moderate and severe AGA incorporating electric microneedle techniques.…”

Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics

“…Significant improvements were noted in the combined treatments group per investigator's and subjects' ratings, as well as hair counts 117 . Similar studies were also conducted and yielded equivalent results of increased hair density and thickness 118–121 . Dhurat and Parajuli reported a case series of patients who were poor responders to conventional therapies and gained significant improvement after the addition of microneedling 122,123 …”

“… 117 Similar studies were also conducted and yielded equivalent results of increased hair density and thickness. 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 Dhurat and Parajuli reported a case series of patients who were poor responders to conventional therapies and gained significant improvement after the addition of microneedling. 122 , 123 Jha et al also reported superior clinical outcomes seen in the PRP, microneedling, and topical minoxidil patients vs. monotherapy patients.…”