Importance of Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments

In order to obtain maximum density now and in the future, it is important to use adjunctive non-surgical therapy to preserve existing native hair. Non-surgical therapy may bring back some lost hair, but just as important, it may slow down or stop future loss. The use of non-surgical therapy can affect surgical planning in a number of ways. Sometimes the response is so good that patients decide they don’t need surgery. Sometimes it improves the situation so a smaller, less aggressive procedure is needed. Even if non surgical therapy is only minimally effective, a small amount of regrowth can significantly improve the appearance of density in transplanted areas.

Formula 82M

A Uniquely Engineered Formulation Providing An Alternative Solution For Hairloss

Minoxidil has been the number one topical therapy for androgenetic alopecia since its FDA clearance in 1988. Minoxidil alone can have a good impact on stopping hair loss but now there is a better way. About 15 years ago, a pharmaceutical group in South America created several topical formulas containing minoxidil, tretinoin, a topical steroid, and more recently, a natural 5 alpha reductase blocking agent, oleanolic acid, in addition to several other ingredients. They also developed a proprietary method of solubilizing and stabilizing the minoxidil, allowing for better stability, a longer shelf life, and overall better efficacy.

More recently in 2008, a group of dermatologists in Mexico headed by Dr. Antonio Cueva introduced these formulas to Mexico. Clinical trials were performed and these showed a noticeably faster onset of hair growth and more profound hair growth than seen with previous minoxidil based formulas. The photos below courtesy of Dr. Antonio Cueva document several cases showing the rapid and dramatic results of the use of these products.

Formula 82M

A further refined version of the formula, Formula 82M, is now being dispensed in the U.S. by prescription only through MasterPharm Compounding Pharmacy under a license from Hair Science, LLC. If you are interested in this exciting new hair loss treatment contact our office and set up your free consultation.

What others are saying about Formula 82M

“Personally I believe this formula works better than Rogaine or Propecia” — Dr. Peter Rullan

“We have created a green, safe, and highly effective formulation” — Stephen Laddy, R.Ph., CEO of MasterPharm Compounding Pharmacy

Propecia (Finasteride)

Propecia (Finasteride)

Propecia®(Finasteride) is a drug used to treat male pattern hair loss. Finasteride was initially approved by the FDA in 1992 under the brand name Proscar, for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. In 1997, the FDA approved finasteride for the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB) under the brand name Propecia. This drug treats male pattern hair loss by blocking the body's production of a male hormone called DHT. Finasteride is effective only for as long as it is taken; the hair gained or maintained is lost within 6–12 months of ceasing therapy. In clinical studies, finasteride, was shown to work on both the crown area and the hairline, but is most successful in the crown area.

Propecia is a 1 mg oral tablet taken daily that acts as a potent 5-alpaha-reducates type-2 inhibitor. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to Di-Hydro-Testosterone and decreases levels of DHT by about 65 percent. It has been shown to block further hair loss as well as produce re-growth. The effects are greatest on the crown; however, it has some beneficial effect in the frontal area as well. Five-year results show that by hair-count, 65% of men are stable or improve. There is concern that the efficacy of Finasteride may wear off with time. In men, Finasteride has a very low side-effect profile. The most common concerns are sexual side effects, gynecomastia and decreased sperm count. Even though the incidence of sexual side effects is low (1.8 percent with Finasteride compared to 1.6 percent with a placebo) and reversible when stopped, it is still unsettling to some men. Recently, it has been suggested that Finasteride may be protective against prostate cancer. Finasteride is not officially approved for use in women, and a study by Merck on post-menopausal women over the age of 50 did not show any benefit. However, there are a few small, independent studies and anecdotal reports that suggest Finasteride may have some beneficial effects in women as well. The use of Finasteride is strictly contraindicated in women of child-bearing age because of potential birth abnormalities that could occur to the fetus of pregnant women taking Finasteride.

What is DHT

Hair Loss for both men and women is usually due to some hormonal changes in the body. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is the natural metabolite of the human body mainly responsible for hair loss. DHT exists when the male hormone Androgen gets involved with an enzyme called the 5 alpha reductase and combines with the male hormone testosterone. When DHT is abundant in an individual, it reaches the hair follicles and tends to prevent proteins, vitamins and minerals from providing the needed nourishment to sustain life in the hair of these follicles. The hair follicles then tend to reproduce at a slower rate with shortened growing phases and longer resting stages until eventually they stop growing at all. Because DHT is responsible for about 95% of hair loss, men or women who are genetically pre-disposed in producing more DHT than others are at higher risk of MPB.

Propecia Possible Side Effects

There has been much controversy lately about the reported side effects associated with taking propecia for the treatment of MPB. According to the Propecia website, the following side effects have been reported: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation; breast tenderness and enlargement; testicular pain; less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. The company claims that only a small number of men have sexual side effects from the drug, with each occurring in less than 2% of men and subsided when the drug is stopped. In 2010, the company added depression to the list of possible side effects from taking Propecia for the treatment of MPB.

Although the company claims that any unwanted side effects go away when the drug is stopped, there have been numerous complaints from men that took the drug that upon discontinuing the drug, the side effects persist. It is extremely important that anyone considering taking Propecia for the treatment of MPB is well informed of the possible side effects.

Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Minoxidil (Rogaine®) is a topical application approved for both men and women. It has been shown to either reduce hair loss or promote hair growth in about 80% of patients. Minoxidil acts as a direct anagen-prolonging agent. The original product, however, was oily and messy, and the propylene glycol additive could cause irritation in some patients. Recently, a new 5% foam delivery system has been released without any propylene glycol. It is much easier to use and better accepted by patients. Although the 5% is labeled for men, it can be used by both men and women.

In the U.S., minoxidil is available without a prescription. The dosage for men is 5% and for women is 2% and it is available in a solution or foam.

Laser Cap (LLLT)

Laser Cap (LLLT)

The Laser Cap is the newest technology available for the non-surgical treatment of hair loss. Both men and women can use this advanced laser device in the comfort of their home or office. With this device you no longer need to sit in a doctor’s office under a laser three times a week for 20 weeks to get effective laser therapy. LaserCap is a 224 laser, portable, wearable under any hat device for intensive at-home use low level laser treatment, with comparable power to the leading FDA cleared in-office laser dome device – please see chart below.

The Laser Cap is only available through a select number of physicians at the moment and we are proud to be one of the distributors in the state of Arizona. Call and schedule your free consultation to see if you are a candidate for this exciting in-home LLLT therapy device.

Herbal Supplements

Herbal Supplements

Although genetics play a big role in hair loss, other factors such as poor diets, stress, lack of exercise, can also play a major role. While natural supplements for hair growth can't produce flowing locks in a matter of weeks, they can certainly provide some key nutrients associated with faster hair growth. Most nutritional supplements for hair growth contain ingredients that speed up hair follicle cell division and this helps the follicles produce stronger hair shafts. For this reason, herbal supplements can be used either to slow or reverse hair loss or to grow longer hair. Because most of these supplements come in pill or tablet form, they are also easy to use.

Natural herbal supplements for hair growth alone cannot cure alopecia. They may help slow down hair loss and even encourage re-growth, but to date, no natural treatment alone has been proven to reverse baldness completely. It is also important to remember that even the best natural supplements contain no ingredients that can't be found in foods and unprocessed medicinal herbs. That means improving your diet and making your own herbal treatments is a viable alternative to buying commercial hair supplements.

end faq

To find out more about your hair restoration options or non-surgical hair loss treatments please visit our site exclusively dedicated to Hair Restoration at: www.Phoenix-NeoGraft.com