The most prevalent reason for hair loss in men is male androgenetic alopecia (MAA), commonly referred to as male pattern baldness. Although the progression of hair loss can vary from person to person, it can swiftly influence one’s self-esteem and mental wellbeing. This is likely what drives your interest in seeking treatment options.
There are three primary treatments available for those experiencing male pattern baldness. The treatment you choose will be guided by your desired outcome. Fortunately, this article details the three available treatments.
Cosmetic Solutions
Even though not the most lasting option, opting for a cosmetic method to conceal baldness has been quite popular historically. There is a variety of choices available, including hairpieces, specific hairstyles, and wigs, which can assist with baldness, thinning, or receding hairlines. Though these are temporary fixes, their appeal lies in the ease of use and quick visible results.
Hairpieces and similar options are both affordable and readily accessible, making them a popular choice if you seek an immediate remedy. Some individuals also opt to dye their hair to create an appearance of increased volume. These cosmetic options can be complemented by hair transplants or medications, which will be discussed later. This approach is effective when the individual is just starting with other treatments.
Hair Restoration Surgery
For a more lasting solution, you may consider hair transplantation. This procedure involves extracting hairs from the back of the scalp and transplanting them into balding areas. These transplanted hairs should continue to grow normally, without shedding or thinning. After the surgery, you can cut, style, and wash your hair as usual.
There are three principal hair transplant techniques employed by specialists. As noted by the Physician’s Hair Restoration Center (PHRC), these include follicular unit excision (FUE), follicular rigeneron micrografting, and follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
Regardless of the technique recommended to you, it is crucial to select a highly qualified expert in the field before proceeding with the surgery. Dr. Carlos Puig, the founder of the PHRC, is regarded as a specialist, having performed over 20,000 hair transplants in his 45+ years in the field. It is essential to seek out a professional of this caliber if you decide on a hair transplant.
Pharmaceutical Treatments
The last treatment option for male pattern baldness involves pharmaceutical interventions. There are different types of medications effective for this condition, such as finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride is taken orally with a prescription, while minoxidil can be used topically in forms like foams and lotions. These medications primarily function to slow or halt hair loss.
Nonetheless, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist, before starting these treatments due to potential side effects. For instance, finasteride may lead to reduced libido, although it is generally well-tolerated.
In summary, if you are affected by male pattern baldness, seeking professional advice is indispensable. While you might start with cosmetic solutions such as wigs, the involvement of a medical expert is necessary when considering medications or hair transplantation.
