Micro needling
Regrowth
Micro needling promotes the growth of existing hair. Tiny punctures in the skin are produced by tools such as derma roller and derma pen. Topical medication can be applied on the scalp to allow medication to seep in and aid in growth. These punctures increase hair thickness by increasing the diameter of the hair shaft.
It may appear as if new hair is growing because tiny invisible vellus hair is increasing in size. These vellus hair are from hair follicles that have not died yet. Vellus hairs can be grown to full size. This gives the illusion of regrowth in some patients.
Ongoing treatment commitment
Hair will need to be short to allow the needle to reach full depth for more effect. Hairstyle can be altered as a result of hair strands being cut by micro needling, in particular the use of derma rollers. Derma pen is a better option because it minimizes the scars and cutting of hair. A regime will need to be followed where time and effort is allocated to micro needling. Longer sessions of needling are proven to get better results. Scalp could become more sensitive to the weather after needling. If it's sunny after micro needling, a sun cream may be needed. Too much needling results in complications so an optimum routine must be set. If your pain threshold is low you will need anesthetic otherwise you will have to overcome the pain.
Complications
Micro needling forms scar tissue on your scalp. Scar tissue will impede your ability to grow hair. Scalp may bleed. There is a possibility of infections, the scalp will require disinfectant. It's safer to be on antibiotics to ward off infections. There will be itching and redness and risk of further scarring. Some patients don’t respond to micro needling. More studies are needed to see the effectiveness of micro needling.
Reversible
Most scars on the scalp heal within 5 days. On a rare occasion, the scars on your scalp won’t disappear however the scar won’t be visible.
Cost
The cost for micro needling varies. Derma rollers cost about £15. Derma pen cost slightly more from £50 to £150. A professional micro needler will charge about £150 to £500.