Dermarollers Have Great Risks and No Really Known Benefit (from Reddit)
The use of a Dermaroller, which causes wounds, has its risks. It can introduce an infection because the scalp contains the potentially dangerous “staph” bacteria in a significant number. So, by making wounds with this instrument, it produces an unnecessary risk which can, on rare occasions, produce cellulitis. Cellulitis can become necrotizing, a very rare form of cellulitis that can become a life-threatening event.
There is no evidence that the use of a Dermaroller will provide any benefit to cause hair growth. I would caution all of the readers here to think more than twice about using this modality of treatment. There are some good treatments out there, see a doctor and get one that works.
I’m looking to buy a dermaroller. I need to know 2 things: number of needles and how much mm? from tressless
There is more than circumstantial evidence, as posted on http://www.pubmed.com, as to the efficacy of dermarolling. In their study, they used rollers with 1.5mm needles, and essentially rolled over the entire balding area, going in many different directions. The rolling was completed once the skin was a pinkish color, with small droplets of blood visible. This was in addition to the use of topical minoxidil. The theory is one of two; either the light wounding cause stem cells to create new hair follicles instead of skin (much like follica’s procedure), or it allowed the minoxidil to penetrate more deeply into the dermis. This was done twice per week, NOT everyday. As to the possible infection aspect, all I can say is…DUH!!! Basic antiseptic procedures MUST be followed when doing a procedure like this, especially if blood is produced. Spraying the dermaroller with a high concentration of alcohol (perhaps EverClear), washing the scalp, then using a high quality antiseptic solution on the scalp prior to the treatment is an absolute MUST. I would not be at all surprised to learn that those who do indeed acquire post-rolling infections are not adhering to basic pre-procedure antiseptic techniques. I have been derma-rolling for the past 3 years with NO adverse bacterial effect.
Great comment: Yes, there is now published data suggesting that combining minoxidil and a dermaroller can increase the effectiveness of minoxidil.
William Rassman, M.D.