Hair Loss Treatments

Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition that affects millions of people in the U.S. and around the world. It can affect your scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or any other part of your body where hair grows. It can also affect your self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life. At Skin Oasis Dermatology, we understand the impact of hair loss on your physical and emotional well-being. That’s why we offer a range of treatments and solutions to help you restore your hair and your happiness.

Prevalence of Hair Loss

Most of us will experience hair loss, also known as alopecia, at some point in our life. A research study conducted by the American Hair Loss Association found that approximately 50% of women over the age of 40, 25% of women in their 20s, and 40% of males over the age of 50 suffer from hair thinning or loss. If you comb, wash, or dry your hair and some strands fall out, that’s your hair’s natural shedding process. On average, we shed about 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. With healthy growth, we barely notice these since the hair is growing at its regular rate. Thinning hair or a receding hairline is easy to notice if your hair is not growing as it should. Some people experience losing large tufts of hair. If you are losing hair, you should see a board-certified dermatologist to make sure it isn't a symptom of a serious condition. A dermatologist can also help restore your hair.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Many things, including hormones, medication, medical problems such as anemia and thyroid dysfunction, COVID, aging, stress, and genetics, can lead to hair loss. Here are some common forms of hair loss:

Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common form of gradual hair loss, and it's usually linked to your genetics. You might have heard it referred to as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss. It's characterized by a gradual thinning of the temples and/or crown. Due to testosterone effect on the hair follicles, hairs become finer over time and then eventually stop growing.

Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is a common cause of temporary hair loss. It occurs when your body goes through a significant shock or stress, including surgery, illness, or even vitamin deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, hormonal shifts as seen in post pregnancy, and COVID. During this phase, you experience excessive shedding of hair that's in its resting or telogen phase. The good news is that new hair typically continues to grow once the underlying cause is resolved.

Scarring Alopecia: Scarring alopecia is a condition where inflammation can permanently damage the hair follicles resulting in scar tissue. It's a broad term that encompasses various conditions, such as lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). Recent research has shown that one of the causes of CCCA has a genetic component. The cause of lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia is unknown.

Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This can result in significant hair loss of not only the scalp but also facial and body hair.

Hair Loss Treatment Process

Dr. Katina Miles will perform a thorough history and examination to help determine the cause of your hair loss. Sometimes, a history and clinical evaluation is all that is needed to determine the cause. However, a scalp biopsy may also be indicated. This is a simple in-office procedure utilizing local anesthetic only. Lab tests/bloodwork may also be recommended. Once the cause of hair loss is determined, an appropriate treatment protocol can be designed especially for you.

Hair Loss Treatment Options

Medical Therapy for Hair Loss

Prescription oral and topical medications can be of significant benefit to combat hair loss. Medications such as minoxidil, spironolactone, and intralesional Kenalog to reduce inflammation may be considered based on your specific needs and condition. During your consultation, the risks and benefits of each medication will be thoroughly reviewed.

In-Office Treatment for Hair Loss

Skin Oasis Dermatology offers two effective in-office treatments to help stimulate hair growth and help maintain the hair you have.

Keralase

Keralase is a non-surgical hair restoration procedure combining the technology of Lutronic UltraMD laser and the proprietary growth factor serum, KeraFactor. Lutronic UltraMD is used to create nonablative microchannels in the area of thinning hair, and then the KeraFactor serum is massaged into the scalp.

Peptides and growth factors in the KeraFactor serum help to create a nutrient-rich environment while increasing blood supply to the hair follicles. This helps to transition hair follicles in the resting phase into their growth phase, enhancing regrowth in thinning areas. KeraLase is safe for all complexions and hair types.

PRP for Hair Loss

PRP hair restoration is an innovative and non-surgical option for hair regrowth. PRP has successfully treated conditions like androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata. There is cautious optimism that even individuals with scarring hair loss, such as central centrifugal scarring alopecia, may benefit from PRP.

At-Home Treatment for Hair Loss

Nutrafol

Nutrafol is specifically designed to address thinning hair from within. Its formulation includes clinically proven botanical ingredients that target various triggers of hair loss, such as stress, hormones, nutrition, and environmental factors. Nutrafol offers tailored solutions for different depending on your age, gender, and life stages, including postpartum and menopause. While considering Nutrafol, it’s essential to consult with a Dr. Miles, as individual needs vary.

Viviscal Professional

Viviscal Professional is a pharmaceutical-grade dietary supplement designed to nourish thinning hair from the inside out. Its key ingredients include AminoMar™, which provides essential nutrients like Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin C, Horsetail extract, Iron, and Niacin for thicker, fuller hair growth. Collagen, naturally present in the marine extracts, contributes to hair structure. Additionally, Apple Extract Powder (Procyanidin B-2) supports existing hair growth. Viviscal Professional supplements are 100% drug-free, offering an alternative to prescription treatments. Clinical studies have proven their effectiveness. A consultation with Dr. Miles is required before starting Viviscal Professional, as individual needs vary.

Kerafactor Serum

KeraFactor Scalp Stimulating Solution contains the proprietary KeraFactor Peptide Complex (KFP™), which is comprised of 7 Polypeptides, carefully selected growth factors, and skin proteins—all of which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair and scalp. KFP is designed to “turn on” weak or dormant hair follicles. By doing so, it encourages hair growth and helps address thinning. The complex also enhances scalp circulation, ensuring that hair follicles receive adequate nutrients. This contributes to thicker, longer, and healthier-looking hair. Each bottle includes a dropper applicator, allowing you to apply the solution directly to areas of concern on the scalp. KeraFactor Scalp Stimulating Solution is naturally soothing and suitable for both men and women, regardless of hair type. Incorporating KeraFactor into your daily routine can significantly benefit your hair health. A consultation with Dr. Miles is required before starting this product.

Minoxidil (Rogaine):

Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, can be an effective choice. It has the potential to slow down hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. You can find minoxidil in topical formulations, and in some cases, it can be compounded with other topical hair growth agents like spironolactone, metformin, or finasteride. Low dose oral minoxidil is effective in regrowth and keeping hair in the growing phase.

Finasteride (Propecia):

Finasteride, available as a prescription oral medication, can be beneficial for improving hair growth for men with androgenetic alopecia. It's important to note that results may require continued, long-term use of this medication.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in the overall health of your hair. Start by assessing your diet, water intake, and nutritional intake. Deficiencies in essential nutrients like iron and inadequate calories can contribute to hair loss. Eating disorders and restrictive diets can also contribute to hair loss. It's advisable to discuss supplement options with your healthcare provider to ensure you're taking them safely and effectively.

Remember, addressing hair loss often involves a multifaceted approach that considers both medical treatments and lifestyle modifications. We will discuss these options further during your consultation to develop a personalized plan that suits your specific needs and goals.

Schedule an Appointment for Hair Loss Treatment

Whether you need medical therapy, in-office treatment, or other treatment, Dr. Katina Miles has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals. We will work with you to diagnose the cause of your hair loss, evaluate your options, and design a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs and preferences. If you are suffering from hair loss and looking for a solution, call us at 410-451-0500 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miles. We are here to help you regain your hair and your confidence.