Efficacy and Safety of Scalp Microneedling in Male Pattern Hair Loss

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> There are few reports involving scalp microneedling in MPHL patients, and in most of them, physical stimulus is associated with other therapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risks of isolated scalp microneedling in MPHL patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty patients were included in this randomized single-blinded study and submitted to 4 monthly scalp microneedling sessions. Two different microneedling devices were used: roller (<i>n</i> = 15) and tattoo cartridge (<i>n</i> = 15). Scalp coverage and hair density changes were measured 4 and 16 weeks after the last session. Adverse events were observed throughout the study, and scalp biopsies were performed before and after to investigate scarring changes. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Four of 12 participants in the roller group and 2 of 14 participants in the tattoo cartridge group showed an improvement in clinical pictures at the first follow-up visit. Only half of these patients sustained an improvement until the last follow-up visit. No benefit in hair density was observed in either group. No reports of adverse events were made. Neocollagenesis and elastolysis were noted in scalp biopsies. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Isolated scalp microneedling did not show improvement in scalp coverage or hair density of MPHL participants in this study.