Up to 80% of men and 50% of women experience some degree of hair loss over their lifetimes. Although hair loss can be caused by a number of underlying medical conditions, most cases are simply the result of your genes and the aging process. For many, this can cause a devastating loss in confidence, self-esteem, and even one’s sense of identity.
Common Types of Hair Loss
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Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition. It creates a bald spot on the top of the scalp, causing a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair. Common patterns seen in men include a receding hairline, thinning crown or general thinning.Female pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is a hereditary condition that causes thinning hair, evenly spread over the crown of the head.
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Alopecia areata affects both men and women and is characterized by circular bald patches. It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune disease which targets the hair follicles.
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Telogen effluvium is temporary hair shedding all over the scalp. It occurs when metabolic or physiological stress alters the hair growth cycle so that a large number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time. It can be triggered by illness, medications, rapid weight loss or childbirth.
Traditional therapies for hair loss can be expensive and offer patchy results (no pun intended). Use of minoxidil based products like Rogaine may lead to skin irritation, rashes, and even irregular heartbeats, while prescription finasteride is notorious for causing sexual side effects. At JativaMD, we are pleased to offer two new treatments for hair loss that are safe and backed by recent advances in medical research.
Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, has been proven to be a safe and effective way of treating both male and female pattern hair loss. PRP contains numerous growth and regeneration factors which stimulate the development of new hair follicles and improve their blood supply. Studies have shown benefits in hair growth in as little as two weeks after therapy, in the absence of side effects. The PRP that we use is collected from your own body with a simple blood draw, purified, and injected back into your scalp. We will give you some anesthesia to make sure that you are comfortable, and you will be able to return to your regular activities almost immediately.
Stem cell therapy is an exciting, cutting edge treatment that works well for both men and women. Stem cells work by secreting various growth factors which promote the growth and proliferation of hair follicle cells. Although there are stem cells all over the body, including the scalp, we can actually use your own stem cells from easily accessible adipose (fat) tissue around your midsection. These are extracted, separated, and introduced to your scalp. Healing times are minimal, and studies have shown that you can expect to see improvements in a matter of weeks. Stem cell therapy can even be used together with PRP to maximize results.
When you come to JativaMD, we will address your type of hair loss and determine if you are a candidate for these exciting new treatments.