Male pattern baldness treatment consists of both surgical solutions and medical therapies that can help men of all ages halt or reverse hair loss at the temples and crown. Technological advances in follicular unit excision (FUE) hair transplantation, and scientific advances in topical therapies such as Rogaine, mean there are currently a lot of options available to address hair loss. Quite simply, if you suffer from the effects of male pattern baldness and it bothers you, chances are very high we can help.
The onset of male pattern baldness
A while back, you began to notice the receding hairline, and the exposed temples. Then perhaps it was the bald spot that began to appear on the back of your scalp. You began to fret about the hair loss—checking the fallout rate as measured in the shower drain, or as strands in your hairbrush, and holding a mirror to the back of your head to measure the advancing balding spot. You began noticing other men’s hairlines, and started to look with envy upon those with a full head of hair. As your hair thinned you began to look and feel older. Your confidence seemed to recede with your hairline, which in turn seemed to make you question how successful, attractive, or competitive you are. Many men become disheartened and feel helpless because there are no lifestyle changes a person can make to change their hair loss. Sound familiar?
If so, you have come to the right place: Dr. Harris and the team at RESTORE®.
Understanding Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern baldness is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. This condition, often linked to androgenetic alopecia, follows a recognizable pattern where hair gradually thins at the temples and crown of the scalp. Over time, male pattern baldness can lead to significant hair loss as hair follicles become smaller and produce thinner hair strands.
Early Signs Of Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss often begins with subtle changes such as a receding hairline or thinning hair at the crown. These early signs of balding may progress gradually and can eventually form a more noticeable pattern of hair loss. Male pattern baldness is influenced by genetics and hormones, which affect how hair follicles grow and produce hair.
Medical Treatments For Male Pattern Baldness
Several treatments are available for male pattern baldness treatment. Some treatments focus on slowing hair loss and protecting existing hair follicles. Medical treatments and medications may help support hair growth and reduce the progression of pattern baldness. Dermatologists may recommend treatment plans based on the severity of hair loss and the patient’s overall health.
Hair Transplantation As A Treatment Option
Hair transplantation is another option for individuals experiencing advanced male pattern baldness. Hair transplantation involves moving healthy hair follicles from areas with strong hair growth to areas affected by thinning hair. This procedure can restore hair density and improve the appearance of the hairline for many patients experiencing pattern baldness.
Managing Male Pattern Baldness Long Term
Although there is no permanent cure for male pattern baldness, many treatments can help manage the condition and slow hair loss. Early diagnosis and treatment often provide the best results. With the right approach, individuals experiencing male pattern hair loss can maintain healthier hair and improve overall hair appearance over time.
How common is male pattern baldness?
Although most men rarely discuss the topic, those who suffer from male pattern baldness are in general very unhappy with their situation. Hair loss can affect every aspect of their life. Some men suffering from male pattern baldness began to experience the demoralizing telltale signs before the age of 21. By the age of 35, 30-40% of men will experience thinning and notice a receding hairline. By age 50 nearly 85% of men experience some thinning or recessions, some to complete baldness.
What is the Norwood Scale?
The Norwood Classification System describes hair loss patterns in male pattern baldness. Below is a simplified illustration.
The snake oil salesmen
You may have seen the infomercials promoting the latest “scientific breakthrough” treatments for hair loss. However, as of now, there is no product, pill, lotion, potion, or vitamin supplement—including Rogain, that can permanently reverse and cure male pattern baldness. Any pharmaceutical product claiming that it can is simply selling snake oil—no ifs, ands, or buts. Maybe someday there will be a drug or genetic cure for baldness, but at this time, all claims of a “cure” are false.
What are my options for male pattern baldness treatment?
A personal consultation with Dr. Harris is the best place to start to determine the best course of action for your unique circumstances. Find the answers to your question of how does a hair transplant work, along with discussing other hair loss solutions such as:
Surgical options:
- FUE Hair transplants
- Strip method (FUT)
Non-surgical options:
- Low level laser treatment
- Medications
Learn more about the causes of hair loss in men, or read about hair transplant surgery. Dr. Harris is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon and award-winning inventor of next-generation FUE transplant technologies. He continues to lecture hair transplant surgeons regarding best practices internationally.
