A study of combination unilateral subcutaneous botulinum toxin a treatment for androgenetic alopecia

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Nov;21(11):5584-5590. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15179. Epub 2022 Jul 19.

Abstract

Objective: To observe the efficacy of unilateral subcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin A combined with finasteride and minoxidil in the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

Methods: Thirty-seven patients with androgenic alopecia were treated with finasteride and minoxidil as standard therapy and were randomly assigned to subcutaneous injections of botulinum toxin A in one hemisphere of the head at the beginning of a 6-month treatment. Before treatment, 3 months after treatment, and 6 months after treatment, the patient's head hair growth was photographed and evaluated.

Results: After 3 and 6 months of treatment, hair density of the treated androgenic alopecia patients was higher than before treatment (p < 0.05), and the hair density of the botulinum toxin A injection side was higher than that of the control side (p < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, the response rate of botulinum toxin A combined with finasteride and minoxidil was 77.5%, with no significant side effects observed.

Conclusion: Finasteride and minoxidil have a significant effect on androgenic alopecia, and the effect is further increased after combined with botulinum toxin A subcutaneous injection.

Keywords: androgenic alopecia; botulinum toxin a; hair growth.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Alopecia / therapy
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A* / adverse effects
  • Finasteride / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Minoxidil* / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Minoxidil
  • Finasteride
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A