Two Cases of Paradoxical Nonscarring Alopecia After Mesotherapy with Dutasteride

August 2021 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Leandra Reguero del Cura, Adrian De Quintana Sancho, Marta Millan Lombraña, Ana Elisabet López Sundh, Marcos Pérez López

dutasteride mesotherapy nonscarring alopecia 5a-reductase enzyme inhibitor dihydrotestosterone androgenetic alopecia finasteride skin atrophy Avodart Propecia DHT

From the encyclopedia

Dutasteride →

Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

Mesotherapy →

technique to inject very small amounts of beneficial chemicals into the scalp

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Studysummary This case report highlights two instances of patchy alopecia occurring after mesotherapy with dutasteride, illustrating a possible paradoxical side effect of this treatment for androgenetic alopecia.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document presents two cases of paradoxical nonscarring alopecia following mesotherapy with dutasteride, a treatment for hair fall that involves microinjection of the drug into the dermis. Dutasteride is a second-generation 5a-reductase enzyme inhibitor that decreases serum dihydrotestosterone levels by 90%. It inhibits both type 1 and 2 enzymes, while finasteride inhibits only type 2. While mesotherapy with dutasteride is becoming increasingly common and usually has only mild transitory side effects at the injection site, these two cases (one male and one female with androgenetic alopecia) developed patchy alopecia after treatment. One of them also developed skin atrophy on the affected areas without improvement at short term follow-up. These cases highlight the potential paradoxical side effects of mesotherapy as a therapeutic technique for hair loss.

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Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

research Mesotherapy: Safety Profile and Management of Complications

20 citations , August 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study reviewed literature from 1992 to 2018 to document mesotherapy-related complications and their management, concluding that standardized therapy parameters are needed to better evaluate the safety profile and minimize risks of adverse reactions.

research Hair Loss at Injection Sites of Mesotherapy for Alopecia

18 citations , February 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study reports that mesotherapy for androgenetic alopecia may paradoxically lead to hair loss and scarring, highlighting the need for improved regulation and monitoring of this treatment.

Mesotherapy Using Dutasteride-Containing Preparation in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Photographic, Morphometric and Ultrastructural Evaluation

research Mesotherapy Using Dutasteride-Containing Preparation in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Photographic, Morphometric and Ultrastructural Evaluation

41 citations , April 2012 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that mesotherapy with a dutasteride-containing preparation improved hair growth indicators in female pattern hair loss better than saline, with minimal side effects and greater effectiveness in patients with shorter disease duration.

research Alopecia Secondary to Mesotherapy

49 citations , July 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This report highlights two cases where patchy alopecia developed after mesotherapy for androgenetic alopecia, indicating potential risks associated with this treatment.

research Multifocal Scalp Abscess With Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis And Scarring Alopecia As A Complication Of Scalp Mesotherapy

8 citations , January 2008 in “PubMed”

This study reports that mesotherapy can lead to serious complications, such as multifocal scalp abscesses and subcutaneous fat necrosis, requiring extensive surgical repair.