Efficacy and Safety of Combined Microneedling Therapy for Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

January 2024 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”

Danning Pei, Linxi Zeng, Xin Huang, Bin Wang, Lu Liu, Guoqiang Zhang

microneedling androgenic alopecia Minoxidil PRP Finasteride Spironolactone Dutasteride Fibroblast growth factors telogen hair count follicle number RVHTH hair pull test Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Microneedling combined with other treatments significantly improves hair growth in people with hair loss and is safe.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized clinical trials involving 696 subjects with androgenic alopecia (AGA) aged 18-60 years found that combined microneedling (MN) therapies significantly increased hair density and diameter compared to single treatments. The combined MN therapies included treatments such as Minoxidil, PRP, Finasteride, Spironolactone, Dutasteride, and Fibroblast growth factors solution. The treatment intervals ranged from twice a week to every 4 weeks, and the course of treatment ranged from 2.5 to 6 months. The combined MN group also showed improvements in the telogen hair count, follicle number, RVHTH, and hair pull test. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the combined MN group and the monotherapy group, and no serious adverse reactions were reported. Despite limitations such as the impossibility of blinding and allocation concealment, small sample size, and differences in MN device types and treatment protocols, the study concluded that MN is a promising treatment for AGA.

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Research cited in this study

21 / 21 results

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Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community 1.5 years fin plus almost 3 years min, I think I’ve definitely made progress but I’m still not where I want to be, advice?

in Progress Pictures 130 upvotes 1 year ago

The user has been using finasteride for 1.5 years and minoxidil for almost 3 years for hair loss, and has seen some maintenance of hair but not significant regrowth. Suggestions from others include switching to dutasteride, trying oral minoxidil, and considering microneedling or hair fibers for better appearance.

community 21F AGA - 4 month hair growth progress (Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, theradome LLLT, viviscal vitamins, PRP twice)

in Progress Pictures 255 upvotes 3 years ago

A 21-year-old female shared her 4-month hair growth progress using Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, Theradome LLLT, Viviscal vitamins, and PRP treatments twice. Commenters praised her progress and discussed other treatments like microneedling, but she noted her dermatologist advised against it due to potential scalp damage.

community only microneedling and supplements

in Progress Pictures 67 upvotes 2 months ago

The user used microneedling, zinc, vitamin D3, biotin, magnesium, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and a DHT-blocker shampoo with biotin for hair loss. They are considering adding minoxidil due to stagnation in progress.

community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

in Will treatment work for me? 3 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 11 months ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community I started rapidly diffuse thinning at 22. I'm 42 now and have as much hair as I did at 16. AMA

in Treatment 443 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, PRP, and microneedling helped maintain hair for 20 years. Research and try evidence-based treatments for best results.

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