Is microneedling bad for the scalp and does it risk preventing the success of a future transplant ?

[EricLaurent]

Hello,

I did a transplant a year ago and I'm wondering about getting into microneedling.

However, I often see on various forums or reddit that microneedling can prevent a future transplant from working well. And as I will surely go back there in a few years, it bothers me a bit !

What do you think ? Is there any research on this?

Thanks you 🙂

[Melvin- Admin]

Microneedling is honestly not a good idea. If you do it to rough, it can cause scarring and shock loss. 

[EricLaurent]

Thanks you for your advice

[HHH]

3 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

Microneedling is honestly not a good idea. If you do it to rough, it can cause scarring and shock loss. 

What about if you don't do it rough and use the correct depth needle/use a dermapen? Supposed to be much better absorption with topical minox. Haven't tried it myself yet, but seen some amazing results, although hard to tell which out of the meds or MN is making the difference...

[LeveledUp]

On 8/15/2023 at 9:07 PM, Melvin- Moderator said:

Microneedling is honestly not a good idea. If you do it to rough, it can cause scarring and shock loss. 

Even for those without a transplant?

[Melvin- Admin]

 

[Rahal Hair Transplant]

@EricLaurent,

Anything that can cause potential scarring to the scalp can potentially affect the success of a hair transplant.   Personally, I’m not a big fan of microneedling and feel that it’s abrasive on the scalp for essentially no reason.

And as stated, it can cause scarring over time especially if you’re too rough. Efficacy of microneedling as a hair loss treatment is also questionable at best in my opinion.

In my opinion, I would try proven treatments such as finasteride and minoxidil. If you want to try other alternative treatments in addition to these two, you can consider platelet rich plasma (PRP) and/or laser therapy (LLLT).  You may also want to try topical ketoconazole cream (like Extina if they still make it) or shampoos such as Revita or Nizoral.

Best wishes,

Rahal Hair Transplant

Edited August 17, 2023 by Rahal Hair Transplant

[Sunset Dune]

Micro needling is never a good idea 

[GibGob]

I wouldn't do any form of microneedling whether it's a pen or roller. Why risk scarring the scalp? 

I'm curious though about those who did microneedling and had a successful hair transplant

[osmosis]

On 8/15/2023 at 9:07 PM, Melvin- Admin said:

Microneedling is honestly not a good idea. If you do it to rough, it can cause scarring and shock loss. 

Here is a video saying the opposite:
 

 

[osmosis]

On 8/17/2023 at 8:31 PM, Melvin- Admin said:

 

You can overdo anything, so that is not an argument not to do a thing.

[osmosis]

Just to add, doing microneedling to the point of bleeding as shown in the video posted earlier is not a good idea. The healthy damage that microneedling does to achieve its benefits is so miniscule that the naked eye can't see it. Less is more.

[Cory]

I think that those who advise against it aren't confident enough that people micro-needle correctly. Which is understandable because you see more and more DIY derma rolling instructions over social media that are way too hard, and not careful, which could lead to scarring.

Microneedling with a derma-stamp without to much pressure/friction should be fine.