Before and after hair mesotherapy: a practical guide

The procedure uses multiple small scalp injections of a selected mixture. There is no single standard mesotherapy formula, and products promoted for the scalp may contain different active ingredients. Knowing what is being injected is essential to an informed decision.

Hair thinning can have several patterns and triggers, so an assessment should come before injections. A clinician may examine the scalp and hair distribution and consider whether symptoms or medical history suggest another cause that needs attention.

Immediately after treatment, pinpoint redness, tenderness, mild swelling or small crusts can make the scalp look worse temporarily. Hair density cannot be judged from close-up images alone; matching the hair part, styling, lighting and camera distance makes comparisons more meaningful. Treatment should not be presented as a certain way to restore lost hair.

Before the appointment, disclose scalp disorders, allergies, bleeding problems, pregnancy or breastfeeding, past injection reactions, and all medicines and supplements. Avoid proceeding through an infected, broken or acutely inflamed area. Only change prescribed medication after speaking with its prescriber.

Use the aftercare directions supplied for the actual formulation. Keep the scalp clean without scratching or removing crusts, and ask when washing, hair dye, styling products, strenuous activity and heat exposure can resume. Protect exposed scalp from strong sunlight while it is healing.

Get prompt clinical advice if discomfort intensifies rather than eases, redness spreads, the scalp becomes increasingly hot or swollen, discharge appears, or you develop fever. Emergency care is appropriate for trouble breathing, facial or tongue swelling, collapse, sudden visual symptoms or a rapidly developing widespread rash.

Ask what diagnosis the treatment is targeting, the exact injectable ingredients, whether the product is intended for scalp injection, who performs the procedure and how progress will be documented. Request a clear plan for expected reactions, lack of improvement and possible complications, as well as alternatives appropriate to your hair-loss pattern.