Mesotherapy, a micro-injection technique to combat hair loss.

Various factors can trigger hair loss. It can be caused by hormonal imbalance, particularly after childbirth or during menopause. Stress, linked to a disruption of the adrenal glands, as well as prolonged exposure to UV rays, can also exacerbate the situation. In some cases, hair loss results from a deficiency in vitamins or iron, or an unbalanced diet. It can also be of genetic origin. Moreover, certain medications, such as those used to treat the thyroid, migraines, epilepsy or as part of chemotherapy treatments, can promote hair loss.

Mesotherapy is based on a targeted and local administration of active ingredients through micro-injections into the dermis or hypodermis. This process optimises the bioavailability of the injected substances and leverages the physiological properties of the skin for a prolonged effect. To combat hair loss, mesotherapy is the ideal solution. This micro-injection technique allows the direct introduction of suitable molecules into the scalp. The injected solutions can be composed ofamino acids, hyaluronic acids, minerals, vitamins, or antioxidants. Thus, unlike the consumption of food, dietary supplements or even topical application of solution, the injection allows the substances to act directly on the scalp by penetrating the dermis.

A study published in theInternational Journal of Trichology compared the effectiveness of mesotherapy and a topical solution of minoxidil (5%) on 49 men suffering from alopecia who had not undergone any hair loss treatment in the past six months. The participants were divided into two distinct groups. The first group, consisting of 25 patients, received mesotherapy injections over eight weekly sessions, combined with a microneedling procedure. The injected solution contained 56 components, including 24 amino acids, 13 vitamins, 4 coenzymes, 4 nucleic acids, 5 minerals, and 2 reducing agents. The second group, consisting of 24 patients, applied 2 to 3 ml of 5% minoxidil to the affected areas, twice a day, for four months. The parameters studied included, among others, the variation in hair diameter and the number of follicular units. The results showed a more significant increase (P = 0.01) in the diameter of the hair shaft in the group treated with mesotherapy, thus indicating a positive response to the treatment. However, the number of follicular units did not improve more significantly following mesotherapy compared to topical minoxidil.

Substances are administered using an ultra-fine needle and, depending on the active ingredients used, they hydrate and nourish the scalp. They also stimulate hair bulbs and promote the vascularisation of hair follicles. The nutrients strengthen the hair fibre, providing it with more volume. After the injections, a complementary treatment may be applied: either LED light photomodulation, or a combination with microneedling. Photomodulation combined with microneedling improves blood microcirculation, the penetration of active ingredients, and increases hair oxygenation, while fighting against inflammation. Each session lasts on average 45 minutes. After 3 to 4 sessions spaced two weeks apart, hair loss slows down. Regrowth becomes visible from the third month. To maintain the results, a monthly maintenance session is recommended.

It is advised against taking anticoagulant medications before a mesotherapy session. Indeed, if a person is on anticoagulants, they have a higher risk of bleeding and forming significant bruises at the injected areas. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid shampooing within 48 hours following the procedure to allow the scalp to fully absorb the active ingredients. For the same reasons, swimming, steam rooms, and saunas should also be avoided during this period. Mesotherapy is a technique generally painless. However, those with a sensitive scalp may experience slight discomfort during the session. Indeed, according to the previously mentioned study, 88% of patients who received mesotherapy treatment reported a persistent erythema for a few hours after the session. This reaction could be attributed to the micro-injuries caused by the microneedling and the injection of the mesosolution. Finally, mesotherapy is contraindicated for individuals suffering from infectious scalp lesions, those with an allergy to any of the injected actives, or those affected by shingles.

• FALISSARD B. & al. Evaluation de l’efficacité de la pratique de la mésothérapie à visée esthétique. INSERM (2010).

• THAPA D.P. Mesotherapy for Hair Loss-is it Useful? Review of Literature. Archives of Dermatology and Skin Care (2018).

• SONAGRA B. & al. Comparative Study between Mesotherapy and Topical 5% Minoxidil by Dermoscopic Evaluation for Androgenic Alopecia in Male: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Trichology (2019).

• GUPTA A. K. & al. Systematic review of mesotherapy: a novel avenue for the treatment of hair loss. Journal of dermatological treatment (2023).

• PIRACCINI M. & al. Systematic review of mesotherapy: a novel avenue for the treatment of hair loss. Journal of Dermatological treatment (2023).

• NATH S.T. & al. Mesotherapy as a Promising Alternative to Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Cureus (2024).