Effect of Microneedle on Hair Regrowth in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies involving 472 participants aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of microneedle treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), either alone or in combination with 5% topical minoxidil. The results showed that microneedle treatment alone had limited effects on AGA. However, when combined with 5% topical minoxidil, there was a significant increase in hair count (standard mean difference [SMD]: 15.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.34, 19.31, p < 0.05), but no increase in hair diameter (SMD: -0.21, 95% CI: -2.94, 2.52, p = 0.879 > 0.05). This increase in hair count was observed regardless of the depth of microneedle penetration (less than 1mm or more than 1mm) and the treatment period (12 weeks or 21 to 24 weeks). Therefore, microneedle treatment combined with 5% topical minoxidil can be considered an additional therapy option for AGA, particularly with a 12-week treatment period and less than 1mm depth of microneedle penetration.