Medical Treatments

• Topical Medication
• Oral Pills (Vitamins, Prescriptions)
• Light

Prescription Medications for Hair Loss

Currently, there are two FDA approved medications to treat hair loss.

Propecia (1mg Finasteride taken oral daily) is approved to treat male pattern baldness. It is efficiacious though has known side effects such as lowering the PSA (prostate specific antigen) as well as possibly impacting libido.

Rogaine (5% minoxidal topical daily) – this topical is placed on the scalp to help thicken the hair. There may be early shedding from treatment in the first 2 months. Most people require 2-4 months before seeing a result. It may work better on the vertex (bald spot) in men. The treatment can be once or twice daily. It is recommended to keep Rogaine off of the face as it may stimulate unwanted facial hair.

The other drugs commonly used to treat hair loss are approved for other purposes. Avodart (dutasteride) is only approved to treat prostate enlargement (BPH); and Aldactone (spironolactone), a diuretic, is approved for the treatment of high blood pressure.

Over the Counter Options

Viviscal® is a non-regulated supplement. It contains an organic form of silica claimed to increase the strength of the hair and revitalizes lifeless hair. It also contains; Vitamin C, cod, English whiting, shark, and microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, natural orange flavor, glycerol.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

Micropigmentation is a micro-tattoo that is matched to the color of your hair to give the appearance of density. The result is permanent and mimics a closely shaven scalp. It normally takes 2-4 sessions to achieve the desired result. The results are best for women with thinning everywhere as well as patients with darken toned skin.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment for hair loss based on the principle of photo-biotherapy. This involves the use of laser light to stimulate cell growth. The laser stimulates hair follicles on the scalp producing thicker hair shafts and a fuller appearance.

LLLT appears to be most useful in patients with diffuse hair loss (the most common pattern seen in women). As with drug treatments, patients who seem to respond to this form of therapy have areas of thinning, rather than areas of the scalp that are completely bald.