No doubt you’ve seen ads and displays touting the benefits of various pills, liquids, and procedures that promise to be the ultimate hair loss remedy to regrow hair. Some treatments can be effective, but results vary and are not always guaranteed.
Rogaine, (minoxidil) was the first hair growth drug approved by the FDA. Now it’s available without a prescription – extra strength for men and regular for women. Rogaine’s effectiveness is established in front and back for women but only in back (vertex) for men. Rogaine combats DHT which shrinks and chokes follicles by swelling the follicle’s tiny microvascular structures. This is not to be confused with a generalized increase in circulation to the scalp — a premise of many scams. Many experts consider the drug a temporary hair loss remedy because it doesn’t act directly on the hormonal process of hair loss. Possible side effects can include: scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth on areas close to face and hands and rapid heart rate.
Propecia, (finasteride) is probably the world’s most effective hair loss remedy of its kind. It can be obtained by prescription only and works in front and in back. In tests, 66% of men grew hair in back and 42% grew hair up front. Almost all the rest stopped losing hair. Users must continue to take the medication in order to retain benefits. Propecia inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha reductase to decrease DHT production. Possible side effects include diminished sex drive and sexual function and increased risk of prostate cancer, although both are rare.
Steroid Injections are used by some doctors as a hair loss remedy due to alopecia using corticosteroid injections in the scalp or oral steroids like prednisone. It is not used for treating baldness associated with aging. It is only appropriate for individuals who have been diagnosed with alopecia. Possible side effects might include temporary skin thinning and the prednisone may cause weight gain, metabolic abnormalities, acne, and menstrual problems. The positive effects are only temporary.
Laser Therapy is an FDA-approved procedure whereby a low-level laser is used to treat pattern baldness in men and women. The low laser light is absorbed by the cells of the scalp, which, according to advocates, will repair them and encourage regrowth. Laser hair restoration won’t bring back dead hair follicles, but it may stimulate declining follicles so that existing hair is thicker and fuller. Researchers report no side effects, but further study could reveal long-term effects.
Hair Transplant/Restoration involves moving hair follicles from a “donor site” (usually the back of the scalp) to a thinning area of scalp. The implants are plugged into bald sections of the scalp. Primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, most hair transplants result in excellent hair growth within several months. In some cases, more than one treatment may be necessary, and the results depend on the number of hair follicles that remain healthy after transplant. Possible side effects are minimal, but can include infection or scarring.
NeoGraft™ Hair Restoration is the product of 10 years of research and development using the most modern FUE (follicular unit extraction) method. The NeoGraft device refines the hair transplant process, achieving visible results that can be easily duplicated. Over 18,000 hair transplants have been done with this device in the last few years, providing exceptional results for both men and women who suffer with hair loss.
NeoGraft does not involve incisions so there is no cutting of the scalp, suturing or visible scarring. There is virtually no bleeding and almost immediate surgical recovery. Patients are often back to work the next day.
Dallas NeoGraft physicians have placed over two million grafts using the patented NeoGraft system, decreasing the time by 50 percent from standard treatments for a hair loss remedy. Other doctors trust the Dallas NeoGraft physicians to perform their personal hair transplant procedures.
Regardless of what kind of hair restoration you choose, be sure to ask for the credentials of the physician doing the transplant procedure. Also ask how many of these procedures the doctor has performed and a portfolio of before and after photos of their actual patients.
