Lesser-Known Treatments for Hair Loss at Our San Francisco Dermatology Practice
Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people, men and women alike. While traditional solutions such as topical minoxidil, oral finasteride (Propecia) and hair transplants are widely known, there are newer, lesser known treatments available that are gaining traction.
At our San Francisco dermatology practice, we offer two cutting-edge solutions: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and Mesotherapy, which includes the injection of dutasteride and/or minoxidil directly into the scalp. These treatments can be life-changing for those looking for targeted, non-invasive options to combat hair loss.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
PRP therapy is a non-surgical procedure that has become increasingly popular for treating hair loss. The process involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this PRP solution into the scalp. Here’s why PRP is a game-changer for hair restoration:
Natural Healing Properties: Platelets in the blood are rich in growth factors that help stimulate the repair and regeneration of tissues. By injecting PRP into the scalp, these growth factors can promote hair follicle health and encourage new hair growth.
Safe and Minimally Invasive: Since the PRP is derived from your own blood, there is little risk of allergic reactions or adverse side effects.
Stimulates Hair Growth: PRP can help to revitalize dormant hair follicles, leading to thicker, fuller hair over time. It’s particularly effective in the early stages of hair loss.
What is Mesotherapy for Hair Loss?
Mesotherapy is another innovative technique that involves micro-injections of specialized compounds directly into the scalp. For hair loss, two of the most effective medications used in mesotherapy are Dutasteride and Minoxidil.
Dutasteride Injections: Dutasteride is a medication typically used to treat enlarged prostate but is highly effective at blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for male and female pattern baldness. By injecting dutasteride directly into the scalp, mesotherapy helps to target and reduce the effect of DHT locally, leading to less hair thinning and promoting regrowth.
Minoxidil Injections: Minoxidil is a well-known topical treatment for hair loss, but when applied as an injection, it allows the medication to be delivered more deeply and directly to the hair follicles. This can enhance its effectiveness, promoting stronger and faster hair regrowth.
A recent New Beauty article provides a great review of mesotherapy for hair loss.
Why Choose Our Dermatology Practice in San Francisco?
At our San Francisco dermatology practice, we specialize in personalized, evidence-based hair loss treatments. Our board-certified dermatologist has extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, surgical and integrative approaches to treating hair, skin and nails. Dr. Campbell has performed PRP therapy for many years and is one of the first practices in the Bay Area to offer mesotherapy injections for hair loss. CCMD Dermatology is a low volume, patient-focused practiced focused on ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Comprehensive Consultations: We conduct thorough consultations to determine the underlying causes of your hair loss and whether you’re a candidate for PRP, mesotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Tailored Treatment Plans: No two cases of hair loss are the same, which is why we create a customized treatment plan designed specifically for your needs.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: We stay up-to-date on the latest treatment option and are able to implement them easily in our solo-physician owned and operated office ensuring the highest standard of care and the most effective results.
Who Can Benefit from These Treatments?
PRP therapy and mesotherapy are effective for both men and women experiencing hair loss, particularly those in the early to moderate stages. These treatments are ideal for:
Individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness)
Patients who have tried topical or oral medications with limited success
Patient who do not want to use topical or oral medications for hair loss
Those looking for a non-invasive alternative to hair transplant surgery
People seeking to improve hair density and thickness
What to Expect from PRP and Mesotherapy Treatments
Both PRP therapy and mesotherapy are minimally invasive, office-based procedures that require little to no downtime. You can expect the following:
Procedure Length: Both treatments are quick, typically taking 30-60 minutes per session.
Minimal Discomfort: The injections cause only minor discomfort, and we cool the area with air prior to injection to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Gradual Results: Hair regrowth doesn’t happen overnight. For the 50% or more that have good results, you’ll start to notice improvement in hair thickness and density over several months, with optimal results achieved after multiple sessions. Studies have shown it’s possible only 50% of patients will have dramatic enough results that they will want to continue treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Hair Restoration
If you’re experiencing hair loss and are looking for innovative, effective solutions, consider PRP therapy and mesotherapy at our San Francisco dermatology practice. These lesser-known treatments can help you regain your confidence with a fuller, healthier head of hair.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover which hair loss treatment is right for you. Our team is here to support you every step of the way on your hair restoration journey.
References:
Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial. Shapiro J, Ho A, Sukhdeo K, Yin L, Lo Sicco K. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Nov;83(5):1298-1303. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.07.006. Epub 2020 Jul 9. PMID: 32653577.
Mesotherapy with Dutasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Study in Real Clinical Practice.
Saceda-Corralo D, Moustafa F, Moreno-Arrones Ó, Jaén-Olasolo P, Vañó-Galván S, Camacho F.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;21(7):742-747.
Intradermal injections with 0.5% minoxidil for the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Uzel BPC, Takano GHS, Chartuni JCN, Cesetti MV, Gavioli CFB, Lemes AM, Costa IMC.
Dermatol Ther. 2021 Jan;34(1):e14622.
Dutasteride intralesional microinjections in combination with oral minoxidil vs. oral minoxidil monotherapy in men with androgenetic alopecia: a retrospective analysis of 105 patients.
Villarreal-Villarreal CD, Boland-Rodriguez E, Rodríguez-León S, Le Voti F, Vano-Galvan S, Sinclair RD.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 Jul;36(7):e570-e572.