Hair Restoration: Nonsurgical and Surgical Approaches

April 2021 in “ Advances in Cosmetic Surgery ”

Farah Moustafa, Nicole L. Rogers

androgenic alopecia topical minoxidil oral antiandrogens finasteride dutasteride spironolactone phototherapy platelet-rich plasma hair transplantation Follicular Unit Transplantation Follicular Unit Excision AGA Rogaine Propecia PRP FUT FUE

TLDR Hair restoration can be achieved through non-surgical treatments like minoxidil, antiandrogens, phototherapy, and PRP procedures, or through surgical methods like hair transplantation. Continued treatment is needed to maintain results, and full results are visible after 12-18 months.

The document discusses both non-surgical and surgical approaches to hair restoration for androgenic alopecia (AGA), a condition affecting up to 70% of men and 50% of women by age 80. Non-surgical treatments include topical minoxidil, oral antiandrogens like finasteride and dutasteride, spironolactone for women, phototherapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) procedures. PRP has shown positive effects on hair growth and density. For advanced hair loss, hair transplantation, either through Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Follicular Unit Excision (FUE), can offer significant cosmetic improvement. However, continued medical therapy is necessary to maintain results. Patients usually start noticing hair growth 3-4 months after the surgery, with full results visible by 12-18 months. Potential complications include bleeding and donor depletion, requiring early recognition and management.

View this study on linkinghub.elsevier.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

17 / 17 results

research Complications with Hair Transplantation

12 citations, April 2020 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Hair transplant complications are rare with good planning and technique, but risks include infection, bleeding, and patient dissatisfaction.

The Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride Compared with Finasteride in Treating Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

research The Efficacy and Safety of Dutasteride Compared with Finasteride in Treating Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

38 citations, February 2019 in “Clinical Interventions in Aging”

Dutasteride more effectively treats hair loss than finasteride, but may increase risk of altered libido.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

6 citations, January 2019 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology”

Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

research Evaluating the Efficacy of Different Platelet-Rich Plasma Regimens for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Single-Center, Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial

46 citations, May 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

PRP injections effectively treat hair loss, with positive results in both monthly and every three months treatments.

research Clinical Efficacy of Oral Administration of Finasteride at a Dose of 2.5 mg/Day in Women with Female Pattern Hair Loss

13 citations, February 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Finasteride 2.5 mg/day can effectively treat female hair loss.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study Investigating Combination Therapy with Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone

80 citations, December 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil and spironolactone combo effectively reduces hair loss and improves hair density in women.

Superiority of Dutasteride Over Finasteride in Hair Regrowth and Reversal of Miniaturization in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Open-Label, Evaluator-Blinded Study

research Superiority of Dutasteride Over Finasteride in Hair Regrowth and Reversal of Miniaturization in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Open-Label, Evaluator-Blinded Study

33 citations, August 2016 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride at increasing hair count and reversing hair thinning in men with hair loss, but both have similar side effects.

research Meta-Analysis of Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

57 citations, May 2016 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

PRP therapy may effectively treat hair loss, but more research needed.

research Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review

101 citations, January 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

Different types of hair loss need specific treatments, and while many classification systems exist, each has its flaws; more research is needed to refine these systems and treatments.

Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

research Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

147 citations, January 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Laser device increases hair density, safe for treating hair loss in men and women.

research Global Photographic Assessment of Men Aged 18 to 60 Years with Male Pattern Hair Loss Receiving Finasteride 1 mg or Placebo

35 citations, February 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Finasteride significantly improves hair growth but may cause sexual side effects.

research Hair Growth and Rejuvenation: An Overview

81 citations, June 2010 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

The document concludes that minoxidil and finasteride are proven for hair growth, herbal remedies show promise, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

research HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

160 citations, January 2009 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

HairMax LaserComb® effectively promotes hair growth and stops hair loss in males with androgenetic alopecia, with no serious side effects.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations, August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.

research Prevalence of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in Maryborough

193 citations, August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Hair loss common in Australia; men affected earlier, more often than Asians; women less concerned.

research Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss With Oral Antiandrogens

179 citations, March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.

research The Psychosocial Consequences of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Research Literature

180 citations, September 1999 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Hair loss affects self-esteem and quality of life; treatments can help.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Prescribing Habits for Androgenic Alopecia Among Dermatologists in Spain in 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study

5 citations, June 2018 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

In 2017, Spanish dermatologists commonly prescribed topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and nutricosmetics for hair loss, with oral contraceptives also used for premenopausal women. Less common were oral dutasteride, due to side effects, and newer, more expensive treatments like topical finasteride and Low-Level Laser Therapy. The conclusion is that there's a need for prescription guidelines due to varied treatment approaches.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update

May 2023 in “Drugs”

There are many treatments for common hair loss, but more trials are needed to decide which are best.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update Of Treatment Options

110 citations, August 2016 in “Drugs”

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical drug for treating male or female pattern hair loss, and other medications like finasteride and dutasteride can also increase hair growth.

research Clinical Trials and Hair Loss

1 citations, July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks”

Many treatments for hair loss show potential, but more testing is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Only minoxidil for women and minoxidil and finasteride for men are FDA approved.

research Female Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update on Diagnosis and Management

43 citations, November 2019 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

FAGA diagnosis uses blood tests and trichoscopy, with treatments like topical minoxidil, oral anti-androgens, and hormone-modulating drugs.