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Four Fast Facts about Microneedling for the Scalp

The cosmetic treatment “microneedling” has created quite the buzz in the beauty industry as a restorative skin treatment. Microneedling works by using  tiny needles to puncture the skin in order to stimulate a healing response which promotes collagen production and leads to a smoother and firmer complexion.

Now its rejuvenating abilities are extending to the scalp too. Microneedling  of the scalp to promote hair growth is a procedure that is increasing in popularity and could prove particularly beneficial for those suffering from progressive types of hair loss such as androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) which affects both men and women. “Male pattern baldness” is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. Hormonal hair thinning often strikes in perimenopause as estrogens declines and affects many women starting as early as their 40’s. Genetic hair loss is notoriously tricky to treat, but studies have shown that microneedling can help, and many have already seen the positive effects.

Here’s what you need to know:

LIKE FACIAL MICRONEEDLING, IT CREATES MICRO-INJURIES THAT STIMULATE GROWTH

The skin’s healing mechanism responds to ‘micro injuries’ caused by the micro needles, which leads to a rise in important growth factors and stem cells in the scalp as well as hair growth-related genes to create an increase in hair production. This combined with a growth factor serum that is applied during the microneedling treatments amplifies growth.

MICRONEEDLING IS NOT A DIY TREATMENT

We use a sterile mechanical microneedling pen that allows for fine -tuned variations in needle depth and a greater number of penetrations per second. We also use a topical anesthetic to achieve maximum results without discomfort.

YOUR HAIR HIDES ANY REDNESS WHILE YOU RECOVER

While there is not a lot of downtime on microneedling treatments, the depth at which the needles penetrate will dictate any downtime and there is always variation between individuals. Redness and some sensitivity are common after the treatment. Most redness can be concealed by the hair and it should dissipate within a couple of days.

IT’S NOT A QUICK FIX

An investment of both time and money, microneedling isn’t an easy or inexpensive fix, and may not be your first line of treatment if your hair is thinning. It is always important to have a proper assessment for hair loss with your Dermatologist as there may be other factors that can cause hair loss such as low iron or thyroid abnormalities. Once the diagnosis of genetic hair thinning is made options can be discussed with your Doctor. Once all of these avenues have been explored, microneedling can be a valuable next step. It’s a safe and effective way to treat trickier forms of hair loss and is a medication-free approach.

The cost of microneedling is an investment of both time and money because treatments are usually every four weeks and, on average, 5 treatments are required. After the series maintenance is suggested to maintain and continue to promote hair growth and scalp health.

Schedule a consult today with one of our Dermatologists and Sonia our microneedling expert to see if microneedling  for the scalp is right for you.