Post Hair Loss Questions and Get Answers

Because of its recent spike in popularity and versatile nature, many practitioners are currently researching alternative uses for the Botox injectable serum. One area, continually researched and examined by medical experts, is the potential link between hair loss and Botox injections. However, despite ongoing research, the question still remains: can Botox treat hair loss?

“Botox” is a purified form of Botulinum Toxin A, used medically to treat headaches and cosmetically to decrease the appearance of facial wrinkles. The serum works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, thus decreasing the excessive contractions that cause painful headaches and, cosmetically, wrinkle-inducing tension.

Because Botox’s mechanism of action involves reduced muscle tension and a likely increase of oxygenated blood flow to the treated area, many wonder if the injectable could prove useful in treating hair loss. Until recently, most evidence involving Botox and baldness seemed anecdotal and inconclusive, but a new Canadian study finds a correlation between Botox injections and increased hair growth/reduced hair loss.

During the study, 50 patients with Norwood Scales ranging from level II to level IV were treated with a total of 300 units of Botox over a 24 week period. Using a 2 cm strip of injected scalp (to monitor new hair growth) and a lint roller dragged over participant’s pillows (to monitor progressive hair loss), researchers analyzed the results of the study and found a positive correlation between Botox injections and new growth/reduced loss.

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Social Network:

Obviously, the rapid evolution of minimally invasive hair restoration solutions (such as stem cell hair loss therapies, injectable hair loss solutions, et cetera) is very promising, but I’m wondering if we will ever see permanent hair restoration via a single medication (tablet) or procedure?

I don’t know if the “tablet theory” (i.e. take a single tablet and cure your ailment) will ever be true for any complex medical condition, but this does not mean we won’t see some “miracle” treatments in our lifetime.

All discussions about highly debilitating conditions (AIDS, Cancer, MS) aside, I personally think baldness is too unique and complex of a condition to ever be “cured” with a single therapy. However, I definitely think we’re going to evolve and invent to a point where a combination of treatments and therapies will allow for an non-invasive, satisfying reversal of genetic hair loss.

In my opinion, I think we’ll probably progress somewhere along the following lines:

1. An injectable hair loss solution that helps regrow around 15-20% of lost/miniaturized hairs. I feel like this will be somewhere along the lines of the current reversal seen with Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride), but without the need to stay on the medications for the same duration of time. Frankly, I believe this therapy is probably the furthest away.

This question, answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. Scott Alexander, was asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I have never taken any medical hair loss treatments like Rogaine (minoxidil) or Propecia (finasteride) and don’t plan to after my hair transplant. I am 37 years old with a 5A.pattern of hair loss on the Norwood Scale. Is anyone out there doing the same or is it like a foregone conclusion that you have to?

The chances of continued balding are really high without medications. It is always up to the patient of course, but not using Propecia and Rogaine could result in further hair loss and/or more hair restoration surgeries to repair the extra loss.

Dr. Scott Alexander

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog.

Technorati Tags: hair loss treatments, Rogaine, minoxidil, Propecia, finasteride, hair transplant, hair loss, Norwood Scale, balding, hair restoration

In this hair loss article, recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Parsa Mohebi shares his expert advice regarding the use of medical hair loss treatments after hair restoration surgery.

Oftentimes I receive inquiries about whether it would be a wise decision to stop using Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil) after a hair restoration surgery. The fact is, there are risks involved with that decision which include hair loss on the existing, prone to balding hair. Frequently, a second procedure is needed as time moves on, which can be predicted through a thorough microscopic scalp evaluation, also known as a miniaturization study.

Stopping finasteride will have no effect on the hair which has been transplanted, but the risk of losing the existing hair at any time is possible. A proper miniaturization study will show which areas of the scalp are most prone to future thinning. This is important for knowing what may occur over time. To stop finasteride or minoxidil after a hair transplantation surgery is never recommended but, ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether they are willing to accept the risk of losing their existing hair or be comfortable taking medicine to maintain a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Parsa Mohebi

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

Do non-surgical hair loss treatments really work? Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple one. Some treatments work for some balding men and women while, for other patients, medical treatments simply don’t work at all. Then, there are the very few, lucky individuals who experience amazing results that even rival that of hair transplant surgery. Below is an example of one such case.

Recently, “orangehair“, Patient Services Director for Coalition hair restoration physicians, Dr. Robert True and Dr. Robert Dorin, shared the following Propecia (finasteride) results on our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forum. While this result is far from typical, it serves to illustrate the important role of medical treatment in the fight against androgenic alopecia.

To view more of this patient’s impressive results and contribute your comments and experiences, join the discussion thread, True & Dorin: Transplant or Propecia? on our hair restoration forum.

Propecia is FDA approved for use by male patients only and should not be ingested nor handled by females due to the risk of specific birth defects.

Many hair loss experts believe that the best medical option currently available for treating hair loss in males is a combination of Propecia and Rogaine (minoxidil)

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

In this hair loss video, hair restoration physician Dr. Edmond Griffin discusses the causes of hair loss and the most effective non-surgical hair loss treatments available today. This includes the only FDA approved hair loss solutions Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil).

Dr. Griffin is an esteemed member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians and recommended by the Hair Transplant Network. To learn more about Dr. Griffin, his technique, experience, and hair transplant philosophy, visit his Coalition profile here.

To see all of our hair transplant videos, visit our Hair Transplant Video Channel on YouTube.

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair restoration, Dr. Edmond Griffin, hair loss treatments, Propecia, finasteride, Rogaine, minoxidil, hair transplant videos, Hair Transplant, YouTube

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums: 

I recently started a Rogaine (minoxidil) regimen and I’m wondering how long I need to take the medication before experiencing stabilization and new hair growth? Also, what type of side effects are associated with prolonged Rogaine usage? If I stop the treatment, will the new growth and hair loss stabilization disappear?

Most hair restoration experts recommend utilizing preventive hair loss medications (like Rogaine and Propecia) for 6-12 months before judging the efficacy of the treatments. Many believe that 6 months is sufficient, but waiting the full 12 months could be useful if you’re uncertain or want to “play it safe.”

Rogaine (minoxidil) side effects include:

“burning or irritation of the eye, itching, redness or irritation at the treated area, as well as unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body; severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet; side effects of oral minoxidil may include swelling of the face and extremities, rapid and irregular heartbeat.”

(*compiled from several web sources)

From my experience, it seems like most individuals tolerate Rogaine/minoxidil quite well and the most common side effects include some swelling and unexpected hair growth.

Finally, stopping stabilizing hair loss medications like Propecia and Rogaine will result in both progression of the previous loss and a shed of all hair regrown during the course of the medication.
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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc

Dr. Jerry Cooley, world renown hair transplant surgeon and esteemed member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians, was recently interviewed by the NBC News program Morning Edition in Anchorage Alaska. Dr. Cooley, last year’s president of the International Society of Hair Restoration Physicians (ISHRS) was in Anchorage, along with approximately 500 of his colleagues from around the globe, attending the annual 2011 ISHRS 19th Annual Scientific Meeting.

The ISHRS is the world’s largest organization dedicated to hair loss with more than 850 hair surgeons as members.  The ISHRS provides ongoing education to novice and expert physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery and gives the public the latest information on surgical hair restoration and non-surgical hair loss treatments.

Below, Dr. Jerry Cooley provides us with a preview of what will be discussed at this year’s 2011 ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) Scientific meeting in Anchorage Alaska.

In the above interview, Dr. Cooley touches on the latest advances in surgical and non-surgical hair restoration as well as research into future treatments like Histogen, Inc.’s Hair Stimulating Complex (HSC) and hair cloning. Dr. Cooley further states that treating hair loss in the future will likely consist of a combination of new and current techniques and procedures like Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) rather than a single “hair loss cure“. Rogaine and Propecia are currently the only clinically proven and FDA approved treatments for androgenic alopecia (male pattern balding).

To view the full interview with Dr. Cooley click here.

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums: 

Several months ago, I began taking Propecia (finasteride) for my progressive hair loss and experienced significant side effects. After stopping the medication, I switched to Avodart (dutasteride), another medication sometimes indicated in hair restoration, and did not experience any adverse side effects. Is there a reason for this? Should I continue taking the Avodart?

Finasteride (the active ingredient in Propecia) works by blocking the DHT (dihydrotestosterone – the hormone responsible for genetic baldness) converting activity of the type II 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. Dutasteride (the active ingredient in Avodart) works by inhibiting the activity of both the type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. Although Propecia is shown to be just as effective, I’m not certain that utilizing one medication over the other would produce different side effects, as they are very, very similar drugs.

Regardless, there could be a variety of reasons why the Avodart is working without negative side effects, and if this will help prevent the progression of your hair loss, I think you should confirm and safety and efficacy of the pill with your hair restoration physician and keep utilizing it as a preventive measure. Additionally, keep in mind that Propecia is the only oral medication officially approved for treating progressive hair loss and usually causes side effects in a very small patient population (according to the official studies, less than 3%).

In this hair transplant video interview, recommended hair restoration physician Dr. Ricardo Mejia of Jupiter, FL discusses combining medical hair loss treatments like Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) with surgical hair restoration and how to get the best results.

Dr. Mejia’s philosophy is to be very forthright with patients about what they can realistically achieve. He performs all free consultations personally. In addition to Jupiter he also provides consultations in offices in Miami, Coral Springs, Boyton Beach and Loxahatchee.

To learn more about Dr. Mejia, his experience, skill, philosophy and to see examples of his hair restoration results, visit his Hair Transplant Network recommendation profile.

To see all of our hair transplant videos, visit our Hair Transplant Video Channel on YouTube.

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

Technorati Tags: hair transplant, hair restoration, Dr. Ricardo Mejia, hair loss, Rogaine, minoxidil, Propecia, finasteride, hair transplant videos, YouTube