The quintessential treatment for alopecia. Its history is curious because it was originally a treatment for hypertension. When high doses were given, it was observed that patients experienced significant hair growth, and it began to be studied for hair use only. Its usefulness was described more than two decades ago, and it continues to be used with good results. This molecule is capable of stimulating hair growth, improving its vascularization. This extends the hair's growth phase, making it appear thicker and denser.

There are multiple routes of administration, including topical, oral, or through repeated microinjections (minoxidil mesotherapy).

Topical application is associated with good results if applied daily. Since minoxidil contains an alcoholic excipient, it can sometimes cause mild irritation, which can be controlled with appropriate shampoos or cosmetics. Its main problem is the inconvenience of application, as it can leave residue and make hair appear dirty.

For several years now, oral treatment at a low dose of 0.5-2.5mg has been possible (higher doses of 40-80mg daily are used to treat hypertension). This treatment has been shown to be effective and have a good safety profile. It will not lower the patient's blood pressure if the dose is chosen correctly. The main adverse effect is hair growth in other body areas, which is reversible when the dose is reduced. Many of my patients are so pleased with their hair growth that they prefer to remove unwanted hair rather than lower the dose, but that is a personal decision.

Minoxidil mesotherapy involves injecting the molecule into the scalp at the level of the hair roots, which are approximately 4mm deep. This treatment is performed in the clinic every 15 days. It is practically painless. Since I perform the injections myself, I usually combine it with vitamins or other components depending on the patient's characteristics.

Just as skin is cared for internally to improve its appearance, hair can also be treated deeply to improve it. Vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and hyaluronic acid have shown the ability to stimulate hair growth. The hair root is a very active mini-organ that needs many nutrients to function correctly, and it also generates many free radicals.

When these substances are given orally, the amount that reaches the hair is unknown and probably less effective. However, when we inject them directly into the roots, we achieve optimal stimulation. Improvements in hair shine and quality, as well as a reduction in hair loss, are described. It should be noted that when we want to regenerate cells, the effects are not seen immediately, but with sustained treatment over several months.

It is a practically painless treatment performed in the clinic, after which the patient can return to their daily life. Depending on the condition and type of patient, the infiltration protocol will be chosen, which can be weekly, every 15 days, or monthly. It is common to associate it with other treatments for specific pathologies.

PRP is a treatment that stimulates hair growth and controls inflammation. Blood contains platelets, which are cells responsible for healing wounds. When activated, they release growth factors, originally intended to heal the body. It began to be used in regenerative medicine many years ago. Since the hair follicle, which gives rise to hair, is a continuously growing structure, these locally applied growth factors will improve and stimulate its function. This stimulation of the hair root results in improved hair growth, shine, consistency, and reduced hair loss.

As these are components from the patient's own blood, it is considered a natural treatment suitable for pregnant women, patients with oncological conditions, vegans and vegetarians, etc.

The technique is practically painless and performed in the clinic. Blood is drawn from the patient (just like for a blood test) to isolate the platelet-rich portion through specific and meticulous centrifugation and separation. This separated portion, which is the platelet-rich plasma itself, is activated with a substance to make the platelets release their growth factors. Once prepared and activated, it is injected into the scalp at 4mm beneath the skin, the depth of the hair roots. Local anesthesia can be applied to the scalp beforehand to make it less uncomfortable.

The patient can return to normal activities immediately afterward and requires no specific preparation. Although the patient will leave the consultation with somewhat messier hair than when they arrived, they can even return to work immediately afterward. Its frequency will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether it is used as a maintenance treatment for a condition or as an aesthetic treatment to improve hair quality.