When it comes to Hair loss, genetics are the main culprit. However there are a number of other variables that come into play. Stress, medical treatments and conditions can also cause or speed up baldness.  Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, is one of the main causes for male pattern baldness. An increase in DHT causes hair follicles on the head to “burn”. Once those hair follicles fall out, they are replaced by thinner hair. This process happens until there is no new growth. Regardless of the cost, there are many solutions to hair loss. Below are some of the top treatments and procedures:

Light Therapy: This includes the use of different spectrums of light to help strengthen hair. Note, this will not prevent hair loss or create new growth, but will strengthen existing hair.

Strip Surgery: Strip harvesting removes the scalp with the hairs in strips and then transplants the harvested strips to the bald areas. There is downtime and visible scarring.

Topical Treatment:  Minoxidil is the most popular topical treatment, It comes in both a foam and a liquid that is applied to the crown of the head. Minoxidil prevents hair loss; however, once the treatment is stopped, hair loss will continue. Note that Minoxidil hasn’t been approved for the frontal temporal area of the head, only the crown.

Prescription Medication:  Propecia is an oral med that stops hair loss in men and women. It is important to note that there are side effects with this drug and once the drug is discontinued, hair loss will continue.

FUE:  Follicular Unit Extraction is a minimally invasive procedure where small incisions are made to the donor area of the head and units of hair follicles are extracted. The hairs are transplanted in the recipient site. Scars are nearly invisible and there is minimal downtime.

NeoGraft: This is the only technology using the FUE method that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The award-winning surgical instrument extracts hair follicles from dense areas of hair growth and immediately implants them in thin or balding areas of the scalp. An experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Mulholland creates a plan for the future, calculating how many grafts are available in the donor area and how much hair loss has already taken place.  To stabilize hair loss in the donor area, medications such as Propecia and Minoxidil are used in some scenarios.  It is not uncommon for recipients to want a second hair transplant session after 1 year has passed and they are able to see the fullness of their new head of hair.  This is not because the first transplant was not successful, but because they liked the results and want more.