Hair Restoration Options For Thinning Hair And Hair Loss

You may need a hair restoration treatment if you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss. Normally, every individual loses 50 to 100 hairs per day. Any more than this indicates that you're losing hair more frequently than is healthy, which could lead to general hair loss.

Hair thinning and hair loss can be brought on by genes, hormonal changes, illnesses, or just the natural aging process.

Hair Thinning

While hair thinning leaves you with scanty hair on your head, hair loss may lead to baldness. Generally, hair thinning and hair loss occur gradually, so you have plenty of time to identify the causes and determine the most effective course of action.

The Different Hair Restoration Treatments Available

Today, there are several hair restoration solutions to choose from, thanks to modern science and technology. You can be broadly group these treatments into 3 categories including:

• Medical treatments

• Surgical options

• Non-surgical options

I. Medical treatments

If your hair loss is as a result of an underlying condition, your physician may advise a medical treatment. You can also treat hereditary baldness with medications. The commonly used medications for hair restoration are Minoxidil and Finasteride.

Minoxidil (Rogaine):

Minoxidil is available over-the-counter in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms. Apply the cream to the scalp once daily for ladies and twice daily for males for the best results. 

You can use Minoxidil to stop hair loss or regrow your hair after hair thinning. However, you may undergo a minimum of six months therapy to prevent additional hair loss and activate hair restoration. Unwanted hair growth on the nearby skin of the hands and face is a potential side effect of Minoxidil.

Finasteride (Propecia):

This medication is usually prescribed for males. Finasteride slows down hair loss and promotes fresh hair rejuvenation. But it can take a few months to start seeing the results. Spironolactone and oral dutasteride are other oral treatment alternatives.

Reduced libido drive and sexual function, as well as an increased risk of prostate cancer, are some of the rare side effects of Finasteride.

II. Surgical Options (Hair Transplant)

You can also treat hair loss using scalp reduction and hair replacement surgeries such as micrografting, slit grafting, punch grafting, and hair transplant. 

Ultimately, the best hair restoration surgery for you will be determined by your preferences, needs, and the degree of hair loss.

A cosmetic surgeon performs a hair transplant operation by removing hair from a hair-bearing area of the head and transplanting it to a bald area. Side effects including bruising, edema, and infection may occur. Also, hereditary hair loss may worsen.

III. Non-Surgical Options 

Non-surgical procedures such as synthetic growth factors FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factors) stimulate the formation of new hair and control the cycle of hair morphogenesis.1

The use of fibroblast growth factors in hair restoration is an effective method. A number of growth factors, such as FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-7, FGF-10, IGF-1, IGF-2, and EGF, encourage cell proliferation and cycle, which can stop hair loss and promote hair cell regeneration.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hair Restoration Treatment

Surgery, medication, or non-invasive procedures can be applied in hair restoration, depending on the severity of hair loss and your preferences.

1. Age

You may want a better hairline to feel younger and more confident. But there are certain age factors you need to take into consideration, such as:

• Are you in perfect health?

• Have you had hair loss for five or more years?

• Are you over 35 years old?

• Do you have thinning hair around your temples, crown, or top of your head? 

• Is your hairline receding?

2. Cause of Hair Loss

Finding the problem is the first step in any effective hair loss therapy. Hence, seeing a qualified physician or dermatologist is helpful for receiving an accurate diagnosis. This is because a medical professional is very knowledgeable about the many reasons for hair loss and has experience in treating them. 

But how can a medical expert determine the cause of your hair loss?

• Ask you questions.

• Examine your scalp and other areas of hair loss.

• Check the condition of your hair. 

• May conduct a blood test or scalp biopsy for any underlying illness.

With this knowledge, your physician can determine the reason behind your hair loss. Thyroid illness, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and tinea capitis are among the conditions responsible for hair loss in both men and women.

3. Personal Preferences

You can decide what treatments for hair thinning or hair loss is best for you by discussing your preferences with your doctor during your initial visit.

You will undergo a test to identify the origin and severity of your hair loss during your appointment. Next, your doctor will work with you to come up with a solution for any hair loss you might have. 

Overall, the ideal hair restoration procedure for you will be based on your hair loss condition and personal choices. This may comprise medicinal treatments, surgical procedures, or a combination of the two.

4. Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices including diet, smoking, and stress may contribute to hair loss. Hair loss is also triggered by external causes including pollution, sun exposure, and hair products like bleaching or dye. 

Additionally, hair damage from certain hairstyles and hair care practices might result in hair loss. If your doctor diagnoses hair damage as the reason behind your hair loss, they may recommend changes to your lifestyle to prevent further harm to your hair.

Importance of Consultation With a Hair Restoration Specialist

Your physician or dermatologist will likely do a physical examination, inquire about your medical and family histories, and question you about your food and hair care regimen before establishing a diagnosis. You may undergo the following tests:

Blood test: This can identify any medical issues responsible for your hair loss.

Pulling test: Your physician carefully pulls some of your hair to count the hairs that fall out. This aids in identifying the stage of shedding.

Scalp biopsy: Your physician scrapes samples from your skin or pulls a few hairs from your scalp to study the roots under a microscope. This can determine whether your hair loss is caused by an illness.

Light microscopy: Your physician examines hairs that have been clipped at their bases using a specialized tool. Microscopy aids in the detection of potential hair shaft diseases.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be treated with a variety of hair restoration treatments, such as scalp reduction, micro-grafting, hair rejuvenation medications, and non-surgical synthetic growth factors (FGF).

For your hair thinning and hair loss problems, ensure you consult with a professional. Doing so will enable you to achieve your goal and the best result possible. 

At Delight Medical and Aesthetics, we offer an exclusive non-surgical hair restoration system using Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF), providing excellent results.