HAIR GROWTH MEDICATIONS

Individuals with hair thinning and/or hair shedding may benefit from certain hair growth medications. The two most common treatments are Finasteride (brand name: Propecia®) for men, and Minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine®) for both men and women. Both treatments are FDA approved and have their own distinct purpose in treating hair loss. Although these two hair growth products may stabilize hair loss and even re-thicken thinning hair, they do not work on areas where the hair is completely gone (bald). The reason being that once an area of scalp is bald, the roots down below are absent. Therefore, these medications cannot regenerate a root to grow a new hair shaft. In addition, for both medications, if you stop using the medication at any point, what you have gained from either Finasteride or Minoxidil will be lost within months. You will simply return to the level of hair loss had you never used the medication, and likely continue to lose more hair as you age. During your consultation, Plano, TX hair restoration surgeon, Dr. Joseph Yaker, will identify your cause of hair loss and discuss hair growth treatment methods to help combat your condition.

FINASTERIDE (PROPECIA®)

The increase of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) onto genetically susceptible hair follicles is what causes male pattern baldness. Finasteride is a medication that blocks testosterone from converting to DHT by up to 70%, which helps control, stop, and even restore hair loss. Here are some facts about this medication:

It is the only FDA-approved oral medication for the treatment of male pattern baldness.
It is a once-a-day pill available by prescription only.
The medication is 90% successful: 48% will have re-growth of hair and 42% will have no further hair loss.
It takes 6-12 months to achieve a cosmetic benefit
Of patients with male pattern hair loss that do not use Finasteride, 75% will become “much worse” within 5 years.
Positive effects from Finasteride can help reduce the extent of hair transplantation (number of grafts required) by stabilizing future hair loss and possibly re-growing hair naturally.
Finasteride can be used to improve the result of hair transplant surgery by stabilizing the hair follicles surrounding the transplanted hairs, allowing for a better overall result.
Reported negative side effects are limited to fewer than 2% of patients. These side effects may be reversible on dose reduction and tend to diminish over time with continued use.

NUTRA.FIN

It is impossible to ensure the potency of formulations made outside of FDA control. Many companies that manufacture Finasteride (generic) are in countries outside the United States, where quality control methods may not be as regulated, leading to less effective outcomes. As a result, Dr. Yaker offers patients a specially compounded version of Finasteride, known as Nutra.Fin. This made-to-order medication is made in the United States and contains the ingredient Finasteride in addition to hair-promoting vitamins and minerals to help nourish the hair.

Nutra Fin

MINOXIDIL (ROGAINE®)

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical solution that is used to help stabilize hair loss and promote hair re-thickening in both men and women. While the mechanism of action is not completely understood, this medication has been shown to dilate blood vessels and open potassium channels, allowing more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the follicle. This process actively nourishes and stimulates hair follicles, stimulating hair growth. Here are some facts about this medication:

Twice daily 5% Minoxidil has been shown to regrow hair in around 60% of men and women.
Visual benefits may take 4-6 months; however, some patients may require 12 months of twice daily use.
This medication can be started 6 weeks to 3 months before hair transplant surgery to possibly prevent or limit hair shedding that might occur after surgery.
The most common side effect from Minoxidil is skin irritation and possibly unwanted facial hair that will disappear shortly after discontinuing the medication.

HÄR LAB NO. 1

HÄR LAB NO. 1 is a custom-made topical medication for men and women that acts as a hair follicle stimulator. In addition to having the active ingredient 5% Minoxidil, it also contains retinoic acid for enhanced penetration into the skin. A low-potency steroid has been added to reduce redness and inflammation, in addition to anti-oxidants and other hair-promoting ingredients. More importantly, this topical medication is made without propylene glycol (a common skin irritant found in over-the counter Minoxidil and Rogaine®). Once applied, it is gently massaged into the scalp with your fingers so it can reach the hair follicles under the scalp. It is recommended that you allow the topical formula to sit on the scalp for at least three hours before wetting the hair (showering, excessive exercising) in order to maximize medication absorption.

Frequently asked questions

HÄR LAB NO. 2

HÄR LAB NO. 2 contains the same ingredients found in HÄR LAB NO. 1, plus the DHT-blocking medication, Finasteride. This topical medication is used in the same way as HÄR LAB NO. 1. With topical Finasteride gaining popularity due to proven results with minimal risks of side effects, more men are choosing this treatment option as opposed to oral Finasteride. In addition, men who are concerned with or who have had sexual side effects with oral Finasteride have been able to safely switch over to HÄR LAB NO. 2. Female candidates include women who are not of child-bearing age or who have had tubal ligation, or their ovaries removed.

Schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Yaker today to find out what is causing your hair loss, and which treatment options might right for you.

Frequently asked questions