The Ultimate Guide to Hair Loss Treatments – Bosley
How you decide to treat hair loss depends first and foremost on the cause of your hair thinning, then your level of hair loss, your budget, and the results you hope to achieve. Some people choose hair transplant surgery as a permanent solution, while others opt for non-surgical solutions, which are mostly laser therapy and medications that must be taken continuously to maintain results. Some may choose to wear hair systems, wigs (or toupees) or use other methods of hairstyling to conceal as much hair thinning and hair loss as possible.
When hair loss is an effect of an illness, medicines, or stress, then treating the illness, changing or stopping intake of the medicines, or managing stress should stop the hair loss and in time, hair should grow back at its own natural pace. Here we’ll explore the various types of hair loss treatments available and the pros and cons of each, which will help guide your selection of a hair loss solution.
HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SURGERY
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves the moving of hair follicles from the donor area that is resistant to the hormones that cause hair loss (DHT) and placing these follicles in recipient areas where the hair is thinning and more hair is needed. This procedure can recreate one’s once youthful hairline, and restore one’s hair fully, in the most natural-looking way possible. In the hands of experienced and skilled physicians, hair transplantation results should be undetectable, in addition to being permanent. Hair follicles are removed from the scalp using either the follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or the follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques. The only difference between the two techniques is in how hair follicles are harvested, as the transplantation process and the natural placements of the grafts are done the same skillful and artistic way with either method. Today, hair transplant surgery is the only permanent treatment option for hair loss and is the only way one can regain a youthful hairline. Learn more about hair transplantation solutions at Bosley.
Hair Loss Medications
For those seeking non-surgical solutions, there are many different medications available aimed to treat hair loss, both over-the-counter as well as by prescription. Finasteride (Propecia®) is available by prescription only and the pill is to be taken once a day. Propecia works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to DHT (the hormone that is most likely to trigger hair loss) in your body. This product is intended to be used to combat male pattern baldness. Propecia is ONLY prescribed for men and is not to be used by women or children. The key to enjoying the full benefits of this medication is continued use. Stopping usage will likely mean losing the hair you have re-grown within 12 months of discontinuing use.
Minoxidil (Rogaine®) is available without a prescription and is applied directly on the scalp two times per day. Although the exact cause is not yet determined, scientists believe Minoxidil treats hair loss by dilating blood vessels on the scalp, which can improve the function of scalp cells and stimulate more hair growth. The solution does slow down the progression of hair loss and it can help regrow hair for those in the earlier stages of hair loss. However, the results are not permanent and hair regrowth will stop unless you continue using the product religiously as directed. Unlike Propecia®, Minoxidil is also hair loss in women.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser treatment can stimulate hair growth at certain wavelengths by increasing blood flow to the scalp and reducing inflammation in the hair follicles. Low-level laser therapy is a very safe form of light treatment that can be used in both men and women suffering from hair loss, including genetic forms of hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia or pattern balding. This treatment is available as in-salon hoods, head caps, or hand-held devices. Bosley Medical offers the Theradome Laser Helmet™ for hair loss, which are both FDA approved for home use.
There are many different treatments available for treating hair loss, and Bosley Medical offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options to ensure the best results, comfort, and safety of our patients. Request a free information kit to learn more about available treatment options, or contact a Bosley office near you to schedule a consultation and determine the best hair loss treatment for your hair loss classification.
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What to do next?
To learn more about your hair restoration options and the average hair transplant timeline, The Complete Book on Hair Restoration, to see how great your hair can look. If you’re ready to do something about that bald spot or thinning hair now, schedule a FREE in-person or video consultation with a trained Bosley hair restoration specialist. Together with a Bosley Physician, we can help you find out what’s causing your balding and what treatment solution is right for you.