Monofilament threads in treatment of female hair loss

Management of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review of the literature

We aimed to determine the efficacy of the various available oral, topical, and procedural treatment options for hair loss in individuals with androgenic alopecia. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the National Library of Medicine was performed. Overall, 141 unique studies met our inclusion criteria. We demonstrate that many over the counter (e.g. topical minoxidil, supplements, low-level light treatment), prescription (e.g. oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride), and procedural (e.g. platelet-rich plasma, fractionated lasers, hair transplantation) treatments successfully promote hair growth, highlighting the superiority of a multifaceted and individualized approach to management.

What Do We Know About Hair Growth Induced by Wounding and Its Therapeutic Applications?

BACKGROUND

Many studies have reported the role of hair follicles (HFs) in the wound healing response, and vice versa, the creation of superficial injuries may stimulate hair growth, which has encouraged new treatments for hair loss.

OBJECTIVE

To review the phenomenon of wound-induced hair growth and the usefulness of therapeutic procedures based on skin wounding in androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to review cases of localized hypertrichosis induced by wounds and the role of microneedling, fractional laser, and scalp threading as monotherapy for AGA.

RESULTS

Localized hypertrichosis has been extensively reported after bone fractures, burn injury, chronic venous ulcer, etc. Only 2 cases of wound-induced hair neogenesis in humans have been reported. As monotherapy for AGA, 1 of 3 studies of microneedling, 4 of 6 of fractional lasers, and 2 of 3 studies of scalp threading show good efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Certain types of wounds seem to stimulate localized hair growth in humans, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Reports on wound-induced HF neogenesis in humans are anecdotal and questions remain as to whether this is a true phenomenon in humans. Further clinical studies are needed before recommending wound-induced hair growth procedures as therapies for AGA.

Medical Aesthetics - Current Trends and a Review of Its Applications

Medical aesthetics is the use of a procedure or product for a therapeutic indication which is conventionally used for aesthetics. Several medical conditions are now being treated with products, procedures or equipment that are conventionally used for aesthetic indications. This has widened the scope of treatment modalities available for dermatologists to treat various indications that fall outside the purview of aesthetic dermatology. The authors present aesthetic treatment modalities and procedures which can be used for medical aesthetics, their present-day status and usefulness in field of therapeutics with a review of published literature from "Medline" (via "PubMed"), "Cochrane," the Virtual Health Library, and Google Scholar.

Accelerated hair growth by combining thread monofilament and minoxidil in female androgenetic alopecia

BACKGROUND

Monofilament thread therapy (PLLA) and minoxidil have been used as alternative treatments for female androgenetic alopecia.

AIM

The aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of thread therapy combined with minoxidil in female androgenetic alopecia.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Twenty-seven women were enrolled in this randomized half-split study based on a left-head to the right-head pattern. Thread therapy (PLLA) treatment was unilaterally performed (once); minoxidil was bilaterally applied for 6 months. Global photographs and dermoscopy assessments were performed in the baseline and every 2 months till the end of treatment. Global photographs underwent blinded review by three independent dermatologists.

RESULTS

Mean hair density increased from 114 ± 27 to 143 ± 25/cm² (P < .001) in the combined group and from 113 ± 24 to 123 ± 19/cm² in the minoxidil group (P < .001). The mean change from baseline between the two groups was also compared (P = .003). Global photographs showed improvement in 93% (25/27) patients in the combined group and 52% (14/27) patients in the minoxidil group.

CONCLUSION

Poly-l-lactic acid microthread therapy combined with minoxidil may improve hair density, hair thickness, and hair appearance better than minoxidil alone.