Non-Surgical Hair Replacement

Posted by MichealH Alexander on October 2nd, 2019

There are four commonly used non-surgical or “medical” options you may want to consider. Early, when your hair starts to thin, one or all may work to stimulate follicles that are diminished in size. The hope is that these smaller, weaker follicles will strengthen to provide better quality hairs with longer growth cycles. This could delay the way your hair goes from thinning to balding.

MINOXIDIL

Minoxidil is applied as a solution directly to the scalp. It seems to help follicles survive longer by extending their growth cycle and may stimulate follicles to produce better quality hairs. It is best used in the earlier stages of thinning/balding. Once a scalp is completely bald, i.e. devoid of hair follicles, Minoxidil will be useless. It can be used in both men and women.Hair Transplant Doctor New Jersey

In my practice, I dispense an enhanced formulation that features a higher concentration of Minoxidil and an analog of Latisse®, a product that successfully grows longer eyelashes, and seems to do the same for scalp hair.

The cost of my product is for a bottle that is used once daily and should last 3 months. Because it is a prescriptive product, I can only dispense it to my patients. I offer consultations for both medical and surgical treatments. While Minoxidil products are available over-the-counter, it is advisable to consult with a hair specialist before undertaking what might become long-term therapy.

FINASTERIDE

Finasteride is taken orally and is best used only by men. The pharmaceutical company Merck first marketed finasteride (as Propecia®). Their initial testing demonstrated no usefulness for women. It is an anti-androgen that slows the production of DHT (dihydro-testosterone), the “bad” male hormone that facilitates genetic baldness and increases prostate growth as men age. Like minoxidil, finasteride may keep follicles functioning for longer time periods with stronger hairs.

As with minoxidil, finasteride works better on individuals who still have active hair follicles, but are thinning, especially in the crown area. Because you will probably taking finasteride for many years, a consultation with a physician specializing in hair loss is most helpful in evaluating whether or not you may benefit from taking this medication.

PRP (PLATELET RICH PLASMA)

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. The platelets are the tiny chips present in blood that mechanically help blood to clot. They contain growth factors that are believed to enhance healing and stimulate new tissue growth. To obtain these platelets, your own blood is withdrawn, spun down in a centrifuge, and the platelets, now in a concentrated band, are removed and injected back into the area that requires treatment.

PRP is FDA approved only for orthopedic injuries. It has been used a lot for ballplayers who have damaged various joints. After one or multiple injections, there is improvement in many cases.

LASER THERAPY FOR HAIR LOSS

Laser light in low, safe energy levels, emitted in a narrow wavelength is thought to stimulate hair follicle cells, allowing them to function better over a longer time period.Hair Restoration New Jersey

Like other medical hair therapies, nothing will work if you’re trying to stimulate follicles that aren’t there. You should first consult with a physician hair specialist to properly evaluate your chances of improving your hair density with a laser or any other form of medical therapy.