Mesotherapy for Hair Loss: Does it really work?

Many people experience hair loss, which can make them feel less confident and worried about how they look. When regular treatments like special shampoos or pills don’t work well enough, some look for other options.

One treatment that’s getting attention is called mesotherapy. It involves tiny injections into your scalp that contain vitamins, minerals, and other helpful ingredients. But does mesotherapy work? Is it worth your time and money? 

Let’s look at mesotherapy, how it works, what science says about it, and what you can realistically expect if you try it.

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is when a doctor uses tiny needles to put special mixes of vitamins and minerals into the scalp. The ‘meso’ part means it goes into the middle layer of your skin. Many people use it to prevent hair loss and encourage new hair growth. During a treatment, you’ll receive lots of little shots in the areas of your scalp where your hair is thinning.

How Mesotherapy Works for Hair Loss?

Mesotherapy for hair loss works in a few simple ways:

First, the special mixture injected is meant to provide your hair follicles with the nutrients they need to grow healthy hair.

Second, the tiny needle pricks cause mild injury to your scalp. This might sound bad, but these minor injuries improve your body’s natural healing process. When your body works to heal these tiny pricks, it sends more blood to your scalp. More blood leads to more oxygen and nutrients reaching your hair follicles.

Third, some ingredients in the mixture can block DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss. Other ingredients might help reduce inflammation or improve the function of hair follicles.

The Mesotherapy Procedure

Here’s what happens during a mesotherapy treatment for hair loss, from start to finish:

1. Talking to the Doctor: First, you’ll chat with a doctor. They’ll look at your scalp and ask about your health to ensure mesotherapy is safe.
2. Getting Ready: Before the treatment, the doctor will clean your scalp. They might put on a cream to make it less likely to feel uncomfortable.
3. The Special Liquid: The doctor will make a special mix of vitamins, minerals, and other good ingredients to help your hair grow. This mix is made just for your hair’s needs.
4. Tiny Shots: The doctor will give you lots of tiny injections all over your scalp using a very thin needle or a special tool. These shots go into the middle layer of your skin.
5. How Long Does It Take: Usually, a treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much of your scalp is being treated.

What Scientific Evidence Says?

Research on mesotherapy for hair loss is still developing. Some small studies show positive results, with people growing more hair after treatments.  

For example, one study found that people who received mesotherapy had a high satisfaction rate, which shows its effectiveness for hair loss and few adverse effects.

However, many hair experts point out that extensive, well-designed studies aren’t enough to prove that mesotherapy works for everyone. This doesn’t mean mesotherapy doesn’t work—we need more research to understand exactly how well it works, who it works best for, and what the best ingredients are. 

Potential Benefits Of Mesotherapy

Here are the main benefits that people may experience from mesotherapy treatments for hair loss:

• Improved Hair Thickness: Many people notice their existing hair becomes thicker after mesotherapy. The nutrients delivered directly to the hair follicles can help make each strand of hair stronger and more visible.
• New Hair Coming In: Some people notice new hair growing in spots where it is thinning. The special liquid can help wake up hair roots that have stopped growing, which could lead to new hair in those areas.
• Healthier Scalp: Mesotherapy can make your scalp more nutritious overall. A healthy scalp with good blood flow and less swelling is a better place for hair to grow naturally and stay healthy longer.
• No Surgery Needed: Unlike hair transplants, mesotherapy doesn’t involve surgery. That means no cuts or scars, and you recover much faster. You can usually go back to doing your normal things right after a treatment.
• Treatment Made Just for You: Doctors can change the ingredients in the shots depending on what your hair needs. This way, the treatment can be made specifically for your type of hair loss and scalp condition.

Limitations and Side Effects

Before trying mesotherapy, it’s important to understand its limitations and possible side effects:

1. Some Pain: Even with numbing cream, most people feel some pain when they get the shots. All the little injections can cause some temporary discomfort.
2. Redness and Bruises: Your scalp might look red or have minor bruises afterwards. This usually gets better in a few days.
3. Slight Chance of Infection: Because the skin is poked, there’s a small chance of infection. That’s why it’s important to go to a good and qualified doctor.
4. Results Vary: Mesotherapy doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some people see a big difference, but others don’t notice much change.
5. You Need Multiple Treatments: You won’t see results after one session. Most people need 8 to 10 treatments over several months.

Compared to Established Treatments

Here’s a comparison of mesotherapy with other typical hair loss treatments to help you understand your options:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Minoxidil is a liquid or foam you can buy without a prescription and put on your scalp daily. Unlike mesotherapy, where you need to see a doctor for shots, you can use minoxidil at home. But, just like with mesotherapy’s need for upkeep, you have to keep using minoxidil regularly.
• Finasteride (Propecia): This is a prescription pill you take daily that helps stop hair loss by blocking a hormone. However, some men can have sexual side effects from it. Mesotherapy usually has fewer side effects throughout the body because it’s just applied to the scalp.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP is like mesotherapy because it involves getting scalp shots. But instead of vitamin mixtures, PRP uses your blood. Both treatments need multiple sessions, but you usually need fewer PRP sessions at the start (3 or 4). However, PRP treatments often cost more than mesotherapy.

You may also like to read: How often you should take Botox injections

Final Thoughts

For those dealing with hair loss, mesotherapy can offer some hope, but it’s not a magic solution. While some people get good results, such as thicker hair and new growth, the science behind it is still developing. It’s a good idea to talk to a hair expert before trying it to see if it fits you well. Often, the most effective way to treat hair loss involves using different methods and being patient with what to expect.

FAQ

What is mesotherapy for hair loss? 

It’s a technique involving injections of vitamins, minerals, and other substances into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

What kind of substances are injected?

 The solutions typically contain vitamins, amino acids, minerals, enzymes, and sometimes medications tailored to hair growth.

Is mesotherapy a painful procedure?

 Most people experience mild discomfort during the injections, which are usually superficial and use fine needles.

Are there any side effects of mesotherapy?

Common side effects can include mild scalp tenderness, bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection sites, which are usually temporary.