Dr. William Rassman – Page 1577

September 10, 2007

Revivogen vs Propecia? – Balding Blog

is there anything you can tell me about using revivogen versus propecia. they claim to inhibit dht more effectively then that of propecia without the sexual side effects (which is terrifying to think of happening to a 22 year old). also, besides transplants, what can i do to improve my hairline. thanks

There are no drugs proven to restore a hairline. Drugs such as Propecia may slow down the hair loss or maintain your current hairline, but it has limitations.

Revivogen is a shampoo — it is not a drug. There is no medical proof that it stops hair loss. Propecia is a drug (a pill you take daily) that requires a prescription from a medical doctor. There is medical proof that Propecia (finasteride 1mg) stops androgenic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern balding (MPB).

At the age of 22, hair loss can be devastating, but do not make desperate decisions. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Empower yourself by doing your research and become educated about hair loss and your options. Get a Master Plan with a good doctor who can perform miniaturization studies to map out your hair loss before you see more and more thinning. Why are you experimenting, when you can approach this problem scientifically, get a firm medical diagnosis and treat it properly?

September 7, 2007

Hair Loss InformationMy Hair System Cost Me Over $16,000 In 5 Years! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Haircut I received this email from a patient of mine and I have reposted it below with his permission (removing any identifying information, of course). This was not solicited, and it serves as an example of those men out there that are looking into hair systems (otherwise known as wigs or toupees). The price chart at the end of this post could be a wake-up call to many that think hair systems are cheaper than hair transplants.

In the end, transplanted hair is YOUR hair and the only maintenance you might need to do for it is to use shampoo and perhaps even use a comb. Oh, and visit a barber from time to time, if you’d like. You know, the things you did when you had hair the first time.

And now, the patient email…

Dr. Rassman:

As usual, it was good to meet with you to discuss my case. It is amazing that what we (operative word here) will accomplish in 21 months negates over 13 years of living with worry and dread about my hair loss! On some level I am certain you understand the value of your work; on the other hand, it is impossible for you to fully comprehend what you and your great staff at NHI have done for me and your other patients!

Here is a breakdown of my costs from a hair replacement salon in Los Angeles from June 2000 through January 2006. I wore a competing hair system from 1995 through 2000, but did not keep thorough records of those costs. Therefore, the $16,000+ indicated on the spreadsheet does NOT include the previous five years, so the total amount I spent on hair systems is actually higher that what my spreadsheet shows. In fact, I am certain I spent more on hair “replacement” than what I will spend on 5000+ transplants with NHI.

To be fair when you reprint this spreadsheet, post the the following as well:

This spreadsheet is ONE PERSON’S experience with hair systems. It was my reality and should be viewed as such. Your costs will vary from my mine.

The price for a hair system included two of them: wear one while the other gets service or cleaned.

The months where there is no dollar amount were the times I did not go to the salon for servicing.

I work in an industry that required my systems to look absolutely real at all times. The months where you see me spending $200-$400 were instances when the unit had to be colored or have hair added. Again, in my case it was a necessity. If you are in, say, another profession like a machinist, you may not have to obsess over your hair system. You WILL have maintenance, though, perhaps not as much. Also, to be fair, some people do most of their own maintenance, so their costs would be lower as well.

In June 2000 the systems were just over $3000. Flash forward to 2004 and they were over $5000. I got 4 years use out of mine before they were replaced, and that was on the higher end of the average life cycle because of my meticulous maintenance. They might have had to be replaced before that if I did not treat them so well.

I wonder what systems cost today in 2007?

Bottom line: I spent $16,000+ over five years wearing hair. Sure, the initial costs for systems were cheaper than surgery, but their VALUE quickly fades over time. It costs more upfront for a high quality transplant, but its VALUE over the course of your lifetime is incalculable.

Thanks again for everything. Looking forward to my next transplant session.

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Here’s the spreadsheet he sent me with the costs incurred for purchasing and maintaining his hairpieces.

Hair System Costs By Month

2000

2001

2002

Jul	$3031.00 *
Aug	$65.73
Sep	$199.80
Oct	$95.00
Nov	$120.72
Dec	$139.38
* Initial cost for 2 systems

Jan	$135.14
Feb	$125.00
Mar	$91.73
Apr	$110.06
May	$402.52
Jun	$13.50
Jul	$145.59
Aug	$179.42
Sep	$113.70
Oct	$197.80
Nov	$91.20
Dec	$270.00

Jan	$258.69
Feb	$153.07
Mar	$156.21
Apr	$103.49
May	—
Jun	—
Jul	$175.93
Aug	$162.62
Sep	—
Oct	$131.90
Nov	—
Dec	—

2003

2004

2005

Jan	$101.12
Feb	$105.00
Mar	—
Apr	$146.25
May	$183.27
Jun	—
Jul	$87.86
Aug	$138.69
Sep	—
Oct	$176.39
Nov	—
Dec	$282.35

Jan	$204.58
Feb	—
Mar	$172.63
Mar	$2796.00 **
Apr	$142.64
May	$2589.06 ***
Jun	—
Jul	$216.69
Aug	$233.68
Sep	$272.27
Oct	$131.00
Nov	$130.84
Dec	$120.26
1/2 Deposit on a new system * Remaining balance on new system

Jan	$240.89
Feb	$120.98
Mar	—
Apr	$112.00
Apr	$128.05
May	$78.50
Jun	$155.29
Jul	—
Aug	—
Sep	$113.41
Oct	$209.50
Nov	$99.50
Dec	—

2006

Grand Total (after only 5.5 years)

Jan

$99.50

$16,257.40

September 7, 2007

Man with Female Pattern Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

If you are a male and have been diagnosed with female pattern hair loss would a DHT blocker like propecia or avodart still be effective? or is it caused by factors other than DHT?

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Men with diffuse hair loss do not have the female version of the process. It is possible that you might have DUPA (diffuse unpatterned alopecia) and some doctors may call this “female pattern hair loss” because it is diffuse and does not follow the typical Norwood classification chart for male hair loss. Before going into the use of drugs, you should try to find out for sure what is wrong with you. If you have DUPA, then Avodart or Propecia may or may not be effective (it is not clearly known). In any case, you need to have this discussion with your doctor. Of course, you need to get a good diagnosis with mapping out your head for miniaturization.

September 7, 2007

Androgenetic Alopecia in Women – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am 54 and was diagnosed with andro alopecia. Please tell me,will I lose all my hair or will it grow back after some time? My hair is the only nice feature in me and I am losing it .I am very depressed about that. Thank you for any information.

Androgenetic alopecia in women does not usually get better, but unlike men, women rarely lose much hair. The process is worse when a woman goes through menopause. Minoxidil may help and is worth a try.

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September 7, 2007

How Do I Get a Propecia Prescription? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

How does one go about obtaining a prescription for propecia? Thanks

You need to make an appointment with a doctor. Any doctor can write the prescription. If you’d like to make an appointment to see me, you can call 800-NEW-HAIR or visit Request Additional Info page to have someone from my office contact you.

If you are losing hair and focused on hair loss issues, you should consider getting your hair mapped out for miniaturization so you will know for sure what is wrong and get some baseline measurements to determine the value of the drug over time.

September 7, 2007

How Long Can the FDA Take to Approve Avodart for Treating MPB? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

How soon can we expect to see an FDA approval for Avodart for male pattern baldness? also, what would be the best treatment for the itchy, flaky scalp associated with MPB? i’ve been using Neutrogena’s T-Gel and T-Sal, both of which don’t seem to work to well.

I do not know the time frame of the FDA approval process, but I do know that FDA approval for Avodart (dutasteride) for the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB) is pending, awaiting the proper scientific studies that determine safety and effectiviness. Keep in mind Avodart and Propecia both work in similar ways targeting DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). Also note that blocking 100% of DHT will not stop or reverse MPB completely, as there are other factors (not yet discovered) in MPB. Avodart may have more side effects that Propecia (probably so) depending upon the final recommended dosing.

Itchy or flaky scalp is not associated with MPB. If you have an itchy or flaky scalp you can try various shampoos or see a skin specialist (dermatologist). There is no particular shampoo that I recommend. Shampoos do not affect MPB.

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September 7, 2007

Protein in Urine — Related to Hair Loss? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

My teenage daughter is loosing a lot of hair. She also has protein in the urine. Could that be related at all, and should we be concerned about the hair loss? It is more than the normal 100 strands a day.

Protein in the urine could be due to serious medical conditions. If your daughter is losing hair, it may due to the stress on her body from some medical condition (some diseases can cause hair loss). The hair loss may be related, but it is also normal to lose 100+ hairs a day (100 is not a finite number in relation to this — could be slightly more, could be less). She should be under the care of a physician.

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September 7, 2007

Thymus Gland and Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

dear Sir,

I’ve read the article about relationship between Thymus Gland and Hair Loss/Growth at thymuskinshampoo.com. Is it really true about this method? Actually I already use Minoxidil and My hair just growth, but I have to stop it because my blood pressure decrease 90/50 (normally 110/70). So, I have to find another way to growth my hair.

Thanks in advance

You must be cautious about all the information available on the Internet. Not everything you read is true, and even subtle truths that can be massaged to fit a certain agenda. It seems you need to see a knowledgeable doctor who can discuss all the options. To date, only minoxidil and finasteride (Propecia) are approved and proven to work for androgenic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern balding (MPB). Some people can not tolerate minoxidil, because it can drop your blood pressure.

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September 6, 2007

Dr Lewenberg’s Formula – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

hello;

I am taking Propecia along with Rogain. I just bought a new product called doctor lewenberg’s formula. it is 2% minoxidil with 0.025% tretinoin (retin-a). Will this product work better than monoxidil alone? also, I am using propecia and would like to stop because I believe it is effecting my sex life. Low ejaculate folume is my proplem. Do you think that stopping the propcia will help with that problem and do you think that the new minoxidil formular is better than minoxidil alone/ thank you.

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Dr Lewenberg's Formula I receive questions like this almost everyday. I often find it amazing and humorous since people purchased these shampoos/formulas for treating their hair loss and yet then they ask me if the various products actually work. Sometimes these products are so overpriced and people are still hoping against hope that these will be the magical cure they are looking for.

I looked into pricing for Dr. Lewenberg’s Formula, and their site says, “You will not achieve regrowth unless you use 10 bottles over 3 month period.” The “original formula” will set you back $300 for 10 bottles, while their “new and improved” stuff costs $350 for 10 bottles. Yes, it is priced higher than Propecia (an FDA approved and proven medication), yet apparently some people still buy this.

Retin-A produces irritation of the skin, a sort of light burn which is thought to increases the circulation as the body tries to repair the burn. As a result, it is theorized that blood supply to the scalp increases and any medications such as minoxidil (which is in Lewenberg’s formula) gets better absorbed. There is no firm conclusion on burn effect / increased circulation with Retin-A and I would rather use a higher concentration of the generic minoxidil (5%) and even Rogaine Foam 5%, which also has better absorption.

If you are having side effects from Propecia, you need to discuss it with your doctor that prescribed you the medication. In my opinion, Propecia is the best medical option for men with androgenic alopecia.

As I’ve often said, “It is a buyer beware market“. Just remember, there is no proof that any of these products really work (besides minoxidil and finasteride). For more about Dr. Lewenberg’s Formula, see Hair Loss Help – User Reviews.

September 6, 2007

Is The White Bulb on a Fallen Hair Seen as an Thyroid or Tumor Problem? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I am attending cosmetology school and my theory teacher told the class that when u shed hair, if hair comes out and has the little white bulb on the end of the hair strand than it is an internal problem such as thyroid or tumors and if it doesnt then that means its more than likely an external problem and me and 2 of my friends have the bulb on the root of our hair strand, does that mean that we have something wrong?

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Bulb (not related to hair) It is normal to see a white bulb on a pulled hair. There is no connection to diseases or tumors and the white bulb at the end of fallen hairs. If you pull your hair (don’t make a routine of it) a few hairs will come out and some of them will have white bulbs. Hair coming out is part of the hair cycle and the hairs that come out are about to go into telogen.

Hair follicle cells have three phases of growth:

Growth phase (Anagen phase) which lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 years. This is the phase where your hair is actively growing at approximately 10cm per year. 85% of hair is at this phase at any given time.
Transitional phase (Catagen phase) which lasts about 2 weeks. This is the phase where the hair follicle shrinks and prepares to enter the resting phase.
Resting phase (Telogen phase) which lasts about 1-6 months. This is the phase where hair does not grow, but stays attached to the follicle. Some hairs are shed at this phase, but at the end the hair follicle re-enters the growth phase to start the cycle over again. 10-15% of hairs are at this phase at any given time.