Microneedling for scalp and beard hair growth - are we just after the growth factors or also the collagen production?

Question

The protocol for the scalp is usually 1x/week or every 2 weeks. If collagen is another goal we're after, we know it's generally agreed that MNing should not be done any more often than every 4-6 weeks...every 3 weeks at the earliest, as you don't want to introduce new inflammation and disrupt the prior collagen remodeling process that was already initiated. So the two timeframes are at odds with each other. Also, would the depth and protocol for MNing the scalp be the same as for the beard?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to get true results with microneedling alone. For hair regrowth, I suggest the following to my patients: 
Start Theradome now (see link) and in office PRP/acell, you can do early transplant if you want. You need a formal evaluation to see what type of hair loss you may have. when you have hair loss its best to do a full hormonal workup for internal optimization plus scalp biopsies or scrapings to rule out any stress related, inflammatory, autoimmune or infectious causes of hair loss. In general most people with early hair loss have telogen (stress related) and/or androgenetic (normal aging) and both can be treated with in office treatments like steroid injections, PRP/acell, Exosomes and at home treatments like oral medications, oral vitamins like Viviscal, topical exfoliating sprays like Restorsea, and weekly growth factors like anteagemd. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

There are 2 protocols utilized for microneedling of the scalp. The first Is an aggressive protocol utilizing a  1.5 to 2mm  Roller.  This is performed every 3 to 6 weeks with an end point of significant trauma , bleeding and pain. It mimics the doctor's office treatment of fractional laser. Its has significant risk if overdone or infection is produced. The 2nd is a milder treatment involving a .3 mm roller utilized on a daily basis.  This is often combined with a topical agent, usually Minoxidil. Both can induce  hair growth by stimulating a repair process.    In my opinion, I would avoid  aggressive treatment on the beard.  Excessive collagen production can be deleterious and lead to hair loss from micro-scarring of the follicles in either location.
Jeff Rapaport MD FAAD

Microneedling for scalp and beard hair growth - are we just after the growth factors or also the collagen production?

Answers (2)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Am I developing male pattern baldness? If so, what are my options? (photos)

Left Minoxidil on my heater for 3 hours - will the heat affect the medication?

Topical Finasteride with Minoxidil losing efficacy - what is my next course of action?

What's causing the gradual thinning of my hair for the last 7-8 years? What can be done? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS