Injectable Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Hair Restoration Science

Background:

• Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a primary cause of patterned hair loss.
• Injectable therapies offer intradermal delivery of bioactive agents for AGA.
• Current injectable therapy protocols and outcomes for AGA are inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review agents, techniques, efficacy, and adverse effects of injectable therapy for AGA.
• Evaluate the current landscape of injectable treatments for patterned hair loss.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review conducted in July 2025, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for studies on "mesotherapy" and "AGA."
• Included 30 studies (7 interventional, 11 observational, 12 descriptive).

Main Results:

• Multivitamin/peptide formulations were most common, followed by dutasteride, minoxidil, and growth factors.
• Techniques varied significantly in needle type, depth, and dosing.
• Reported benefits include increased hair density and diameter; mild adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

• Injectable therapy may offer cosmetic improvement for AGA, especially with dutasteride.
• Limited evidence due to small sample sizes, variable protocols, and short follow-up.
• Standardized randomized trials are necessary before routine recommendation.