Hair Loss – Understand Your Treatment Options

Reviewed by Yael Halaas, MD

Hair loss  is common among men and women. Today's hair transplants are much more inconspicuous than their predecessors, but they are not the only hair loss treatment option available today.

Here's a snapshot of other options that are out there:

Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription medication that slows hair loss and stimulates hair re-growth in men. This medication is part of a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that block the body's production of a male hormone. Propecia is also used to treat enlarged prostate glands. It is not approved for use in women.

• Propecia Cost: Prices vary, so shop around.
• Propecia Results: Apparent in three months. Results last only as long as you take Propecia.
• Propecia Risks: Allergic reactions, problems with ejaculation, breast tenderness and enlargement, testicular pain. Report any changes in your breasts (lumps, pain, or nipple discharge) to your doctor immediately. Women who are or may be pregnant should not handle Propecia. The active ingredient in Propecia is linked to abnormalities in a male baby’s sex organs.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical solution that reverses the hair shrinking process and stimulates re-growth on the top of the scalp. It works by targeting the hair follicles. Minoxidil is FDA-approved to treat male and female hair loss. This treatment was developed from the oral blood pressure medication minoxidil (Loniten).

• Minoxidil Cost: The brand name Rogaine costs $29.95 for a one month supply. Generic versions are cheaper.
• Minoxidil Results: Men typically see results within four months. Women must use this product twice daily for at least four months before seeing results. The results last only as long as you use the product.
• Minoxidil Risks: Dry scalp, irritation, flaky and/or itchy skin, changes in hair color or texture, blood pressure changes.

Latisse is FDA-approved to foster eyelash growth. The active ingredient in Latisse is called bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%. This is the same ingredient used in the glaucoma drug Lumigan. Due to anecdotal reports of hair growth among Latisse users, manufacturer Allergan Inc. is launching a trial that looks at the use of a related product for moderate male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss. There is no information available yet on potential costs, risks or results when using this agent for hair loss.

Laser devices such as brushes, combs and other hand-held devices may stimulate hair growth by emitting low level laser light. Some surgeons are using these devices in conjunction with hair transplants.

• Cost: Varies based on device.
• Results: Vary based on device
• Risks: Vary based on device

Other Hair Loss Surgeries

Scalp reduction is a procedure during which your surgeon removes all or a part of your bald scalp and brings the hair-bearing scalp closer to minimize your bald spot. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with hair transplantation.

• Scalp Reduction Cost: $2,500 to $5,000
• Scalp Reduction Results: Almost immediate, but takes time for scars to heal
• Scalp Reduction Risks: Tissue death, bad scarring

Scalp expansion involves the insertion of tissue expanders under your scalp for about one month. Saline water is added to the expanders at regular intervals to stretch out your skin. Scalp expansion makes the scalp looser and more amenable to scalp reduction or a hair transplant. It can also be performed as a standalone procedure to stretch hair-bearing areas.

• Scalp Expansion Cost:  $8,500 to $12,000, including facility and anesthesia fees
• Scalp Expansion Results: One month to six weeks for the expander
• Scalp Expansion Risks: The expanded area may not be large enough to cover the bald area; scarring

Scalp flaps are another option. During this procedure, a hair-bearing segment of your scalp (not just a follicular unit or units) is surgically moved and placed where hair is needed.

• Scalp Flaps Cost: Between $2,500 and $5,000
• Scalp Flaps Results:  Instant
• Scalp Flaps Risks: Tissue death, unnatural aesthetics

Hair Loss Treatments: How Do You Decide?

There’s no way to say for sure which hair loss treatment(s) will work for you without consulting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with experience treating hair loss. This important decision is based on many factors, including your sex, the cause of your hair loss, the pattern of your baldness, the availability of donor hair, and your budget.

Choosing a Surgeon

The idea of discussing such a personal matter with a stranger may cause you to feel self-conscious and anxious. All About Facial Rejuvenation hopes to take some of the stress out of the process by helping you find a sensitive surgeon who will sympathize with your situation and offer discrete counsel and effective treatments. To find a skilled, compassionate surgeon near you, click here or on the right side of this page.

Hair loss treatments is just one topic covered on All About Facial Rejuvenation, a consumer resource dedicated to providing patients with educational information about numerous topics, including Botox injections, facelift cost, eyelid surgery risks and rhinoplasty types. Please peruse the site to learn more about these and other procedures.

Contact Us | About Us | Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Statement

 

(Updated on 05/08/2012)
© 2009 - 2012 Ceatus Media Group LLC Images and text on this site belong to Ceatus Media Group. Copying or reproducing any text or graphics from this website is strictly prohibited by copyright law. Please read our copyright infringement policy.