A new protocol for the treatment of alopecia: mesotherapy + botulinum toxin

Alopecia – a disease characterized by abnormal hair loss and causing psychological discomfort for both men and women of any age. Dr. Philippe Hamida-Pisal presented the results of a pilot study evaluating a new protocol for the treatment of alopecia using mesotherapy and botulinum toxin, which was developed jointly with Drs. Pam Cushing, Michelle Wescott and Jan Nel (Jan Nel).

What is the role of hormones in the development of alopecia?

There are different types of alopecia, each with a specific pattern of hair loss, but the most common form of this condition in both men and women is androgenetic alopecia, in which androgens play an important role.

Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5-alpha reductase. An increase in the local concentration of DHT leads to a reduction in the anaphase, due to the lengthening of the telogen phase. This process is accompanied by miniaturization of hair follicles, and a reduction in their absolute number. In this regard, the treatment of androgenetic alopecia is mainly aimed at this hormonal transformation in order to prevent the formation of dihydrotestosterone.

Testosterone under the influence of 5-alpha reductase is converted into dihydrotestosterone, which is accompanied by a decrease in the absolute number of hair follicles.

 

Therapeutic approach to the treatment of androgenetic alopecia using mesotherapy and botulinum toxin

Dr. Michelle Wescott and Jan Nel (Mesotherapy Society of South Africa), Pam Cushing  and Philippe Hamida-Pizal, members of the UK Mesotherapy Societies) developed a protocol for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia using mesotherapy and botulinum toxin. The aim of the treatment is to slow down the transition of the hair into the catagen phase and prolong the anagen phase through the use of antioxidants and cytoprotectors that stimulate cell metabolism and hydration.

Hair growth stimulating substances are included in the preparations:

• NCTF 135 HA (manufactured by Filorga Laboratories);
• NCTC 109 (from Mesoesthetic); or
• Cytocare (by Revitacare).

Polyrevitalizing cocktails have a positive effect on hair growth, quality, hydration, density and shine. By using combinations of different types of vitamins in one solution, the doctor can tailor the treatment for each patient.

Due to the action of botulinum toxin, the quality and strength of the hair is increased. Botulinum toxin injections reduce vascular compression through muscle relaxation, thereby increasing the blood supply to the scalp.

 

Fig. 1: Before and after a six-week treatment of alopecia with botulinum toxin and mesotherapy

Fig. 2: Before and after an eight-week treatment of alopecia with botulinum toxin and mesotherapy

First clinical results of mesotherapy and botulinum toxin in the treatment of alopecia

Five main characteristics – hydration, density, strength, flexibility and shine of the hair. The results were evaluated on a 10-point scale (0 – no effect, 10 – the result exceeded expectations). In order to determine potential adverse reactions, a follow-up period of 4 weeks was established for patients. The results are shown in Fig. 1 and 2.

The authors report that a patient allergic to dyes experienced a dramatic reduction in scalp itching and the irritation line completely disappeared after treatment.

	Hydration	Density	Strength	Flexibility	Glitter
Week 1	6	0	0	0	6
Week 2	8	0	3	2	8
Week 3	10	3	7	5	10
Week 4	10	5	8	7	10

Conclusions:

The results of a pilot study evaluating the treatment of alopecia with botulinum toxin and mesotherapy after 4 weeks exceeded the expectations of the authors – the patient satisfaction rate was 100%.

Injections of polyrevitalizing cocktails using traditional injection techniques or meso-injector in combination with botulinum toxin have proven to be effective in combating aging, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, seborrhea, and also in order to improve hair quality.

The combined use of mesotherapy and botulinum toxin has shown promising results in preventing alopecia, improving hair quality, and restoring hair growth.

Patients also noted that after the treatment, the time needed to dry the hair was reduced, which reduced the degree of heat damage to the hair and scalp.

The main limitation of this therapeutic method is that it is only effective in the presence of a hair follicle. The authors state that for a broader analysis, a study involving more volunteers is needed. Also, at the moment, a group of specialists is working on the creation of a solution that will provide a longer effect.