There are a variety of factors that can lead to hair loss: stress, dietary preferences, illnesses, and medications. But the main cause is alopecia, or genetic baldness. Hair loss causes people to feel less confident, even anxious, in social situations. But Dr. Ip has various options for hair replacement.
Baldness can happen on the head, or all over the body. It can be related to a person’s genes, a health condition, or from reactions to certain medicines. While some people opt to live with their balding, others choose to have hair replacement. Here are the options with Dr. Ip.
Hair Replacement Options
Often, hair loss can be due to an underlying health condition. After the condition has been addressed, medications can regrow the patient’s hair. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in the branded product Rogaine. Rogaine is a liquid that is applied to the scalp twice daily. It can promote hair to regrow, can reduce the rate of hair loss, or both. A second option is finasteride, commonly known under the brand name Propecia. Propecia is taken once daily to grow new hair.
If medications don’t work, Dr. Ip could recommend surgery. The two options are hair transplants or scalp reduction.
Hair Transplants
Transplants are the most common type of surgery to remedy hair loss. Tiny patches of scalp that contain live hair, usually on the sides or back of the head, are surgically removed and implanted on the areas where hair loss is most apparent.
Scalp Reduction
Scalp reduction reduces a patient’s bald spots by removing the scalp in that area. This closes the areas where hair is still growing. A variation of scalp reduction is the flap technique, where the hair-growing scalp is folded over a balding area.
If you’re losing your hair, it’s time to talk with Dr. Ip about your options. Call us at our Newport Beach or Manhattan offices.
