There has been increasing interest in the concept of ‘Scalp Botox’ for hair loss. The evidence base is constantly evolving, and at this point in time (2024) the greatest amount of published information has been a systematic review published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery which concluded that “the current quality of evidence is highly variable and, for many conditions, limited to small observational studies. Botulinum toxin may be a promising therapeutic option for patients with various scalp conditions, but future studies are needed to better understand its efficacy and safety.”
This clinic is able to deliver Botulinum Toxin using a WOW fusion device in a technique that combines microneedling and mesotherapy (explained below) using the Botox brand at a dose of 50units as this is where the studies show more safety data. This would only be offered if the pros and cons were fully understood following a diagnostic hair loss consultation.
What is microneedling?
Micro-needling is a medical procedure which involves creating tiny injections in a specific area, so that the ingredients can flow into the epidermal/dermal junction and improve the luminosity of the skin, thicken the epidermis and strengthen the dermis through mild collagen stimulation. “The treatment has been proven to help skin’s overall texture and stimulate collagen production. “ – Mary Stevenson, M.D.(Mary Stevenson, M.D.), New York City-based dermatologist via Vogue Magazine
What is mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a procedure that involves making tiny injections into the surface of the skin. The injections contain a combination of vitamins, minerals and other components which are naturally found in the skin, such as hyaluronic acid. There are many types of Mesotherapy that can be tailored and administered depending on the specific concerns one is facing.
What are the benefits of combining microneedling and mesotherapy?
Microneedling and Mesotherapy are both great for treating a wide range of skincare concerns, from rosacea, acne and acne scarring to cellulite and even hair loss. In addition, as Mary Stevenson pointed out in her interview with Vogue, the tiny injuries created with micro-needling “promotecollagen formation, which in turn allows the skin to remain tighter and thicker as we age”. Which is why the treatment doesn’t just give temporary benefits, it actually gives stronger and healthier skin in the long term.
A single treatment, however, won’t be enough, the WOW CEO Claire Williams recommends at least 4-6 sessions a week apart, depending on the issue and the area to be treated and every 4-8 weeks from there on. “According to a 2008 study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment.” – Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD interviewed by Elle Magazine.
What is the WOW Fusion Device?
WOW fusion is an innovative microneedling treatment that allows the practitioner to create bespoke skincare cocktails in the little glass vial that is ideal for your skin care needs. During the consultation, your practitioner will assess your skin and then using the latest skincare technologies will design a skin care serum that is ideal for your skin requirements. A truly tailored service with transformative results.
The WOW fusion device contains 20 titanium 24K gold plated needles each being 0.13mm in diameter. As they are so thin, they make a small trauma without the pain. The needles allow the solution to flow down and into the skin to the epidermal/dermal junction. This infuses your skin with hydration, vitamins, peptides and essential ingredients for super healthy and radiant skin.
Why should I consider this treatment?
•Thinning hair very common, and can give the appearance of being older. It can be a course of a great deal of stress in some people.
The treatment provides
• Solutions to thicken and strengthen hair bulb
• Nourish the scalp
• Normalise scalp health
• Cost effective alternative to hair transplantation
If you are struggling with a greasy, sweaty scalp and struggle to control flakes on the scalp, it is worth considering this treatment.
What does the treatment contain?
• Buflomedil HCL (vasodilator)
• Pyridoxine HCL (vit B6 amino acid precursor)
• Pantothenic acid (B5 antioxidant)
• Nicotinamide (B3 prevents hair loss)
• Thiamin (B1 cell growth)
• Acetylcysteine (antioxidant)
• Pyridoxine and Nicotinamide linked with pantothoneic acid inhibit the action of 5-alpha reductase decreasing the local concentration of dihydrotestosterone which is responsible for atrophy of the hair follicle
What is the treatment regime?
- Week 1 – With Botulinum Toxin
- Week 2 – without Botulinum Toxin
- Week 3 – without Botulinum Toxin
- Week 4 – without Botulinum Toxin
- Week 5 – without Botulinum Toxin
- Week 6 – Without Botulinum Toxin
- Week 12 – With Botulinum Toxin
How much does each treatment cost?
Each of the 6 Weekly treatments without toxin costs £150.
The initial treatment which contains the Mesotherapy Cocktail and Botulinum Toxin (brand name Botox) costs £300. This should be repeated after 12 weeks.
Please see the price list for the latest prices.
Who should consider this treatment?
Those with hair loss associated with excessively greasy scalp should consider this treatment. Also those who are in the process of making dietary improvements, and those who have been experiencing stress.
Is it painful?
Some people find only mild discomfort – others more so.
Local anaesthetic can be applied on request 20 minutes before the procedure, but it may make the treatment less effective.
When should I expect to see results with this treatment?
Results are expected within 2-3 months.
Why is Botulinum Toxin (popularly known as Botox) recommended in the first treatment?
Most people are aware of the use of Botulinum toxin (Botox) for relaxing wrinkles on the face, and treating sweating armpits.
It has several other medical uses including various disorders affecting nerves and muscles. Study on the use of botulinum toxin A for cosmetic application is gradually becoming extensive.
In recent years, botulinum toxin A has been found to have many other benefits that were not previously known, such as scar removal, pain relief, and anti-depression. Botulinum toxin A on hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (balding) patients has also been reported in recent years.
Studies have shown that in people with balding, tension in the muscles around the scalp leads to decreased blood flow in the blood vessels at the top of the head and forehead, leaving those areas in a low oxygen. In this environment, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is related to secretion of known hair follicle inhibitory factors and is considered the primary causative agent destroying hair follicles leading to hair loss. A variety of studies have also shown there are issues with reduced blood flow in balding patients. Therefore, improving blood supply to the scalp may stimulate hair growth.
Botulinum toxin A can act on the arrector pili muscle of the scalp, relax the muscles around the head, increase blood flow and oxygen concentration of the hair loss sites, and further inhibit the activation of DHT, reducing the occurrence of hair loss. The high concentration of oxygen accelerates the hair follicle cycle, stimulates the hair follicle to enter the growth phase, and promotes hair regeneration.
In addition, botulinum toxin A reduces oil production in the scalp, reducing the side effects of finasteride and minoxidil.
