Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common problem faced by both men and women. Hair loss can be caused by several factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, diet, and certain medical conditions. Although hair loss is not a life-threatening condition, it can significantly impact an individual's self-esteem and confidence. The good news is that several medical treatments are available to help manage hair loss, including mesotherapy, hyaluronic acid injectables, and oral and topical medications like minoxidil and finasteride.
Mesotherapy is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting a customized cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into the scalp to promote hair growth. The cocktail is typically composed of ingredients like biotin, folic acid, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. The injections are delivered directly into the scalp using a fine needle, and the treatment takes around 30 minutes to complete.
The concept behind mesotherapy is that the cocktail of nutrients stimulates blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Mesotherapy is a relatively painless procedure, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
Several studies have shown that mesotherapy can be an effective treatment for hair loss. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that mesotherapy improved hair growth in 62.5% of patients after six sessions.
However, it is worth noting that mesotherapy is not a one-time treatment, and patients may need multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Additionally, mesotherapy is not a suitable treatment for everyone, and patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or skin infections, should avoid the treatment.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps to keep the skin and tissues hydrated. In recent years, hyaluronic acid has gained popularity as a treatment for hair loss. Hyaluronic acid injectables involve injecting a solution of hyaluronic acid into the scalp to promote hair growth.
The injections are typically administered using a fine needle, and the treatment takes around 30 minutes to complete. Hyaluronic acid injectables work by promoting blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, which stimulates hair growth.
Several studies have shown that hyaluronic acid injectables can be an effective treatment for hair loss. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that hyaluronic acid injections improved hair growth in 70% of patients after four sessions.
Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. However, it is worth noting that hyaluronic acid injectables are not a one-time treatment, and patients may need multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.
Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied directly to the scalp to promote hair growth. Minoxidil works by widening the blood vessels in the scalp, which increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. Minoxidil also prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle, which helps to promote hair growth.
Several studies have shown that minoxidil can be an effective treatment for hair loss. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that minoxidil improved hair growth in 40% of men and 60% of women after 48 weeks of treatment.
Minoxidil is available over-the-counter and is relatively easy to use. However, it is does not work on everyone and is not without potential side effects like scalp irritation.
Finasteride and dutasteride are both oral medications that are commonly used to treat hair loss in men. They belong to a class of drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that is known to cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair loss.
Finasteride is approved by the TGA for the treatment of male pattern baldness and is typically prescribed as a 1 mg tablet to be taken once daily. It has been shown to be effective in up to 80% of men, with results typically seen within 3-6 months of starting treatment. However, it is important to note that the effects of finasteride are not permanent, and hair loss may resume once treatment is discontinued.
Dutasteride is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that is sometimes used off-label for the treatment of hair loss. It works in a similar way to finasteride but is more potent and has a longer half-life, meaning that it stays in the body for a longer period of time. Some studies have suggested that dutasteride may be more effective than finasteride for hair loss, but it is not yet approved by the TGA for this purpose. As with finasteride, dutasteride is not a permanent solution to hair loss and must be continued indefinitely to maintain results.
While both finasteride and dutasteride have been shown to be effective in the treatment of hair loss, they are not without potential side effects. The most common side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast tenderness or enlargement. These side effects are typically reversible once treatment is discontinued, but it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of these medications with the Surgeons at Hair Transplant Clinics Australia before starting treatment.
In conclusion, there are a variety of medical treatments available for hair loss, including medications, PRP therapy, and hair transplants. If you are struggling with hair loss and would like to explore your options, we recommend scheduling a consultation with a trusted medical professional.
At Hair Transplant Clinics Australia, we offer both in-person and Telehealth consultations with our experienced and highly skilled hair restoration surgeons, Dr Kubitskiy and Dr Rizk. Our team is committed to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans for each of our patients.
To schedule your consultation, please contact us at [email protected] or call us on the phone number provided on our website 1300 888 383. We look forward to helping you achieve your hair restoration goals.
White Hill Clinic Medispa in Sydney delivers effective medical procedures with oversight from award-winning cosmetic surgeons in a relaxing and luxurious environment. Schedule a spa day with us to discover why we were named the Best New Practice in Australasia!
Our team at White Hill Clinic recommends that you seek out a second opinion from another qualified healthcare provider before undertaking any cosmetic procedure. In accordance with the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines, any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, so a second opinion is advised.
