Options We Recommend for (Pattern) Hair Loss

Tag Archives: Hair Transplantation

Hair Health WomanWhat is Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Male and female pattern hair loss is a common condition caused by genetics. It is characterized by the gradual thinning and miniaturization of hair follicles over time. In men, it usually presents as a receding hairline with well-defined bald areas. Conversely, in women, hair thinning tends to be more diffuse, affecting a broader area of the scalp and resulting in a general decrease in hair density rather than distinct bald patches.

Effective Treatment Options for Hair Loss

Navigating the challenges of hair loss can be difficult, but there are a variety of effective treatment options to help manage and improve the condition. We commonly recommend several approaches to our patients, each tailored to address specific aspects of hair loss:

  • Minoxidil. This over-the-counter topical medication is applied directly to the scalp. Minoxidil works by enhancing blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen necessary for hair growth. By stimulating these follicles, Minoxidil encourages the regrowth of hair and can slow the progression of hair loss.
  • Finasteride. An FDA-approved oral medication, Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps to slow down hair loss and promote the growth of new hair.
  • Viviscal PRO. This 100% drug-free supplement is formulated to support hair growth and enhance overall hair health. It contains a potent blend of marine protein extracts, vitamins, and minerals that nourish hair follicles and strengthen hair. Viviscal PRO is a more concentrated version of the standard Viviscal products, offering enhanced support for hair health.
  • Nutrafol. A dietary supplement designed to combat hair thinning with a unique blend of natural ingredients. Its formula includes various vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts that address factors like inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss. Nutrafol aims to improve hair health from within and promote more robust hair growth.
  • Hair Transplantation. Typically considered a last resort after other treatments have been considered or tried, hair transplantation involves the surgical removal of hair follicles from a donor site (usually the back of the scalp) that is genetically resistant to hair loss. These follicles are then transplanted to areas of thinning or baldness. Because of where the hair is harvested from, it is the only one on this list that is a permanent solution.

Male and female pattern hair loss is a common issue, but effective treatments are available. At Lisa S. Ball, FNP, we offer a range of solutions tailored to individual needs. By consulting with one of our experienced providers, you can explore these options and work towards achieving improved hair health.

Man and woman hair loss

Male and female pattern hair loss is a common genetic condition characterized by progressive thinning and follicle miniaturization. In men, it usually presents itself with a recession of the hairline and a well-defined area of baldness. In women, it is usually more diffuse and located centrally on the top of the scalp. Although this condition can have sufferers feeling hopeless, there are some treatments that can help.

  • Minoxidil. An over-the-counter topical treatment that is clinically proven to stimulate follicles and regrow hair. Twice-a-day use yields the best results with progress being seen in 3-6 months.
  • Finasteride (Propecia). FDA-approved for men only, this oral medication prevents testosterone from converting to the hair loss causing hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). In doing this, hair loss is effectively slowed.
  • Hair Transplantation. A procedure where hair follicles are taken from an area that is unaffected by pattern loss and moved to the thin or bald areas. Although the results are permanent, it is important to pair with minoxidil and/or finasteride to maintain any hair that was there prior to the transplant.
  • Viviscal PRO. A 100% drug-free supplement that helps promote existing hair growth. Results of thicker, fuller hair can be seen in as little as 3-6 months.
  • Nutrafol. A dietary supplement that uses a whole-body approach to address hair thinning and growth. The proprietary blend of ingredients assists in lowering DHT and reducing stress.

For most dealing with pattern hair loss, it is important to complement each of the above options for the best results. To learn more about which are best to use for your situation, contact the hair loss experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.

Hair Transplantation is a cosmetic procedure that was first performed in the US in 1952. Typically, the process is done by taking hair follicles from the back of the scalp and moving them to thinning or bald areas on top of the scalp.

Since its inception, the procedure has evolved significantly over the years. During that time however, some misconceptions developed as well. We decided to set the record straight and debunk some of the more common ones.

Neiman Hair Transplant Procedure

Dr. Thomas Chu harvesting from the donor area in an FUT procedure.

1) The results of a hair transplant are not permanent.

Actually, since the hair is taken from an area that is genetically programmed to never fall out, the transplanted hair will be there for a lifetime. It is currently the only permanent solution for male or female pattern hair loss.

2) Hair transplants are not cost effective.

When considering the long-term benefits of the procedure, you must understand once you have it done, it’s permanent. Relatively speaking, having a hair transplant can be cheaper than years of products and/or treatments done in an attempt to keep or re-grow hair.

3) The FUE method does not leave behind a scar.

Not the case. FUE simply does not leave behind a linear scar in the donor area (like FUT). The scarring left behind with FUE presents itself in the form of tiny little dots in the areas of extraction.

4) After the procedure is done, there is a lot of maintenance and up keep with the transplanted hair.

Once the transplanted hair begins to grow, there is no special upkeep needed. It’s your own hair, just moved to a different area.

5) It’s easy to tell if someone has had a hair transplant.

Though in the past this may have been true, with new advancements and techniques it’s now virtually undetectable.

6) Anyone with hair loss is a candidate for hair transplantation.

Not true. There can be a number of contributing factors causing someone’s hair loss. This is especially true with female patients, as they may have uncontrolled thyroid issues which can contribute to their hair loss. This is why we have all our patients undergo extensive blood work prior to moving forward with a hair transplant procedure.

Hopefully this list provided you with a little reassurance when it comes to hair transplants and if you have any additional questions contact our office today!

Tiger Woods’ epic comeback victory at the Masters yesterday captivated the nation. With it being his first win in a major since 2008, it’s been an incredible journey back to the top for golf’s biggest star. Despite all that he has endured, his hair loss has been something he has not been able to overcome.

Tiger Woods Hair Loss
Tiger Woods raises his hat showing off hair loss after winning the Masters

Showing signs of hair loss throughout the top of his scalp, he has somewhat retained his frontal hairline. This pattern is not typical and could possibly be the result of a prior hair transplant procedure. If that is the case, it looks as though proper consideration was not given towards future hair loss.

Either way, his situation looks to be perfect for the FUT hair transplant method. This is where a strip of hair bearing skin is removed from the back of the scalp, dissected into hair grafts, and then transplanted to areas of thinning or hair loss. With patients that have existing hair on top of their scalp like Tiger, it is important to take into account potential further loss. So, when transplanting to the recipient sites, it is crucial to place the grafts closely around and within the existing hairs (this must be done very carefully, as to not disturb them). In regards to hair transplantation, it is not only about how it looks in the present but how it will look in the future as well.

With Tiger’s recent improved play, it seems likely we will be seeing more of him without a hat raising a trophy, so why not improve the look of those victory pictures with a hair transplant.

With the overwhelming recent success of singer Ariana Grande’s new single, “Thank U, Next,” things couldn’t be going any better for the pop singer. One thing she may want to change though is her signature hairstyle, the high ponytail. The hairstyle she regularly wears can actually lead to a form of hair loss called traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia is a gradual form of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles in the scalp become irritated due to a continual pulling force. This causes loss of hair in patchy areas, usually residing in the front of the hairline and behind the ears. Hairstyles that place a constant strain on the scalp (such as braids, extensions, and ponytails) are generally responsible for it.

Psoriasis_Treatment
Ariana Grande wearing her signature high ponytail.

Like any type of hair loss, the effects of traction alopecia can not only be physical, but emotional too. Back in 2007, Britney Spears was believed to have been suffering from it (due to her reliance on extensions) and the resulting frustration is what was believed to cause her to shave her head.

Although traction alopecia is categorized as a temporary form of hair loss, it can be permanent, depending on the amount of damage done to the follicles. If that’s the case, the only option to address it may be a hair transplant procedure. If you believe you may be suffering from traction alopecia contact our office right away as early diagnosis is important.

NBA Superstar LeBron James has donned a headband throughout his entire career, but after ditching it in the second quarter of a March 7th game against the Phoenix Suns, the headband has remained noticeably absent. This has caused many to wonder why after so many years the four-time MVP decided to get rid of the accessory. Was it affecting his play? Was it uncomfortable? Or did he just want a different look? One theory out there is that he had a hair transplant last season and the hair has now grown in. He liked the results of the procedure so much that he wanted to show it off, thus getting rid of the headband.

For years, LeBron’s hairline, or lack thereof, has been regularly joked about and many believe that’s the reason he wore it in the first place. The headband was a way for him to cover up and camouflage his hair loss. In recent years, his hairline continued to recede considerably and something needed to be done about it. Either go the route of Michael Jordan and shave it off completely, or restore it permanently with a hair transplant.

LeBron James hair transplant scar
The back of LeBron’s head showing a noticeable scar.

Recent photos of the back of his head may further support the theory that he had a hair transplant. The back right side of his head clearly shows a linear scar, this is usually where the donor hair is taken from and is a telltale sign of a follicular unit transplant (although usually not as easily detectable). With the procedure being a gradual process it is also quite simple to hide that it was done (the full results may not be seen until about 8-12 months after).

Whatever you choose to believe, his team the Cleveland Cavaliers look prepared for a deep playoff run. So it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of the new headband-less James.