Propecia (Finasteride):
Vertex (Top of the Head) Study
Propecia was demonstrated to be effective in the longest controlled study of male pattern hair loss ever conducted. Propecia is for MEN ONLY. In this 5-year study of men with mild to moderate hair loss:
- 9 of 10 men on Propecia had visible results (either regrowth of hair, 48% [134 of 279], or no further hair loss, 42% [117 of 279]) vs 25% (4 of 16) on placebo (sugar pill), according to an assessment of photographs by an independent panel of dermatologists.
- 2 out of 3 men on Propecia regrew hair, as measured by hair count. All the men in the study who were not taking Propecia lost hair.
- A majority of men on Propecia were rated as improved by doctors: 77% (210 out of 271) vs 15% (2 out of 13) with placebo.
- A majority of men on Propecia reported their bald spot getting smaller, their hair loss slowing down, and the appearance of their hair improving.
What’s more, in the first year of the study, 86% (587 out of 679) of men on Propecia maintained hair or increased the number of visible hairs vs 42% (282 out of 672) on placebo.
Anterior Mid-Scalp (Middle-Front of the Head) Study
Propecia also was shown to be effective in a study of men with hair loss on the middle front of the head.
NOTE: Further treatment is unlikely to help if the drug has not worked within 12 months. If you stop taking Propecia, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.
Rogaine (Minoxidil):
Minoxidil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. Its use for preserving thinning hair was discovered when it was noted to cause increased hair growth as a complication of this treatment.
The key to using Minoxidil is to begin using it early. The best candidates are those who are thinning but not bald. Those with a higher density of hair at the beginning of treatment are good candidates.
It is usually applied in a 1-3% solution twice a day. It must be used for about six months to see the benefits. The most common problem is irritation of the skin. If the medication is stopped, after prolonged use, hair loss may increase.
Major complications are rare, but patients who suffer from heart disease or hypertension should check with their doctor before beginning treatment.
HairMax Laser Comb:
The HairMax Laser Comb is a laser light device stated to re grow hair in test subjects. We offer the nine diode, FDA approved unit for $499.00. We are still in the process of determining results from its use in our patients. In the meantime, the manufacture’s website is a great source for further detailed information. www.hairmax.com
