What Are Hair Mesotherapy and Hair PRP?
Hair mesotherapy is the application of mixtures made up of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and similar ingredients to the scalp as micro-injections with very fine needles. The aim is to support the area where the hair follicles are located and to improve scalp quality.
In hair PRP (platelet-rich plasma), a small amount of blood is taken from the person and separated by a special process, and the plasma, which is rich in growth factors, is injected into the scalp. Studies suggest that PRP may contribute to hair density, especially in androgenetic hair loss, although the response varies from person to person.
Both procedures aim to support the nourishment of the hair follicles and the microcirculation of the scalp. They can be used on their own or, depending on the cause of the hair loss and the person’s needs, alternately within the same treatment plan.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People with early- and mid-stage male- or female-pattern hair loss
- Those whose hair is thinning and losing volume
- Those who want support for shedding after stress or childbirth
- Those who want to support the scalp before or after a hair transplant
- Those considering an additional procedure alongside medical treatments
New hair growth is not expected from these procedures in areas that have become completely bald.
How Is the Treatment Performed?
- The scalp is cleaned; numbing cream is applied if needed.
- If PRP is planned, blood is drawn from the arm and the plasma is separated by centrifuging it in special tubes.
- The prepared mesotherapy mixture or PRP is injected in small amounts into the thinning areas with fine needles.
- After the procedure the area is cleaned; the person can return to daily life.
The amount of blood drawn for PRP is limited to a few tubes, and the preparation takes about 15–20 minutes. The content of the mesotherapy mixture is chosen according to the person’s needs and any possible allergies.
What Should You Keep in Mind Afterward?
- It is recommended not to wash your hair on the day of treatment and to wash it the next day.
- For the first 24 hours, products such as hair dye, gel and spray should not be used.
- Saunas, steam baths, swimming pools and intense exercise should be avoided on the same day.
- Do not massage the scalp vigorously.
- Keeping to the session schedule is important so that the result can be assessed.
During treatment, lifestyle factors such as balanced nutrition, enough sleep and stress management also support hair health. Regardless of the sessions, if you notice a sudden and marked increase in shedding, it is recommended that you let your doctor know.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Mild pain or a stinging sensation may occur during the procedure, and redness, tenderness, mild swelling and, rarely, bruising may follow; these usually resolve within a day or two. Rarely, an infection or an allergic reaction to the contents of the mixture may develop.
The procedure is not performed, or is postponed, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection or wound on the scalp, in bleeding or clotting disorders, with a low platelet count, with the use of blood-thinning medication, during active cancer treatment and in uncontrolled chronic diseases.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
Dr. Fulya Koç recommends hair mesotherapy and PRP not as a standalone solution, but as a supportive part of a plan aimed at the cause of the shedding. She openly shares with her patients that the effect of procedures done before iron, vitamin and thyroid levels are balanced may be limited.
The number and spacing of sessions are updated according to the response to the first sessions. Later on, less frequent maintenance sessions may be planned to preserve the result; session programs that are extended unnecessarily are not recommended.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
Hair mesotherapy works with nourishing mixtures prepared externally, while PRP works with growth factors obtained from your own blood. Which one, or whether both together, is suitable depends on the type of hair loss and your test results.
It is usually given in 3–4 sessions, about 4 weeks apart. Afterward, maintenance sessions every 4–6 months may be planned to preserve the response.
In some people a temporary increase in shedding may be seen in the first weeks; this may be related to weak hairs making way for new ones. If the shedding continues for a long time, your doctor should be informed.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
