What is Dutasteride Injection Therapy?
Dutasteride therapy involves the injection of an FDA-approved medication directly into the scalp (mesotherapy) using a very fine and short needle around areas of decreased hair density or thinning. Dutasteride (Avodart) was originally developed as an FDA-approved medication for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men, but it has also proven to be very effective for hair growth.
How does Dutasteride work?
It blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase to stop the formation of DHT, which is the hormone known to cause Androgenetic Alopecia (aka hereditary male/female pattern hair loss). It works similarly to the FDA-approved medication Finasteride (Propecia) used for male pattern baldness.
How does Dutasteride differ from Finasteride (Propecia)?
Dutasteride blocks two types of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, whereas the more commonly used Finasteride only blocks one type. This means that Dutasteride is a more effective medication. It also has a longer half-life, meaning that its effects will last longer.
Who is Dutasteride best-suited for?
- Men experiencing Male Pattern Baldness.
- Women with Female Pattern Baldness who are not of child-bearing age.
- Those who have not responded well to daily at-home topical/oral medications for hair growth.
- Those who are having trouble being compliant with daily at-home topical/oral medications for hair growth.
Is there anyone who should NOT receive Dutasteride therapy?
Women of child-bearing age, due to the risks toward fetal development.
How often do I need to get the injections?
We recommend treatment every month for the first 3 months, then maintenance injections once every 3 months.
How much do the injections cost?
Our price for each injection session is $800.
How long will it take to see results?
Please note that results for hair growth will take time and patience. Changes can be seen 3-6 months after treatment initiation, with full results requiring at least 1 year.
Where are the injections performed? How long does it take?
The injections are performed right here in our office at Legacy Plastic Surgery. Many options are available to increase your comfort during the injections and we will determine this on an individual basis. The most invasive preparation involves injecting local anesthesia as a “ring-block” around your scalp to assist with numbing.
The areas of decreased hair density or thinning are marked out and the medication is injected directly around the hair follicles for maximal effect. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
Are there any side effects from the Dutasteride injections?
Dutasteride when taken ORALLY can cause many unwanted side effects, such as decreased libido, erectile/ejaculatory dysfunction, and breast tissue growth and pain.
HOWEVER, when injected directly around the hair follicles in the scalp, the amount absorbed by the body is minimized. In fact, multiple studies have shown that patients experienced no systemic side effects with the scalp injection technique (mesotherapy). You may experience a mild headache or injection site pain, but these are related to the injections themselves and will resolve within a brief period of time.
Is Dutasteride FDA-approved for hair loss?
Dutasteride mesotherapy is not FDA-approved but is used off-label for hair loss.
Can I get Dutasteride injections in combination with my other therapies?
YES. A multi-therapy regimen is best for hair loss. Dutasteride injections can be used in conjunction with oral Minoxidil, oral Finasteride, laser/light therapy (photobiomodulation), PRP, or other regenerative therapies like Exosomes and even hair transplantation.
What are the restrictions after getting an injection?
You may return to normal activities after an injection. You may wash/shampoo/style your hair as usual. You may resume laser/light therapy and topical medications same day.
