Surgical Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is a very safe, relatively minor surgical procedure
in which hair follicles from a permanent hair-bearing area of the
scalp are removed and transplanted into thinning or balding areas.
At Bilowus Medical, surgical transplanting of hair follicles is a
straightforward outpatient procedure.
By selecting the appropriate graft size, harvesting the proper
type of hair, and strategically positioning each graft at the correct
angle, Dr. Bilowus creates the most natural-looking hairlines.
He maximizes the number of transplanted hairs during each session,
thus minimizing the number of surgical visits and the time it takes
for you to achieve the results you desire.
Because the transplanted follicles keep their original genetic
instructions, they continue to grow for a lifetime. The transplanted
hair requires no special maintenance or care, simply cut and style
it the way you want.
Medical Treatments
Propecia
In December 1997, Merck & Co., announced that the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Propecia (oral finasteride
1 mg) for the treatment of hair loss
in men. Propecia, like Minoxidil, has demonstrated some ability
to slow hair thinning, and in some cases, promote hair growth in
men with mild-to-moderate hair loss.
To date, Propecia is the first and only pill to treat male pattern
hair loss. Available only by prescription, Propecia is specifically
designed for men. Propecia will not be effective for all men who
use it, and it will not necessarily regrow a full head of hair for
those who see hair regrowth.
Rogaine
In 1988, the FDA approved Minoxidil
2%, which is the first topical treatment proven to stimulate hair
growth in some individuals with pattern hair loss. This topical
solution is currently marketed under the name Rogaine, by Pharmacia
& Upjohn, and also is available in a 5% solution.
Unfortunately, according to Pharmica & Upjohn, Rogaine has
little or no effect on frontal baldness—the area of greatest
concern to most balding and thinning men. In our practice, however,
we've found that when used as directed, Rogaine is most effective
for slowing the balding process. We have also found that when our
hair transplantation patients use Rogaine, growth of the newly transplanted
hair is accelerated.
The long-term side effects of using Propecia or Rogaine, if any,
are unknown.
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