There are many options for treating hair loss, including topical, medical and surgical modalities. Each is effective in its own way, and many modalities can be combined. Combining options may help you save the hair you have, re-grow lost hair, and even move hair from areas where it is plentiful and robust to areas where it’s thinned. Let’s examine how to treat hair loss.
How to Treat Hair Loss – Medical Options
We are experts at recommending and administering non-surgical hair loss treatments, such as:
Minoxidil (Rogaine®)is a very effective treatment option suitable for both men and women. It can be both an adjunct treatment to a hair transplant and a stand-alone non-surgical treatment. It should be used at the first sign of hair loss to prevent further loss.
Finasteride (Propecia®) is an effective DHT (a hormone that causes hair loss) blocker. It taken orally, and is available by prescription for men.
Platelet Rich Plasma contain approximately 35 growth factors that can potentially promote hair growth in both men and women. This in-office procedure is performed with a local anesthesia, and takes approximately one hour. It must be repeated periodically to ensure best results.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is light treatment administered at home via wearing a helmet-like device for 20 minutes 2-3 times/week. Some clinical studies have found LLLT to promote hair growth, slow hair loss and give hair a healthier appearance for both men and women.
2% Nizoral Shampoo is dandruff shampoo that apparently blocks the action of the hormones at the follicle level. It is recommended that this shampoo be used whenever your hair is washed. It can help improve the quality of your hair as well as slow hair loss in both men and women.
How to Treat Hair Loss – Surgical Options
An FUE hair transplant
FUE stands for Follicular Unit Excision. An FUE hair transplant is a modern, minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that is virtually painless and leaves no linear scar. The hair follicles are removed from the donor site (usually the back or sides of the head), then transplanted hair-by-hair to the thinning or bald area. The procedure usually takes one day, and the result is 100% natural, permanent and undetectable.
No-Shave FUE
A No-Shave FUE procedure is an advanced FUE technique where individual hairs (actually follicular units) are trimmed short in preparation for excision then transplantation. Only those follicles targeted for removal are trimmed—the rest of the hair is left long, which covers the shorter, trimmed follicles. No shaving or cutting of the existing surrounding hair is necessary. This obscures signs of a transplant both before and after the procedure, making it even more discreet and undetectable. It is performed manually using patented Harris S.A.F.E. SystemTM technology.
ARTAS® Robotic FUE
The ARTAS Robotic Hair Restoration System is a state-of-the-art, interactive, computer-assisted system utilizing an advanced image-guided robotic device to enhance the quality of hair follicle harvesting.
The robot represents a quantum leap forward in hair transplant technology. Note that the donor area must be shaved in order for the imaging system to detect the correct follicles for transplantation.
Traditional Strip Harvest
This proven method of obtaining grafts has been in use for over 20 years. This technique can provide excellent cosmetic results but the disadvantages include a linear scar that may be visible when the hair is cut short and more post-operative pain and discomfort.
I invite you to ask me a question about how to treat hair loss under your unique circumstances. We can help stop your hair loss.
Dr. James Harris is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, inventor of patented follicular unit excision technology, published author in the field of hair restoration and an advocate for patient care. He is currently at the forefront of research and development in the field of hair cloning. Learn more about Dr. Harris or read rave reviews from his patients.