Approach to hair loss

Dr TN Rekha Singh explores the least invasive treatment modalities of PRP and mesotherapy to treat hair loss.

Dr TN Rekha Singh

Dr TN Rekha Singh is an MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology from the esteemed Gandhi Medical College at Hyderabad. She has a rich experience of over 11 years in performing advanced laser treatments for hair reduction, skin resurfacing and skin lightening, scar and anti-ageing procedures. As a Senior Consultant Dermatologist and the Training Head at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic for over a decade, she has mentored more than 60 doctors in the field of advanced medico-aesthetic care.

W ith several advancements in hair restoration treatments in the recent decade, it is now possible to effectively reduce hair loss problems without the need for extensive surgical procedures. Two such popular treatment modalities that involve the least invasive approach to treat hair loss include PRP and mesotherapy. This article explores both the treatment modalities in detail to help you choose the best option.

What is PRP hair loss treatment? 

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma therapy and is one of the most effective hair loss treatment modalities at the moment. It is a non-surgical and natural procedure that uses the patient’s blood to treat hair loss and restore hair growth.

How does it work? 

A dermato-trichologist will collect a blood sample from the patient’s arm and using the double spin method and USFDA-approved centrifuge technology, he/she can segregate the platelet-rich plasma. The doctor then sterilises and topically numbs the bald spots to inject the plasma rich in platelets into the scalp areas affected by hair loss and thinning. The activated growth factors help in arresting hair fall, improving hair density and stimulating hair regrowth as the treatment progresses.

The PRP hair loss treatment procedure lasts for about 30 minutes to an hour and has no downtime. Unlike hair transplant surgery, it does not include any complications or post-operative risks and side-effects such as infections, scars, or other complications. It is one of the most effective and natural methods of reversing the early stages of heredity hair loss or male and female patterned baldness. It is advisable to have a thorough consultation at a reputed clinic to understand the procedure and assess the cost, safety procedures, experience of the medical team, the technology used and success rate before opting for PRP treatment to enjoy safe and optimal results.

With the largest team of dermatotrichologists who follow stringent protocols at par with global standards and state-of-the-art facilities equipped with USFDA-approved technology, patients safely enjoy the best PRP results at Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic. The highly personalised treatment procedure and extensive after-care support offered under the supervision of a qualified and experienced team of specialists ensure long-lasting satisfaction and natural-looking results.

What is mesotherapy? 

Mesotherapy is another non-invasive treatment modality that involves administering micro-injections of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, collagen, and hormones to the scalp’s middle dermal layer or mesoderm. The procedure improves blood circulation and boosts hair growth.

How does it work? 

A doctor will inject a cocktail of nutrient boosters that include vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, I, K), amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine, glycine), minerals (Mn, K, Ca), cytokines, DHT (dihydrotestosterone) blockers, and coenzymes into the mesoderm that lies between the skin tissue and fat layer to stop hair fall and prevent balding. This can be done with the help of an injection gun or the needlefree method of electrophoresis in the least painful manner.

The treatment aims to increase blood supply to weak or dormant hair follicles, thus reducing hair loss. It effectively treats hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies or chronic illnesses.

Some of the primary reasons for this treatment modality’s popularity are that it has a little downtime and is virtually painless and risk-free. Also, the micro-injections used for Mesotherapy are natural and have better penetration at the cellular level to promote hair growth.

Now that we have a fair idea about both the hair loss treatment modalities, let us analyse the advantages and disadvantages of both, which could help the patient understand which would be a better option. The table highlights the pros and cons of PRP hair loss treatment and mesotherapy.

Final thoughts 

Both treatments – PRP and mesotherapy – are non-surgical procedures for hair loss. PRP is a safer and more economical option to go for as compared to Mesotherapy. It is scientificallyproven as an effective therapy for reducing hair fall, improving hair volume, enhancing scalp coverage and restoring hair growth.

In mesotherapy, it is critical to use the right mix of nutrients, enzymes, and injection techniques to achieve expected results as there is no standard formula involved. As PRP uses autologous blood, it has an excellent safety profile compared to mesotherapy. PRP treatment is a hair regrowth procedure that offers 100 per cent natural-looking and faster results than any other advanced hair loss treatment. Unfortunately, it takes more time to restore the hairline with mesotherapy than PRP.

Knowing the pros and cons of each treatment, it is best for an experienced dermato-trichologist, when consulted, to identify the most suitable treatment option for the patient and make an informed decision to prevent hair loss!