Advancements in Microneedling For Hair Restoration

Aug 23 / Skillmed Institute

Hair restoration holds immense significance in the medical field, addressing a common concern that affects individuals' self-esteem and overall well-being. Among the various techniques available, microneedling has emerged as a promising, non-surgical option for hair restoration. For doctors and healthcare professionals specializing in this field, staying informed of the latest advancements in hair restoration techniques is crucial. 

What is microneedling, and How Does it Work?

Microneedling is a form of therapeutic intervention employing devices that contain arrays of fine needles which penetrate the dermis to a consistent depth, inducing a regulated dermal injury.

These micro-injuries trigger collagen and elastin synthesis and promote blood circulation to the hair follicles, thus encouraging new hair growth. [1]

Advancements in Microneedling for Hair Restoration

Microneedling was originally developed for skin rejuvenation, but it is currently used for various other indications like scarring, alopecias, drug delivery, hyperhidrosis, stretch marks, and more. [1] Let's have a look at the latest advancements in the field of microneedling:

1. Automated micro-needling devices
Various microneedling devices are utilized for medical and aesthetic purposes. However, needle rollers and electronically-powered pens with disposable tips are commonly used equipment. The appropriate needle size (0.25 to 2mm) selection should be based on the treatment indication and location.

How does it work?
These devices feature tiny needles that rapidly penetrate the skin, creating microchannels. The depth and speed of these needles can be adjusted based on the patient's specific needs.
A 2016 study shows that the repeated microstimulation of the skin stimulates collagen production and triggers the skin's natural healing response. Resultantly it increases hair growth in the areas of hair thinning or baldness. [2]

Benefits:
● Adjustable needle length
● Increased precision and accuracy
● Less treatment time
● Enhances product absorption
● Reduced downtime
● Faster healing

2. Microneedling with growth factors or stem cells
One of the most exciting advancements in microneedling for hair restoration is the integration of growth factors or stem cells into the procedure.

How does it work?
Tiny needles create micro-injuries in the scalp, triggering a healing response. Stem cells are extracted from the patient's blood. After this, growth factors and stem cells are injected back into the areas of hair thinning. Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that promote cellular repair and regeneration.

Benefits:
● Growth factors or stem cells promote hair follicle activation and scalp regeneration.
● Restores the natural cycle of hair growth.
● Non-invasive procedure.
● Minimum risk of adverse effects.
● Long-lasting results.
Recent studies have proven that using growth factors or stem cells in conjunction with microneedling shows promising results. Patients have reported thicker and denser hair growth after undergoing this combination therapy. [3]

3. Integration of microneedling with other hair restoration techniques
Combining different techniques can often yield the best results when it comes to hair restoration.

How does it work?
During PRP therapy, blood is drawn from the patients and spun in a centrifugal machine to separate the platelets from other components.
Many growth factors (GFs) and proteins in platelets promote tissue regeneration and healing.
The micro-injuries caused by microneedles not only facilitate better penetration of the growth factors from PRP but also trigger a natural healing response in the scalp.

Benefits:
● Stimulation of dormant hair follicles
● Less risk of adverse effects.
● Minimal discomfort
● Improved delivery of nutrients
A 2021 study said that microneedling with PRP therapy had shown 50% to 75% improvement in hair growth in alopecia patients. [4]
Additionally, combining microneedling with low-level laser therapy harnesses the power of light energy to further stimulate follicle activity. The gentle yet effective wavelengths emitted by these devices penetrate deep into the scalp, promoting circulation and triggering cellular rejuvenation. [5]

4. Microneedling with drug delivery systems
By incorporating drug delivery systems into microneedling treatments, specialized medications, such as minoxidil, can be directly delivered to the deeper layers of the scalp.

How does it work?
When combined with drug delivery systems, microneedling becomes an effective method for delivering topical medications directly into the deeper layers of the skin.
The tiny needles create microchannels in the skin, allowing for better penetration and absorption of therapeutic substances. This targeted approach enhances the effectiveness of various treatments, such as anti-aging serums, acne medications, and even hair growth solutions.
Benefits:
● Increased hair growth
● Better absorption of drugs and topical hair solutions
● Increased efficacy of these drugs in promoting hair growth.

Microneedling Protocols for Hair Restoration 

Here's a step-by-step explanation of the protocols followed for microneedling:


1. Consultation:
The process typically begins with a consultation with a qualified hair restoration specialist.
During this consultation, the patient's medical history, scalp condition, and hair loss pattern is assessed to determine if microneedling is a suitable treatment option for them.

2. Preparation for the procedure:
The scalp is cleaned and a numbing agent or local anesthesia is applied. This helps to minimize any potential discomfort or pain.

3. Selection of microneedling device and needle length:
An appropriate microneedling device is selected for the treatment. The device may vary, but it usually consists of a roller, manual stamp, or a pen-like instrument with multiple tiny needles.
The appropriate needle length for microneedling in hair loss may vary depending on the specific condition being treated. [6]
● Shorter needle lengths (0.25-0.5 mm) are often used for topical drug delivery and stimulating hair growth.
● Longer needle lengths (1-2.5 mm) may be used for collagen induction and promoting tissue regeneration.

4. Needling process:
The specialist gently moves the microneedling device over the areas of the scalp where hair growth is desired.
The needles create controlled micro-injuries on the scalp, which help stimulate the production of collagen and growth factors, promoting hair regrowth.

5. Application of topical solutions:
In some cases, topical solutions or serums containing hair growth factors, vitamins, or minoxidil (an FDA-approved medication for hair loss) are applied immediately after the microneedling treatment. [7]
These solutions can penetrate the microchannels created by the needles and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

6. Recovery and aftercare:
After the procedure, the scalp may appear slightly red or irritated, similar to a mild sunburn. This is a normal reaction and typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.
The specialist usually give patients some post-treatment instructions, which may include:
● Avoiding excessive sun exposure
● Using gentle hair care products
● Refraining from scratching or picking the treated areas

7. Follow-up treatments:
Depending on the severity of the hair loss and the desired outcome, multiple microneedling sessions may be recommended.
The treatment sessions are usually spaced twice weekly or once monthly to allow the scalp to heal and maximize the benefits of each session. [6]
Remember that microneedling for hair restoration is a cosmetic procedure and individual results may vary.

Patient Selection Criteria for Microneedling for Hair Restoration

The patient selection criteria for microneedling for hair restoration should take into consideration the patient's age, gender, medical history, scalp condition, and hair loss pattern.

● Patients with mild to moderate hair loss can benefit from microneedling techniques because it requires a small number of dormant hair follicles to start new hair growth.
● Patients with age above 60 years with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, bleeding disorders, active infections, allergies to the treatment, or scalp psoriasis should not be considered for microneedling for hair restoration.
● Additionally, patients with diffuse hair loss or hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation may not benefit from microneedling.

Conclusion

Microneedling has emerged as a transformative technique in the field of hair restoration. Recent advancements in technology and research have expanded its capabilities, providing healthcare professionals with more precise and effective tools to address hair loss concerns. By staying informed and embracing these advancements, doctors and healthcare professionals can offer their patients innovative solutions, improving their quality of life and restoring confidence in their appearance. Microneedling's potential to revolutionize hair regrowth techniques is truly exciting, and its journey of discovery is far from over.

References

1. Singh, A., & Yadav, S. (2016). Microneedling: Advances and widening horizons. Indian dermatology online journal, 7(4), 244–254. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185468

2. Kim, Y. S., Jeong, K. H., Kim, J. E., Woo, Y. J., Kim, B. J., & Kang, H. (2016). Repeated Microneedle Stimulation Induces Enhanced Hair Growth in a Murine Model. Annals of Dermatology, 28(5), 586–592. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2016.28.5.586

3. Wall, D., Meah, N., Fagan, N., York, K., & Sinclair, R. (2022). Advances in hair growth. Faculty reviews, 11, 1. https://doi.org/10.12703/r/11-1

4. Yepuri, V., & Venkataram, M. (2021). Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: Study of Efficacy of the Treatment and the Number of Sessions Required. Journal of Cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 14(2), 184–190. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_33_20

5. Gentile P. (2022). Preliminary Investigation on Micro-Needling with Low-Level LED Therapy and Growth Factors in Hair Loss Related to COVID-19. Journal of clinical medicine, 11(19), 5760. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11195760

6. English, R. S., Jr, Ruiz, S., & DoAmaral, P. (2022). Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review. Dermatology and therapy, 12(1), 41–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-021-00653-2

7. Liang, X., Chang, Y., Wu, H., Liu, Y., Zhao, J., Wang, L., & Zhuo, F. (2022). Efficacy and Safety of 5% Minoxidil Alone, Minoxidil Plus Oral Spironolactone, and Minoxidil Plus Microneedling on Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Prospective, Single-Center, Parallel-Group, Evaluator Blinded, Randomized Trial. Frontiers in medicine, 9, 905140. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.905140