Non-surgical Hair Replacement
Topical Treatments
Currently only two hair restoration medications, namely Minoxidil (Rogaine®) and Finasteride (Propecia®) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after appropriate double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Many products are advertised and marketed with a claim for hair restoration, but few have ever been subjected to the clinical trials necessary with proven safety and efficacy.
Rogaine Minoxidil (Rogaine®) — a topical solution is available over-the-counter in 2% and 5% strengths. The efficacy of Minoxidil varies among different individuals. When effective, Minoxidil can retard hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Its mechanism of action is not well understood. Best results with minoxidil are often achieved by combining the topical solution with hair restoration surgery.
Finasteride (Propecia®) — a prescription oral medication that prevents and retards hair loss. It is a competitive and specific inhibitor of Type II 5 alpha reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone DHT in the peripheral tissues. Research has shown that hairs on the front and on the vertex are ultra sensitive to dihydrotestosterone DHT that causes baldness. Finasteride is one of the treatment options for male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should not be taken by women. Women of child-bearing age, or women who are pregnant or desire to become pregnant should not handle Finasteride, as it could cause abnormalities of a male baby’s sex organs. Like any other medications, the efficacy of Finasteride varies among individuals. Finasteride works best for early to moderate degrees of hair loss. Men with extensive hair loss are unlikely to regrow all their hair, giving the treatment very limited benefit. Regrowth associated with Finasteride is better over the crown of the scalp than at the frontal receding hairline. Our experience tells us that Finasteride is most effective when used in conjunction with hair transplantation.
Scalp Laser Hair Treatment
The LaserCAP we use at MI Hair Restoration for Hair Restoration is a medical device that emits low level controlled laser energy. It stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair follicle re-growth. It is an ideal treatment for individuals with an early stage of hair loss. Although it is not intended to treat advanced hair loss, the LaserCAP may be used either on pre-operative and/or post-operative patients to improve the results of hair restoration surgery. Post hair transplant patients obtain the most hair growth with regular scalp laser exposure.
Platelet Rich Plasma PRP
Platelet Rich Plasma PRP is one of the latest trends in non-surgical hair loss treatment. PRP therapy offers a promising solution to accelerate cell growths without subjecting the patient to significant risk. Normally, 55% of our blood’s volume is made up of plasma. Plasma is the relatively clear yellow tinted fluid in the blood that carries the red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets are small irregularly shaped clear cell fragments that are a rich natural source of growth factors. Growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation and maturation. They are important for regulating cellular processes and act as signaling molecules between cells by binding to specific receptors on the surface of their target cells. There are several growth factors found in the platelets that carry individual unique properties. For example, bone growth factor stimulates bone cell differentiation, while fibroblast and endothelial growth factor stimulate blood vessel differentiation. And hair growth factors stimulate hair follicle differentiation and hair growth. It is the hair growth factors that we bank on when we inject the Platelet Rich Plasma PRP on the scalp. We have seen remarkable hair growth in our patients treated with PRP. Multiple studies are underway to help further refine the treatment and demonstrate its efficacy.