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Treatments & FAQ

These pages have been prepared to provide information and answer your questions about our various treatments for problems ranging from cosmetic blemishes to more serious underlying circulatory problems. This guide is not intended to replace a formal consultation with one of our specialists, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Click here for a list of hair transplantation references.


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Hair Restoration Options


ROGAINE / MINOXIDIL





We prescribe Propecia in our practice because it is an excellent medical treatment for many men. It is safe, easy to take and effective—as so many of our patients’ results have shown.

Approved by the FDA in 1997, Propecia™ (finasteride 1mg) is the first pill proven to treat genetic hair loss in the crown and mid-scalp area of men. In clinical trials, Propecia stopped hair loss in over 80% of cases and stimulated hair re-growth in over 66% of cases.

It is a scientific and medical fact that Male Pattern hair loss is due to the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically predisposed hair follicles. DHT causes increased hair shedding, gradual miniaturization or thinning of the hair, and eventual hair loss. Propecia works by inhibiting type 2, 5-alpha-reductase (the enzyme that produces DHT from testosterone). Therefore, by reducing DHT production, Propecia can prevent and eventually reverse the process of hair loss.

The published five-year data on Propecia indicates that hair counts increase during the first year, while hair mass and thickness increase for up to two years. At the end of the five-year study, patients taking Propecia had nearly 300 more hairs per area the size of a quarter than patients receiving the placebo. At the end of 5 years on Propecia, men will have a 90% chance of looking the same or better!

Propecia has few side effects and those that occur are resolved by stopping the medication. One side effect, which statistically occurs in 2% of men, is a change in sexual desire or function. Propecia does not affect sperm function or fertility; and, the medication presents no risk to pregnant women through normal sexual relations. However, women of childbearing age should not take or handle the medication.

ROGAINE / MINOXIDIL





In the late 1970s, the American drug company Upjohn created a drug called Minoxidil. This medication was first administered internally to patients who were suffering severe high blood pressure. As a side effect of the drug, it was discovered that patients grew hair on various parts of the body. And, in some patients, when applied externally as a lotion, directly to the fine hairs remaining in a thinning area of hair on the scalp, the 2% solution of minoxidil was shown to start the hairs growing longer and thicker.

Currently produced under the trade name of Rogaine Topical SolutionTM, the medication’s exact mechanism of action is unknown. We know it stimulates the hair follicles’ active growth (the Anagen phase), causing the hairs to thicken and grow longer. Minoxidil is helpful in slowing down the rate of hair loss in approximately 70%-75% of patients; and, about one in two patients actually experiences hair re-growth.

Rogaine Topical SolutionTM is available over-the-counter (without a prescription) in both 2% and 5% concentrations. To be effective, the solution should be applied to your scalp twice daily. Our recommendation to patients is to shampoo and towel-dry your hair before applying the Rogaine solution. We also suggest using the dropper applicator to spread the solution over the entire top of the scalp and allow it to get onto the skin where it can do its job.
We counsel patients to understand that it will take at least four months before you will notice less hair falling out; and, at least seven months to see hair re-growth. Usually, this re-growth will be fine, short (Vellus) hairs. Rogaine must be used continually, as prescribed, over the long-term in order to maintain its beneficial effects. If you stop using the medication, you will eventually begin to lose your hair again.

The main side effects of Rogaine, which occur in approximately two percent of patients, are dermatologic: skin itching, scaling and redness.
Minoxidil can be used by both MEN and WOMEN. Minoxidil is considered the “first-line“ of therapy for women with hereditary hair thinning.

Jan 2007: New Rogaine 5% FOAM is now available. The thermolabile foam breaks down on contact with your scalp and does not contain Propylene Glycol (a common irritant). Patients are noticing that the FOAM is easier to apply and does not cause itching or irritation. Rogaine FOAM is available over-the-counter.


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