While bald may be beautiful, for many people, it is also troublesome. Millions of people suffer from hair loss around the world. For some though, the hair loss can present a very troublesome problem. Fortunately there are treatments available for patients who suffer from hair loss. But where do you start?
The first step in treating hair loss is determining the cause. There are many causes of hair loss. Hair loss can be genetic or it may indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. For some, treating the medical condition will cause the hair loss to resolve. For others, hair transplant surgery may be in order.
The best person to consult first for a reason for hair loss is going to be a primary care physician. Often, a complete history and physical examination can provide clues to the cause for alopecia. In some more difficult cases, referral to a hair specialist or dermatologist may be necessary to find answers. Blood tests or even a biopsy may be needed to make a definitive diagnosis. These can often be performed by primary care physicians as well.
Treatment for alopecia is as varied as causes. Therefore, once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be formed. Treatment may be aimed at correcting an underlying disease, surgically improving the bare area of the scalp or other hair bearing surface, or preventing future hair loss. While not all causes of hair loss can be corrected, they can often be moderated and sometimes reversed. For patients who suffer from male or female pattern baldness, more appropriately termed androgenic alopecia, hair transplant surgery may be necessary to restore a full head of hair.
Be careful of over the counter products marketed for hair loss. Some herbal and dietary supplements have evidence to suggest they can help with certain types of hair loss. Others rely on slick advertising and have no scientific proof of benefits. As with any type of medication, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any treatment, including dietary supplements. Some of these can adversely interact with other medications and defeat treatment for other medical conditions.
The first step in treating hair loss is determining the cause. There are many causes of hair loss. Hair loss can be genetic or it may indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. For some, treating the medical condition will cause the hair loss to resolve. For others, hair transplant surgery may be in order.
The best person to consult first for a reason for hair loss is going to be a primary care physician. Often, a complete history and physical examination can provide clues to the cause for alopecia. In some more difficult cases, referral to a hair specialist or dermatologist may be necessary to find answers. Blood tests or even a biopsy may be needed to make a definitive diagnosis. These can often be performed by primary care physicians as well.
Treatment for alopecia is as varied as causes. Therefore, once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be formed. Treatment may be aimed at correcting an underlying disease, surgically improving the bare area of the scalp or other hair bearing surface, or preventing future hair loss. While not all causes of hair loss can be corrected, they can often be moderated and sometimes reversed. For patients who suffer from male or female pattern baldness, more appropriately termed androgenic alopecia, hair transplant surgery may be necessary to restore a full head of hair.
Be careful of over the counter products marketed for hair loss. Some herbal and dietary supplements have evidence to suggest they can help with certain types of hair loss. Others rely on slick advertising and have no scientific proof of benefits. As with any type of medication, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any treatment, including dietary supplements. Some of these can adversely interact with other medications and defeat treatment for other medical conditions.
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Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Verret welcome inquiries about hair transplant surgery, hair restoration, temporal hair transplant, and eyebrow transplants. Call for a consultation today at 972.608.0100.
