Hair Loss: Is there anything else I can do?

Posted on: January 24th, 2023 by Our Team

At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we aim to provide cutting-edge care for several skin conditions. Unfortunately, hair loss is one area that has been a challenge. Still, over the last several years, there have been several advances in therapies.

One area is platelet-rich plasma. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Platelets are a type of blood cell involved in the healing process and contain growth factors that can stimulate the production of new cells.

PRP therapy for hair restoration is usually performed in a series of treatments, each spaced about one month apart. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood cells.
2. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp in the area of hair loss.
3. The growth factors in the platelets stimulate the production of new hair follicles and encourage existing hair follicles to enter the growth phase.

PRP therapy effectively promotes hair growth in some people with male or female pattern baldness. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and long-term effects. It is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal side effects. However, some people may experience mild pain or swelling at the injection site.

A trained healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, should perform PRP therapy. It is essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks of the treatment with a healthcare provider before deciding if it is right for you.

Another popular option at Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group is minoxidil. Minoxidil is a medication used to treat hair loss and promote hair growth. It is available as a topical solution or foam applied to the scalp, as well as an oral tablet.

Oral minoxidil is a prescription medication that is taken by mouth. It relaxes the blood vessels in the scalp, which increases blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. It is most effective when combined with other hair loss treatments, such as topical minoxidil or finasteride.

Oral minoxidil is typically used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) in people without success with other hair loss treatments. It may take several months of treatment before the effects of oral minoxidil are noticeable, and the medication must be taken continuously to maintain the benefits.

Oral minoxidil can cause side effects like all medications, including dizziness, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is essential to talk to a healthcare provider about oral minoxidil’s potential risks and benefits.

Additionally, at Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we use clinically studied nutritional supplements to aid in hair growth, such as Viviscal Pro. Viviscal Pro is a dietary supplement marketed as a hair growth product. It is made from natural ingredients, including fish protein, biotin, and zinc. It is intended to nourish the hair and scalp and promote healthy growth.

Viviscal Pro is taken orally as a tablet or capsule and is usually taken twice daily. It is available without a prescription and can be purchased at pharmacies, drugstores, and online. In addition, some scientific evidence suggests that certain ingredients in Viviscal Pro, such as biotin and fish protein, may be beneficial for hair growth.

At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we aid in treatments to maintain hair growth and specialize in non-invasive ways to improve hair thickness. Call our office at 480-666-5568 if you want to discuss your hair treatment options.