Baldness & Hair Loss Treatment
Overview
Hair loss (baldness), medically known as alopecia, is a common condition affecting both men and women. It may appear as gradual thinning, a receding hairline, widening of the part, localized areas of hair loss, or a general reduction in hair density.
The causes of hair loss are diverse. Genetics and hormonal influences are responsible for many cases, but nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, medical conditions, stress, aging, and changes in the normal hair-growth cycle can also contribute.
Because different types of hair loss require different treatments, the first step is identifying the underlying cause and pattern of hair loss.
Understanding Hair Loss
Each hair follicle normally passes through a repeating growth cycle consisting of active growth, transition, rest, and eventual shedding.
In certain forms of alopecia, this cycle becomes disrupted. Hair follicles may progressively produce finer and shorter hairs until visible scalp coverage decreases.
The most common form is androgenetic alopecia, also called male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss.
In men, androgenetic alopecia frequently produces:
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Recession of the frontal hairline
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Thinning at the temples
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Thinning at the crown
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Progressive reduction in hair density
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Eventual joining of frontal and crown areas in advanced cases
In women, hereditary hair loss more commonly produces diffuse thinning over the central or upper scalp while the frontal hairline remains relatively preserved.
Not every form of hair loss is hereditary, however, which makes proper diagnosis important before beginning treatment.
What Causes Hair Loss/Baldness?
Hair loss can result from one or several factors.
Genetics and Hormonal Factors: Androgenetic alopecia has a strong genetic component. In susceptible hair follicles, the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contributes to progressive follicular miniaturization.
Over time, affected follicles produce progressively thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hairs.
Aging: Hair naturally becomes thinner with age. The growth phase of the hair cycle may shorten, while individual follicles may produce finer hairs.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disorders, androgen abnormalities, and other hormonal changes may contribute to changes in hair density.
Stress and Illness: Significant physical or emotional stress, surgery, severe illness, rapid weight loss, or other physiological changes can sometimes trigger telogen effluvium, resulting in increased shedding several weeks or months after the triggering event.
Nutritional Factors: Deficiencies involving iron or other nutrients may contribute to hair loss in selected patients.
Medications and Medical Conditions: Certain medications and systemic illnesses can affect the normal hair-growth cycle.
Inflammatory, autoimmune, infectious, and scarring disorders of the scalp may also cause hair loss and require appropriate medical evaluation.
Evaluation of Hair Loss
Successful treatment begins with determining the type and cause of hair loss.
An assessment may include:
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Medical and family history
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Pattern and duration of hair loss
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Examination of the scalp and hair follicles
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Review of medications
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Assessment of recent illness, stress, or weight changes
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Evaluation for signs of hormonal or nutritional abnormalities
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Blood testing when clinically indicated
Certain types of sudden, patchy, inflammatory, or scarring hair loss may require evaluation by a dermatologist or another appropriate specialist.
Once the diagnosis has been established, treatment options can be discussed.
How PRP Treatment Is Performed
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood. Rich in growth factors that support tissue repair, PRP is prepared by collecting and centrifuging a small blood sample before treatment.
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Blood Collection: A small sample of the patient's blood is collected, similarly to a routine blood test.
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Centrifugation: The blood is placed in a specialized centrifuge that separates its components according to density. This process allows the platelet-rich portion of the plasma to be isolated.
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Preparation of the Scalp: The treatment areas are identified and the scalp is cleaned. Local or topical anesthesia may be used to improve comfort.
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PRP Injection: Small quantities of concentrated PRP are injected into targeted areas of the scalp using fine needles.
The goal is to expose existing follicles to concentrated platelets and their associated growth factors. The complete appointment generally takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
PRP Treatment Schedule
PRP is generally performed as a series rather than as a single treatment.
A treatment plan may begin with sessions approximately once a month for several months, followed by maintenance treatments at longer intervals when appropriate
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The ideal number and frequency of treatments vary according to:
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Type of hair loss
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Severity of thinning
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Response to treatment
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Patient age
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Associated medical treatments
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Individual objectives
Maintenance sessions may be recommended because androgenetic hair loss is a progressive condition.
Combination Therapy
Hair loss is progressive, and combining complementary treatments may provide better long-term management than relying on a single therapy.
Depending on the patient's condition, a treatment strategy may incorporate:
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PRP
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Minoxidil
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Finasteride or other appropriate medical therapy
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Low-level light therapy
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Hair transplantation
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Management of nutritional or hormonal abnormalities when identified
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Appropriate scalp care
For patients undergoing hair transplantation, medical treatment may also help preserve existing non-transplanted hair.
Risks and Limitations of PRP
Because PRP is prepared from the patient's own blood, allergic reactions to the injected material are unlikely.
Nevertheless, PRP involves injections and therefore carries potential risks, including:
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Pain or tenderness
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Bruising
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Bleeding
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Swelling
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Infection
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Temporary scalp irritation
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Unsatisfactory or limited improvement
PRP does not work equally well for everyone and cannot guarantee restoration of lost hair.
The quality of the underlying follicles, diagnosis, degree of miniaturization, and progression of hair loss all influence potential results.
Locations
Adress
4150 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
Suite 402 - 4e étage
Let’s Talk
info@mysite.com
Phone
514-845-9898