Blog Archive
Worthwhile study confirming efficacy of both topical and oral minoxiidil for hair loss. The key for maximum potential is compliance with the medication. During a consultation, the advantages and disadvantages of each will be reviewed. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2817326
Hair loss for women can be devastating. A "see through” hairline does change your appearance and limit hair styling options. Hair transplantation for some women can be an important option to restore hair. Hair transplantation is performed in our office under local anesthesia and takes several hours. During that time our team...
According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be more effective than minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). In this randomized controlled trial, the investigators evaluated the efficacy of PRP vs. 5% topical minoxidil for the treatment of AGA in 72 patients...
Unlike in South Korea, Dutasteride is NOT FDA approved in the United States to treat male pattern hair loss but it is widely used off-label. It has many of the same potential side effects as Finasteride, including: sexual side effects, mood changes, gynecomastia, post-finasteride syndrome, and other potential side effects....
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37332360/
https://dnyuz.com/2023/11/08/a-hairy-truth-about-your-sense-of-touch/
We are now in the era of medical and non-medical treatment options that can maintain or thicken thinning hair. The key for any therapy is to allow 8-12 months to judge its efficacy. Medical options for male and female hair loss include: oral and topical minoxidil and finasteride Non-medical options...
In our experience, PRP helps 2 out of 3 patients. We measure effectiveness 6 months after three monthly treatments. In 2 out of 3 patients we see an increased hair density and therefore we perform a maintenance treatment every 9 months. This has become a popular treatment option for patients. ...
Low dose oral minoxidil has been an effective new treatment for men and women with hair loss. However it does have some potential serious side effects in a small group of patients as with all medications. https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S2352512622004246?token=A5403D85C728ABA7B1A43ADBE1D4B319B2337166034CFE84ABABE0B51F5C112A0CBDE4E6B2668DE89A95EA5AB8C45C85&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20230514200732
Another exciting development in the treatment of metastatic cancer. In this study, a combination of a melanoma vaccine and immunotherapy clearly increased long-term survival of patients. This initial study must be replicated and done in a larger population group to confirm its efficacy and safety. Below is the online article:...
Combination therapy can be an effective modality in treating hair loss for women and men. In the recent published studies the combination of minoxidil and low level light therapy has been shown to be synergistic in treating hair loss. It is important to note a single therapy can be effective. ...
Male and female pattern hair loss are progressive conditions. The rate and extent of hair loss varies from patient to patient - we know this from family and friends in our lives. Some have gradual loss over decades while other lose the majority of their hair over a few short...
There is no double blinded placebo controlled peer reviewed studies that support their use for hair loss as a sole treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. However, we know a variety of medical conditions, diets, and medications can impact our hair growth. Some examples include- rapid weight loss,...
Both FUE and FUT are state of the art donor harvesting techniques. Which one is optimal varies from patient to patient and is reviewed and determined during your consultation. The link below is for the paper that was co-authored by Dr. Avram. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36040012/
Oral Minoxidil was first approved by the FDA for the treatment of high blood pressure in 1979 under the trade name Loniten. It was used at doses of 10-20mg daily to treat recalcitrant hypertension. Serendipitously, patients treated with oral minoxidil were observed to have significant hair growth. Therefore, Johnson and...
How do we restore our youthful hair color as we get older? Currently a variety of hair dyes are used. In this recent New England Journal of Medicine case report, a therapy for cancer as a side effect restored pigment to patients' hair. Many new therapies arise from treating other...
Oral minoxidil is an off-label medication that recently, in clinical trials, has demonstrated to be helpful for some men and women. It can have some side effects and your general health will help determine whether or not you are a candidate for this medication. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/health/minoxidil-hair-loss-pills.html
Article attached here: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/13/health/alopecia-drug-approved-fda.html?referringSource=articleShare
The study below was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, entitiled "Two Phase 3 Trials of Baricitinib for Alopecia Areata". https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2110343
Spironolactone has been used for many years to treat hair loss. In our experience it is most effective for patients with acne and/or hair loss due to hormonal imbalances. This meta analysis demonstrates that there is no increased risk of cancer when using it. As with all medications spironolactone can...
When treating male and female pattern hair loss, compliance with any therapy is key to judging efficacy. For any medical treatment, it takes a minimum of 6-8 months to see results. This is because of the hair cycle. The therapy that you are using to treat hair loss happens over...
This recent NEJM article clearly points to the need for boosters. Health care workers were largely vaccinated in December and January. The majority of the population vaccinated later will likely need boosters for optimal immunity in the fall and coming winter. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2112981
Hair Transplantation Article Part I Hair Transplantation Article Part II View the Article on a different page here: Hair Transplantation Article Part I Hair Transplantation Article Part II
JAK inhibitors have been used with success for patients with widespread recalcitrant alopecia totalis and universalis. This recent FDA warning confirms for every medication to consider the risk/benefit of the medication prescribbed for the condition it is being used to treat. Alopecia totalis and universalis cause tremendous emotional and psychological...
Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic inflammatory scalp disorder that can permanently destroy hair on our scalp. There are a variety of different treatment options that work well for many and can be less successful for other patients. This report gives patients a new and safe therapeutic option. PRP has mostly...
Below is an interesting article that could be transformative for trauma, burns and surgical scars. Currently a lab experiment worth pursuing but hopefully one day wll be 21st century medicine for all. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/22/health/surgery-scar.html?referringSource=articleShare
During the AAD virtual meeting 2021 annual meeting, I was happy to participate in an informative session on innovative therapheutic tools to slow hair loss and increase hair growth. Below is a summary article from Dermatology Times summarizing the panel discussion: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/hair-restoration-goes-high-tech
Interesting study giving us more information regarding the possible cause of alopecia areata. Understanding the pathophysiology of alopecia areat will allow us to create even more effective therapies. https://www.doximity.com/articles/fb5078de-d26a-4825-8e89-bfb5399a889f
The attached study published in the Lancet regarding long-term clinical effects of recovered COVID-19 patients confirms what we have seen in our office over the past several months - increased rates of hair loss. In addition to fatigue, muscle weakness, altered smell, insomnia, and depression, hair loss affects 22% of...
https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/study-examines-finasteride-risks-for-younger-males Finasteride can be an effective medication for hair loss in men. As with all medications, side effects can occur. This study raises an increased risk of suicide or psychiatric potential side effects in young men with hair loss taking finasteride. There is no definitive conclusion but it does...
Since the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, there has been a long list of medical side effects that have occured from COVID. Well known ones include pulmonary, cardiovascular, and clotting disorders. There have been skin related changes as well, including hair loss. Over the past several months, our office...
Liu2020_Article_ComparisonOfLow-levelLightTher.pdf
https://www.the-dermatologist.com/article/treating-androgenetic-alopecia-review-nonsurgical-options
Recently, there has been several peer reviewed studies that reaffirm a positive role for PRP for hair loss in men and women. The studies confirm both increased hair count and thickening of existing hair after a series of PRP treatments. No serious adverse side effects were reported. They point out...
During the past 4 months, medicine throughout the world has been challenged on how COVID-19 impacts our body and how best to treat it.This observational study adds more information. Further study is needed to determine whether or not this is medically relevant. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(2)30948-8/pdf
Over the past several years remote teledermatology consults have been available in our office for patients with hair loss. It allows a consult to review your hair loss condition and create a treatment plan for those that cannot come into the office. During the COVID-19 pandemic this has become an...
What is Telemedicine? It is an appointment with your Doctor from your own home via FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or through our electronic medical system. We offer telemedicine appointments 5 days a week, monday through friday. It is a medical visit, and it will be covered by your insurance...
Published peer reviewed clinical trials continue to confirm the positive effect low level light laser therapy has on male and female pattern hair loss. The established protocol for patients to follow at home is 30 minutes every other day. Advantages include - it is painless, the ease of using it...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/31823902/ This paper demonstrates the efficacy of combination therapy in treating male and female pattern hair loss. The key is to be compliant with at least one therapy for success. Combination therapy makes the success more likely for patients that can do two treatments at once.
Over the last several years there have bee multiple clinical trials that have answered the question regarding the efficacy of PRP as a treatmet for male and female pattern hair loss. The majority of studies show positive effect of PRP on patients who suffer from male and female pattern hair...
This double blinded study confirms the positive impact of PRP on hair loss for women and men. It reveals an increase in new hair follicles and thickening of existing hair follicles. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30287324
Alopecia areata continues to be a challenging condition to treat for many patients. Recently, there have been some significant developments with potentially dramatic impact in helping patients with the most severe cases of alopecia areata. Both involve oral medications that affect the immune system and therefore have potential side effects...
This is an important article addressing post-finasteride syndrome. More data is needed to clarify how common and who it is most likely to affect. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30835851
Over the past several years there has been increasing reports of JAK inhibitors being used to treat recalcitrant alopecia areata with excellent results in the majority of patients. Currently it is being explored as a potential topical treatment option for treating alopecia areata as well. Overall patients and JAK inhibitors...
Patients often ask: "What do I need to do after my procedure so that the wounds heal well and the hair willgrow well in the months ahead?" Hair Transplantation is performed in the office under local anesthesia. Post procedure wound care is straightforward and important to follow for optimal...
Recently there have been reports of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) being used successfully to treat scarring alopecia such as lichen planopilaris. In addition there have been case reports of being successfully used for alopecia areata. By far the most experience continues with male and female pattern hair loss where published...
Hair loss for men and women is extremely upsetting; no one likes losing their hair. For women, it has a particular emotional and psychological impact due to the lack of scoietal acceptance for hair loss in women. Fortunately, for female pattern hair loss there are effective medical and surgical options....
A thicker head of hair mostly helps frame our face and impacts how we see ourselves and how the world sees us; but does it also help protect us against skin cancer? The scalp is part of the skin and therefore is at risk to develop skin cancer like anywhere...
The sun has many effects on the skin. We know it is a factor in skin cancer and a factor in wrinkling and aging of our skin. Does it have an effect on hair loss? No clinical evidence exists demonstrating that the sun has any negative effect on our hair...
In July 2018, another paper has been published that demonstrates the synergy between minoxidil and low level light therapy (LLLT). LLLT is a safe, painless, at home treatment that can help men and women with hair loss. A summary of the article is below:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30027912If you are interested in learning more...
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is an FDA approved treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. The attached paper in a leading dermatology journal demonstrates it may be an effective treatment for scarring hair loss conditions such as lichen planopilaris. This is a significant development of a new and...
Recently, a paper was published in a leading laser journal that revealed a combination of topical minoxidil and low level light therapy was synergistic. Both treatment options for hair loss for men and women are effective independently but in a patient that has used one without optimal results, adding the...
This recent peer reviewed published article is an excellent summary of the published data regarding low level light lasers in the treatment of hair loss for men and women. Clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy of low level light lasers in the treatment of hair loss. It is effective as a...
These new therapies are saving thousands of lives for patients with Cancer including Metastic Melanoma.Might they also help explain why and how we lose pigment in our hair fillicles as we age?https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2642914?aimlink=37f9e2031e3b44cd7582c25e5af7244d <--Click Here to read article
PRP for Hair Loss- UPDATEPRP continues to be a novel, widely used treatment for thinning hair. Our experience over the past two years has shown that the majority of patients have positive effects from PRP. The effect can be in a range from new hair growth, to thicheking of existing thining...
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS INTERESTING CASE REPORT