Surgical or Non-Surgical?

When it comes to hairloss, there are really only two options. You can have your hair surgically transplanted (depending on your "donor hair") or there are other non-surgical options, such as lotions, oral medication, or cosmetic hair replacment. We will discuss both options here and answer some questions along the way.

If you're looking for a solution like most people with a hairloss condition, you've probably already investigated the idea of replacing your hair cosmetically. For most hairloss sufferers, a non-surgical hairloss solution is the best alternative open to them. However, some clients may be potential candidates for hair transplantation.

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS:
There are several non-surgical solutions for hairloss, including oral medication (Propecia®), lotions (Rogaine®), or having your hair cosmetically replaced by a professional clinic, such as Cavalier Hair Clinic! Call 618-466-6324 now for a FREE CONSULTATION to find out if a cosmetic replacement or surgery is right for you!

Propecia® is an oral medication for hairloss exclusivley for men. The product is taken for treatment of male pattern hairloss on the vertex and anterior mid scalp area. Unfortunately, Propecia® is only available by prescription. It was approved by the FDA as a prescription drug in 1997 and is the first and only drug proven to treat male pattern hairloss on the top of the head and anterior mid scalp area. Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia®, blocks the development of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) and as such appears to be a key in interrupting the inheritance of male pattern hairloss. It basically blocks the hormones that contribute to male pattern hairloss.

The Bad News about Propecia®: As with any prescription drugs, there are side effects! A small percentage of users have reported reduced sex drive, lower sperm count, and impotence. Even fewer report allergic reactions such as hives, itching, rash, and other imflammations. Also, as with Rogaine®, Propecia® must be taken continually, or the hairloss will start again, as if you have never taken it! If you take it daily, you could see results in as little as 3 months. However, if you stop taking it, your results will gradually go away over the next year. Also, if the product hasn't worked within a one year timeframe, it is highly unlikely to be of benefit!

Rogaine®, a product available since 1988, is a 2% minoxidil topical solution (lotion) that works on hair follicles to reverse hairloss and to stimulate new hair growth on the top of your scalp. Rogaine® for Men Extra, available since 1997, is a 5% minoxidil topical solution. Rogaine® products can be purchased at most food and drug stores without a prescription.

The Bad News about Rogaine®: Rogaine® must be taken continually if you wish to keep your newly regrown hair. If you stop using it, your regrown hair will start to fall out after approximately 2 to 4 months! There are side effects as well. The most common side effects associated with Rogaine are scaling, itching, and irritation.

Cavalier Hair Clinic offers Cosmetic Hair Replacement. We offer a FREE CONSULTATION to determine the best options for your current hairloss situation. Please call us at 618-466-6324 or fill out our free evaluation. We will contact you via phone or email to discuss your unique hairloss problem.

SURGICAL SOLUTIONS:
All surgical hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. The ultimate goal is to find the most effecient uses for the hair you already have, as it will be the "donor hair" and will be placed where you want new hair to grow. You must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of your head to serve as donor hair. "Mini grafts" are usually the treatment of choice for filling in the thinning areas. It is necessary for you to have dense hair growth at the back of the head. "Mini grafts" are taken from the dense area and replanted in the thinning areas to create the "fuller look".

Hair Transplant Procedures:

• Grafts - This is the most popular surgical procedure for hair transplantation. "Grafts" of the patients hair are moved for the back of the head and implanted into the scalp where the hairloss is occurring, normally towards the front of the head.
• Scalp Reduction - This procedure involves the surgical removal of a portion of the balding area. Once the extra skin is removed, "sutures" are sewn in, therefore pulling the remaining scalp tissue together and reducing the overall surface area of the scalp.
• Hair Lifts - Very similar to a Scalp Reduction. This procedure is performed on men who have lost almost all of their hair on the top of the head. The whole scalp is moved up and pushed forward during a two to three hour operation.
• The Flap Process - This procedure involves the removal of a portion of hair and scalp behind the temples and then planting it in the forward part of the head where hairloss is occurring. With this procedure, a new hairline is created. "Grafting" surgery is then performed on the donor area.

The above mentioned procedures are just a few of many surgical solutions available today for hairloss. However, there are pros and cons to every solution. We invite you to call us (618-466-6324) or email us to discuss these and many other procedures available. At Cavalier Hair Clinic, we have surgeons readily available to discuss and perform these different surgical solutions for your unique hairloss situation.

Propecia® is a registered trademark of Merck & Company, Inc. | Rogaine® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.