How does Dutasteride work?

Dutasteride is a potent 5AR 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, blocking the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT dihydrotestosterone—the primary trigger for hair loss in Androgenetic Alopecia.

How is Dutasteride different from Finasteride?

Finasteride is an oral medication for hair loss that blocks the type 2 5AR enzyme, reducing DHT enough to produce a 90% success rate in men suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia. Dutasteride blocks two subtypes/isoforms of 5AR, producing an even more powerful reduction in DHT than finasteride. Another important difference is the fact that dutasteride has a much longer half-life in the body—which is the main reason that dutasteride is uniquely suited for a localized mesotherapy application into the scalp. Additionally, dutasteride has a larger molecular weight and size than finasteride which also may help its beneficial effects locally at the scalp.

The half-life (a measure of the amount of time it takes for the drug to be eliminated from the body) of finasteride is significantly shorter than dutasteride.

How can Dutasteride be Used for hair regrowth in Androgenetic Alopecia?

Dutasteride can be used as an oral treatment for AGA either as a daily dose or less frequently (e.g., 1-3x/wk). It can also be applied topically alone or compounded with other topical medications. In recent years sterile injectable Dutasteride has been used as an intermittent injectable hair growth treatment, called Dutasteride Mesotherapy. Several published reports on its efficacy have appeared in the clinical literature, touting its dramatic hair restoration benefits.

What can I expect after Dutasteride Mesotherapy?

The scalp will appear pink for a few hours, then will self resolve. As the local anesthesia wears off, you may notice some mild soreness or tenderness in the treatment area that can be easily treated with mild non-narcotic pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Are there any restrictions after Dutasteride Mesotherapy?

Immediately following your procedure, you may return to normal activities of daily life.

Why is dutasteride a more suitable mesotherapy treatment than finasteride?

Because of its longer half-life, the dutasteride will remain in the body longer, providing its effect, allowing for repeat treatments spaced weeks or even months apart.

How often should I repeat Dutasteride Mesotherapy?

Currently, we recommend treatment each month for three months, then maintenance once every 90 days. Every patient responds differently, so it would be important to receive routine measurements every 90 days.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Dutasteride Mesotherapy?

Aside from the temporary soreness from the treatment, systemic effects from 5AR inhibitors are unlikely since the medication is injected locally into the scalp.

Can I use Dutasteride Mesotherapy in combination with other therapies?

Yes, absolutely. There is good evidence to support the use of a multi-therapy regimen when it comes to the treatment of hair loss. In that regard, Dutasteride Mesotherapy can be used in conjunction with oral minoxidil, oral finasteride, oral dutasteride, PRF, exosomes stem cell therapy, laser therapy, and hair transplantation.

How long will it take to see results with Dutasteride Mesotherapy?

As with any hair growth medication or treatment, results take time, and patience is required. Changes in hair growth can be typically measured within three to six months after treatment, with full results requiring a year or more.

Check out the science HERE.

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