Can Mesotherapy Regrow Hair?

Are you experiencing hair loss? You’re not alone. Androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss, affects millions of men and women worldwide. Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including genetics, hormones, ageing, stress, and even certain medications. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, several hair loss treatments are available, with varying degrees of effectiveness.

In recent times, mesotherapy has gained traction as a non-surgical hair restoration treatment. But can mesotherapy truly regrow hair? Let’s delve deeper into this treatment to understand its potential and limitations.

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and medications directly into the scalp. The specific ingredients used in the mesotherapy solution can vary depending on the individual’s needs and the targeted hair concern.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits of each ingredient commonly found in mesotherapy cocktails for hair loss:

Vitamins: Biotin, and vitamins B6, C, and E are essential for healthy hair growth and can nourish the hair follicles.
Minerals: Zinc, iron, and selenium play a role in hair follicle function and can help strengthen hair.
Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino acids are crucial for hair growth.
Minoxidil: A vasodilator that can increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.
Finasteride: An FDA-approved medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss in men.

How Does Mesotherapy Work for Hair Loss?

The theory behind mesotherapy for hair loss is that by directly injecting these beneficial substances into the scalp, they can bypass the digestive system and deliver a concentrated dose of nutrients to the hair follicles. This, in turn, can:

Improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
Stimulate hair growth by providing essential nutrients for follicle function.
Reduce inflammation in the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss.
Block DHT (in the case of finasteride being included in the solution).

What to Expect During a Mesotherapy Treatment

A mesotherapy session for hair loss typically involves the following steps:

Consultation: A qualified healthcare professional will assess your scalp health, hair loss pattern, and medical history to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for mesotherapy.
Scalp preparation: The scalp area will be cleansed and disinfected. A topical anaesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort.
Injection process: Using a fine needle, the mesotherapy solution is injected superficially into multiple sites on the scalp.
Treatment duration: A mesotherapy session typically takes 15-30 minutes.

Benefits of Mesotherapy for Hair Loss

Here are some potential benefits of considering mesotherapy for hair loss:

Minimally invasive: Compared to hair transplant surgery, mesotherapy is a less invasive procedure with minimal downtime.
Relatively safe: When performed by a qualified healthcare professional, mesotherapy has a good safety profile with minimal side effects.
Potential for hair growth: Studies suggest that mesotherapy may promote hair growth and improve hair quality.
Improved scalp health: The increased blood flow to the scalp can nourish the hair follicles and improve overall scalp health.

Potential Side Effects of Mesotherapy

While generally safe, mesotherapy can cause some mild side effects, including:

Injection site pain: The injection process can cause temporary discomfort or tenderness.
Bleeding or bruising:

Who is a Good Candidate for Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy might be a good option for individuals experiencing:

Early stages of hair loss: Due to the potential for stimulating hair growth, mesotherapy may be more effective for those with mild to moderate hair loss.
Androgenetic alopecia: Both men and women with male or female pattern hair loss can potentially benefit from mesotherapy.
Alopecia areata: Studies suggest mesotherapy can be helpful for some cases of alopecia areata, an autoimmune form of hair loss.

However, mesotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some contraindications to consider:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Due to a lack of research on safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, mesotherapy is not recommended for these individuals.
Scalp infections: Active infections on the scalp can increase the risk of complications.
Certain medical conditions: Underlying health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders may make mesotherapy unsuitable.
Blood clotting disorders: Individuals with blood clotting issues may be at a higher risk of bleeding after the procedure.

Finding a Qualified Professional

If you’re considering mesotherapy for hair loss, it’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced healthcare professional. Look for a doctor with expertise in dermatology or hair restoration who can assess your suitability for the treatment and ensure its safe and effective application.

Cost of Mesotherapy

The cost of mesotherapy can vary depending on several factors, including the geographic location, the experience of the provider, and the number of treatment sessions required. Typically, a single mesotherapy session can range from Rs 1008k to Rs 20k.

Alternatives to Mesotherapy

Several other hair loss treatments are available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some options to consider:

Minoxidil: A topical medication available over the counter, minoxidil can help slow down hair loss and promote some regrowth.
Finasteride: An FDA-approved prescription medication for male pattern baldness, finasteride works by blocking DHT.
Hair transplant surgery: A surgical procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles from a donor area to the balding scalp. This is a more permanent solution but also more expensive and invasive.

Conclusion

Mesotherapy offers a promising, minimally invasive approach to hair loss treatment. While research is ongoing, studies suggest it may be effective in promoting hair growth and improving scalp health, particularly for those in the early stages of hair loss.

However, it’s important to manage expectations and understand that mesotherapy may not be a guaranteed solution for everyone. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine if mesotherapy is the right choice for your hair loss concerns. They can discuss your individual needs, develop a personalized treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.