Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hair Loss - Gallagher Medical Institute

Non-Surgical Options

Billions of dollars are spent annually on hair loss products that claim hair growth. Most don't. The only Topicals proven to regrow hair and approved by the FDA are Rogaine, (Minoxidil) and Propecia, (Finasteride).

Rogaine (Minoxidil), was the first drug for medical hair restoration approved by the FDA. Rogaine does not require a prescription and is applied twice daily.
In recent years, Upjohn increased the strength to 5% in an attempt to satisfy men who found the 2% solution had little or no effect. The 5% solution has some ability to reverse or slow down the balding process in some men. However, it has little or no effect on a receding hairline or the frontal area. This is noted noted by the Pharmacia and Upjohn in the product literature. Hair stimulated from the treatment will fall out after the drug is discontinued.

Propecia (Finasteride) is another medical hair restoration product and works by inhibiting the Androgenic hormone testosterone to DHT.

Propecia has demonstrated the ability to stimulate hair growth in those thin vellus hairs that remain in the follicle. Its effect is usually limited to the vertex or crown. New reports indicate that around 80-90% have noticed decreased hair loss and growth of vellus hairs. It has no effect on a completely bald area. Propecia has some side effects which are usually transient and reversable. It may cause decreased sexual desire and decreased erectile function in a small percentage of patients . Women should never touch a tablet because of the risk of birth defects. We use Propecia in conjunction with hair restoration surgery to prevent shock and enhance the procedure. Further information concerning this drug will be provided upon consultation.
We use this drug and Avodart in selected patients either independently or in conjunction with hair restoration.

Dutasteride is the generic name for a new dual 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor made by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is marketed under the name Avodart™ in the US and Avolve™ in Europe.

The FDA has approved Dutasteride for treating BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia), the same condition that Proscar™, by made Merck, is used for. Dutasteride like Finasteride, the active ingredient in Proscar and Propecia, also has the added benefit of being able to be used to treat genetic hair loss in men and women for pattern baldness or Androgenic Alopecia.

The difference between Dutasteride and Finasteride is that Dutasteride inhibits the activities of both the type 1 and type 2 5AR enzymes unlike Finasteride which only inhibits type 2. These enzymes are responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the primary cause of prostate growth and hair loss and Dutasteride decreases levels of DHT by 90 percent after only two weeks making it a much more powerful weapon against hair loss and BPH.

Hair systems, hair prosthesis, hair appliances, hair pieces and toupees are manufactured from human hair or synthetic substances. Though they go by different names [including extenders and weaves] the major differences is how they are applied to the scalp or hair.
These systems are of benefit to those who do not wish hair transplantation or who are not candidates for hair restoration.
Though these systems require maintenance and adjustments and are not without sequella, They are a viable alternative to fulfill the needs of those with hair loss.

Further information on these systems pros and cons will discussed if you wish an evaluation.

Other Options:
There are other options, I.E.; scalp reduction, scalp extension and expansion, scalp lifting and scalp flaps. If you wish information on these, please discuss them us as we will inform you as to their value.




Non-Surgical Options Billions of dollars are spent annually on hair loss products that claim hair growth. Most don't. The only Topicals proven to regrow hair and approved by the FDA are Rogaine, (Minoxidil) and Propecia, (Finasteride). Rogaine (Minoxidil), was the first drug for medical hair restoration approved by the FDA. Rogaine does not require a prescription and is applied twice daily. In recent years, Upjohn increased the strength to 5% in an attempt to satisfy men who found the 2% solution had little or no effect. The 5% solution has some ability to reverse or slow down the balding process in some men. However, it has little or no effect on a receding hairline or the frontal area. This is noted noted by the Pharmacia and Upjohn in the product literature. Hair stimulated from the treatment will fall out after the drug is discontinued. Propecia (Finasteride) is another medical hair restoration product and works by inhibiting the Androgenic hormone testosterone to DHT. Propecia has demonstrated the ability to stimulate hair growth in those thin vellus hairs that remain in the follicle. Its effect is usually limited to the vertex or crown. New reports indicate that around 80-90% have noticed decreased hair loss and growth of vellus hairs. It has no effect on a completely bald area. Propecia has some side effects which are usually transient and reversable. It may cause decreased sexual desire and decreased erectile function in a small percentage of patients . Women should never touch a tablet because of the risk of birth defects. We use Propecia in conjunction with hair restoration surgery to prevent shock and enhance the procedure. Further information concerning this drug will be provided upon consultation. We use this drug and Avodart in selected patients either independently or in conjunction with hair restoration. Dutasteride is the generic name for a new dual 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor made by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug is marketed under the name Avodart™ in the US and Avolve™ in Europe. The FDA has approved Dutasteride for treating BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia), the same condition that Proscar™, by made Merck, is used for. Dutasteride like Finasteride, the active ingredient in Proscar and Propecia, also has the added benefit of being able to be used to treat genetic hair loss in men and women for pattern baldness or Androgenic Alopecia. The difference between Dutasteride and Finasteride is that Dutasteride inhibits the activities of both the type 1 and type 2 5AR enzymes unlike Finasteride which only inhibits type 2. These enzymes are responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the primary cause of prostate growth and hair loss and Dutasteride decreases levels of DHT by 90 percent after only two weeks making it a much more powerful weapon against hair loss and BPH. Hair systems, hair prosthesis, hair appliances, hair pieces and toupees are manufactured from human hair or synthetic substances. Though they go by different names [including extenders and weaves] the major differences is how they are applied to the scalp or hair. These systems are of benefit to those who do not wish hair transplantation or who are not candidates for hair restoration. Though these systems require maintenance and adjustments and are not without sequella, They are a viable alternative to fulfill the needs of those with hair loss. Further information on these systems pros and cons will discussed if you wish an evaluation. Other Options: There are other options, I.E.; scalp reduction, scalp extension and expansion, scalp lifting and scalp flaps. If you wish information on these, please discuss them us as we will inform you as to their value.