Hair loss in men and women can be detrimental to self-esteem and self-confidence. More than 80% of men and 50% of women experience significant hair loss during their lifetime. Luckily, in many circumstances, hair loss is treatable. Before picking up a razor, wearing a wig or gluing a hairpiece to your scalp, you should reach out to a medical expert. Dr. Beatriz Porras, cosmetic and general dermatologist of Skin Diagnostics Laser & Rejuvenation, has many years of experience effectively treating hair loss.
Dr. Porras offers multiple medical and cosmetic hair restoration treatments. But the first visit is a careful assessment to understand why the patient is experiencing hair loss.
There are two kinds of hair loss, also known as alopecia: scarring and non-scarring. “When talking about non-scarring alopecia, genetics commonly play a big role in hair loss, but there can also be other factors such as stress, a sudden emotional change or poor diet,” Dr. Porras says. “For both men and women, there could also be an underlying medical issue that is contributing to their hair loss, which is another reason to seek medical treatment.”
Women’s hair loss can be caused by stress, as well as pregnancy or hormonal factors. Most commonly, women experience hair loss when they enter their 40s and 50s, especially during menopause. During menopause, women are often prescribed hormone replacements that can include testosterone. One of the side effects of hormone replacement is hair loss. Like any medical treatment, women must find someone well-trained in hormone replacement therapy for the best results and the least side effects.
Dr. Porras suggests that the sooner you seek treatment when experiencing hair breakage and loss, the more successful the treatment will be. It is essential not to take measures that will trigger more damage, causing the hair follicles to die and creating a condition known as scarring alopecia.
One treatment that Dr. Porras has had great success with is laser hair restoration. The laser works by activating blood flow and increasing oxygen to the dormant hair follicles. The treatment is a six-month therapy that begins with treatments twice a week for 30 minutes. The number of treatments slowly decreases over six months, making this a relatively straightforward procedure.
A second treatment option is platelet-rich plasma injections. This procedure promotes faster healing in different body areas, and it is very effective in regenerating dormant hair follicles. PRP injections use the patient’s own blood for a safe and effective treatment.
Laser hair restoration and PRP injections can be combined for the most effective results. Dr. Porras also suggests preventive measures to discourage hair loss. “It is vital to maintain a healthy diet and reduce your stress levels,” Dr. Porras says. “Always use good hair products that have been developed to nourish and make your hair and scalp healthier, and do not over-color your hair.”
Dr. Porras has recently launched her own line of medical-grade hair products, Hair Recovery System, as well as vitamins and supplements called Hair Benefits. Dr. Porras created these products to support healthy hair. Anyone can use the hair products, vitamins and supplements, no matter the amount of hair loss. They are encouraged for every patient because they will help promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss in the future.
Hair loss no longer has to be a part of anyone’s reality. Even if you inherited unfortunate hair genes, there is hope. Visit an expert like Dr. Porras and experience the confidence that comes from feeling good about your appearance.
Skin Diagnostics Laser & Rejuvenation is located at 9201 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242. For more information, contact cincinnatiskinlaser.com or call 513-631-0059