It’s true that many men look great with a bald head but it’s certainly not a look many can pull off. While it may sound superficial, hair loss can be quite difficult to deal with for many who suffer from androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. Despite the latter term for it, both men and women are affected. There are many questions patients ask Dr. Thompson regarding hair loss treatment that we’ve compiled in today’s post.
1) Is Male Pattern Baldness Hereditary?
Male pattern baldness can be inherited from either parent, despite the myth that it comes from the mother’s side.
2) How early can men – and women – start losing their hair?
Hair loss can begin as early as late adolescence, which is especially difficult.
3) How effective is Rogaine (Minoxidil)?
Rogaine has been around for many years and works well to slow down or halt the progression of hair loss. But it doesn’t typically regrow hair. I typically recommend Rogaine in conjunction with hair transplant surgery.
4) How effective is Propecia?
Propecia is another medication I often recommend in conjunction with hair restoration surgery though it can be used alone to keep hair loss at bay or prolong the need for surgery. There are concerns, such as sexual side effects like impotence or low libido, that can occur so I always discuss the possibility with my patients prior to prescribing it. Propecia can also alter ones PSA level, the prostate specific antigen, which is used as a screen test for prostate cancer, and shouldn’t be handled by pregnant women.
People do find it easy to take, as it’s just one pill a day, and most tolerate the medication okay with little to no side-effects.
5) How effective is the laser comb device?
The FDA has cleared a laser device called the HairMax. You have to use it several times a week, typically for 10-15 minutes and instructions differ with different models out there. It does seem to work for some people who are looking to slow male pattern baldness. It’s not for patients who have already lost a considerable amount of hair they are looking to regain.
6) What do you recommend for patients who have lost a lot of hair?
To restore ones hair line and thickness, hair restoration provides incredibly natural results and can be done through a variety of techniques depending on the needs and concerns of the patient. Women can also have hair transplant surgery.
7) What is Neograft?
Neograft involves micrografting, or follicular unit extraction. One follicle is taken out at a time versus a full strip of hair – with FUT – that is dissected to prepare follicles for transplantation. The punches are very small so not scars remain and the results are very natural.