Hair loss can affect your scalp only or other body parts. It may be permanent or temporary. Hair loss can result from a family history of hair loss, aging, stress, hormonal changes, certain medications, medical conditions, or some medical treatments. If you experience hair loss, you need Lakewood Ranch support & consultation to evaluate the cause of your problem for effective treatment. There are many treatments for hair loss, depending on the root cause. Your dermatologist may perform a physical examination or recommend tests to help determine the cause of your hair loss.
What can you expect in your first hair loss consultation appointment?
In the first hair consultation appointment, your specialist will discuss your concerns. The specialist will ask about your medical history and family history of hair loss. Your specialist will examine the affected areas and may recommend tests to screen to determine the cause of your hair loss.
Which tests can your specialist recommend during hair loss consultation?
Blood test: Blood tests can help diagnose medical conditions resulting in hair loss.
Pull test: The test involves your specialist gently pulling several dozen hairs to determine the stage of your shedding process.
Scaly biopsy: Your dermatologist scrapes samples from your skin to examine the hair roots under a microscope. This test helps to determine whether an infection is causing hair loss.
Light microscopy: Your dermatologist uses a special tool to examine hairs trimmed at their bases to check for hair shaft disorders.
Which treatments are effective for hair loss?
Depending on the cause of your hair loss, your dermatologist may recommend any of the following treatments:
Medications
Certain over-the-counter foam and ointments can help treat hair loss. The most common medications for hair loss are minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil helps to widen the hair follicles, causing thicker strands to grow. It also extends the hair growth period, leading to longer hair and more hair strands. FDA has approved finasteride to treat male pattern baldness. The medicine is available in both topical and oral forms.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Doctors mostly use PRP to treat androgenetic alopecia. The treatment involves your specialist taking your blood sample and centrifuging it in a machine to separate platelets from other blood components. The doctor then injects the extracted platelets into the specific areas of your scalp affected by hair loss. PRP treatments can promote healing in damaged hair follicles.
Surgery
Hair transplant surgery is the only surgery for hair loss. It is suitable for people with male pattern baldness. Hair transplant surgery involves your specialist removing hair follicles from the back of your head and placing them on the scalp.
Laser combs
A laser comb is a newer form of hair loss treatment. It involves using laser devices to concentrate light to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Laser combs treatment is most effective when combined with other techniques. Research in 2014 shows that using laser combs alongside minoxidil and finasteride can help stimulate hair growth.
Hair loss is thinning of hair and can affect any body part. It is treatable depending on the cause. There are various treatments for hair loss, including medications, laser combs, PRP, and hair transplants. Schedule an appointment at Honest Hair Restoration for hair loss treatment to restore your self-esteem.