Hair Loss Treatments
Hair Loss Treatments in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, FL
We are 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! Our providers can use this real-time analysis solution to develop appropriate treatment plans for their patients. Additionally, after treatments or procedures, such as PRP injections for hair loss, we can use this too for objective outcome monitoring.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. There are many different forms of hair loss, which can affect both men and women. Triggers of hair loss may include genetic and environmental factors, stress, illness, medications, changes in weight or diet, use of damaging hair care products or excessive heat styling. Hair loss can present in a variety of ways, including shedding (hair coming out), thinning (scalp more visible or thinner ponytails), bald patches and hair line recession. Once you have determined that there is a problem, make an appointment with a dermatologist specializing in hair loss for an evaluation, examination of the hair and hair follicles and possible scalp biopsy and blood work (if needed). Depending on the specific type of hair loss, treatment and regrowth of hair may be possible.
What are the different types of alopecia?
Androgenetic Alopecia: The most common type of hair loss is age or hormonally related hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, or male/female pattern hair loss. This type of hair loss results in gradual thinning of hair, sometimes leading to balding, particularly in men, or widening of the part in women. While this type of hair loss is well known in men, it is often under recognized in women. However, up to 50% of women will develop female pattern thinning over time. Treatment usually includes topical minoxidil or pills such as spironolactone or finasteride.
Alopecia Areata: Another common type of hair loss is alopecia areata. Alopecia areata affects up to 2% of the population. This is a disorder in which the patient’s own immune system targets the hair follicle resulting in hair loss. Alopecia areata often presents as smooth round patches without hair on the scalp, beard or body. In some cases, there can be complete loss of scalp and or body hair. In the case of alopecia areata, hair often re-grows on its own. However, treatment, such as cortisone injections or topical treatments, can help the hair regrow more quickly.
Telogen Effluvium: This is a type of temporary hair loss, for example after illness, surgery, weight loss or childbirth. The hair has three cycles: growing, resting and shedding. It is normal to shed 50-100 hairs per day. However, in the case of telogen effluvium, a stressful event triggers the hair cycle to shift toward the shedding phase. This usually occurs about 3 months after the stressor, and will usually resolve on its own, assuming any underlying issue, such as a vitamin deficiency, has been treated.
Scarring alopecias: There are also scarring alopecias, which are conditions in which inflammation permanently damages the hair follicles resulting in scarring and permanent hair loss. Other names for these conditions include lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Luckily, these types of alopecia are uncommon. Treatments usually aim to stop inflammation and limit the scarring process.
