Dermarolling / Microneedling after HT

[smhn100]

Hi, has anyone seen success with dermarolling after hair transplant? Were you able to boost hair growth / make transplant thicker?

[A_4_Archan]

While some patients have reported positive results with microneedling, I never recommend it due to the associated risks. In my opinion, these risks outweigh the potential benefits, making microneedling not worth the gamble.

[smhn100]

4 hours ago, A_4_Archan said:

While some patients have reported positive results with microneedling, I never recommend it due to the associated risks. In my opinion, these risks outweigh the potential benefits, making microneedling not worth the gamble.

Could you share the risks involved? I thought if one avoids the scalp from bleeding then it is safe? Are there other things to be worried about?

[A_4_Archan]

Here are some drawbacks. 

- The procedure involves creating tiny wounds in the scalp, which can introduce bacteria and lead to infections if not done in a sterile environment.

- It can cause redness, swelling, and irritation, which might be uncomfortable and require time to heal.

- The process can be painful, especially for those with sensitive skin, and may require the use of numbing creams.

- There's a risk of scarring if the procedure is performed incorrectly or too aggressively.

- In some cases, microneedling can worsen hair loss, especially if the scalp doesn't heal properly or if the procedure is overdone.

- Some people may have allergic reactions to the needles or topical products used during the procedure.

Though there are many people who opt for this so i would say it should your and your doctor's call whether its worth trying or not. 

I hope this helps you. Good Luck Brother.

[smhn100]

Thanks for the response, I'll reassess if I should do it or not

[londonbased]

I have personally found micro needling helpful in further growing my native hairs (I apply minoxidil and redensyl afterwards). I do twice per week at 0.5mm. A top doctor who did my second HT said it is safe to do this just one month after procedure. Seemed a bit early for me but I have not had any issues. You can decide for yourself. 

[smhn100]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I will definitely be using it on my donor area and sides, just 50/50 on the top.

[Walker Paper]

Many people on this forum have reported micronnedling after HT with positive results.

[Ajamilo]

On 7/19/2024 at 12:11 AM, Walker Paper said:

Many people on this forum have reported micronnedling after HT with positive results.

Do you have examples of it? I am just curious to read those threads

[Walker Paper]

22 hours ago, Ajamilo said:

Do you have examples of it? I am just curious to read those threads

I don't, but I think you can use the forums search function. I was wondering the same thing about microneedling after HT months ago and remember reading threads where some doctors even recommended microneedling a few months after HT. Try to do your own searching

[bomkesh]

On 7/19/2024 at 1:13 AM, londonbased said:

I have personally found micro needling helpful in further growing my native hairs (I apply minoxidil and redensyl afterwards). I do twice per week at 0.5mm. A top doctor who did my second HT said it is safe to do this just one month after procedure. Seemed a bit early for me but I have not had any issues. You can decide for yourself. 

0.5mm is pointless

[londonbased]

5 minutes ago, bomkesh said:

0.5mm is pointless

What depth do you personally use? Maybe I was ill advised by my surgeon. 

Edited July 21 by londonbased

[bomkesh]

As a standalone, Derma roller hasn’t been found quite effective for regrowing hair. However, a small subset of users can notice slightly better results if they use a Derma roller alongside Topical Minoxidil.

 

How to use a Derma roller:

 

Although dermaroller can be used at home, it is advisable to speak with a dermatologist or a doctor about any ongoing skin concerns before trying it yourself.

 

The affected area on the scalp must be dry before using the derma roller

Move the roller on the affected area. The roller must be first moved vertically then horizontally and then diagonally.

Run the roller 4 to 5 times over the affected area

Care must be taken not to press the roller hard on to the scalp. Enough force must be applied such that there is a prickly sensation but should not produce pain.

Gentle Cold Compressions can be had in case one is experiencing more pain.

Using a derma roller of needle lengths 0.25mm to 0.5 mm will not cause any pain. But using needles of 1 mm length can cause minor pain. The correct size of the needle is best determined by a Dermat after a careful study of the scalp.

(Pain is also dependent on the individual’s tolerance level to pain, skin sensitivity and proper usage.)

 

Needle size and the frequency of usage:

 

0.25 mm -every other day

 

0.5 mm-1 to 3 times a week (starting with less)

 

1.0 mm-every 10 to 14 days

 

1.5 mm-once every 3 to 4 weeks

 

2.0 mm-every 6 weeks (avoid this length for home use)

 

Some additional pointers:

 

Derma roller is not to be shared with others, as it can cause infections or allergies.

Sanitization of a dermaroller is a cumbersome process. Let us see as to how it is done:

 

Immediately after use, the dermaroller should be put in a container containing a solution of hot water and cleaning liquid. It should be left in the container for about 10 – 15 minutes. After that, the dermaroller should be rinsed in hot water. This removes the blood and skin from the dermaroller but will not disinfect it.

Next is cleaning the dermaroller in isopropyl alcohol.

60 – 90% alcohol is recommended as less than 60% will not disinfect the dermaroller. Pour the 60% isopropyl alcohol into a container and place the dermaroller in it. Leave the dermaroller for about 60 minutes. This will sanitize the dermaroller.

Make sure the dermaroller is completely dry before storing it away in its container.

 

P.S

Kindly do your own research. This is not a recommendation.

[MKE 1968]

On 7/18/2024 at 7:03 AM, A_4_Archan said:

Here are some drawbacks. 

- The procedure involves creating tiny wounds in the scalp, which can introduce bacteria and lead to infections if not done in a sterile environment.

- It can cause redness, swelling, and irritation, which might be uncomfortable and require time to heal.

- The process can be painful, especially for those with sensitive skin, and may require the use of numbing creams.

- There's a risk of scarring if the procedure is performed incorrectly or too aggressively.

- In some cases, microneedling can worsen hair loss, especially if the scalp doesn't heal properly or if the procedure is overdone.

- Some people may have allergic reactions to the needles or topical products used during the procedure.

Though there are many people who opt for this so i would say it should your and your doctor's call whether its worth trying or not. 

I hope this helps you. Good Luck Brother.

Thank you for your follow up post to  smhn100 as i was considering purchasing one.

[londonbased]

4 hours ago, bomkesh said:

As a standalone, Derma roller hasn’t been found quite effective for regrowing hair. However, a small subset of users can notice slightly better results if they use a Derma roller alongside Topical Minoxidil.

 

How to use a Derma roller:

 

Although dermaroller can be used at home, it is advisable to speak with a dermatologist or a doctor about any ongoing skin concerns before trying it yourself.

 

The affected area on the scalp must be dry before using the derma roller

Move the roller on the affected area. The roller must be first moved vertically then horizontally and then diagonally.

Run the roller 4 to 5 times over the affected area

Care must be taken not to press the roller hard on to the scalp. Enough force must be applied such that there is a prickly sensation but should not produce pain.

Gentle Cold Compressions can be had in case one is experiencing more pain.

Using a derma roller of needle lengths 0.25mm to 0.5 mm will not cause any pain. But using needles of 1 mm length can cause minor pain. The correct size of the needle is best determined by a Dermat after a careful study of the scalp.

(Pain is also dependent on the individual’s tolerance level to pain, skin sensitivity and proper usage.)

 

Needle size and the frequency of usage:

 

0.25 mm -every other day

 

0.5 mm-1 to 3 times a week (starting with less)

 

1.0 mm-every 10 to 14 days

 

1.5 mm-once every 3 to 4 weeks

 

2.0 mm-every 6 weeks (avoid this length for home use)

 

Some additional pointers:

 

Derma roller is not to be shared with others, as it can cause infections or allergies.

Sanitization of a dermaroller is a cumbersome process. Let us see as to how it is done:

 

Immediately after use, the dermaroller should be put in a container containing a solution of hot water and cleaning liquid. It should be left in the container for about 10 – 15 minutes. After that, the dermaroller should be rinsed in hot water. This removes the blood and skin from the dermaroller but will not disinfect it.

Next is cleaning the dermaroller in isopropyl alcohol.

60 – 90% alcohol is recommended as less than 60% will not disinfect the dermaroller. Pour the 60% isopropyl alcohol into a container and place the dermaroller in it. Leave the dermaroller for about 60 minutes. This will sanitize the dermaroller.

Make sure the dermaroller is completely dry before storing it away in its container.

 

P.S

Kindly do your own research. This is not a recommendation.

Thanks. Though this doesn’t state why 0.5mm is pointless. Appreciate the copy/paste research from Google though. 

Edited July 21 by londonbased

[A_4_Archan]

16 hours ago, MKE 1968 said:

Thank you for your follow up post to  smhn100 as i was considering purchasing one.

By the way i forgot to tell you one thing...you can add light massaging which can help to penetrate the topical medication and also helps to stimulate blood circulation.

[Tiresia5]

Hello guys. When is it recommended to start using the dermaroller on a transplanted zone? Some users say it is safe to use it on that zone after one month, some others say one should wait at least 3 months. 

Thank you for your help. 

[Al - Moderator]

I personally would want to wait at least 6 months after the hair transplant to make sure all the transplanted hair is growing in first.