Cosmetic Filler-Induced Hair Loss: Case Series and Literature Review

January 2025 in “ Journal of Dermatological Treatment ”

Yu-Tong Xie, Xi Chen, Aihua Wei

filler-induced alopecia hyaluronic acid corticosteroid injections minoxidil autologous fat grafting microneedling alopecia areata 5% minoxidil

From the encyclopedia

Hyaluronic Acid →

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Microneedling →

technique to create small wounds in skin to activate collagen production and hair growth

Studysummary This study describes three cases of filler-induced alopecia with hair regrowth observed following treatments, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and understanding anatomical risks during cosmetic filler procedures.

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

This document presents three cases of filler-induced alopecia (FIA) in females following cosmetic filler injections, specifically hyaluronic acid and autologous fat grafting, in the frontotemporal region. The patients developed well-defined patches of hair loss, which were treated with corticosteroid injections, topical 5% minoxidil, and in one case, microneedling. All patients experienced gradual hair regrowth. The study emphasizes the importance of early recognition and intervention to prevent permanent hair follicle damage and highlights the need for a thorough understanding of frontotemporal anatomy to minimize risks during cosmetic procedures. The document also reviews 14 cases from the literature, discussing the clinical features, mechanisms, and treatments of FIA, and suggests that both extravascular compression and intravascular embolism are potential pathophysiological mechanisms.

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Research cited in this study

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research Secondary Alopecia Induced by Aesthetic Procedures: An Unrecognized Potential Complication

3 citations , June 2023 in “Australasian journal of dermatology”

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.

research A Case of Scarring and Nonscarring Alopecia Secondary to Vascular Occlusion with Dermal Filler

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This case study highlights the rare occurrence of scarring and nonscarring alopecia following vascular occlusion from dermal filler injections, with the researchers suggesting that a combined treatment including hydroxychloroquine might improve outcomes for this complication.

Efficacy of Percutaneous Superficial Temporal Arterial Hyaluronidase Injection for Hyaluronic Acid Filler-Induced Necrosis and Subsequent Alopecia

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4 citations , October 2022 in “Aesthetic surgery journal”

This study reports that percutaneous superficial temporal arterial hyaluronidase injection effectively treated necrosis of the frontotemporal skin and ipsilateral scalp, with patients experiencing significant recovery in skin appearance and hair regrowth 2 to 3 months after injection, following complications from hyaluronic acid filler.

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This article provides information on data availability but reports no new research findings.

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This study suggests that hair loss and reduced arterial blood flow after hyaluronic acid filler injection in the temporal region may result from arterial compression rather than intra-arterial occlusion.

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Dermal fillers can cause hair loss, so dermatologists should be aware.

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13 citations , June 2019 in “Case reports in dermatology”

This report presents the first known case of localized nonscarring and scarring alopecia following autologous fat grafting and reviews literature on alopecia caused by facial fillers, suggesting vascular compromise as a potential cause.

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