HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS FOR MEN

There are two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are shown to have a positive effect on balding, Finasteride and Minoxidil (Rogaine).

Finasteride, a 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor, that is used to stop the enzyme from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT mainly causes male pattern baldness. There are two drugs that contain Finasteride, Propecia and Proscar.

Effects of Finasteride are seen, within three months and the hair loss occurs a year after the drug is stopped. Its side effects are unusual but may include impotence, reduced libido, ejaculation disorders, breast tenderness and enlargement, hypersensitivity reactions such as rashes and lip swelling.

Minoxidil (Regaine) is effective in about 25% of men with baldness on the crown. It is applied twice a day in a cream, and the hair continues to grow as long as it is used. This drug was originally approved to treat high blood pressure. Its side effects are unusual but, should not be used by people with a history of heart problems, sudden weight gain, chest pains, fainting or rapid heartbeat.

Surgical Procedures For Hair Loss
During hair transplants, very small plugs of hair are taken from the side or back of the scalp and transplanted onto the bald patches. This procedure is being researched continuously, still it would take months to give a good effect.

Tiny balloons are placed under the scalp between the areas of dense hair and gradually inflated over a number of months. This makes the area up to one third larger and it is this area that is surgically removed and the sides are pulled up to the top of the head.

Loose skin on the scalp can also be surgically removed, by pulling the hair on the sides of the head up. As the skin on the forehead is also sometimes slightly lifted it lessens wrinkles.