Not ready for a hair transplantation procedure?
There are new, non-surgical options available today which may help to slow down, stop, and even thicken existing hair. Medical treatments such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) are reliable treatments for hair loss. As a facial plastic surgeon who treats hair loss through hair restoration procedures, Dr. Bared also sees many patients who are seeking alternative options for their hair loss or may have had a hair transplant but also want to slow down the progression of hair loss. With the patients Dr. Bared evaluates with hair loss many either find treatments such as Rogaine to be inconvenient or are not willing to take a daily medication such as Propecia. Although these medications are proven to help with hair loss, today there exist other options for both male and female patients with hair loss. In the recent past, low level laser light therapy and platelet rich plasma treatments have evolved as a viable treatment options for hair loss.
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Low Level Laser Light Therapy
Low level laser light therapy (LLLT) utilizes laser light to stimulate the scalp and hair follicles. Low level laser light was first incidentally found to stimulate hair growth when these lasers were used for other purposes. This therapy has been shown to be most effective in slowing down and stopping the shedding of hair associated with active hair loss. It has recently increased in popularity as a stand-alone or adjunctive treatment for hair loss. Low level laser light can be delivered in the convenience of your home. In 2007, low level laser light therapy received FDA clearance for the treatment of hair loss, meaning that it was proven safe for hair loss. Today cap-type devices such as the LaserCap and the Capillus deliver the laser treatment conveniently under a baseball cap. These are small, portable lasers whereby treatments can be performed in the convenience of one’s home. Preliminary data gathered from a study performed in Dr. Bared’s office shows that the majority of patients who have used low level laser light therapy for at least 3 months would recommend the treatment to a friend. Clinical data from large scale controlled trials are lacking, however. By no means should low level laser light therapy be considered as the long-awaited ‘answer’ to male or female pattern hair loss. But, it may be an effective treatment option without known risks for patients as sole treatment or as an adjunctive therapy.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has gained in popularity as a treatment option available for hair loss in both men and women. Platelets are cells found in our blood which promote wound healing and our known to be rich in growth factors (GF). PRP is a relatively novel therapy for hair loss although its use in orthopedics has been well-documented. Recently small studies have shown some promising results with regards to hair growth when PRP has been injected into the scalp as a means of slowing down the progression of hair loss and even reversing it. PRP is filtered from your own blood. It is used alone or in combination with an activator such as ACell. The filtrated platelets are then either used as a stand-alone therapy for hair loss or in conjunction with a hair transplantation procedure to encourage the growth of the transplanted hair follicles and promote healing. Speak with Dr. Bared regarding the use of PRP for hair loss or in conjunction with your hair transplant procedure.
Laser light therapy and platelet rich plasma have enhanced the treatment options for hair loss in both men and women. Given the large volume of hair loss patients seen and treated by Dr. Bared, he has developed indications for the use of these newer treatment options for his patients. Certain treatment options are more effective in specific patients as well as some are more ideal for different areas of the scalp.