• How hair loss medication can inhibit DHT and Alopecia Areata

    Propecia or Avodart

    If you are going bald you should seriously consider hair loss medication treatments to halt or even reverse your hair loss. While there is no “Hair Loss Cure”, hair loss drugs like finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) can often stop or even reverse alopecia areata in most people.

    However, just like any other drug, Propecia is accompanied by a list of potential side effects, some of which have been more recently reported as potentially long term.  You can read more about this in the "What About Side Effects" section further down this page.

    Studies have shown that 80% of men using Propecia stopped or even reversed their hair loss to some degree. Preliminary clinical trials for Avodart appear even more effective than Propecia.

    However, neither Propecia nor Avodart has been proven to restore hair in the frontal areas. For reasons yet unknown these drugs, along with Rogaine, only generally work in regrowing thinning hair in crown area of the scalp. Only hair transplant surgery has been successful in restoring hair in the frontal hairline area once it has been lost.

    Propecia and Avodart are also less effective in growing hair in older men. These hair loss drugs work best for men who have been balding for less than five years.

    Women must NOT USE Propecia

    Both Propecia and Avodart are not recommended for use by women or children.

    It’s been found that these drugs can cause birth defects. More specifically, these birth defects may occur when large amounts of the drug are absorbed into the body during the period of foetal development.

    Physicians advise pregnant women to not handle Propecia tablets, as this may harm male foetuses. But as of yet, there has not been a single reported case of birth defects caused by handling these tablets.

    Furthermore, there’s also no evidence that pregnant women exposed to the semen of Propecia or Avodart patients will risk any birth defects.

    Propecia and Avodart are also not advisable for men with liver disease or prostate cancer.

    Get a Prescription for Propecia or Avodart.

    Often our member physicians will prescribe Propecia or Avodart to halt a patient’s hair loss and then restore the hair already lost with hair transplant surgery. These treatments in combination can work synergistically. The drugs work to halt the hair loss, while hair restoration surgery restores what was lost.

    To get a prescription for Propecia or Avodart schedule a free no obligation consultation with any of our quality hair restoration physicians. Find a physician in your area.

    Propecia and Avodart should be taken once a day. It has been found that after two years of treatment, Propecia effectively grows hair in about 66% of patients. Also, about 83% of the subjects receiving this treatment continue to maintain their existing hair after two years.

    Propecia (Finasteride) was originally a drug called Proscar, which was used to treat and reduce men's prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

    Its parent company, Merck & Co., soon realized that the drug had a unique side effect - it grew hair on bald men's heads.

    In December 22, 1997 the FDA approved Propecia as a hair loss pill. Merck & Co. then marketed the drug as a hair loss treatment under the trade name of Propecia.

    More recently Dutasteride, sold as Avodart, has generated interest as a promising new hair loss medication. Like finasteride (Propecia) it inhibits the creation of DHT and was originally developed as a treatment for men’s prostate condition.

    However, unlike Propecia, Avodart inhibits the creation of both type one and type two 5 alpha reductase enzymes. Dutasteride has been shown to decrease levels of DHT by 90% after only two weeks, making it a more powerful and faster acting weapon against hair loss than Propecia (Finasteride).

    Dutasteride is not yet FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. However, some hair restoration physicians also prescribe it for the treatment of hair loss. Like Propecia, Avodart is not safe for women and children.

    Sticking with the program to see results

    Losing your hair took time. So too will regrowing your hair using Propecia or Avodart. These drugs require patients to take the drug daily for at least three months before any obvious changes will be noticeable. Most physicians advise taking these drugs for a year before evaluating their effectiveness.

    At this time, Propecia and Avodart are only available by prescription. Our member physicians are available to discuss these hair loss drugs with you and prescribe them if appropriate. To find a quality hair restoration physician in your area.

    Other DHT Blockers

    Aside from Propecia and Dutasteride, there are other treatment options (all topical) that may or may not work to block the effects of DHT on vulnerable hair follicles. These include Revivogen, Crinagen, Progesterone Creams, and Xandrox (a type of minoxidil). Other DHT Blockers

    To learn more about these treatments, as well as all other topical options, visit our Topical Hair Loss Products and Treatments section.

    How hair loss drugs inhibit DHT and Alopecia Areata

    Baldness is largely the result of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) interacting with those hair follicles that are genetically vulnerable to their effects.

    DHT is essentially the active ingredient or catalyst for the hair loss process. DHT binds with the receptor sites of genetically vulnerable follicles and gradually degrades the follicles ability to produce healthy hair. This eventually results in baldness in the affected areas.

    Hair loss drugs like Propecia or Avodart work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing the amount of DHT present in the scalp the hair loss process is slowed and in some cases even reversed.

    What about side effects?

    Up until a couple of years ago, side effects when taking Propecia or Avodart were only considered temporary. However, over the last several years, many me have reported ongoing side effects from Propecia even after stopping treatment.  This more permanent condition has become known as "Post Finasteride Syndrome" or (PFS). Side effects included but aren't limited to reduced semen production, a reduced libido and softer erections.

    As a result, in April of 2012, the FDA mandated labeling changes to finasteride related products.  Labeling changes to Propecia include "libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders that continued after discontinuation of the drug".  Labeling changes to Proscar include "decreased libido that continued after discontinuation of the drug".  Labeling changes to both Propecia and Proscar include "reports of male infertility and/or poor semen quality that normalized or improved after drug discontinuation".

    While most men don't experience any side effects at all, it should be known that a small percentage of men may experience persistent side effects even after stopping treatment.  Most men who experience side effects however, only experience them temporarily and stopping treatment makes them go away.

    For a list of potential side effects and more information on Post Finasteride Syndrome", visit http://www.pfsfoundation.org/.

  • Dr. Rafael De Freitas

    Dr. Rafael De Freitas
    Dr. Rafael De Freitas
    Dr. De Freitas is an expert in performing Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). He's regarded as one of the world's best FUE surgeons. He performs dense-packed ultra-refined follicular unit grafting at an affordable price.
  • Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation - Step by Step

    Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation - Step by Step

    We believe that patients have a right to full disclosure and a complete understanding of exactly what hair restoration surgery involves.

    This step by step presentation shows how today’s state of the art follicular unit hair transplant procedure is typically performed.

    Step 1 - hair transplant donor area

    Patient is prepared for surgery

    During surgery hair follicles from the back of the head that are genetically resistant to going bald will be removed and relocated (transplanted) to the balding areas.

    Step 2 - Patient is prepared for surgery

    Donor area is trimmed

    Prior to surgery, the hair in donor area that will be surgically removed is trimmed.

    Donor area is prepared for surgery

    Once the donor area has been prepared it is given local anesthesia.

    Donor tissue is removed

    Donor tissue is removed

    The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed.

    Donor area is sutured

    Donor area is sutured

    The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed.

    Hair combed over sutures

    Hair combed over sutures

    When patient’s hair is combed over the donor area the sutures are not visible. These sutures are typically removed approximately ten days after surgery.

    Donor tissue is trimmed into follicular unit grafts

    Donor tissue is trimmed into follicular unit grafts

    Surgical technicians then use microscopes to view the donor tissue in order to dissect and prepare follicular units hair grafts.

    Bald recipient area is prepared

    Bald recipient area is prepared

    After being given local anesthesia, the balding recipient area is ready for surgery. No trimming or shaving of hair is needed in the top recipient area.

    Incisions are made in the balding areas

    Incisions are made in the balding areas

    Tiny incisions are made in the recipient areas in irregular patterns that mimic nature. The follicular unit grafts will then be placed carefully into these tiny incisions.

    Grafts are placed into the incisions

    Grafts are placed into the incisions

    Follicular unit grafts are gently placed into the recipient incisions.

    Grafts are placed in varying densities

    Grafts are placed in varying densities

    Typically the smallest one and two hair grafts are placed in the very front of the hairline, with three and four hair grafts placed behind them.

    Patient immediately following surgery

    Patient immediately following surgery

    Following surgery a patient will have hundreds of tiny incisions with short hair stubble showing from the new grafts.

    Close up of recipient area after surgery

    Close up of recipient area after surgery

    The tiny graft incisions heal rapidly. The redness and scabbing in the recipient area normally clears up within about one week.

  • Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA)

    Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA)

    Diffuse Hair Loss and How to Treat It

    Unlike male pattern baldness (MPB) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL), which tends to follow one of the hair loss patterns defined by the NorwoodScale and the LudwigScale, Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) is characterized by diffuse thinning throughout the front, crown and vertex(crown) with no distinct pattern evident. However, like male and female pattern balding,Diffuse Patterned Alopecia patients typically preserve the stable "permanent zone" on the sides and back of the scalp and may sometimes retain a well-defined hairline. DPA is also a type of hereditary balding condition like and rogenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss).

    Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) can be difficult to diagnose and, particularly in its early stages, may be confused with a similar condition known as Diffused Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA). While both conditions are characterized by diffuse thinning, DUPA sufferers lack the stable permanent zone necessary for surgical hair restoration.

    Treatment for Diffuse Patterned Alopecia

    DPA often responds well to medical hair loss treatments like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine(minoxidil) and, due to the preservation of the permanent donor region, many DPA sufferers are candidates for hairrestoration surgery.

    Conclusion

    It’s essential that hair loss suffering men and women seeking medical and/or surgical treatment for diffuse thinning consult with a skilled and experienced hair restoration physician. Differentiating between DPA and DUPA is critical because Diffuse Patterned Alopecia patients frequently make good hair transplant candidates, whereas DUPA patients rarely do.

  • Robert J. Dorin, DO, ABHRS

    Dr. Robert Dorin
    Dr. Robert Dorin
    Robert J. Dorin, DO has been a specialist in hair restoration since 2002 and a member of our network since 2006. He offers advanced FUE and FUT procedures as well as PRP therapy. Prospective patients seek out Dr. Dorin for his personalized care and ultra-refined results.
  • Tricomin Follicle Therapy Spray, Shampoo and Conditioner

    Tricomin hair loss treatment

    Tricomin pack

    Tricomin is an all natural hair loss treatment designed for both men and women with thinning hair to stimulate hair regrowth and improve the appearance of thinning hair. It can also be used in conjunction with with Rogainehair regrowth treatment.

    Tricomin Solution Follicle Therapy Spray combines the benefits of the Triamino Copper Nutritional Complex with an exceptional leave-in conditioner. The therapy spray enriches your hair and scalp with a unique blend of mineral and body-building ingredients and essential amino acids. Spraying the therapy spray liberally after shampooing daily will condition and treat your hair and scalp. It's recommended to apply this product to damp or dry hair.

    The Tricomin Revitalizing Shampoo stimulates and restores health, structure, and vitality to thinning, fine, and damaged hair. It's recommended to use the Revitalizing Shampoo daily, gently massaging it into moistened hair scalp, leaving on for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. A second application may be made if desired.
    The Restructuring Conditioner uses a unique moisture and nutrient-rich framework to help restore your hair's natural mineral and protein balance. This conditioner helps to add structure and body onto thinning and/or damaged hair.

    For best results, use all three Tricomin products in conjunction with one another. All 3 Tricomin products is called the Tricomin TricoPak.

    How It Works:

    Al three Tricomin products contain the active ingredient copper peptides. Scientific evidence suggests that copper peptides can shorten the shedding (telogen) phase and elongate the growth (anagen) phase of the follicles. Partial FDA trials showed Tricomin products' effectiveness in promoting new hair growth.

    Developing Realistic Expectations:

    Tricomin copper peptide technology may provide marginal benefit to men and women with thinning hair. To date, only surgical hair restoration is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas.  You are invited to have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians.

    Ingredients

    Tricomin Follicle Therapy Spray:  Purified Water, SD Alcohol 40B, Amodimethicone, Nonoxynol-10, Panthenol, Polyquaternium-11, Polysorbate 60, Tallowtrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate, Linoleamidopropyl Ethyl Dimonium Ethosulfate, Triamino Copper Nutritional Complex (Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypetide Copper HCl), Methylparaben, Benzethonium Chloride, Menthol, FD&C Blue #1.

    Tricomin Revitalizing Shampoo: Purified Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocomidopropyl Betaine, Ceteth-16, Glycerin, Laneth-16, Oleth-16, Steareth-16, PEG-75 Lanolin, Sodium Chloride, Triamino Copper Nutritional Complex (Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypetide Copper HCl), Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panthenol, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Propylparaben, Peppermint Oil, D&C Red #33, FD&C Blue #1.

    Tricomin Restructuring Conditioner: Purified Water, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Dimethylamine, Triamino Copper Nutritional Complex (Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypetide Copper HCl), Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Aloe Vera Gel, Soydimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydroxylyzed Wheat Protein, Hydroxylyzed Keratin, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Peppermint Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholecalciferol, Retinyl Palmitate, Vegetable Oil, FD&C Blue #1, D&C Red #33.

  • Dr. Matt Egan

    Dr. Matt Egan
    Dr. Egan
    Dr. Matt Egan is a distinguished hair restoration surgeon based in the UK. Dr. Matt Egan's combination of surgical expertise, dedication to natural aesthetics, and personalized patient care make him a highly regarded choice for individuals seeking hair transplant procedures.
  • Recoverup: A Revolutionary Stem Cell Treatment or Hair Loss Hype?

    Female hair loss

    It seems that lately, new hair loss treatments based on “revolutionary scientific research” hit the rumor mill on a monthly basis. Some of these treatments come to light via reputable scientific journals while others, like Recoverup, materialize one day with a flashy website, a lot of promises and very little verifiable data. Recoverup is a UK based company that claims to offer stem cell treatments for hair loss through clinics in Taipei, Taiwan and Penang, Malaysia. According to their website, this treatment is so quick and easy it can be performed in a single day with startling results visible in only one month. Does this sound too good to be true?

    Recoverup’s baldness treatment process claims to rely upon Autologous Adipose Adult Stem Cells (AAA). Unlike controversial embryonic stem cell treatments, Autologous Adipose Stem Cells are derived from the patient’s own fat cells through a small liposuction procedure and are then grown into a culture to increase volume. These stem cells are then “differentiated” with “growth factors” and injected into the scalp in order to induce new hair growth. This multistage process from extraction to injection can be performed in two appointments scheduled in the same day.

    The question is, does Recoverup’s baldness treatment really grow hair? They state that “Empirical data indicates patients would expect to see at least 40% of all treated areas showing one of four results; (1) darker hair (2) thicker hair (3) faster growing hair or (4) more hair per follicle. Overall the effect is of more volume, and density, in those areas which were treated.” However, the Recoverup website offers very little in the way of photo documentation. The few photos that are presented are of poor quality and covered in text making them very difficult to evaluate.

    The estimated cost for the one day hair loss treatment is between $8,000 and $13,000 depending upon the area to be treated. However, if the area to be treated is sufficiently large enough to merit a second day of treatments then this fee increases. Recoverup states that the long-term effects of the treatment are unknown and are dependent upon such factors as the patient’s age and quality of the source stem cells. “However, as a general guide, in other areas of stem cell treatment, data indicates approximately 3-5 years of positive results from each treatment.”  Recoverup does offer a 30-day money back guarantee if a patient experiences no new hair growth but is also quick to point out that the results will vary. One can imagine quibbling over whether or not a single follicle that didn’t appear to exist prior to treatment would constitute success under their definition. In summary, assuming Recoverup’s AAA stem cell treatment does stimulate hair regrowth, a patient can expect to pay upwards of $13,000 plus travel expenses to Asia for a treatment that is, by their own estimates, about 40% effective and may last between 3 and 5 years. This hardly sounds like an attractive alternative or even supplement to today’s state of the art, ultra-refined follicular unit hair transplantation combined with the clinically proven medical treatments Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). It is recommended that patients approach all unproven, “revolutionary” medical treatments with cautious optimism. Androgenic alopecia is progressive and avoiding proven surgical and medical treatments in favor of experimental procedures may lead to further hair loss.

  • Dr. Taleb Barghouthi

    Dr. Taleb Barghouthi
    Dr. Taleb Barghouthi
    Dr. Barghouthi performs Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) with excellent results. He and his staff can perform extensive mega sessions with dense natural results.
  • Non Genetic Causes of Hair Loss

    Non Genetic Causes of Hair Loss

    We know that and rogenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is by far the most common cause of hair loss, accounting for 95% of hair loss in men and women. But there are a variety of other causes for hair loss in men and women. These include disease, aging, improper hair care, poor nutrition, and stress.

    Disease and Illness

    It's a proven fact that medical conditions, as well as treatments and procedures, may lead to hair loss. Many people have experienced sudden and large amounts of hair loss about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery. Fortunately, this hair loss is usually temporary, and is related to the stress of the illness.

    Hair loss may also signal a previously hidden disease,including lupus, thyroid disease or diabetes. Because hair loss may be an early sign, it's a good idea to identify the problem and begin treating it at this time.

    Psychological disorders such as Trichotillomaniamay be responsible for self-inflicted hair loss Men and women suffering from this condition pull their own hair out by the roots.

    Hair loss may stem from taking certain medicines, but this normally stops once the medication is no longer taken.

    Hormonal Changes

    Another cause of medical hair loss is hormonal problems. Essentially, having an overactive or under active thyroid gland may cause your hair to fall out. Treating the thyroid disease will usually help this hair loss. Hormones can also cause hair loss if male hormones (androgens), or female hormones (estrogens), are out of balance. However, if the hormone imbalance is corrected, the hair loss should stop.

    Aging

    Did you know that 40% of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35, and 65% by age 60?

    Aging is one of the factors necessary for and rogenetic alopecia to occur, along with a genetic predisposition and the presence of hair loss-inducing hormones. Hair loss is dependent on exposing the vulnerable hair follicles to the proper hormones over time.

    Improper Hair Care

    Isn't it frustrating to see people with thick, full heads of hair treat it so badly? Dyes, bleaching, pigtails -- it all takes its toll on hair.

    The chemicals used for dying, tinting, bleaching, straightening or any other hair-altering procedures can lead to hair becoming strained or damaged. Eventually, this hair may even break off.

    But it's not any better in the hair salon, as excessive styling that pulls the hair too tightly may also lead to a type of hair loss, called "traction alopecia." As long as this pulling is stopped before the scalp scars, the hair will grow back normally. But be warned, scarring can cause permanent hair loss.

    It's also not a good idea to subject your hair to hot oil treatments or the chemicals used in permanents. These may cause inflammation of the hair follicle. This too, may lead to scarring and hair loss.

    Improper Nutrition

    Researchers have found that some hair loss may be due to insufficient protein or iron in your diet, as well as malnutrition, in general. As effective as "miracle" or "fad" diets sound, they may cause damage. Vitamin deficiencies, as well as certain illnesses related to eating, such as bowel disease or eating disorders, can also cause poor nutrition. These may all cause hair loss.

    Stress

    Stress can be harmful to the entire body, and the hair on our heads is no exception. Regardless of the cause - illness, a traumatic experience, nutritional deficiency - our rate of hair loss may increase.

    However, it should be noted that stress-induced hair loss is not a cause of male-pattern baldness. Rather, this type of balding is known as "telogen effluvium." Telogen effluvium is caused when the body senses a problem and diverts its energies there. This results in hair being shed, although it's usually reversible.

    Stress affects the hair of men and women differently. It's been foundthat women's hair is more sensitive to stress' effects than men's hair. One possibility is that stress (along with DHT and other things) may facilitate hair loss for women who are genetically predisposed towards it While the cause of genetic female hair lossis a bit of a mystery, women experiencing hair loss are advised to consult a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist to determine its cause Many causes of thinning hair in females are non-genetic and hair loss is often reversible by treating whatever condition is promoting it.