Hair Loss Treatments

Santa Monica Laser and Skin Care dermatologists keep up with the latest advancements in hair restoration treatments. This commitment to staying at the forefront of dermatological innovation allows patients to access cutting-edge therapies and techniques to combat hair loss effectively. Skilled dermatologists Dr. Mary Lee Amerian and Dr. George Anterasian prioritize the highest standards of patient care, ensuring that individuals receive top-notch service and attention throughout their hair loss treatment journey.

Here are some of the more effective treatments for Hair Loss offered at the Santa Monica Laser and Skin Care Center.

TED stands for transepidermal delivery.  Our office is very excited to offer this new treatment for hair loss.  The TED System is a new and completely non-invasive treatment for addressing hair loss without any downtime.  TED is an ultrasound-based system that uses ultrasound and air pressure to deliver into the scalp important nutrients that stimulate hair growth. This results in the delivery of essential nutrients to the hair follicles to support optimum hair growth, follicle strength, and hair health.  In addition, the treatment promotes increased blood circulation to the hair follicles.  The combined result of both of these benefits is increased hair growth, improved hair quality, and better appearance of the hair in the treated areas. Please click here for a full discussion of TED treatment for hair loss.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP for short) is a type of serum that is derived from each patient’s own blood that contains high concentrations of platelets.  Platelets secrete growth factors that are thought to assist in tissue and hair regrowth.  PRP is a useful material because these growth factors can be used to stimulate hair growth.

When PRP is delivered into the skin of the scalp, the platelets reach the hair follicles where their growth factors stimulate cells called dermal papilla cells.  These cells play a critical role in hair growth.  By stimulating these cells, PRP treatment results in increased hair growth and improved hair quality.

PRP injections are completely safe when performed by a trained physician.  Mild side effects include temporary pain, redness, and headache in the treated areas.

There is medical evidence to suggest that PRP is most effective when combined with Propecia or Rogaine.

Propecia also goes by the name finasteride, which is the generic form of the medication. Propecia is used to treat male pattern baldness at the crown of the head and in the middle of the scalp. It is to be used only by adult men. It is the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of male pattern baldness. In clinical trials, about 86% of men responded to Propecia.

The medication works by decreasing the amount of a natural hormone called dihydrotestosterone. You must continue to take this medication to maintain your hair growth. When you stop taking Propecia, any gain in hair quantity is generally lost within 12 months.

Rogaine also goes by the name minoxidil, which is the generic form of the medication. Rogaine is a topical solution or foam that is applied to the affected areas of the scalp to promote hair growth. It comes in a 2% and a 5% concentration that can be purchased in stores without a prescription.

Rogaine is generally used twice a day, morning and evening. It may require up to 4 months of therapy to achieve results. Rogaine must be continued indefinitely in order to maintain the hair growth that results from the use of this medicine. When using Rogaine, it is important to wash your face and hands after you apply it in order to prevent accidental application of Rogaine to places other than the scalp; otherwise hair may start to grow in places where it is not desired.

In addition to its topical application, minoxidil can also be taken orally in low doses to stimulate hair growth.  Recent studies demonstrate that low dose minoxidil can treat hair loss in both men and women.  The treatment is very well tolerated, which allows patients to stay on the medication for extended periods of time, resulting in a favorable clinical response with improvement in hair loss.  For this reason, low dose minoxidil may be particularly helpful in patients who are unable to tolerate topical minoxidil or have not responded to other treatment options.  Low dose oral minoxidil is a particularly good option to consider in patients who either do not want to apply topical minoxidil or who have used it and had side effects such as itching or irritation from it.

In one specific type of hair loss called alopecia areata, the immune system attacks the hair follicles leading to hair loss. The hair typically falls out in a small round patch about the size of a quarter. Any hair bearing area can be affected, including the eyebrows and the beard in men, but the scalp is the area most commonly involved.

Because alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, steroid injections can be helpful. In adults, typically the steroid is administered by injection into the area of hair loss. In children, topically applied steroids are more commonly used.

Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, treatment can help the hair grow back more quickly.

Hair loss is a common problem that may be improved with vitamin and mineral supplements. A well-balanced diet is very important in order to insure proper intake of vitamins and minerals, which are critical for maintaining the health of the hair. Vitamins and supplements taken orally can help insure that your hair has what it needs to look its best.

Studies show that supplementing the diet with vitamin D in patients with hair loss and vitamin D deficiency can improve the hair loss, especially in patients with male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss, and stress related hair loss.

Iron deficiency is common in women with hair loss, and in these settings iron supplementation combined with Vitamin C supplementation can be helpful.

Zinc, selenium, biotin, Vitamin B12, and riboflavin are also important for healthy hair. It is not clear whether or not supplementation of these minerals and vitamins helps improve hair loss. For most patients, these nutrients are supplied by a healthy balanced diet. However, if there is concern, a vitamin supplement can be taken to insure that these nutrients are present in sufficient quantities to support healthy hair growth.