Thanks to a recent study conducted by Tropical Life Sciences Research, we now have a new home remedy for minor hair loss.
According to the study, individuals in a double-blind study were given either vitamin E or a placebo to determine if vitamin E fights hair loss. The results showed that the individuals that were given vitamin E had a 35% increase in hair growth.
How does it work?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. That means it has healing properties. Vitamin E can help prevent tissue damage as well as hair follicle damage. This in turn promotes healthy hair growth.
When vitamin E is applied to the scalp, it gets to work reducing inflammation and repairing tissue damage deep in the follicles.
How do you use it?
Vitamin E is sold in capsule form at most drug stores. These capsules are soft and can be punctured with a pin to release the gel from the inside.
This gel is safe to use as a topical skin or scalp treatment. It can be combined with olive, coconut, grapeseed, sesame, or carrot oil. Once the gel and oil are combined, apply the oil mixture onto clean hair. Massage into the scalp to promote blood circulation for added benefits.
To see desired results, you should apply vitamin E to your hair at least 2-3 times a week. You can also take the vitamin in its original capsule form to promote healthy skin and hair from the inside.
If you have noticed very minor hair loss, thinning, or just want to improve the texture and health of your hair, using vitamin E may help. Be sure to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the change in your hair.
If you have more aggressive hair loss, it is unlikely using vitamin E will show any real benefit. Once hair loss begins, it almost always continues to progress and worsen as time goes on. Therefore, if you wish to save your hair, it’s very important you begin preventative measures now.
Here at Modena, we specialize in the medical management of hair loss. Give us a call for a consultation today and discover your options.
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Hair transplants then versus now
Hair transplants have changed a lot over the years. Hair transplants were first developed in the 1950’s but didn’t gain popularity until the 1980’s.
Due to the newness of the technology available and the lack of experience of the doctors at the time, the results of these hair transplants were not too favorable. Grafts or “plugs” were taken out of the donor zone, and placed sporadically in the balding areas. This haphazard placing of grafts led to the appearance of the hair being ‘plugged’ in. Many individuals were left with their hair looking very doll-like.
Thankfully, hair transplant technology has advanced tremendously over the past 40 years. Specially crafted tools are used to extract and place grafts. Grafts are now placed closely together, just like our natural hair is, which gives the transplanted hair a nice, natural, and blended look. Experienced and qualified hair transplant surgeons are now able to leverage their skills and techniques to give the best and most natural looking hair outcomes possible.
Unfortunately, not all surgeons are up to date on the latest techniques. Some less experienced surgeons are still using the plug technique as is illustrated below.
Most individuals seeking hair restoration are not looking for this plug-like look. Your best defense against a botched hair transplant surgery such as this one, is to research research research. While hair transplants are considered a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, when they go wrong they can make a drastic difference in your overall appearance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, read reviews, and study the before and after pictures of your prospective surgeon.
If you are the victim of a botched surgery and would like to learn more about what options are available to you to fix your hair, give us a call today. Here at Modena, we specialize in reparative hair transplant surgery.
What is Scalp Micropigmentation and are you a candidate?
Scalp Micropigmentation, or SMP, is a non-surgical option to restore the appearance of hair in those experiencing hair loss.
How does it work?
During an SMP procedure, natural pigments are applied to the epidermis of the scalp in a dotted manner. This gives the natural appearance of hair follicles on the scalp and in turn camouflages hair loss.
Scalp Micropigmentation is an extremely universal method of hair restoration. It can be used to add density to a thinning area, to conceal the appearance of a botched hair transplant scar, and to restore the hair line.
SMP can be used on its own to fill in between thinning hairs, or in conjunction with a hair transplant surgery.
Men who like to wear their hair shaved are often draw to SMP as it is a great option to give the appearance of hair while still being able to wear the hair very short or to have the head shaved.
SMP is a semi-permanent hair loss solution. The pigment typically lasts 3-5 years in most individuals.
Here at Modena, we’ve formulated our own brand of SMP technology to offer the maximum hair loss camouflaging available on the market today.
We’ve seen great success with Scalp Micropigmentation to add density to thinning crowns, to conceal botched FUT/Strip scars done by less experienced surgeons, and to give that ideal shaved head look.
If you’d like to learn more about SMP and see if you’re a candidate for this hair loss camouflaging technique, give us a call today.
Is anemia causing your hair loss?
Anemia is a medical condition in which you do not have enough iron in your blood. Iron deficiency can be caused by a variety of things but the most common is not consuming enough iron-rich foods. Illness, pregnancy, and loss of blood can also cause anemia.
While anemia is a blood condition that mainly effects our body’s functioning, did you know that iron plays a big role in the health and development of your hair?
Ferritin, a type of stored iron, produces the protein in our hair’s cells. This stored protein is crucial to healthy hair development.
When we’re low in iron, our body pulls ferritin from non-essential tissue like our hair and pushes it to essential tissues like our heart.
This pulling of ferritin causes hairs to shed and in turn, causes a disruption in the hair growth cycle.
Without the proper stores of ferritin in our hair’s cells, our hair lacks the essential protein needed to grow healthy, strong, hair.
If you think you may be anemic, your first task is to contact your doctor and let them know you’d like blood work done to test for anemia.
The test is very simple. Iron levels are analyzed and results are show to be within or outside of the healthy range.
If you discover that you are in fact anemic, don’t worry. Thankfully, you have many options available to you through diet and supplementation to restore proper iron levels in your blood.
Below is a list of iron-rich foods that are great for people with anemia. Remember to always follow your doctor’s advice. Anemia is very treatable and most often involves the use of both supplementation and a healthy diet.
- Red meat
- Dark leafy greens
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Lentils
- Peaches
- Prunes
- Potato skins
- Nuts
If you are experiencing hair loss and have ruled out anemia as a cause, give us a call for a medical management consultation today. Here at Modena, we are able to conduct tests and biopsies to find the root cause of your hair loss.
Wish you had fuller, thicker, longer hair?
Us too. Unfortunately, we were all gifted our specific hair type at birth. This was a trait passed down genetically by our parents. Whether you have curly, thick, long, voluminous hair or thin, short, fine hair, we each have the type of hair we have.
If you’ve found this page through an internet search, it’s no surprise to you there are endless hair growth options out there. From simple home remedies to over the counter products, to vitamins, to more aggressive approaches like PRP or laser therapy, it seems there’s a new hair growth option every week.
While these methods may effectively work to promote hair growth, they won’t give you thick, full hair when you’ve had thin, fine hair your whole life. These products work to stimulate more growth, not to change your hair’s inherent chemical composition.
Bummer, isn’t it? Well, while changing the nature of your hair isn’t in your control, changing how you style it is.
Thanks to hair enthusiasts and stylists from all around the world, we’ve compiled a handy how-to for how to make your hair appear longer, thicker, and more voluminous.
- Part it
- A part down the middle gives the appearance of longer hair.
- Style it
- Blow dry your hair upside down, using a round brush and focusing on the roots. This lifts hair up, giving it more volume once dried.
- When styling, go for the messy look by tousling and teasing the hair.
- Wear hair in a messy bun or layered ponytail.
- Use volumizing products
- Mousse and other after-shower products help add texture which makes hair more volumized once fully dried.
- Use color to your advantage
- Highlights added to just the right areas of the hair give the appearance of a full, thick head of hair.
- Dark hair color gives the illusion of thicker, longer hair.
- Add layers
- Layers can be added using razor cut or step cut techniques.
- Layers are very flattering for many different face shapes. They add sophistication to your hair cut.
- Try side-bangs. They provide height and volume in the front of the hair.
Are those flakes in your hair dandruff or scalp psoriasis?
According to Proctor and Gamble, approximately 50% of people in the U.S. deal with dandruff and dry scalp issues.
This common hair malady can usually be resolved through the use of specialized shampoos, adjustment of hair products used, and even increased hydration and improved diet.
Psoriasis on the other hand, is a more serious medical condition that involves the immune system.
A buildup of skin cells causes flaky patches across the scalp. These patches itch and typically appear raised, red, and scaly. In addition to itchiness, scalp psoriasis can cause soreness, burning, and bumps.
Psoriasis is not curable but can be treatable. If you have scalp psoriasis, its important you find a treatment regimen that works for you, as leaving scalp psoriasis untreated can cause the patches to flare up, becoming increasingly uncomfortable, itchy, sore, and eventually causing hair loss.
The most common treatments for psoriasis involve salicylic acid and coal tar. There are creams, ointments, and shampoos that contain either of these active ingredients and work to calm and control the spread and severity of the scalp psoriasis.
Different active ingredients work differently for everyone. It is possible that salicylic acid may not resolve your psoriasis symptoms, while the coal tar may be more beneficial. It is best to get samples of each and see which one works best for you.
For more severe cases, you’ll need to visit your doctor or dermatologist for a prescription. Often times, medications containing steroids are beneficial in treating psoriasis, but they can only be used for a short amount of time.
If you believe scalp psoriasis may be causing your hair loss symptoms and would like to learn more about what you can do prevent continued hair loss, give us a call for a consultation today.
Medical Management of Hair Loss
What is the medical management of hair loss?
Medical management of hair loss refers to utilizing various methods and tools to maintain your current hair and even potentially re-growing hair for those who are experiencing recent mild hair loss.
While most individuals who are experiencing hair loss are concerned mainly with the areas of hair loss, there’s one very important reason you should be just as concerned with maintaining the areas you still have hair: PREVENTION.
If you’re not actively working to prevent future hair loss, your hair loss will continue and worsen as you age. Dr. Yazdan believes proactively fighting hair loss is the only way to stall the hair loss process and protect the hairs you have now. The best way to do that: medical management.
Medical management methods and tools range from more aggressive methods like PRP therapy and laser therapy, to more prolonged and maintenance-minded methods like prescription medications such as finasteride, topical products such as minoxidil, and shampoos such as nizoral.
The great thing about these medical management tools is that many can be used in conjunction with each other and even with hair transplant surgery. In fact, utilizing multiple methods or adding them to your surgery can increase the efficacy of each method and your overall results tremendously.
But before you can get started, you should first see if you’re a candidate for medical management. While most individuals experiencing hair loss can benefit from medically managing their hair, it won’t help everyone reach their specific goals.
You should meet with an experienced and certified hair restoration surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for medical management and what methods specifically would help you reach your goals.
Here at Modena, in addition to specializing in FUE and FUT/Strip methods of hair transplant surgery, we also specialize in various methods of medically managing hair loss.
If you’d like to learn more, give us a call today.
Case Study – Amazing Results Using FUT Method of Hair Transplant Surgery
There are many factors that go into determining your candidacy for hair transplant surgery. For example, the density of the donor area, the strength of the surrounding hair, the involvement and efficacy of medical management, and the severity of the hair loss, just to name a few.
When all of these factors work together in a patients favor, we see great results like these.
This patient presented with severe receding and balding of the crown. Although the degree of his hair loss may make this patient appear much older, he was only his late 20’s at the date this picture was taken. Utilizing approximately 3600 grafts, Dr. Yazdan was able to restore this patients hair line and fill in the crown.
Results are shown after 1 year post-surgery. The patient now has an appropriate hair line with good density throughout the crown.
The patient now looks like a new man.
Do you have telogen effluvium hair loss?
Telogen effluvium is the second most common type of hair loss. This type of hair loss is characterized by diffuse thinning of the hair, mostly on the top of the scalp. Contrary to the popular receding hair line, telogen effluvium does not involve any receding, rather widespread thinning.
Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles stop producing hair and enter the resting phase. The result is a large number of hairs that are shed each day.
What causes telogen effluvium? It is widely agreed that high levels of stress and/or an unbalanced diet are the causes of this type of hair loss. The exact effect of these stressors can be short-lived or prolonged.
For example, a sudden stressor or environmental shock such as a physical trauma like a car accident or the start of a new medication can cause a sudden onset of telogen effluvium. As you recover from the trauma or adjust to the new medication, the hair loss should resolve and return to normal.
A more prolonged case of telogen effluvium would be caused by a persistent trigger. This could be due to a chronic illness, chronic stress, or a diet deficiency. This cause of hair loss is more difficult to treat, as the follicles have experienced more long-term damage.
Here are some things you can do to manage the root cause of your telogen effluvium:
Stress: If you have a particularly stressful job or life, it could be taking a toll on your hair. Try finding a stress management method that works for you. Many individuals have had success with yoga, meditation, running, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Diet: If you’re a vegetarian, or your diet is low in red meat, you may not be getting enough iron. Low iron can result in hair loss over time. A balanced diet is key to overall health. If you are unable to introduce more iron into your diet naturally, try a supplement.
While simply changing your diet or managing your stress is a great place to start if you have telogen effluvium, it may not be enough to solve all your hair loss problems. The follicles may need some help entering the growth stage once more. If that’s the case, PRP therapy and laser therapy have proved effective in jump-starting the growth process.
If you’d like to learn more about your hair loss options, give us a call today.
How soon after a hair transplant can you wear a hat?
For many individuals who decide on hair transplant surgery, their least favorite part about the process is the appearance of their hair immediately following surgery. For the first couple of weeks post-op, there may be redness, swelling, and scabs in the recipient and donor areas of the scalp. Some describe the process as having your hair look worse for a small amount of time to look better for the long-term.
It is many individuals’ inclination to cover and hide their hair during this initial post-op period. Many patients desire to wear a hat or hood to shield the appearance of their hair.
Unfortunately, this is not a recommended option for patients so soon after surgery. You may be wondering why not? What harm could a hat cause?
Well, while hats are a great tool to conceal the hair, they happen to rest on the head where thousands of grafts have just been carefully excised and transplanted. Particularly, the band of the hat often sits right on the donor and recipient areas. This is harmful to the grafts, as they are extremely fragile and sensitive during this initial period. Any unintended rubbing or pressure could cause them to fall out, risking all the hours of hard work you and your doctor put in to give you a nice, full head of hair.
We typically suggest patients avoid hats for the first week post-op. While we realize this may be inconvenient appearance wise, it is the best way to ensure the results of your hair transplant surgery.
For whatever the reason, if you wish to have a discreet hair transplant surgery, not allowing people to see or know you had a recent hair transplant, we suggest scheduling your surgery during a slow period where you will be able to take off a few days to yourself.
Here at Modena, we offer flexible scheduling so you can plan your surgery around your busy work and life schedule. If you’d like to learn more about the services we offer, give us a call.
Men: Restore your hair – Restore your confidence
According to recent research by Psychology Today, hair loss is a major concern for the majority of men. Even though the study showed that almost 90% of women didn’t care about hair loss in men, men estimated over 50% of women wouldn’t find a balding man attractive.
This same study found that overall, men are more concerned with losing their hair than losing their sanity. Considering the seriousness of mental illness, this statement allows us to see just how important and relevant hair loss is to men today.
Most men develop their confidence and self-esteem in their early 20’s, when most men happen to still have a full head of hair. As men age and lose their hair, that confidence plummets.
The tricky thing with confidence is that its about being comfortable in your own skin. Regardless of the issue, not feeling comfortable or like yourself can wreak havoc on your self-esteem.
Our hair plays a big role in our overall appearance. If you look at two pictures of an individual one with hair and one without, they would hardly look like the same person. A full head of hair equals youth, health, and confidence.
Interestingly enough, it’s been found that just attempting to do something to resolve hair loss positively effects self-esteem and confidence.
Luckily, thanks to advancements in hair restoration, there are many options available to help men restore their hair and in turn, restore their confidence.
Here at Modena, we specialize in the medical management of hair loss, alternative methods to re-growing hair, as well as FUE and FUT/Strip methods of hair transplant surgery. If your hair loss has caused your confidence to dip, do something about it today and schedule a hair loss consultation. The road to restoring your confidence is closer than you think.
The link between age and hair loss
It’s probably not a surprise to hear there’s a link between age and hair loss. Most people know that as we age, we also lose hair. But why is that?
There’s still a lot we don’t know about hair loss. What we do know, is that as we age, the rate at which our hair grows decreases. Additionally, hair naturally thins with age. This is because more hairs enter the resting phase causing hair to grow less as well as less hairs to grow, giving an overall thinner feel and appearance.
Some men experience hair loss as early as their teens and 20s, while women typically experience hair loss around age 40. According to the AHLA, 2/3 of men experience hair loss by age 35 and over 4/5 of men experience hair loss by age 50.
Many other factors contribute to hair loss such as hormones, genes, stress, illness, and medical conditions. Unfortunately, as we age, our risk for these issues increases.
Although we can’t halt the aging process, we can fight back against hair loss. In order to protect and maintain your hair, it’s very important you don’t miss the first signs of hair loss.
According to Dr. Yazdan, the best way to fight hair loss is to prevent it and treat it right away. Utilizing medical management and alternative methods of hair restoration, you can keep the hair you have, protecting its health and maintaining the density, feel, and look. During a consultation with an experienced and certified hair restoration surgeon, you can assess your options in preventing hair loss.
Medical management options range from finasteride, minoxidil, and nizoral shampoo. Alternative methods include PRP treatment, laser therapy, and injections. If you’d like to learn more about what treatment options you’re a candidate for, give us a call today.
Are protein shakes causing your hair loss?
Many individuals who are active in the fitness world choose to follow up their work outs with a protein shake. Protein shakes are beneficial post-work out because they aid in muscle recovery quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately, recent research has shown that whey protein (the main component in most protein shakes) raises testosterone levels. This is problematic because testosterone has a direct impact on hair growth. And it’s not a positive one.
When testosterone is converted to DHT by an enzyme, it can suffocate hair follicles, causing miniaturization and progressive hair loss. It is believed that the higher amount of testosterone in your blood, the higher amount that is converted to DHT, and the more hair loss you may experience.
One contributing factor to the whey protein – hair loss connection, is the amount of whey protein fitness-minded individuals consume in an average day. Studies showed that the less whey protein consumed the less effect it had on testosterone and hair loss. But, active whey protein drinkers are consuming on average about triple the necessary amount of protein our bodies need. This excessive whey protein consumption is believed to cause hair loss rather quickly.
The good news is that when individuals stopped or reduced their whey protein intake, the hair loss virtually stopped and even regrew. If you regularly consume whey protein shakes and are concerned it may be causing your hair loss, consider pausing your post-work out protein shake routine and see how your hair reacts. Opt instead for lean turkey, quinoa, lentils, and vitamins which have shown to nourish and promote healthy hair.
While dietary adjustments can help some individuals who are experiencing recent and sudden hair loss, it is unlikely a diet change will have an impact on those with progressed or severe hair loss. If this is you, you may want to schedule a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon who specializes in the medical as well as alternative methods of regrowing hair. Give us a call today.
FUE vs. FUT/Strip – which hair transplant surgery method should you choose?
Many individuals researching hair transplant surgery as an option to restore their hair loss, have come across the two main methods of hair transplant surgery: FUE and FUT/Strip.
Before you can assess which method of surgery is best for you, you must first understand how the two methods work.
The FUE method of hair transplantation works by excising one hair follicle at a time from the donor area using a very small circular scalpel. These follicles are then transplanted one by one into the recipient area. When done properly and using the proper tools, these incisions are so tiny that once healed cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is why the FUE method of hair transplantation is sometimes referred to as virtually scarless.
The FUT/Strip method of hair transplantation works by excising a thin strip of the scalp in the donor area. Grafts are then microscopically dissected from the strip and placed in the recipient area. The area where the strip was removed is closed using modern tricophytic donor closure technique. When done properly, the scar is very fine and easily covered by the existing surrounding hair.
Typically, the FUT/Strip method of hair transplantation produces more grafts. Because there is a small scar left behind by the procedure, this method is more suitable for someone with a slightly longer hair style. Therefore, the FUT/Strip method is ideal for someone who has a slightly longer hair style and is need of a high number of grafts to reach their hair goals.
In general and when done properly, the FUE method is hair transplant is scarless. That means when the procedure is done and the patient is healed, no one should be able to tell you had a hair transplant surgery. This would be the ideal method for someone who likes to wear their hair short and doesn’t have advanced and severe hair loss/balding.
In order to determine which surgical method is best for you, you should meet with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon. During a consultation, you and the doctor can work together to pick the most effective hair transplant method for your hair type and goals.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to determine your hair transplant method, give us a call today.
Case Study – Botched Strip FUT Hair Transplant Surgery Repaired by Dr. Yazdan
Patient presented 1 year post-op with a scar that was the result of a botched Strip/FUT hair transplant. The patient was not satisfied with the results his previous surgeon had given him. As you can see, the scar is thick, wide, and very obvious. In addition, there was poor graft survival rate in the recipient zone. This patient had traveled abroad to get his surgery in an attempt to save money.
The appearance of our hair is directly tied to our confidence and self-esteem. Its no surprise that hair loss results in a lower self-confidence. When we are examining the effects of a botched surgery, the harm it has on an individual’s emotional and mental state is heightened. They go into a hair transplant surgery thinking the issue causing them stress will be resolved. Instead, they come out worse than before. The patient in this case study was extremely upset about the results of his surgery, rightfully so.
Dr. Yazdan took his case as a scar repair procedure. As seen in the before picture, the patient had no hair growth in the scarred area due to scar tissue. Dr. Yazdan transplanted grafts into the scar so that hair could grow in that area and cover the appearance of the scar. As seen in the after pictures, the patient now has full hair coverage throughout the scarred area. The patient states they feel immensely better, having a new sense of restored self-confidence and self-esteem.
Don’t let this be you! While hair restoration surgery is minimally invasive, it is still a medical surgery. That means your surgeon needs to be qualified and experienced. Do not hesitate to research and ask questions. A good hair transplant surgeon will take the time to walk you through the process and share their results with you. If you’d like to learn more about scar repair options, give us a call.
DHT – Is it causing your hair loss?
The majority of hair loss is caused by androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. To understand and treat this condition, we must first understand how it works.
Testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone or DHT by an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase that resides in our cells. DHT has many jobs but one of which is to control hair growth. It does this by binding to receptors on hair follicles.
We find that individuals with androgenic alopecia often have DHT bound to their scalp’s hair follicles. This binding actually causes hair loss by shrinking the follicles and suffocating the healthy hair so it is no longer able to survive. Eventually, it will shorten the hair growth cycle and prevent new hair from growing at all.
While the majority of DHT is found in our blood, it can also be found in sweat and sebum. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to wash your hair regularly, especially after sweating. This prevents the amount and length of time DHT sits on your scalp. DHT on the scalp clogs your pores and wreaks similar havoc on your hair follicles as it does when it is in your blood and binds to the receptors via cell transportation.
There are a few targeted treatments for hair loss caused by DHT; Nizoral shampoo, minoxidil (or Rogaine), and finasteride (or Propecia). These treatments have been shown to be effective in the majority of individuals who have DHT-caused hair loss and who use them properly and regularly.
Think you may have hair loss caused by DHT? If so, you’ll want to get started with medical management as soon as possible. Dr. Yazdan specializes in the medial management of hair loss and believes the best way to fight hair loss is to take an aggressive and consistent course of action. Give us a call for a medical management consultation today.
How to prevent chlorine from damaging your hair
As the summer season approaches, many people find themselves spending more time in the pool to cool off. While swimming is fun, family-friendly, and a great work-out, it’s no secret it wreaks havoc on your hair.
This havoc is caused by the chlorine in the water. Chlorine is a chemical used to kill bacteria in the pool, keeping it clean and safe for use. Unfortunately, a side effect is that the harsh chemical irritates our skin, eyes, hair, and even clothes.
Chlorine harms your hair by stripping the natural oils from it which act as a protective barrier. This in turn causes hair to become dry and brittle.
Enduring a hot summer without the relief of a pool is not the life any of us want to live. So, what can you do to protect your hair from the damage cause by chlorine? Below is a list of easy ways to maintain your hair’s health while also enjoying your pool day.
- Apply hair product prior to taking a dip in the pool. Coating your locks with an oil-based product will not only add shine but will also hydrate your thirsty hair. More oil on the air means more protectant from the harmful chlorine.
- Rinse hair in the shower prior to swimming. Your hair can only absorb so much water (similar to a sponge). If your hair is wet prior to entering the pool, it will absorb less chlorine-filled pool water. This in turn means less damage.
- Apply a protective cap. While swim caps aren’t the most stylish of pool-side swimwear, they do offer protection.
- Try a specialty shampoo post-pool. Thanks to some crafty hair-care companies, there are now shampoos that can help rid your hair of chlorine deposits that like to stick around.
How does Minoxidil (Rogaine) work to stop hair loss?
Minoxidil or Rogaine is an anti-hypertensive vasodilator (high blood pressure) medication. In its topical form, its used to treat hair loss caused by androgen alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
Minoxidil works by widening the hair follicles. This in turn creates thicker hair strands. Further, it prolongs the anagen state of hair growth which allows more hair strands to develop grow. Overall this increases hair density and creates thicker, fuller hair.
The efficacy of the medication ranges from 40%-60%. In other words, 40%-60% of individuals who use the medication see results. Minoxidil should be used on a consistent and regular basis to see noticeable results. It must be used indefinitely in order to continue seeing the results the medication provides.
Side effects have been reported such as itching, burning, redness, irritation, and allergic reactions. Some individuals have reported an increase in hair loss symptoms. But in general, minoxidil is safe and effective when used properly.
Minoxidil is a great treatment method to help stop the progression of hair loss. Dr. Yazdan believes when you’re in the throes of hair loss, the most important thing to do is protect and maintain the hairs you still have. This is because once a hair follicle dies, there is no bringing it back. Therefore, minoxidil nor any other medication can reverse hair loss in individuals whose hair follicles have died (in other words, someone whose hair loss has progressed).
Minoxidil is also a great treatment method used in conjunction with PRP therapy, laser therapy, and hair transplant surgery. The medication can increase the efficacy of the treatments, allowing you to see more results faster.
If you are suffering from hair loss and would like to learn if you’re a candidate for minoxidil or a more intensive course of treatment, give us a call for a medical management consultation.
