Hair Restoration 101
Find the cause of hair loss first – then make the choice
To truly understand hair restoration, you first need to understand hair loss and baldness. Hair loss is a common symptom of aging. But that fact really is no consolation for young men losing their hair. Unfortunately, premature hair loss in men between 21 and 30 is on the rise. And it’s not just men who face this fact of life; women lose hair due to thinning, in fact, 40 percent of hair loss sufferers are women.
There are a variety of reasons for hair loss – heredity, hormones, stress, depression, poor diet, certain medications and surgery. By far the most common is male pattern baldness (MPB) which is the result of the intersection of hormones and heredity. Genetic hair loss is largely permanent affecting more than 35 million men and 21 million women.
For a person who is facing hair loss and wanting to take action, it is first important to determine the cause. This self-study will help target possible treatments. Remember remedies promising to restore hair to balding heads have been around for centuries, and most men and women can do little to reverse the process. Certain drugs may slow hair loss and alternative treatments may bolster the healthy, remaining hair, but no treatment is likely to replace a full head of hair. Armed with information (and a reality check), some people may still feel they will benefit from hair restoration treatments. Here are some choices:
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is used to treat the genetic forms of hair loss. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is therapeutic exposure to red or near red infrared light. For hair loss sufferers, this involves placing the scalp under infrared-emitting laser diodes. A typical laser therapy session lasts from 20 to 60 minutes. It has become a popular form of treatment for male pattern baldness. In office and at-home treatments are available.
PRP Therapy
PRP for hair loss is a treatment that involves withdrawing a patient’s own blood, processing it so that only the enriched cells (platelet-rich plasma) remain, and then injecting it into the scalp. PRP contains essential proteins that stimulate natural hair growth. PRP therapy is effective and feasible, but the injections to the scalp are painful.
ALMI (Autolgous Lipcoyte Micronized injection)
ALMI is a trademarked, bio-cellular outpatient hair rejuvenation procedure. Using the science of PRP, ALMI is an injection that uses the patient’s own regenerative cells and fat tissue to improve the function of hair follicles in the scalp.
Propecia
Over the past decade, medicine has made tremendous strides in the treat ment of men’s hair loss. Propecia is an FDA-approved drug used to treat the condition. Notably, the drug was in the news when the public learned President Donald Trump used the treatment. Though it does regrow hair, the drug has some undesirable side effects. Consumer beware! Also, it is not meant for use by women.
Rogaine (minoxidil)
This topical preparation provides a modest regrowth of hair in areas of the scalp that has gone bald. Rogaine works on hair follicles to reverse their shrinking process to stimulate hair growth. The effects are most promising in younger people just beginning to show signs of baldness. This over-the-counter medication is applied to balding spots twice a day. Application must continue daily or hair loss will recur. Rogaine has a 50% effectiveness for users though is not effective in men with male pattern baldness. This drug is approved both men and women.
Concerned about your hair loss? Lazaderm offers a free consultation.