Microneedling* Banishes Bareness in Precious Pet Patients

What is Microneedling?

A cosmetic procedure that applies fine needles to the skin and hair follicles stimulating the transition of resting hair follicles to producing hair shafts. This is a new veterinary treatment offered at ADRC used in dogs diagnosed with Alopecia X or Post Clipping Alopecia.

Microneedling dogs

Image of a patient with Alopecia X

How does Microneedling work?

It is considered a minimally invasive procedure, where a device containing fine needles is rolled over the surface of the skin causing small pricks in the skin. The exact mechanism of how this induces hair regrowth remains unknown. It is speculated that it activates stem cells, cytokines, and growth factors that stimulates hair regrowth.

How effective is Microneedling?

One study reported partial hair regrowth five weeks after the procedure. The same study identified 90% improvement in areas of previous hair loss twelve weeks after the procedure. A different study reported 76% to 100% improvement after 6 months and remained unchanged after 1 year. Few patients reportedly did not respond to the procedure.

Microneedling dogs

Is Microneedling painful?

The procedure is conducted under anesthesia and patients do not feel the microneedling while applied to the skin.

What are the side effects of Microneedling?

The skin often appears red with small areas of bleeding. These mild adverse effects subside within a few hours after treatment.

How long does Microneedling take?

The procedure can take up to forty-five minutes to complete depending on the size of dog and amount of hair loss. Hair regrowth can take several weeks to several months before its full affects are appreciated. More than one treatment may be needed.

Do I need to treat Alopecia X or Post Grooming Alopecia?

These two conditions are considered cosmetic and do not require treatment.

Does Microneedling work for other causes of hair loss?

It really depends on the reason for hair loss. Hair loss due to hormone imbalance, infections, or abnormal follicles will not improve with this procedure. It has only shown to be effective in cases of Alopecia X and Post Grooming Alopecia.

*Microneedling has shown to be effective in Alopecia X and Post Grooming Alopecia cases

References:

  1. Stoll S. et al. Microneedling as a successful treatment for alopecia X in two Pomeranian siblings. VetDermatol. 2015;26: 387-e88.
  2. Diamond JC. Et al. A small scale study to evaluate the efficacy of microneedling in the presence or absence of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of post-clipping alopecia in dogs. Vet Dermatol 2020; 31: 214-e45.

If you are interested in Microneedling for your dog please call or visit DermVets.com.

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