Could Minoxidil be used as a scar treatment?

Question

Here's an off-the-wall question: If a product like Mixonodil (for hair loss) works by improving blood flow to the scalp, thereby promoting hair growth, is it possible for that same technique to be applied to dermal scarring, for instance after a face lift or a lip lift? Shouldn't this in theory, decrease the instance of scar tissue formation, or at least promote collagen production? What about retinols, would those do the same?

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hi Michelle
Thanks for your questions,I would not recomend using minoxidil for scar tissue.There is no evidence that it helps scar reducing.You should get contact your surgeon or dermatologist.
Best of luck to you.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Although Minoxidil improves circulation there is no evidence that it helps reduce scarring. Even if it does help it is not equivalent to well established modalities like massage and silicon application.RegardsDr J

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is not effective for scar treatment. Retinols on the other hand have shown to improve collagen in the skin. Retinols can be irritating to fresh skin such as that in scars so I would recommend against using retinols in the early phase. Scars continue to mature and improve over a year. Topical options for the early phase include silicone-based strips or gels. Most importantly, keep it out of the sun. Overtime, your scar should continue to improve on its own. For  young,old, or deeper scars that have plateaued in their improvement, microneedling with or without PRP, fractionated laser, and radiofrequency make microscopic holes in the scar to stimulate your body to remodel and fill in the scar with new collagen. I especially like a combination of a chemical peel for the hyperpigmentation and acne control, microneedling with PRP for texture and collagen building, and PIXEL fractionated laser or RF to resurface and build even more collagen.  For large or more severe irregularities, a scar revision or re-excision may swap out your old scar for a less noticeable one in a single procedure. Not everyone is a candidate for all the treatment options however as certain skin types can get worse from certain treatments. For the safest treatment plan, it is important to visit an expert for an in-person examination. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I'm not aware that minoxidil has ever been looked at for helping with wound healing. It's an interesting idea though. Retinol does increase and regularize collagen deposition in the deeper layers of your skin, but that process happens naturally as a scar matures. Instead, I recommend silicone-based scar gels and sheets for my patients. For more on why, please check out the link to my blog post. Good luck!

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. It has been found in multiple studies that increased blood flow is not helpful In reducing scar and actually the opposite is true. Pressure studies and use of vasoconstrictors are beneficial in fact. Tension is also a major contributor and molecular crossliking are another important cause of scarring. Hope this helps.

Adam Sawyer, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi Michelle,
I am aware of no evidence that minoxidil improves scar appearance.  The evidence based treatments are factors careful surgery, comorbidity control, silicone, steroid, 5FU etc.  
I did a brief search to see if this has been investigated however this does not seem to have been done or at least published.  Its a good potential research project however!

David Alessi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

In animal studies, Minoxidil increases blood flow but has no effect on collagen or improving the scar.   In scarring in areas of hair loss, it seems to make the scar more red.  We do not recommend it.  In terms of the latest treatments for scar tissue, we are having success with Nano Fat injections.  Seek out a consult with a board-certified expert.  Best wishes.

Could Minoxidil be used as a scar treatment?

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