Kenalog Mesotherapy for Male Pattern Baldness - is this a safe, effective treatment?

Question

I seen a cosmetic dermatologist to discuss tentreatment options for hair loss. One of the options provided was kenalog injections in the scalp. Is this effective for typical androgenetic alopecia? I would have thought it would only be effective for an autoimmune form of alopecia and not so much for typical male pattern baldness? Does this treatment usually yield good results? Are there any worrisome side effects with it? I was told it can sometimes cause thinning of the skin, but that they use a diluted form to prevent that from occurring, but no other possible adverse effects were mentioned. Thank you!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your thoughtful question.

You're absolutely right to distinguish between different types of hair loss when evaluating treatment options. Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is a corticosteroid injection often used for alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune form of hair loss. In these cases, it can be quite effective in reducing inflammation around the follicles and promoting regrowth.

However, for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) which is driven by hormones and genetic predisposition, Kenalog is not considered a first-line treatment. While some dermatologists might use diluted corticosteroid injections off-label in combination therapies, the overall evidence for its efficacy in treating androgenetic alopecia is limited.

Here’s a breakdown:

Effectiveness: For typical male pattern hair loss, Kenalog generally does not address the hormonal component (like DHT sensitivity), so its results are often minimal unless there's an overlapping inflammatory or seborrheic component.

Risks: You’re correct that skin thinning (atrophy) is one of the main concerns, even when using a diluted form. Other potential side effects include folliculitis, telangiectasias (small visible blood vessels), hypopigmentation, and in rare cases, localized hair loss at the injection site.

Alternatives: More established treatments for male pattern hair loss include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, low-level laser therapy, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections. These are typically more targeted and supported by stronger clinical data.

In summary, while Kenalog has its place in dermatology, for androgenetic alopecia it’s generally not a cornerstone treatment. If your provider is suggesting it, I would recommend discussing their rationale and your specific case further, or even seeking a second opinion from a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss.

Wishing you the best on your hair restoration journey!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

There is no evidence to support the notion that kenalog mesotherapy is an effective treatment for AGA. Expert guidelines do not include this treatment anywhere on protocols for AGA. I do not use myself for treatment of AGA although I use it for many autoimmune issues. I am not of the opinion kenalog helps AGA in any significant way. Yes, there are potential side effects.

Kenalog Mesotherapy for Male Pattern Baldness - is this a safe, effective treatment?

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Kenalog Mesotherapy for Male Pattern Baldness - is this a safe, effective treatment?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.