Study – Microneedling with Minoxidil for Treatment of Genetic Balding
Snippet from the study:
Hundred cases of mild to moderate (III vertex or IV) androgenetic alopecia (AGA) were recruited into 2 groups. After randomization one group was offered weekly microneedling treatment with twice daily 5% minoxidil lotion (Microneedling group); other group was given only 5% minoxidil lotion. After baseline global photographs, the scalp were shaved off to ensure equal length of hair shaft in all. Hair count was done in 1 cm 2 targeted fixed area (marked with tattoo) at baseline and at end of therapy (week 12). The 3 primary efficacy parameters assessed were: Change from baseline hair count at 12 weeks, patient assessment of hair growth at 12 weeks, and investigator assessment of hair growth at 12 weeks. A blinded investigators evaluated global photographic response. The response was assessed by 7- point scale.
Read the rest — A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia
There is an interesting pilot study that looked at the use of minoxidil and wounding in 100 balding men. Using a microneedling instrument (a dermal roller) and 5% minoxidil the following results were reported:
“In the Microneedling group, 41 (82%) patients reported more than 50% improvement versus only 2 (4.5%) patients in the Minoxidil group. Unsatisfied patients to conventional therapy for AGA got good response with Microneedling treatment.”
I was not surprised that some value for this combined treatment showed some effectiveness. I personally wonder if this is the type of service I should offer. I would appreciate your feedback.
Yes I think you should. It would be great to know if this works :)
Dr. Rassman, this is highly interesting indeed. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that a new hair loss treatment which is safe and effective would be most welcome among hair loss sufferers.
But you should check to see if the dermarolling works by itself too. Maybe you don’t need rogaine at all with this stuff.
Fascinating. Anything that makes minoxidil more effective so simply seems worth investigating.
I wonder if its actually a tiny wound healing process or simply better absorption of the minoxidil? I’d love to see Minoxidil be blended into a proper transdermal cream.
If the results of this study are true, then this is the biggest news in the hair loss treatment industry since the release of Propecia. I was excited about the Acell stuff but it didn’t seem to pan out. But this seems big.
You should sprinkle some Acell on the microneedled scalp and see what happens.
Well, why don’t you do your own study !