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By Alan J. Bauman, M.D.
Over 80 million Americans (50 million men and 30 million women) suffer from hair loss or thinning hair — and together they spend more than $3.5 billion a year on treatments to maintain or restore a more youthful head of hair. But, much of the time this money is wasted on treatments that either don’t work, or don’t work as well as they should.
Since August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, it’s a great time to take a closer look at several cutting-edge new treatments out there that are delivering promising results.
At Bauman Medical Group, we’re frequently asked to ‘beta test’ or consumer trial new products and treatments by Fortune 500 companies, pharmaceutical firms and medical startups. Here are our top recommendations for new treatments:
NeoGraft FUE: Not Your Father’s Hair Transplant
When density is depleted, hair transplants can permanently restore hair growth. The FDA-approved NeoGraft FUE machine is used to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area at the back of the patient’s scalp — which are then implanted into the balding areas of the scalp. This means no scalpels, sutures, or staples are used during harvesting. FUE replaces the older “strip harvest” method of hair transplantation, which removes a large strip from the back of the patient’s scalp and can result in a long linear scar. Recovery is quicker, more comfortable and allows for shorter hairstyles. Since NeoGraft is a simply a harvesting tool, patients are cautioned to seek out a full-time, experienced FUE surgeon who has artistic skill in designing a natural transplant result where the follicles are implanted.
LaserCap: Convenient, Powerful, Discreet Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy is a key element of a hair restoration regimen by itself or in conjunction with other hair regrowth treatments. Medical research has confirmed the ability of certain types of light energy to improve cellular metabolism, reduce inflammation and help weak follicles to produce thicker, longer and healthier hair fibers. Thanks to new FDA clearances and a wide array of devices from in-office laser ‘hoods’ to at-home hand-held units, more patients and doctors are utilizing laser phototherapy as an effective treatment option.
However, a new breakthrough technology in this field now offers a significantly better laser therapy experience — it’s called the LaserCap. The LaserCap was the first completely portable and wearable LLLT device, consisting of 224 laser diodes to provide extensive scalp coverage. Unlike bulky AC-powered consumer helmets or weak combs, the physician-prescribed LaserCap is a cordless, rechargeable, battery- powered unit that fits under a baseball cap. It offers clinical-grade laser therapy at home and most patients start seeing improvements within 90 days.
It’s important to remember that while LLLT can’t grow new follicles — it can revitalize weak or dying hair follicles, helping them to grow thicker and stronger hair.
Vampire PRP Cell Therapy for Hair Regrowth
Helping the body heal itself through cell therapy is a hot trend today in many areas of medicine, including hair restoration. Only a few doctors are using platelet rich plasma or PRP, a component of whole blood, as a stand-alone treatment for enhancing hair regrowth. PRP contains a high level of proteins and growth factors that can stimulate the hair follicle to produce hair, increase blood circulation and decrease inflammation at the follicle level. PRP can also be used for hair graft storage during a hair transplant procedure as well as a healing treatment post-surgery.
Formula 82M: Better than Rogaine?
Aside from the generic and brand-name Rogaine you find on the shelf at every pharmacy, a growing number of off-label, customized, compounded versions of the medication minoxidil, like Formula 82M, can be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. With improved tolerability along with the addition of some powerful synergistic components such as retinoic acid, anti-DHT and anti-inflammatory ingredients, Formula 82M offers a dramatic improvement over the aging Rogaine/minoxidil recipes which are generally weak, not hairstyle-friendly and can often cause irritation. This advancement is good news for consumers since medical studies have found that the efficacy rate for over-the-counter minoxidil is just 38.3 percent! By contrast, Formula 82M is far and away the most powerful topical hair growth treatment we’ve seen.
Latisse For Scalp: Not Just For Your Lashes Anymore
Latisse (Bimatoprost) is already FDA-approved for growing long, beautiful eyelashes, but many believe the drug also holds potential as a treatment for hair loss on the scalp. Latisse works by stimulating the hair follicles to grow thicker hair fibers by mimicking body hormones known as “prostaglandins.” Allergan has already completed Phase I and are currently in Phase II clinical trials on Latisse with hopes of attaining the coveted FDA approval “for hair growth.” If it succeeds, it will be only the second topical treatment to receive FDA approval for hair loss, after minoxidil.
Genetic Hair Loss Testing: Predict Your Hair’s Future
A breakthrough in the medical evaluation and treatment of hereditary hair loss, new genetic tests — like HairDX — can be used to not only accurately determine a man or woman’s risk for losing hair, but also to predict their response to various treatments like finasteride and, soon, minoxidil. The quick, non-invasive, DNA tests are a reliable way to determine if you are ‘high-risk’ or ‘low-risk’ for the hereditary form of hair loss and whether you are a good candidate for medical treatment.
To learn more about any of these treatments, or to assess your personal hair loss risk, contact a hair restoration physician who can work with you to determine the most effective treatment regimen for your specific needs. Patients should look for someone who is board-certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, recommended by the American Hair Loss Association and/or an active member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Only a qualified and experienced hair restoration physician can perform natural-looking hair transplants and prescribe the most effective multi-therapy treatment options, including the latest available products, and scientifically track your results.
Bauman Medical Group
Hair Restoration
for Men and Women
www.BaumanMedical.com
1.877.BAUMAN.9
