Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Combined Microneedling Therapy vs. Topical Minoxidil in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

A physician experienced hair thickening and new growth using microneedling and minoxidil, but stopped using topical finasteride due to side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. The physician plans to continue with microneedling and minoxidil, considering finasteride nonessential for cosmetic purposes.

Microneedling, when combined with finasteride and topical minoxidil, can enhance hair regrowth for male pattern baldness, especially at the temples. Users report varying success with needle depths between 0.5mm and 1.5mm, with stamps preferred over rollers to minimize scalp damage.

Microneedling daily at 0.3mm combined with topical finasteride and minoxidil is effective for hair thickening, with added benefits from near-infrared therapy. The approach may not improve the front hairline, and deeper microneedling is done monthly for better results.

Microneedling with 0.6 mm needles combined with 5% minoxidil is more effective for hair count and thickness than minoxidil alone or with 1.2 mm needles. Biweekly microneedling at 0.6 mm depth is recommended for better results in treating androgenetic alopecia.

Microneedling combined with minoxidil and finasteride initially showed significant hair growth, but stopping microneedling and reducing minoxidil use led to hair loss. Returning to the original routine may help regain lost progress.

A 22-year-old has been using minoxidil and finasteride for four years with limited success and recently added microneedling to their regimen. They have seen some hair regrowth and are advised to continue using minoxidil alongside microneedling and consider lifestyle factors like diet and stress.