As we get older, it seems we are growing more hair where we don’t want it and losing hair where we DO! What is the deal with hair loss and unwanted, random hair growth as we age? What can we do about it?
What Are The Causes Of Unwanted Hair Growth As You Age?
Let me first explain the causes and then tell you how Siperstein Dermatology can help.
Unwanted Hair Growth In Aging Women
In women, the hormone changes caused by menopause can cause estrogen levels to decline while levels of testosterone rise. This can result in hair growth on the face, otherwise known as hirsutism.
Unwanted Hair Growth In Aging Men
For men, increased hair growth in the nose and ears can be due to these areas becoming more sensitive to testosterone, which produces thicker, longer hairs.
What Can We Do About Unwanted Hair Growth Due To Aging?
So, what can we do? We have a few solutions! Laser Hair removal (LHR) is an effective way to get rid of dark unwanted hairs on the face, including the ones on the nose and inside the ears. The laser is attracted to the dark pigment (melanin) at the base of the hair follicle and disables hair growth.
A series of six to eight laser hair removal treatments, each a month apart, can reduce or eliminate these stubborn hairs.
What Can We Do About Random Grey Hair Growth?
LHR does NOT work on grey or white hairs, which we have more of as we age. The solution? Electrolysis of these hairs is a method of using a micro-level of electric current to destroy each individual hair root.
Electrolysis is a slower process of removing hairs because it works one hair at a time; however, it is a permanent solution for grey hairs!
Temporary Solutions To Grey Hair Growth: Dermaplaning
A temporary solution for hair growth on women’s faces is Dermaplaning. This is a win-win, because your hair is gone and your skin feels incredibly smooth! The esthetician uses a sterile surgical blade to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, as well as any unwanted hair on the face. It works on hairs of any color. The end result is baby soft, smooth, glowing skin.
The Dermaplaning procedure is very popular because it enhances the skin and creates a perfect canvas for makeup or tinted sunscreen.
What Are The Causes Of Hair Loss Due To Aging?
Now what about hair loss, specifically on the scalp? Did you know that Siperstein Dermatology has its very own hair loss specialist? Dr. Julian Mackay-Wiggan is a graduate of Columbia University and was an Associate Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center for 15 years before joining our practice. She practices all areas of general medical and surgical dermatology, but she has a passion for hair loss disorders. She shares her expertise in hair loss disorders, such as alopecia areata and female/male pattern hair loss. She is dedicated to finding new treatments for hair loss disorders through FDA approved clinical trials she is leading in our office.
What Happens During An Exam For Hair Loss?
Dr. Wiggan examines and evaluates the scalp, hair and hair follicles to identify each patient’s individual hair loss diagnosis. She may do a scalp biopsy or blood work if needed, depending on the best treatment for each patient’s specific type of hair loss. We are also excited to introduce the HairMetrix™. HairMetrix is the first AI-driven, non-invasive hair consultation solution that provides immediate measurements of hair, without pulling or clipping the hair to send it to a lab! Dr. Wiggan is using this real-time analysis solution to develop appropriate treatment plans for her patients. Additionally, after treatments or procedures, such as PRP injections for hair loss, we can use this too for objective outcome monitoring.
Hair Growth & Rejuvenation Solutions: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
We offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for hair rejuvenation. It works best for male and female pattern hair loss. This procedure entails drawing blood from the patient and spinning that blood to separate the PRP serum with growth factors. We inject the PRP into the scalp in the affected area(s). These injected platelets stimulate inactive hair follicles to enter an active-growth phase, causing the hair to begin the growth cycle again.
Hair Loss & Hair Removal In Boca Raton & Boynton Beach
So, whether you have hair you want to eliminate, or you want hair where it no longer grows, Siperstein Dermatology Group can help! Call us at 561-364-7774 to schedule an appointment and discuss any of your hair-related problems!
