Category: Uncategorized

I’m just wondering something. I’m in my early 30s now and always dreaming of a hair transplant. Maybe the older guys know an answer to this question: do you think (good) hair transplants will get more affordable and better in the future? I know that in the past it was mostly FUT so I think FUE is definitely a step up. But I’m wondering if there’s still room for improvement besides this procedure so one can hope. I’m not talking about unrealistic stuff (stem cells, yeah been hearing this for years now…) but just for more efficient ways that are in development? How has the industry changed over the last ten years and what can we expect for the next ten?

The procedure for hair transplants is now very efficient and that is why it is becoming more popular. This is a rapid growth industry now growing in excess of 20% per year, as high as 65% in some areas of the world. We have not tapped the balding market yet, but the number one problem is dishonest representations of the goals that are realistic, often pushed by salesmen employed by somewhat unscrupulous doctors. Young men, in particular, tend to fall for the lines of the salesmen that work for doctors who hustle for business and may get commissions for closing the sale (this could be you). Let the buyer beware.

Hello Doctors, great blog here! The myths/ facts regarding hair fall and its treatments keep increasing. Are there any foods or protein out there that help growth, or nourish roots, or delay hair fall? Or is it simple genetics and hair will recede/ fall whatever one may do?!!

Thanks for the information.

Regards

There may be foods that add to the genetic elements that produce hair loss, but these foods have never been identified scientifically. Many people make claims both good and bad (just as you pointed out), but you should not blindly trust what you hear.

Can you explain more in detail the actual mechanism of MPB? I know that some hair follicles are sensitive to DHT and somehow the DHT causes miniaturization, but how does this actually work? Also, any wisdom on why some hairs develop later in life even where there were no (or not visible?) follicles. Like pubic hair and hairs on the chest and back as men age?

I am not going to write a book to answer your question but here is a quick summary: People who have the genes for hair loss, when exposed to DHT (normal for men to have this) trigger the process called Apoptosis (the progression of cell death) for hair follicles carrying the genes. DHT works directly on the growth center in the impacted hairs. Drugs like finasteride or dutasteride block this process so it slows down the effects of the DHT and the balding that occurs.

Has there been any definitive studies done on which genes have an effect on post-finasteride syndrome (side effects that persist after discontinuation of Fin)? ARTICLE: https://www.smoa.jsexmed.org/article/S2050-1161(16)30075-7/abstract

Very interesting. I just read the full article and I will quote the last of the result analysis and the conclusion of the article. My interpretation suggests that the ability to detect men who might get PFS is not understood by any of the genetic findings of this report; however, there are some influences of symptoms reported by men who take finasteride as summarized below:

” A general limitation of this study work is that some symptoms reported by patients with PFS could not be objectively determined. Furthermore, the retrospective design of our study did not allow a clinical assessment of these men before finasteride use. Future studies are necessary to assess the AR genetic profile and testosterone levels in subjects who developed PFS compared with subjects who did not develop adverse symptoms after using finasteride against AGA. CONCLUSION Causes and predisposing factors responsible for the development of long-term adverse side effects in young men who used low-dose finasteride against AGA remain an enigma. Several symptoms were in common in more than 70% of patients with PFS, but a plethora of other disturbances was reported by a minority of patients, with some clearly related and some not to androgenicity. Our study showed that the length of two trinucleotide repeats in the AR gene contribute to the frequency of some specific symptoms reported by patients with PFS. The (CAG)n and (GGN)n polymorphisms were involved in two specific symptoms (ie, scrotal discomfort and increased skin dryness); for other symptoms, only one of the two polymorphisms was involved, which is likely a reflection of the complex modulation of AR activity.16,40 Our investigation using a precision medicine approach suggested genetic implications in symptoms of patients with PFS. Much more genetic and non-genetic research is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiologic pathways leading to the onset and persistence of adverse effects in former finasteride users.”

Not true, just better communication through social media and TV

Sir I have male pattern baldness. I m currently taking finisteride and applying minoxidil 5%. Sir what are your views on mesotherapy with dermaheal HL. Does it halts hairloss and stimulates regrowth?

There is no drug or treatment that “halts” hair loss. Male Pattern Balding (MPB) is a genetic trait. The only two medications that is approved or proven is Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine. Even these proven medications do not halt hair loss completely. In the end genes win out.

I’m cautious of the microneedling + Minoxidil success stories here only because it might be the case that they were strong responders to Minoxidil irrespective of the microneedling. I’m more interested in those who added microneedling to the protocol after some time on Minoxidil/min+fin alone. Anyone with some post history or experiences?

Microneedling will work by itself without minoxidil.