A Literature Review of the Microneedle Therapy System for Hair Loss

Abstract

This literature review was designed to investigate the effects of the microneedle therapy system (MTS) on alopecia in experimental, and clinical studies. The MTS is acupuncture needling therapy delivered by a roller. A literature review of studies published before May 2020 was conducted using 9 online databases, and a total of 13 studies (4 in vivo studies and 9 clinical trials) were included. Most studies showed that the MTS was effective when used in combination with other treatments. In vivo studies reported an increased level of hair growth factors following treatment. Typically, 1.5 mm needles were used in the MTS treatment and photographic evaluation (by either camera or microscope) was reported in most studies. Oriental medicine research included 2 in vivo studies, which reported positive effects when combined with the MTS. There were no reported severe side effects. the MTS might be safe and has a drug delivery effect. Further studies need to be conducted regarding the frequency and needle length depending on the type of alopecia using Oriental and Western medicine.

Keywords

• alopecia
• hair loss
• acupuncture