From the Guidelines
Microneedling of the scalp with SkinPen should be performed by mapping out areas of hair loss and injecting into the scalp at a 90-degree angle between 2 to 4 mm depth, with treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for a total of 3 sessions per annum, as this protocol has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth. When performing microneedling, it is essential to follow a specific protocol to ensure safety and effectiveness. The treatment area should be cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and a topical anesthetic cream can be applied to minimize discomfort 1. The SkinPen device should be used with a needle depth suitable for scalp treatments, and a gliding medium such as sterile hyaluronic acid serum or saline solution should be applied to facilitate the procedure.
Some key considerations when performing microneedling of the scalp include:
- Mapping out areas of hair loss to target treatment effectively 1
- Injecting into the scalp at a 90-degree angle between 2 to 4 mm depth, with injections 1 cm apart 1
- Spacing treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart for a total of 3 sessions per annum, with maintenance sessions every 6 months 1
- Ensuring the patient has not applied any hair products and has shampooed and detangled their hair before the session 1
- Taking excellent before and after photos to track progress 1
It is also crucial to prepare everything before starting the procedure, including marking out the area to be treated and ensuring optimal positioning to access the scalp from all angles 1. By following this protocol and taking the necessary precautions, microneedling with SkinPen can be a safe and effective treatment for promoting hair growth and improving scalp health, as it stimulates the body's natural wound healing process, increasing blood flow to hair follicles and promoting the production of collagen and growth factors 1.
From the Research
Protocol for Microneedling of the Scalp with SkinPen
The protocol for performing microneedling of the scalp with SkinPen involves several steps:
- Preparation: The scalp should be cleaned and prepared for the procedure to minimize the risk of infection 2.
- Anesthesia: Topical anesthesia may be applied to the scalp to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
- Microneedling: The SkinPen device is used to create micro-injuries in the scalp, which stimulates collagen formation, neovascularization, and growth factor production 3.
- Treatment parameters: The treatment parameters, such as the depth of penetration and the number of sessions, may vary depending on the individual's condition and response to treatment 4, 5.
- Combination therapy: Microneedling may be combined with other hair growth promoting therapies, such as minoxidil, to enhance its effectiveness 6, 5.
Safety Considerations
The safety profile of microneedling is generally considered to be good, with most reported adverse events being transient and resolving quickly 2. However, caution should be taken in patients with active infections, darker skin types, and metal allergies. The most common reported adverse events include:
- Transient erythema/edema and pain
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Dry skin/exfoliation
- Lymphadenopathy
- Irritant contact dermatitis
Efficacy of Microneedling for Hair Loss
The efficacy of microneedling for hair loss has been studied in several clinical trials, with promising results 3, 6, 5. Microneedling has been shown to increase total hair count and improve hair density, especially when combined with other hair growth promoting therapies. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment protocol and to fully establish the safety and efficacy of microneedling for hair loss.