Dutasteride is one of the most potent medications to treat androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness). Its mechanism of action is inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which ultimately decreases the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone (also known as DHT) is the main culprit for male and female pattern hair loss, therefore, decreasing levels of DHT at the hair follicle helps prevent hair loss.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that is FDA-approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, and is involved in the prolongation of the anagen phase of hair follicles leading to increased hair growth.

Dutasteride/minoxidil mesotherapy is a technique whereby tiny, concentrated aliquots of the molecules are injected superficially into the scalp directly to the hair follicle. This treatment is effective in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth - especially helpful for receding hairlines, male and female pattern hair loss, and other hair loss conditions.

Treatment is performed every 3 months to achieve optimal outcome during the maintenance phase.

Oral dutasteride has the potential side effect of sexual dysfunction or decreased libido. Oral minoxidil may lead to ankle swelling, excessive hair throughout the body, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, pericarditis, and pericardial effusion (potentially death!). 

Mesotherapy when administered properly has a very low chance of the active ingredients (dutasteride/minoxidil) from going into the bloodstream and causing systemic side effects. Mesotherapy can provide great benefits by directly inhibiting DHT receptors at the hair follicle and prolonging the anagen phase of the hair cycle to promote and support hair growth while mitigating potential systemic side effects. 

Patients usually tolerate the injections well. We use the smallest, most gentle needle for injections and we have various techniques to help alleviate any potential discomforts. 

Both men and women of all ages may benefit from this treatment. An in-person consultation with Dr. Ho, who is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders, is highly recommended. Although androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness) is the most common form of hair loss, there are other hair disorders that can result in hair thinning or baldness, including but not limited to alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus erythematosus, tinea capitis, traction alopecia, to name a few.