Prevent and Slow Down Progressive Pattern Hair Loss

Written by Dr. Griffin

May 25, 2016

Wearing caps and hoods can only do so much to cover up hair loss in men and women. Male and female pattern hair loss will progress if left untreated. It is important to identify hair loss as soon as possible. If you have pattern hair loss in your family, you may have a higher risk of hair loss in the future.

At our hair restoration center in Philadelphia, we offer our patients many options for hair maintenance in order to prevent or slow the progression of pattern hair loss:

1. Oral Medication: If hair loss in men is detected during its earlier stages, Dr. Thomas Griffin would prescribe Finasteride. Propecia (Finasteride), blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. In most cases by blocking DHT production, hair loss progression stops and regrowth begins.  Unfortunately, the downside is that approximately 50% of men may have sexual side effects. The side effects are reversible when the medication is stopped.
2. PRP Injections: Platelet Rich Plasma injections are a non-surgical way to treat hair loss. Dr. Griffin will harvest the patients’ platelet for injection in the treatment area. Platelets release growth factors which stimulate hair growth. Our protocol is 4 treatments done once every 3 months over 12 months. This can be done instead of, or in conjunction with taking Finasteride, or other treatments. It can then be used as a maintenance procedure on an ongoing basis done 2 times a year. It works best when started early in the process of hair loss and is used in both men and women.
3. Topical Treatment: Topical treatment is an effective way to slow the progression of hair loss. Topical treatment is applied once a day and is often combined with other procedures such as laser cap or hair transplant surgery. We use 5% minoxidil fortified with Finasteride and Latisse to boost its effect. This approach yields good results in both men and women. This will stimulate regrowth if started early and maintenance of hair going forward.
4. Laser Cap: At our hair restoration center, we sell a high intensity laser cap for hair maintenance. If started early, the laser cap can stimulate regrowth. The laser cap is used every day for 6 minutes. It can be and should used in conjunction with any of the above procedures.

In summary, if a person has inherited pattern hair loss, it is of utmost importance to understand that it will progress if left untreated. Hair transplantation does not cure hair loss but rather replaces lost hair or hair that’s destined to be lost. We want the best results for our patients for the long term and those are best achieved by a combination of treatments which will help you hold on to the hair you already have while replacing the hair you’ve lost.