Androgenetic alopecia, the medical term for hereditary hair loss, affects the majority of men at some point in their lives and a significant proportion of women.
Androgenetic alopecia is driven by DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone derived from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase (5AR). DHT binds to receptors in genetically susceptible hair follicles, causing them to miniaturise over time: the growth phase shortens, the follicle shrinks, and the hair produced becomes progressively finer until it stops growing altogether.
This process affects the majority of men to some degree by their fifties, and is common in women too, particularly after menopause. It follows a characteristic pattern: recession at the temples and thinning at the crown in men, and diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp in women.
Both dutasteride and finasteride are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, a class of medication that reduces DHT levels by blocking the enzyme that produces it.
Finasteride blocks only one subtype of the 5AR enzyme (type 2), reducing DHT by around 70%. Dutasteride blocks both subtypes (type 1 and type 2), producing a more powerful reduction in scalp DHT of around 90%.
Oral dutasteride and oral finasteride carry systemic side effects, including potential changes to libido and erectile function, because they reduce DHT throughout the body. Dutasteride mesotherapy delivers the medication directly into the scalp, where it acts locally at the follicle. This significantly reduces systemic absorption while maintaining the high local concentration needed to block DHT where the damage occurs.
Before treatment, Dr Dan takes photographs and measurements of the affected area to provide a baseline for tracking progress. Local anaesthetic cream is applied to the scalp. The sterile dutasteride solution is then injected using very fine needles into the middle layer of the skin (the mesoderm), across the areas of active hair loss.
After treatment, the scalp is cleaned and dried. The scalp will appear pink or red and feel numb for several hours. Some mild soreness or tenderness may follow as the anaesthetic wears off. Both effects resolve within a day.
The entire appointment, including preparation, photography, and treatment, takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Hair growth is a slow process. Changes in hair density and thickness are typically measurable within three to six months. Full results, meaning the maximum benefit from the treatment course, require a year or more of treatment.
Most patients find the treatment most effective when started at an earlier stage of hair loss, before significant follicle miniaturisation has occurred. Dr Dan will give you a realistic expectation at consultation based on your current hair loss pattern and history.
Hair loss is a clinical matter as much as an aesthetic one. Dr Dan takes a thorough approach: reviewing your history, examining the pattern of loss, discussing realistic expectations, and following progress over time. Where other contributory factors such as nutritional deficiency, thyroid disease, or hormonal changes are suspected, these will be investigated as part of the assessment.
A course of dutasteride mesotherapy is £2,400. Full pricing is on the pricing page.
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Dutasteride blocks both subtypes of the 5AR enzyme and produces a more powerful reduction in scalp DHT than finasteride. For patients who have not responded adequately to finasteride, or who want to avoid systemic oral treatment, mesotherapy with dutasteride is a well-evidenced alternative.
Because the medication is delivered locally into the scalp rather than taken orally, systemic absorption is significantly lower than with oral dutasteride. Mild, temporary decreases in libido or erectile function are possible but are much less common than with oral treatment. The scalp may be sore and red for a day following treatment.
PRP uses growth factors derived from your own blood to stimulate follicles. Dutasteride mesotherapy acts on the hormonal mechanism driving follicle miniaturisation. They address different aspects of hair loss and can be used together. Dr Dan will advise on the most appropriate approach based on your pattern of loss.
The suitability of dutasteride mesotherapy for women is assessed on an individual basis. Dr Dan will discuss the evidence and any specific considerations during your consultation.
Hair growth is gradual. Most patients see measurable changes in density and thickness within three to six months. Full results require a year or more.
After the initial three monthly sessions, a maintenance injection every 90 days is recommended to sustain results. Hair loss will gradually resume if treatment is stopped, as the underlying DHT-driven process continues.
Yes. It can be combined with topical minoxidil, oral treatments where appropriate, and nutritional support. Dr Dan will discuss a combined approach if that seems the most appropriate strategy for you.
No. This treatment is available only through private clinics.
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