Is there a therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin on scalp alopecia? Physiopathology and reported cases: A systematic review of the literature
December 2020
in “Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery”
TLDR Botulinum toxin's effectiveness for treating scalp alopecia is not well-supported due to insufficient data.
The systematic review from December 2019 assessed the potential benefits of botulinum toxin as a treatment for scalp alopecia, examining 6 studies with a total of 94 patients. The majority of these patients had androgenetic alopecia, with a few cases of alopecia areata and one case of radiation-induced alopecia. Treatment protocols varied, with doses ranging from 30 to 150 units and 1 to 12 sessions. While four studies reported improvements in hair growth and two showed increases in hair density, the review highlighted the low level of evidence and the heterogeneity among the studies, including differences in patient populations, treatment protocols, and evaluation methods. The largest study included only 50 patients, and objective measurements such as hair density and growth rate were often lacking. Despite high patient satisfaction and no significant adverse effects reported, the review concluded that there is not enough scientific data to confirm the efficacy of botulinum toxin for alopecia treatment, emphasizing the need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials.
View this study on jprasurg.com →
Cited in this study
research Platelet rich plasma in androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review
Not enough evidence to support using platelet rich plasma for hair loss treatment.
research Efficacy of non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Low level laser therapy works best for hair loss, followed by PRP, finasteride, and minoxidil.
research Systematic review of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation and composition for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
PRP shows promise for hair loss treatment, but needs standardized preparation and composition.
research Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells in Follicle Regeneration
Stem cells, especially from fat tissue and Wharton's jelly, can potentially regenerate hair follicles and treat hair loss, but more research is needed to perfect the treatment.
research Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a low-risk treatment for Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) that generally improves hair count or density, but more research is needed for optimization.
research Use of low-level laser therapy in treatment of the androgenic alopecia, the first systematic review
Low-level laser therapy can improve hair density in people with androgenic alopecia, but more research is needed to find out who it works best for.
research Systematic review of low-level laser therapy for adult androgenic alopecia
Low-level laser therapy can stimulate hair growth more effectively than fake devices, but patient satisfaction is similar for both. Results should be taken with caution due to small study sizes and differences between studies. More research is needed.
research Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men – short version
Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.
research Microneedling: Where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature
Microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for various skin conditions, often preferred for its fewer side effects and shorter recovery time.
research Alopecia areata
Some treatments can help with a hair loss condition called alopecia areata, but none ensure lasting results; choices depend on the person, with JAK inhibitors showing promise for severe cases.
research Injections of platelet-rich plasma for androgenic alopecia: A systematic review
PRP injections help regrow hair, reduce hair loss, and increase hair thickness, but effects decrease without ongoing treatment.
research The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy effectively treat hair loss.
research A pilot study to evaluate effectiveness of botulinum toxin in treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males
Botulinum toxin was found to be a safe and effective treatment for male pattern baldness in a small test, but more research is needed.
research Platelet rich plasma for treatment of non-scarring hair loss: systematic review of literature
Platelet-rich plasma treatment for non-scarring hair loss shows mixed results and needs more research.
research Frontal Alopecia after Repeated Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections for Forehead Wrinkles: An Underestimated Entity?
Repeated botulinum toxin injections for forehead wrinkles may cause hairline recession in some women.
research Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness with Botulinum Toxin: A Pilot Study
Botox increased hair count in men with baldness and might work by improving scalp blood flow.
research Use of the pulsed infrared diode laser (904 nm) in the treatment of alopecia areata
The pulsed infrared diode laser is effective for treating hair loss in alopecia areata.
research Madarosis and Facial Alopecia Presumed Secondary to Botulinum A Toxin Injections
Botulinum A toxin injections may cause hair loss on the face and loss of eyelashes.
research Minoxidil: mechanisms of action on hair growth
Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.
Related
research Baricitinib Results in Eyebrow and Eyelash Growth in Patients With Alopecia Areata Who Do Not Achieve 20% or Less Scalp Hair Loss
Baricitinib helps grow eyebrows and eyelashes in severe alopecia areata patients.
research Sensitive scalp: An epidemiologic study in patients with hair loss
Many people with hair loss, especially those with telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, often have a sensitive scalp.
research Time to loss of response for dupilumab in ophiasis-pattern alopecia areata
Dupilumab helped a woman with severe hair loss regrow her hair quickly and maintain it for six months after stopping treatment.
research A clinico-epidemiological study of scalp hair loss in children (0–18 years) in Kota Region, South-East Rajasthan
About 12% of children in Kota, Rajasthan, experience hair loss, mainly due to fungal infections, with early treatment advised to prevent worsening.
research Topical and intralesional therapies for alopecia areata
No treatments fully cure or prevent alopecia areata; some help but have side effects or need more research.
research Alopecia areata: Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and unusual cases
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can lead to complete baldness, often associated with other autoimmune conditions, and half of the cases may see hair return within a year.