This story was produced for Physician’s Hair Institute by Tucson Digital Media.
Educating ourselves on the causes of hair loss is the first step on the road to the right treatment. These frequently asked questions about hair loss from Physician’s Hair Institute provide a solid foundation of information to get started.
What causes male pattern baldness? Short answer, its genetics, and several genes are involved. A lot of people think that it comes from your mother’s side, but not entirely – either side of the family tree can have those genes dangling from it, though the chromosome from mom may be the gatekeeper. Baldness patterns are most often the same for people who are genetically related.
What are the medication options for male pattern hair loss? There are only 2 FDA approved medications that have undergone double-blind studies to prove they work for the treatment of Hair Loss. Minoxidil is an over the counter treatment that is available at most drug stores, but you have to use it every day, and it will only work while you use it. Using it intermittently is not helpful. Keep in mind that medication is better at retaining hair than at regrowing lost hair. The other FDA-approved medication is Finasteride, also known as Propecia, which has been proven to work in men, but fewer studies have been done in women, and it is not yet FDA approved in this group. Finasteride is not available over the counter (in the U.S.), it requires a doctor’s prescription.
Treatment of hair loss does depend on the cause. How can you tell if you have male pattern hair loss? The pattern of growth, and looking at your family history, can often indicate that it is genetic. If you have hair that is receding or thinning in the front or crown, and none on the back and sides, you may be a candidate for hair restoration surgery. However, if you have diffuse thinning, as is often seen in women, you will not have a permanent donor supply to redistribute. If that is the case, there may be medically treatable causes of hair loss such as a dietary deficiency, hormones, or other medical causes. A series of blood tests may help identify the cause. There are some other cosmetic options such as scalp colorants and scalp micropigmentation. For those with the typical male pattern hair loss pattern, the best way to restore hair where it is gone is with hair restoration surgery.
Will a hair transplant look fake? According to Dr. Keene of the Physician’s Hair Institute, “creating a natural hairline is one of the most important elements of a successful hair transplant. Our ability to create naturalness has dramatically increased in recent years due to the development of more refined follicular unit techniques.”
Modern techniques in the hands of a skilled hair restoration surgeon can change your life for the better. Knowing the basics about what options you have puts you ahead of the curve and that much closer to seeing the results you want. For further information, call Dr. Keene’s office to schedule your personal consultation today at 520-290-5555.
- Women Experiencing Thinning Hair - May 2, 2017
- Understanding the surgical options for hair restoration - November 15, 2016
- The Skinny on Thinning Hair - October 17, 2016
- Dr. Keene with Physician’s Hair Institute: A Pioneer in Hair Transplant Techniques - September 19, 2016
- Hear What People Are Saying About Hair Transplants in Tucson - September 12, 2016
