Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medanta, The Medicity
- +91-9873483667
Division of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medanta, The Medicity
Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their baldness run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss and to restore growth.
If your hair loss is caused by an underlying disease, treatment for that disease will be necessary. This may include drugs to reduce inflammation and suppress your immune system, such as prednisone. If a certain medication is causing the hair loss, you may be asked to stop using it for at least three months.
Medications are available to treat pattern baldness. Two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hair loss are:
Minoxidil - Minoxidil is liquid or foam that you rub into your scalp twice a day to grow hair and to prevent further hair loss. It may be used by men and women. With this treatment, some people experience hair regrowth, a slower rate of hair loss or both. The effect peaks at 16 weeks and you need to keep applying the medication to retain benefits.
Possible side effects include scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth on the adjacent skin of the face and hands, and rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
Finasteride - This prescription drug is available only to men. It's taken daily in pill form. Many men taking Finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show some new hair growth. You need to keep taking it to retain benefits.
Rare side effects of Finasteride include diminished sex drive and sexual function and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Women who are or may be pregnant need to avoid touching crushed or broken tablets.
PRP (Platelet rich Plasma) - this is very effective in reducing hair fall with a success rate of 80-90% without any side effect. It involves enriching your own blood by centrifuge and making it platelet rich which is then injectected into the scalp by a pain free technique
During this procedure, tiny plugs of skin, each containing a few hairs (Follicular Units FU), from the back or sides of your scalp. They are then implanted into the bald sections of your scalp. You may be asked to take a hair loss medication before and after surgery to improve results.
