Millions of men and women the world over struggle with hair loss. There are several medications on the market which claim to prevent or even reverse balding. While many of these have been shown to potentially regrow hair, none of them offer a truly permanent solution. To this day, the only lifelong cure for thinning hair is a hair transplant. For this reason, thousands of people a year choose to undergo a hair transplant in Turkey.
Depending on which types of hair loss you may be facing, Several medications exist that may be used as an effective treatment. Here are some of the most commonly available medications for hair loss. When beginning any new medication, it is important to discuss any health conditions with your doctor and to follow their medical advice.
Minoxidil
Marketed under the brand names Regaine or Rogaine, Minoxidil is a topical medication used to prevent and occasionally reverse hair loss. Minoxidil has been shown to help men and women suffering from male or female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
While the exact mechanism by which Minoxidil works is unknown, it is one of the most successful medications available on the market today. Though it may be purchased without a prescription, it is recommended that patients first consult with a dermatologist. This will ensure that Minoxidil is an appropriate treatment for your hair loss.
Minoxidil is available in either 2% or 5% concentrations and is sold as either a liquid or a foam. These are rubbed directly into the scalp daily for several months. In the weeks immediately after beginning use of Minoxidil, further hair loss may be experienced. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Results become apparent after 4-6 months but may take up to a year for results.
Certain rare side effects of Minoxidil may include redness and irritation of the scalp as well as the growth of facial hair.
Finasteride
A prescription-only medication, Finasteride is a once-daily oral tablet available to men experiencing male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by reducing the body’s ability to produce certain hormones that cause hair loss in men. This slows current hair loss and may even regrow lost hair in some patients.
As a prescription-only medication, Finasteride requires patients to undergo a follow-up assessment with their dermatologist after 6 months. Finasteride may be taken indefinitely if it is working, however, hair loss may recur if treatment is discontinued.
The side effects of Finasteride are rare but may include depression and erectile dysfunction.
Antiandrogens
For women suffering from female pattern baldness, antiandrogens may be the most effective medication available. Antiandrogens work by inhibiting the production of androgens – hormones that have been shown to destroy hair follicles.
Antiandrogens are only available with a prescription and include spironolactone and oral contraceptives that contain estrogen. Results typically take up to four months and continued medication is required to maintain results.
Side effects of antiandrogens in women include irregular menstruation and drowsiness. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take antiandrogens.
Corticosteroids
Not all hair loss is due to pattern baldness. Many people experience hair loss due to an autoimmune disorder. For these patients, the best choice for combatting hair loss may be corticosteroids. These medications are commonly used in patients suffering from alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, and discoid lupus erythematosus.
For children, this treatment is typically a topical cream rubbed into the skin. However, adults may require a series of up to 80 injections in a sitting to cover the complete area. These treatments are typically administered every 4-6 weeks for up to 6 months.
Side effects of corticosteroids may include irritation of the skin, rash, thin skin, or facial swelling.
Hair Transplants At The Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic
The only truly permanent solution for hair loss is a hair transplant surgery. At the Dr Serkan Aygin clinic in Istanbul, we offer a wide variety of treatments for hair loss including Sapphire FUE and DHT hair transplants.
Sapphire FUE
Follicular Unit Extraction is a method for transplanting hair wherein individual hair follicles are removed from a donor area before being implanted into channels created by the surgeon at the recipient site. Dr Aygin is a pioneer in the use of Sapphire blades during this procedure. This allows for more, denser channels leading to a fuller final Result.
DHI Hair transplant
Direct Hair Implantation is a modified version of an FUE transplant. During a DHT transplant, the hairs are removed and implanted in a single step using a special Choi Implanter Pen. This allows for the most precise placement of implanted hairs, ensuring they match the angle and direction of your current hair growth.
The first step to a full head of hair is to contact us for a full, free consultation. Our hair transplant specialists will assist you in determining the cause and extent of your hair loss and will create a fully comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your exact needs. All of our hair transplant packages are all-inclusive and the price we quote you covers your transplant, up to 3 nights’ stay in one of Istanbul’s top 4-star hotels, transportation around town, and a full suite of follow-up treatments, medications, and instructions.
