Hair loss at injection sites of mesotherapy for alopecia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The side effects of mesotherapy for treatment of various forms of alopecia are often underreported, while scientific data for its efficacy are severely lacking. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the late onset side effects of mesotherapy for alopecia. METHODS: Three patients with androgenetic alopecia showed hair loss after previously uneventful mesotherapy sessions up to 1 year. RESULTS: Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological findings suggested an inflammatory scaring process at sites of mesotherapy injections. CONCLUSION: Mesotherapy for androgenetic alopecia may paradoxically induce hair loss and scarring. Proper regulation and monitoring of the use of mesotherapy products for treating hair loss in women, needs to be addressed.