Currently, two medications are approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss: finasteride (Propecia®) and minoxidil (Rogaine®). Finasteride is an oral medication that is successful in retarding hair loss in men. In some patients, it will actually thicken existing hair and regrow hair that appears to have been lost. The drug works by reducing the levels of DHT in your body, a hormone that causes hair loss. Dutasteride is another effective DHT blocker that is also used (off-label).
Minoxidil is available as a topical solution for use by both men and women, and can also be taken orally (off-label). Minoxidil works by directly stimulating hair growth.
These drugs are most effective in patients who are thinning and not already bald. If successful, they need to be continued indefinitely. Most hair regrowth occurs on the back of the head (crown), but improvement can also be seen in the front (hairline) and mid-scalp.
There is also some evidence to suggest that shampoos containing either zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole may be effective in retarding hair loss by reducing inflammation in the scalp.
PRP is a concentrated solution of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood that contains high levels of growth factors and cytokines, which promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. It is injected directly into the scalp, where the platelets become activated and release multiple growth factors, including PDGF, TGF, VEGF and interleukin. PRFM is a next-generation version of PRP in which a fibrin scaffold traps PRP and releases it slowly over time. Since PRP and PRFM come from the patient’s own blood, the treatments are drug-free, there is no chance of allergic reactions, and they are completely natural. PRP may also be used during the hair transplant procedure to reduce healing time and enhance hair growth.
Nutrafol is a drug free hair growth supplement that has been effective in improving hair density, hair quality and over all hair health with virtually no side effects. With bio-active antioxidants, anti-stress and anti-inflammatory ingredients Nutrafol is a significant addition to our treatment of thinning hair.
Low level laser light therapy is an FDA cleared treatment for hair loss that works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulating the metabolism within the dermal papilla cells which promotes hair growth. These devices are conveniently worn under a hat and are available in our offices.
Scalp micropigmentation is a unique non-surgical technique where bio-absorbable pigment is introduced into the scalp to create the look of thicker fuller hair. It can be used to thicken thinning hair and to camouflage scars. This procedure, which can only be performed by a highly skilled professional, is now available in our office under the supervision of Dr. Cohen.
For the majority of patients with significant hair loss, medical treatment alone is not the answer. But when used in conjunction with hair transplantation, it may further improve the overall results of hair replacement surgery. During your personal consultation, Dr. Cohen will discuss with you whether any of these medical treatments should be added to your treatment plan.
