Treating Hair Loss
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a serious condition that affects millions of individuals every year. There are many factors and/or diseases, as well as genetics that can lead to either permanent and/or temporary hair loss. However, the cause of hair loss often varies from one person to another.
The pattern of hair loss also differs between males and females. Most male hair loss is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning crown, which often leads to partial or complete baldness. Female hair loss often spreads around the whole top of the head, but unlike men, women rarely experience complete baldness.
Hair loss is often a permanent condition; however in some cases it can be temporary. Temporary hair loss is often characterized by small, bald patches, soreness, itching and similar symptoms, which can be caused by a variety of conditions.
Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Genetics – the most common cause of hair loss
- Skin disease and disorders
- Autoimmune disease
- Certain type of medications
- Changes in hormone levels
- Anemia
- Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy
- Crash diets
- Over-styling
- Scalp infection
- Hair-pulling disorder
Although, permanent hair loss is often incurable and nearly impossible to predict, there are number of effective treatments, which help promote hair growth and/or hide the baldness. Indentifying the cause of hair loss is essential in developing an effective treatment plan. To try and determine the cause of hair loss, a plastic surgeon who specializes in hair restoration may perform a number of tests, including a complete medical history, a physical exam, the pull test, skin scraping test, punch biopsy and/or blood tests, which help detect any diseases that may be causing hair loss.
Although, hair loss due to genetics, medical conditions and/or medical treatments cannot be prevented, there are a number of steps individuals can take to prevent other causes of hair loss, which should be discussed with an experienced specialist.
There are a number of FDA-approved hair loss treatments, including topical solutions, restoration techniques, such as laser treatments, scalp reduction surgery and/or hair transplants. New hair loss treatments are on the horizon and will most likely include advanced methods, such as hair follicle cloning and/or gene therapy.
Patients who visit a top Houston hair loss specialist often undergo additional cosmetic surgery; including anti aging skin care treatments, such as: eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, Botox, Sculptra and Radiesse injections.
