Hair loss is common for both men and women as they age but that doesn’t make the process any less emotional for those attached to their locks. While some opt for vasodilators like Rogaine to promote hair growth; a growing number of people are trying a hair loss treatment that’s been around for decades: mesotherapy. Is mesotherapy worth the hype? Or is it just another ineffective drain on your wallet? We’ll take you through the pros and cons of this treatment and help you make an informed decision about whether mesotherapy is right for you.

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The History of Mesotherapy

Though mesotherapy is used today for hair growth, the founder, Dr. Michel Pistor, originally administered mesotherapy in 1952 after he had an encounter with a cobbler suffering from an asthma attack. Dr. Pistor administered procaine, which had little effect on the cobbler’s asthma. However, in a follow up session, the patient revealed his deafness had subsided and he was able to hear again. Dr. Pistor continued to administer procaine next to the patient’s ear, and it managed to continue to improve his hearing.

Dr. Pistor founded the field of mesotherapy and administered similar treatments to patients with a variety of ailments—always administering procaine as close to the affected area as possible. Other physicians picked up on his treatments and used mesotherapy in their own practices. Mesotherapy is now used throughout the United States, Asia, Europe and South America by approximately 18,000 physicians as a treatment for hair loss.

How Does Mesotherapy Work?

Mesotherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses multiple injections at the site of hair loss. A mesotherapy gun quickly administers these injections. Dr. Pistor began with procaine, but physicians now have added a number of substances including vitamins, pharmaceutical medicines and homeopathic remedies. Mesotherapy is used in a number of cosmetic surgeries, including as a hair loss treatment for men and women.