PRP Mesotherapy (FAGA, AGA, thinning hair treatment) [Hair Regeneration Treatment].

Hello. I am a doctor at Smart Skin Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology clinic.

Do you have any of these questions or concerns?

For those suffering from female-onset hair loss (FAGA), the choice of treatment is an important issue. In particular, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for natural treatments with fewer side effects.

This article therefore discusses PRP mesotherapy, a safe treatment using autologous blood-derived components,Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareThe clinic, which is a member of the Society for Regenerative Medicine, will provide an easy-to-understand explanation from a professional standpoint. (*Type 2 and Type 3 Regenerative Medicine Provision Plan Accreditation Number: NA8230001)

In particular, we will explain in detail from a medical perspective why PRP mesotherapy is attracting attention, who it is suitable for, and what features it has compared to other treatment methods.

*If you would like to know the rates, you can jump to the appropriate section from the table of contents below.

What is FAGA?

Female Androgenetic Alopecia is a progressive thinning of hair that is unique to women.

Characteristic symptoms

1. loss of hair density

• Gradual thinning of the entire top of the head
• The hairline is relatively preserved (a major difference from male pattern baldness)
• Christmas-tree shaped split openings (characteristic symptom)

2. qualitative changes in hair

• Gradual thinning of hair (fine hair)
• Loss of firmness and elasticity
• Luster decreases
• Hair becomes too soft and hard to manage

3. progression pattern

• Diffuse: gradual thinning of the entire top of the head
• Complete hair removal is often not achieved.
• Slow progression (years to decades)

Early symptoms that are easy to recognize

1. The split in the eyes begins to show.
2. Increased hair loss when shampooing
3. Difficulty in keeping hairstyles in place
4. Scalp becomes transparent.
5. Decreased hair volume

Difference from androgenetic alopecia (AGA)

• AGA is localized hair loss in the frontal and parietal regions
• FAGA is diffuse thinning of the entire parietal area of the head
• FAGA rarely leads to complete hair loss
• FAGA tends to preserve the hairline.

Age and frequency of onset

• Most cases occur in the 40s and 50s.
• Increased incidence around menopause
• It is estimated that about 20% Japanese women experience
• Increasing incidence in younger age groups

Causes and Mechanisms of FAGA

The basic premise of FAGA is that the patient has a "genetic predisposition," and then the disease develops and progresses through the following process. Without a genetic predisposition, the following changes basically do not cause the onset of the disease.

1. genetic predisposition: where it all begins

First, it is important to,Genetic factors play a major role in FAGA.That is to say.

Due to this genetic predisposition,Scalp hair follicles are susceptible to male hormones (androgens)This is the case. If you have a family member with thinning hair, it is more likely that you have inherited this genetic predisposition.

2. changes in hormonal balance: triggers for symptoms to begin to appear

As we age,Changes occur in the hormonal balance in the body.Specifically, the process will proceed as follows

1. First, with aging and menopause,Decrease in female hormones (estrogen)Estrogen is important for hair growth, but this function is weakened. Estrogen has an important function in aiding hair growth, but this function is weakened.
2. When estrogen decreases, the body's naturalThe influence of male hormones (androgens) is relatively strong.This is because estrogen has the ability to suppress androgenic effects.
3. In the body, testosterone, a type of androgen, is converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which has stronger effects. This DHT will play an important role in the next stage.

3. effect on hair follicles: the stage when hair begins to change

Hormonal imbalance can cause the following changes in hair follicles, especially in genetically predisposed individuals

1. DHT binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles on the scalp. In women, these androgen receptors are widely distributed throughout the entire parietal area, making the entire parietal area susceptible. (In men, they may be distributed only on the parietal area and in an M-shape, resulting in the thinning hair characteristic of men.)
2. In DHT-bound follicles, the period during which hair grows (growth phase) is shortened and the period during which it rests (resting phase) is lengthened.
3. This change causes hair to gradually become thinner and shorter.

4. visible changes: stages that appear as symptoms

The accumulation of these changes results in the following characteristic symptoms:

1. Gradual decrease in hair density throughout the top of the head.
2. Instead of a complete loss of hair in a specific area (this is the difference from male pattern baldness), the entire top of the head thins.
3. The split ends widen and may take the characteristic "Christmas tree pattern" shape.

Other factors affecting

In addition to these basic mechanisms, the following factors can also influence symptoms

• Nutritional impactIron and zinc deficiency: When iron and zinc are deficient, the oxygen and nutrients necessary for hair growth are not adequately supplied, making it difficult for hair to grow.
• Influence of external factors: Chemical treatments such as perms and coloring can put a strain on the hair follicles and scalp and can exacerbate symptoms. Inflammation of the scalp from these treatments can also worsen blood flow and further impede hair growth.

Like this,FAGA is not a simple cause, but a disease that develops and progresses due to a combination of genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, the resulting effects on hair follicles, and various external factors.They are. Therefore, treatment must take a different approach to each of these factors.

Treatment of FAGA

To understand the treatment of FAGA, let us first briefly review the mechanism of pathogenesis:

Current medicine offers the following treatment approaches for each stage of this pathogenic mechanism

1. treatment with oral medication

spironolactone

Phases of action: 2 (alteration of hormonal balance) and 3 (binding to androgen receptors)

• Correction of hormonal balance (Stage 2)
  • Inhibits androgenic effects
  • Improved balance relative to estrogen
• Inhibition of action at the androgen receptor (Stage 3)
  • Prevents binding of DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
  • Reduces androgenic effects on hair follicles

oral minoxidil

Acting phase: 4 (effect on the entire parietal area and hair thinning)

• Improves blood flow through vasodilation to improve the hair follicle environment
• Improved oxygen and nutrient supply to hair follicles
• Promotes hair growth by extending the growth period of hair

2. treatment with topical agents

Topical minoxidil

Acting phase: 4 (effect on the entire parietal area and hair thinning)

• Improvement of the hair follicle environment by improving local blood flow to the scalp
• Activation and growth promotion of hair follicles
• Normalization of hair growth cycle

3. injection therapy (mesotherapy)

PRP Therapy

Acting phase: 4 (effect on the entire parietal area and hair thinning)

• Activation of hair follicles by autologous blood-derived growth factors
• Improved hair growth environment
• Promotes natural hair regeneration

HARG therapy

Acting phase: 4 (effect on the entire parietal area and hair thinning)

• Activation of hair follicles by special growth factors
• Promotes hair follicle regeneration and improves the growth environment
• Improved hair thickness and density

exosome therapy

Acting phase: 4 (effect on the entire parietal area and hair thinning)

• Activation of hair follicles by promoting intercellular signaling
• Improvement of hair regeneration environment
• Helps maintain healthy hair follicles

4. support by supplements

Acting phase: 4 (effect on the entire parietal area and hair thinning)

• Improvement of the growth environment by supplying nutrients necessary for hair growth
  • Zinc: Supports cell division in hair follicles
  • Iron: Supports keratin production
  • Vitamin D: Helps maintain healthy hair follicles

*Supplements do not act on the underlying causes of FAGA (genetic factors and hormonal balance) and only serve as an adjunct to regulate the hair growth environment.

Details of each treatment method for FAGA

Each treatment method will be explained in detail, including the mechanism of action, treatment features, risks, and precautions to be taken in actual treatment.

1. treatment with oral medication

A) Spironolactone

mechanism of action

• Blocks androgen receptors and inhibits the effects of DHT (male hormone)
• Works against the hormonal imbalance that causes FAGA

Treatment Features

• Requires continuous oral administration to maintain effectiveness
• Symptoms may progress again upon discontinuation of oral medication
• Temporary correction of hormonal balance, not a curative treatment
• It often takes 3-6 months to realize the effects
• Requires management by long-term dosing

Risks and Cautions

1. Effect of relative increase in estrogen
   • Possible menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea
   • Risk of breast tenderness and breast enlargement
2. Effect on electrolytes (especially potassium)
   • Risk of hyperkalemia (even 1% is at risk)
   • Possible arrhythmia, muscle weakness, fatigue
   • Blood tests every 1-3 months are required.

Impact on Lives

• Requires regular hospital visits and blood tests
• Limit intake of high potassium foods (e.g., avocados, broccoli, bananas, etc.)
• Continuous monitoring of changes in physical condition

B) Minoxidil oral medication

mechanism of action

• Improved blood flow through vasodilation
• Activation of hair follicles and promotion of hair growth
• Promotes hair growth by induction of growth factors

Treatment Features

• Basically, the effect lasts only during oral administration
• Discontinuation will likely result in a return to the original condition.
• Requires 3-6 months for onset of effect
• Basically not recommended for women due to high risk
• Effects may persist as long as oral administration is continued

Risks and Cautions

1. Systemic Effects
   • Risk of blood pressure drop
   • Edema (swelling)
   • Increased heart rate (palpitations)
2. Hypertrichosis of the whole body
   • Likely to have thicker facial and body hair.
   • High cosmetic burden

2. treatment with topical agents

Topical minoxidil

mechanism of action

• Improved local blood flow
• Activation of hair follicles
• Extended growth period

Treatment Features

• Basically, the effect lasts only during use
• Return to original condition in 3-4 months by discontinuation
• Low risk of side effects compared to oral medications
• Requires continuous daily use (twice daily)
• It takes about 3-6 months to realize the effect.

Risks and Cautions

1. early stage of hair loss
   • Temporary hair loss in the first few weeks of use
   • Usually settles in 2-3 weeks.
2. Irritation to scalp
   • Possible redness, itching, rash
   • Dry scalp and dandruff
   • Irritation due to alcohol in the formulation

3. injection therapy (mesotherapy)

A) PRP Therapy

mechanism of action

• Injection of platelets extracted from autologous blood
• Activation of hair follicles by growth factors
• Promotes natural hair regeneration

Treatment Features

• High safety due to the use of autologous ingredients
• Effects are not semi-permanent and require regular treatment
• 3-5 treatments per course
• Treatment every 6 months to 1 year is recommended as maintenance therapy
• Effects vary from person to person.
• Compared to other treatment methodsRelatively rich in medical evidence

Risks and Cautions

• Minor pain and swelling immediately after the procedure
• Possible temporary internal bleeding (1-2 weeks)
• Requires regular visits to the hospital
• Relatively high treatment costs

B) HARG therapy

mechanism of action

• Activation of hair follicles by special growth factors
• Promotes collagen production
• Improved hair growth environment

Treatment Features

• Periodic treatment is required for lasting effect.
• Large scale clinical data is limited at this time
• Requires the same treatment intervals as PRP
• Effectiveness varies greatly from person to person.

Risks and Cautions

• Temporary swelling and internal bleeding after the procedure
• Need for continuity of treatment
• Relatively high treatment costs

C) Exosome therapy

mechanism of action

• Activation of intercellular signaling
• Promotes hair follicle regeneration
• Improved hair growth environment

Treatment Features

• Relatively new treatment
• Long-term effectiveness data is limited at this time.
• Requires ongoing treatment
• Effects vary from person to person.

4. supplementary approach with supplements (e.g., Pantogar)

Features and Limitations

• No effect on the underlying causes of FAGA (hormonal balance, genetic factors)
• Auxiliary positioning only.
• Dramatic improvement cannot be expected on its own.
• Recommended in combination with other treatments

Main Nutrients and Benefits

• Zinc: Supports cell division and hair follicle regeneration
• Iron: Supports keratin production and oxygen supply
• Vitamin D: Helps maintain healthy hair follicles

Important Considerations

1. Effectiveness
   • Neither treatment is "curative" at this stage.
   • Often requires continued treatment
   • A certain period of time is required for the effect to develop.
   • Individual differences are great.
2. Approach to Treatment Selection
   • Often a combination of multiple treatments rather than a single treatment
   • Selection based on the patient's condition and lifestyle is important.
   • Balancing Risks and Benefits
   • Focus on sustainability
3. Importance of consultation with a specialist
   • Treatment selection based on detailed diagnosis
   • Periodic monitoring
   • Appropriate response to side effects
   • Adjustment of treatment plans as appropriate

PRP Mesotherapy is recommended for

An objective comparison of each treatment method for FAGA shows that PRP mesotherapy is recommended for those with the following characteristics.

1. those who value safety

• Low risk of allergy or rejection due to the use of autologous blood-derived components
• No systemic effects like oral medications
• No risk of serious side effects such as hyperkalemia
• Can be considered even if you are considering pregnancy or childbirth

2. those who are concerned about side effects

• Concerned about hyperkalemia risk of spironolactone
• Concerned about minoxidil lowering blood pressure and hypertrichosis
• Those who wish to avoid influences on hormonal balance.
• Those who are concerned about changes in physical condition caused by oral medications

3. those who wish for natural hair regrowth and hair growth

• Those who wish to improve their condition with autologous ingredients rather than artificial agents.
• Those who wish to avoid hormone therapy and other drug treatments.
• Those who wish to restore the natural hair growth cycle.
• Those seeking to improve the overall health of the hair follicle environment
• Those who prefer gradual improvement rather than abrupt change.

4. those who value flexibility in treatment

• Can be used in combination with other treatments
• Treatment intervals can be adjusted to fit your lifestyle
• Relatively easy to interrupt and resume treatment as needed
• No hassles of daily oral or topical application

5. those who wish to receive evidence-based treatment

• Relatively rich in research data
• Proven medical effectiveness
• Long-term safety is confirmed.
• World-proven treatment

6. especially recommended for

• Those who wish to avoid the risk of side effects from oral medications.
• Those who are burdened with the daily use of topical agents
• Those who aim for improvement from a long-term perspective.
• Those who desire a natural improvement process.
• Those considering combining with other treatments.

7. those seeking more effective hair growth

• Platelet-derived growth factor for multifaceted hair growth
  • Promotes regeneration of hair follicles
  • Activation of hair matrix cells
  • Promotes cell repair and regeneration
  • Improvement of the overall hair follicle environment
• Different mechanism of action from topical minoxidil
  • Direct action on hair follicles by growth factors
  • Physiological improvement due to autologous components
  • More comprehensive hair growth environment
• Gradual and sustained improvement effects
  • Fundamental improvement of the hair follicle environment
  • Restoration of a healthy hair growth cycle
  • Maintain long-term effectiveness

Points to consider

• Cost is relatively high
• Need a certain period of time to realize the effect
• Requires regular visits to the hospital
• Effects vary from person to person.

Summary of who PRP Mesotherapy is recommended for

Although price is a consideration, it is one of the better options that is safe and offers a natural improvement. It is a good option for those who have concerns about side effects from other treatments or who prefer a more natural improvement.

Features of PRP Mesotherapy at Smart Skin Clinic

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

In accordance with the "Act on Safety Assurance of Regenerative Medicine, etc. (Act No. 85 of 2013)," our clinic has notified the government of the treatment details and received the above certification.
(* Type II and Type III Regenerative Medicine Provisioning Plans Accreditation Number: NA8230001)

Proven experience with PRP injections.

We also perform many PRP injections to the face as personalized PRP injections tailored to each individual.

As a result, we are skilled in the creation and handling of PRP, which is also utilized in PRP mesotherapy.

Extensive experience in injection-based procedures.

We offer a wide variety of injectable procedures, and we are one of the top clinics in Tokyo in terms of the number of injectable products we offer. Mesotherapy is an injection-based procedure, and our injection techniques are utilized to the fullest.

Charge

PRP Mesotherapy Prices in Tokyo

The price per PRP mesotherapy session in Tokyo is120,000~220,000 yen(as of November 2024). (as of November 2024)

Smart Skin Clinic Fees

Once	89,800 yen
3 sets	254,400 yen (84,800 yen per session)
Set of 5 times	399,000 yen (per time)79,800 yen)
Monitor] 5 times set	349,000 yen (per time)69,800 yen)

Those who are not eligible for the treatment

The following persons are not eligible for the treatment

• Pregnant or nursing mothers
• Persons with blood coagulation abnormalities
• Those taking anticoagulants
• Those with severe infections.
• Those with inflammation or infection at the treatment site
• Autoimmune diseases
• Patients with blood diseases such as leukemia, thrombocytopenia, etc.

Risks and Side Effects

The following temporary symptoms may occur as a result of the treatment

• Symptoms immediately after treatment
  • Mild pain at the injection site
  • Swelling of the scalp
  • internal hemorrhage
• progress
  • Pain and swelling usually improve in about 24 hours
  • If internal bleeding occurs, it will disappear in 1-2 weeks.
  • Very few reports of serious side effects

After-sales service

Please note the following after the treatment

Day of treatment

• Avoid excessive exercise
• Showering is allowed (wash hair gently).
• Refrain from scalp massage
• refrain from drinking alcohol

Next day or later

• Normal hair washing possible
• Exercise can be resumed gradually
• Use scalp care products only after checking with a physician

*Period of progress after the procedure varies from person to person. If you experience any symptoms of concern, please consult your doctor.