Hair Loss In Men
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. Excessive androgenic hormone – dihydrotestosterone, and genetics, are implicated in progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles.
This ultimately results in conversion of thicker terminal hair into thinner vellus hair. Insufficient flow of blood to the scalp and dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines which promotes microinflammation also contributes to its pathophysiology.
If you are suffering from loss of hair, you are not alone. This condition can affects close to 60% of Asians and up to 80% of Caucasians.
Our hair contributes to our self image and identity, and society perceives dense and strong hair as youthful, healthiness, beauty and success.
Loss of hair results in altered appearance which causes psychosocial distress with decreased self confidence, self esteem, heightened self consciousness and negatively affects the quality of life of patients.
It is hence, important for this to be addressed!
How do we address Hair Loss in Men – Androgenetic Alopecia?
The key lies in a combination of treatments, aimed to arrest the progression of hair loss and also to reverse the miniaturisation of the hair follicles.
Steps to Addressing Hair Loss In Men
(1) Anti Hair Loss Medications
Commonly, these include finasteride and minoxidil. The main consideration here is that it is a ongoing therapy, which means it will be a semi life long decision. If the decision here is to start and stop every now and then, this therapy will result in rebound hair losses rather than arresting the loss of hair.
(2) Stem Cell Hair Regeneration / Growth Factors
By utilising fats and hair grafts with technology to give a solution that is then reinjected back into the areas of poorer density. The improvement varies between 10 – 30% increase in density for patients.
(3) Hair Hyperstimulation Laser Therapy
Employing the use of either a specialised laser to give improved diameter and greater hair counts, thereby allowing increased hair growth and better density.
(4) Definitive Hair Restoration Using A Hair Transplant
A Hair Transplant still remains the definitive restoration by taking hair from the occipital region and grafting them to areas that are bald or have poor density. Results are definite and survival rate of the grafts ultimately depends on the team involved in the hair transplantation and also post treatment care.
**The diagnosis of how the hair loss happens remains the cornerstone before treatment can be instituted.
Though Androgenetic Alopecia remains the most common cause of hair loss, other causes must also be considered before moving on with therapy. Remember to ask your attending doctor for the diagnosis before proceeding with any treatment!
