When it comes to beauty and self-care, our hair holds a special significance. It’s not just about strands of protein; it’s a symbol of who we are, our style, and our confidence. However, many of us struggle with our hair, whether it’s thinning, receding, or simply lacking health. That’s where hair mesotherapy steps in – it’s a groundbreaking treatment gaining popularity for its ability to renew and revitalise hair health.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of hair mesotherapy, exploring its benefits, procedure, and risks.
What is Hair Mesotherapy?
FPHL stands for female pattern hair loss. Mesotherapy is an effective medical treatment for FPHL. It targets the epidermal layer of the scalp to stimulate hair growth and provides much-needed nutrition to hair follicles. Mesotherapy can also help slow down hair loss. It is a relatively low-pain procedure, requiring a tiny needle and causing minor discomfort. A numbing cream is applied to the scalp before the procedure to ensure the patient is comfortable.
Mesotherapy is minimally invasive and carries little, if any, risk of scarring. This makes it an attractive option for those with FPHL who are reluctant to undergo surgical hair restoration. Mesotherapy is also an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. Those undergoing the procedure can swiftly resume their day-to-day activities post-treatment, making it ideal for busy people.
Benefits of Hair Mesotherapy
- Stimulates Hair Growth: It helps kickstart your hair follicles, encouraging new hair growth.
- Thickens Hair: Nourishing the scalp and follicles can make your hair look fuller and thicker.
- Improves Hair Quality: Mesotherapy directly delivers essential vitamins and nutrients to the hair roots, enhancing overall health.
- Reduces Hair Loss: It can help slow down or stop hair loss by strengthening weak hair follicles.
- Boosts Scalp Health: Mesotherapy can improve blood circulation in the scalp, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike surgical options, mesotherapy involves minimal discomfort and no downtime.
- Customisable Treatment: The treatment can be tailored to address personal hair concerns, offering personalised solutions.
- Quick and Convenient: Sessions are usually short and can fit into a busy schedule, with no need for prolonged recovery periods.
- Potential for Long-Term Results: Many people experience lasting improvements in hair thickness and quality with consistent sessions.
- Enhances Confidence: Fuller, healthier hair can boost self-esteem and confidence, improving overall well-being.
- Cost-Effective: While prices may vary, mesotherapy is generally more affordable than hair transplants, offering value for money in the long term.
How Hair Mesotherapy Works
Here’s how hair mesotherapy works:
- Consultation: Before undergoing hair mesotherapy, you would typically consult a qualified medical professional, such as a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. During this consultation, your medical history, scalp condition, and hair loss pattern are assessed to determine your suitability for the treatment.
- Preparation: Before the procedure, the scalp is thoroughly cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort during the injections. You may also be advised to avoid certain medications or supplements that could interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.
- Injection: Using a fine needle, the mesotherapy solution is injected into the mesodermal layer of the scalp, located just beneath the epidermis. The injections are administered at multiple spots across the scalp, targeting areas where hair thinning or loss is most prominent.
- Ingredients: The exact composition of the mesotherapy solution can vary depending on your needs and the practitioner’s preferences. Common ingredients include vitamins (such as biotin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D), minerals (such as zinc and magnesium), amino acids (such as arginine and cysteine), and other substances known to promote hair growth and scalp health.
- Stimulation: Once injected, the active ingredients in the mesotherapy solution stimulate blood circulation, nourish the hair follicles, and regulate the production of hormones and enzymes involved in the hair growth cycle. This can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the scalp, revitalise dormant hair follicles, and prolong the growth phase of the hair.
- Results: Patients may start to notice improvements in hair texture, density, and overall scalp health within a few weeks to months after undergoing hair mesotherapy. However, multiple sessions are recommended for optimal results, with treatments spaced several weeks apart.
- Maintenance: To maintain the benefits of hair mesotherapy, you may need periodic maintenance sessions, typically every few months. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper hair care practices, can support the treatment’s long-term success.
Safety and Risks
Like any medical procedure, hair mesotherapy carries some potential side effects, although these are generally mild and temporary. These side effects may include:
- Pain or Discomfort: Some people may experience mild pain or discomfort. However, this is usually managed with topical numbing creams or pain relievers.
- Swelling: Temporary swelling or bruising at the injection sites is common. These symptoms typically subside within a few days.
- Itching or Irritation: Some people may experience itching or irritation of the scalp following the procedure. This is usually mild and resolves on its own.
- Infection: While rare, there is a risk of infection whenever the skin is punctured. It’s crucial to ensure that a qualified practitioner performs the procedure in a sterile environment to minimise this risk.
- Allergic Reaction: In some cases, people may experience an allergic reaction to the ingredients used in the mesotherapy solution. This underscores the importance of a thorough consultation and patch testing before undergoing the procedure.
Choosing a Qualified Practitioner
Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner is paramount to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of hair mesotherapy. Here are some tips for choosing the right provider:
- Credentials: Look for a practitioner who is licensed, trained, and experienced in hair mesotherapy. They should have a background in dermatology or cosmetic medicine.
- Reputation: Research the practitioner’s reputation by reading reviews, testimonials, and requesting referrals from satisfied patients.
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns, expectations, and medical history with the practitioner. They should thoroughly assess and tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs.
- Facility Standards: Ensure that the facility where the procedure will be performed adheres to strict cleanliness and safety standards. This includes using sterile equipment and maintaining a hygienic environment.
Safety Guidelines
To enhance the safety and effectiveness of hair mesotherapy, consider the following guidelines:
- Follow Pre-Procedure Instructions: Your practitioner may provide specific instructions before the procedure, such as avoiding certain medications or products that could increase the risk of complications.
- Post-Procedure Care: Follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by your practitioner carefully. This may include avoiding vigorous exercise, excessive sun exposure, or certain hair products for a specified period.
- Monitor for Complications: Watch for any unusual symptoms or signs of complications, such as severe pain, prolonged redness or swelling, or signs of infection. Contact your practitioner immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Who Should Avoid Mesotherapy?
- Individuals with Certain Health Conditions: People diagnosed with conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer should avoid mesotherapy, as it could potentially exacerbate their health issues or interfere with ongoing treatments.
- Medications and Blood Clotting Disorders: Those taking blood thinners or who have bleeding or clotting disorders should refrain from mesotherapy, as the procedure may increase the risk of complications.