by by @drMishi DHMS (RHMS)
A significant portion of the population suffers from hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia. It has a negative impact on self-esteem and causes distress for the individual. Numerous advancements in hair loss treatment have been made over the years, offering hope to those seeking effective solutions. Various hair loss treatment options are discussed in this blog, including the latest developments and emerging therapies.
1. Minoxidil topical:
It is widely known that topical minoxidil is a very effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Hair growth is promoted by rejuvenating hair follicles, extending anagen (growth) phase, and improving blood flow to the scalp with this over-the-counter medication. Women and men have demonstrated increased efficacy when stronger formulations, such as minoxidil with 5% concentration, have been introduced.
2. Medications taken orally:
It has also proven successful in preventing hair loss when used in conjunction with finasteride, an oral medication primarily used to treat enlarged prostate glands. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that causes hair follicle shrinkage and is converted to testosterone by this medication. However, finasteride may have potentially dangerous side effects that should be carefully considered, particularly in men.
3. Therapy with platelet-rich plasma (PRP):
The PRP procedure involves extracting the patient's blood, separating the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it into the scalp. Hair growth is stimulated by PRP which contains growth factors that nourish the hair follicles, improve their health, and extend the growth phase. As it is non-invasive and offers promising results, this procedure has become increasingly popular in recent years.
4. Techniques for hair transplantation:
One of the most effective long-term solutions to hair loss is hair transplantation. Transplanting follicular units (FUT) and removing follicular units (FUE) are two popular techniques. For FUT, a strip of scalp is removed and dissected into individual follicular units. In contrast, FUE involves removing individual follicular units directly from the donor area. The precision and efficiency of these techniques have been further enhanced by advanced robotic systems.
Laser Low-Level Therapy (LLLT):
LLLT stimulates hair growth by emitting low-energy laser beams through laser devices or combs. Hair follicles receive more blood flow when the laser penetrates the scalp and energises the cells. It has been demonstrated that LLLT can slow down hair loss and promote regrowth in some individuals even though the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Treatments based on stem cells:
Hair loss treatments using stem cells are emerging. By injecting stem cells into the scalp, these innovative approaches aim to stimulate hair growth. The regenerative properties of stem cells are responsible for the repair and rejuvenation of tissues. Future hair loss treatments may benefit from stem cell therapies, which are still in the early stages of research and development.
In conclusion:
With advancements in hair loss treatments, individuals with androgenetic alopecia now have more options than ever before. A variety of treatment options are available to patients, including topical medications like minoxidil and oral medications like finasteride, as well as innovative procedures such as PRP therapy, hair transplantation, low-level laser therapy, and stem cell-based treatments. To determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual needs and preferences, it is imperative to consult with a qualified medical professional or dermatologist.