Minoxidil 15% and needling (dermaroller) to create vellus in temple area? Where there has never been hair? Is it possible?

Question

I am a female, have thick hair but my temple areas are completely hairless. All I want is some thick vellus that creates shadowing in the temple area to allow me to wear my hair back in a bun. If I use minoxidil 15% every day plus needling (dermaroller) once a week, can I hope to grow thick vellus where there has never been hair? Should I use minoxidil at night or in the day or doesn’t matter? Is Minoxidil 15% better than 5% for my goals? How many hours after applying it can I wash my hair? Thx

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

I  agree with Dr. Rassman regarding side effects of 15% minoxidil. Furthermore, traction alopecia, if prolonged, causes a permanent loss of follicles. Minoxidil, at any percentage, will not bring back scarred follicles. Minoxidil  may help if started  early in the process.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself All-star

Carlos Puig, DO · Answer

Not a good idea in your situation. If you have thick hair, over all and are just lacking hair at the temples where there has never been hair, you should consider a hair transplant instead.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. 15% Minoxidil is not a good idea as it will more thank likely grow facial hair.

Artur Kierach, MD · Answer

It is not a good idea at all. If there is not a hair follicles You can use minoxidil, needling, stem cells ect. but nothing will grow. Eventually with 15% minoxidil some facial hairs will be thicker and much more visible.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

actually  no  need to  deal  with minox.  %15. Hair transplant can be an option for forehead reduction,  correcting  receding hair line with implanting   thin hair that creates shadowing in the temple area. I advice you have a FUE; you would get the desired hairline in just one session of dense packing hair transplant.

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

Doesn't sound like a good plan. I agree with the other doctors. Minoxidil works with existing hair, but if there has not been a follicle before or you haven't seen hair in the location for a number of months it most likely won't work. 
At regular strength, Minoxidil can have side effects because a portion of it does not stay in the just the scalp. Much of it goes systemic. By tripling the recommended max dose you increase your chance of experiencing adverse side effects such as:
mild to severe scalp irritation,chest pain, rapid heart rate,headache, dizziness, confusion,swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain,a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out,flushing (warmth, tingling, or redness),Facial Hair growth.
Many also do not realize that Minoxidil induces a high percentage of follicles to become dependant upon it. Within weeks of stopping Minoxidil you will begin experiencing significant hair loss. 
I have had some success with PRP and exosomes in cases such as yours. However, the results have not been predictable with less than 1/3 success. It all depends upon whether there are viable follicles to stimulate/regenerate in the first place.
Hope I have helped. Wishing you the best in finding a solution.
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

Taleb Barghouthi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The side effects if 15% might be unpleasant in females. Moreover, if the temples are hairless, then it is unlikely that minoxidil will lead to regrowth. These treatments are good for maintenance more so than actual regrowth. I dont know the exact extent or cause of the hair loss but transplanting the temples might achieve the results that you desire.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The side effects of 15% minoxidil may become a problem such as growing facial hair which is not good for a woman

Minoxidil 15% and needling (dermaroller) to create vellus in temple area? Where there has never been hair? Is it possible?

Answers (8)

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