Secondary Alopecia Induced by Aesthetic Procedures: An Unrecognized Potential Complication

June 2023 in “ Australasian journal of dermatology ”

Carlos A. Barrera‐Ochoa, María Teresa Alonso‐León, Roberto Arenas, Maria Elisa Vega‐Memjie, Daniel Asz‐Sigall

secondary alopecia aesthetic procedures surgical facelifts mesotherapy hyaluronic fillers botulinum toxin scarring alopecia non-scarring alopecia hair follicle anatomy biopsies Botox

From the encyclopedia

Mesotherapy →

technique to inject very small amounts of beneficial chemicals into the scalp

Botox →

Studysummary This study reviews the poorly understood occurrence of secondary alopecia, including scarring and non-scarring types, as a rare side effect of cosmetic procedures, emphasizing the need for awareness and early biopsy when patients experience changes in hair density or loss.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review article "Secondary alopecia induced by aesthetic procedures: An unrecognized potential complication" discusses the rare side effect of hair loss due to cosmetic procedures such as surgical facelifts, mesotherapy, hyaluronic fillers, and botulinum toxin. The mechanisms causing hair loss after these procedures are not well understood, but it's believed that the type of substance used, pressure to hair structures and vasculature due to the materials used, previously unknown or unaware hair disorder, and poor surgical techniques are the main contributing factors. The development of secondary scarring alopecia or non-scarring alopecia depends on the interaction between different external factors, the individual's response, and the extent of damage to the hair follicle anatomy. The authors emphasize the importance of physicians and patients being aware of all substances used for the procedures and being attentive to any changes in hair density or hair loss. They also recommend clinicians to have a low threshold to take biopsies if the risk of scarring alopecia may occur.

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Research cited in this study

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