Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can occur as a result of aging, heredity, medications or an underlying medical condition and can affect men and women of all ages. It may leave you with pattern baldness, patchy spots or thinned hair. Most people are troubled by this undesired change to their appearance and may be frustrated that there is no cure available for this condition.
Androgenic Alopecia (AA) is a common form of incurable hair loss that occurs in many males and some females. Also known as Male Pattern Baldness, the disorder causes men to lose their hair in a characteristic manner, with the hairline receding into a sort of “M” shape across the forehead while hair along the crown thins out. In Female Pattern Baldness, there is no recession of the hairline but a thinning of all hair equally. In addition, female AA rarely causes total baldness.
Alopecia Areata only affects 1 to 2 percent of the United States population. It is an autoimmune disease that causes a person’s hair to fall out as the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Hair often falls out in clumps and can be maintained in a small area or may lead to severe hair loss. You can just lose the hair on the scalp, or it can involve all the hair-bearing areas, including the eyebrows and the eyelashes. Some people may have an increased risk if they have a family history of the disease or other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes or lupus. Children and young adults are also commonly affected.
Hair loss treatment
While many people let the condition progress naturally, several treatments are available to help promote hair growth or hide hair loss. The best treatment option for each patient depends on the location and extent of the hair loss but may include hair growth medications, wigs and hairpieces, and hair transplant or scalp reduction surgery.
Topical medications such as Minoxidil are effective in both men and women, while the hormone-based prescription Finasteride is most frequently used by men.
Although alopecia areata cannot be cured, there are several treatment options available to help promote new hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Corticosteroids are often used to treat autoimmune diseases and may be administered as injections, pills or topical ointment to suppress the immune system from attacking the hair follicles.
Minoxidil and other hair growth products can be used to help stimulate hair growth from areas that have been affected. A combination of these treatment options may improve their effectiveness, but there is no guaranteed treatment for alopecia areata.
Many treatments are available for hair loss
I offer a number of treatments that can help:
- KeraLase Hair Restoration (see below)
- Scalp Injections (Mesotherapy)
- PRP (see below)
Topical Treatments sold at Dermatology Boutique
- Nutrafol Growth Activator Hair Serum
Oral Supplements sold at Dermatology Boutique
- Nutrafol for Women – hair loss due to stress
- Viviscal Professional for female pattern hair loss
Hair growth supplements like Nutrafol or Viviscal provide nutrients that promote existing hair growth. We sell a “professional,” stronger version of Viviscal in our office. There is also an over-the-counter version of Viviscal available in retail stores.
Over-the-counter Topical Treatments
Minoxidil, now over-the-counter in a 5% foam or liquid, should be used consistently and as directed to get the maximum benefit.
There have been some studies that indicated caffeine and niacin applied topically to hair follicles may stimulate hair growth. There are shampoos and scalp treatments that contain caffeine and niacin. This would not be a treatment for someone who is balding. It only works on active (living) hair roots. It won’t regenerate bald spots.
Prescription Drugs
Finasteride is used primarily with male patients to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Studies on women have not consistently shown the same benefits. Special considerations should be taken for women of childbearing age, as Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT exacerbates male and female-pattern hair loss (top and front of the scalp). Finasteride could also increase estrogen levels, so it should not be used by women with a history of breast cancer. Dutasteride is a similar, stronger drug, also prescribed for hair loss.
Spironolactone is an anti-androgenic drug that may reduce hair loss in women. Special precautions also need to be taken for women of childbearing age.
Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a new method to treat hair loss (androgenic alopecia). Some patients experience a reduction in hair loss after several PRP treatments, and also an improvement in the volume and coverage of hair on treated areas of the scalp. PRP is an injectable made from your blood! PRP speeds healing and has been used for years to help athletes recover from injuries and to repair tendons and joints.
A small amount of your blood is drawn and then with a centrifuge, the platelet-rich plasma is extracted. After the injections of the PRP into your scalp, you may experience some redness, a little swelling, or even bruising for a few days. Watch this news story about PRP.
Drug-induced hair loss
Pharmaceuticals make our lives better, but sometimes the side effects can be traumatizing.
For example, the side effect of hair loss.
Drugs prescribed for thyroid disorders, ulcers and Parkinson’s may contribute to hair loss. Anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants and some beta-blockers could cause you to lose some hair. And this is just a few pharmaceuticals that can cause hair loss. The hair loss may be temporary, or the prescription medication could cause the onset of male or female pattern baldness. The worst-case scenario could be permanent hair loss.
If you are concerned about hair loss from a medication you are taking, book an appointment with my office. Before your appointment, write some notes about when the hair loss began and if it came on suddenly and gradually. Create a list of all medications (with the dosage) you are currently taking, as well as any other medications you’ve taken 12 months prior (especially the drug(s) you suspect caused hair issues).
An exam of your scalp is an important part of determining what’s going on, and I may want to look at the hair on other parts of your body and I will ask about changes. Depending on your situation, a scalp biopsy may be taken. Also, after evaluating your medical history, I may want to do bloodwork.
I cannot emphasize enough how much an exam and discussion of your medical history is crucial for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan for your hair loss. A treatment plan might include vitamins or mineral supplements, Rogaine applied topically, or prescription drugs such as spironolactone or finasteride. Another option might be PRP Therapy. We may have to experiment to find what works for you.
KeraLase Hair Restoration Treatment
If you’re struggling with hair loss or thinning, KeraLase is a new therapy that promotes the growth of stronger, thicker and fuller-looking hair. This nonsurgical solution combines laser technology with a scalp hair growth serum. Patients have seen new hair growth over 12-18 months and as soon as 3 months. Learn more about the treatment and if it is right for you.
How Does the KeraLase Treatment Work?
We will first use the Lutronic LaseMD Ultra laser to optimize the absorption properties of your scalp. The unique LaseMD laser delivery system has been proven to prepare the skin for increased absorption of nanoliposomes in the serum that is then applied to your scalp. The KeraFactor serum is topically applied to promote stronger, thicker and fuller-looking hair in both men and women.
What is the KeraFactor Topical Serum?
The KeraFactor topical serum used in KeraLase treatments is a proprietary formulation, only available through your doctor. It contains five bio-identical* growth factors and two skin proteins, which are:
- Chosen to improve thinning hair
- Developed in high concentrations not available from other sources
- Delivered in a nanoliposome carrier for increased absorption
KeraFactor topical serum targets known deficiencies and problems that can cause poor scalp health and hair thinning.
Cross section of a Nanoliposome.
*The KeraFactor Serum includes only such synthetic compounds and does not contain any compounds extracted from plants, animals, or humans (e.g., human cord blood, stem cell media, or bone marrow).
How Much Time Does a Keralase Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Treatment Take?
A KeraLase treatment is extremely comfortable with no injections and takes as little as 15 to 30 minutes. You may immediately return to your normal activities following treatment. A three-month KeraLase treatment program is typical, with hair improvement continuing over the following 12-18 months. However, ask Dr. Golomb for the treatment course length that is right for you.
Who Can Benefit from KeraLase Treatments?
- Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia, gradual loss over the crown, frontal recession, thinning of the parts in their hair
- Patients experiencing Telogen Effluvium, sudden hair loss three to six months after a stressor: childbirth, COVID, surgery, sudden weight loss, a thyroid imbalance that is being managed by a physician
- Patients with poor scalp conditions
Who Should Not Have KeraLase?
- Patients who have or have been diagnosed with skin cancer on the scalp should not use KeraFactor products without their physician’s approval
- Patients with an active scalp infection
- Any patient who experiences an allergic reaction to KeraFactor products should stop using them immediately and be examined by a dermatologist
- Patients with bald spots that have been persistent for an extended period of time
- Patients experiencing alopecia areata, frontal fibrosing, Lichen Plano Pilaris, Trichotillomania or scarring alopecia
When Will I See Improvement in Hair Growth?
You may see an improvement in your scalp and an increase in your hair’s thickness as soon as two to three months. Most patients see the most improvement three months after a series of treatments, with maximum results occurring between six and 12 months after the entire treatment course.
More KeraLase Treatment Before & After Photos
Learn more about hair and nail disorders.
Schedule Your KeraLase Hair Restoration Treatment Consultation in Florida Today
If you’re ready to take the next step to address your hair loss, you may schedule your cosmetic consultation online or by calling or texting 954-251-0367.
Dr. Cynthia Golomb at Dermatology Boutique is widely considered one of the best dermatologists in Hallandale Beach. She also treats patients from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, North Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Pembroke Pines, and Hollywood, FL.
