While hair restoration is the only permanent solution to hair loss, there are three additional FDA approved or accepted solutions that can help in your fight against hair loss. While hair transplantation is often the only solution that will restore significant amounts of hair loss, the other FDA solutions can benefit those with early-stage hair loss or help enhance the results of a hair transplant procedure. The following section discusses the other FDA approved treatments for hair loss. The Bosley LaserComb and minoxidil can be purchased online at the Bosley Store.
Bosley LaserComb
Propecia
Minoxidil
The Bosley LaserComb is the first and only medical device accepted by the FDA for the promotion of hair growth. It is the only drug free treatment option — making the Bosley LaserComb distinct from other clinically proven products. The Bosley LaserComb consists of 9 individual laser beams, with each beam emitting the amount of energy necessary to stimulate the hair follicles and promotes regrowth.
Though not ideal for the treatment of advanced hair loss, the Bosley LaserComb may be used either on preoperative and/or postoperative patients to obtain the very best results after hair restoration surgery. It is also a great alternative where hair restoration is not an option or for those with very early-stage hair loss where hair restoration is not indicated.
The FDA has not yet cleared the Bosley LaserComb for women. However, completed clinical trials have demonstrated comparable effectiveness in women.
Currently, only two other products are endorsed by the FDA to promote hair growth - Minoxidil and Propecia.
In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first pill to treat male pattern baldness. Propecia® (finasteride 1 mg.) is a tablet taken once a day, available by doctor's prescription only. Propecia® serves an extremely useful purpose for those men who want to slow down the progressive thinning of non-transplanted hair. While only 5% of the men in clinical trials were judged to have "greatly" increased the hair in the vertex, an impressive 83% maintained or increased their hair count while on Propecia®, according to Merck, and 66% had a visible increase in their scalp hair.
Similar to the LaserComb or Minoxidil, when used as a stand-alone treatment, Propecia is most effective for men with early-stage hair loss who wish to simply maintain what hair they currently have. However, only 5% for those men already dissatisfied with their cosmetic appearance and wanting significant re-growth of hair will find Propecia a satisfactory solution.
Men who visit Bosley often ask the doctors if they'll need to take Propecia® if they have hair transplants. The answer depends on the degree of hair loss you possess. Propecia is not needed to preserve the transplanted hair – long -term growth of the transplanted hair is ensured by the hormone resistant nature of the hair follicles utilized by the doctor to accomplish the restoration. However, for patients with significant native hair remaining at the time of their transplant, it is highly recommended that Propecia be included in their treatment plan to reduce the need for future transplantation.
How does Propecia® work to combat baldness? Scientists have discovered that the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the principal factors in male pattern hair loss. Propecia® inhibits the formation of DHT and helps interrupt this key factor in the development of inherited male pattern hair loss in men. Most men who take Propecia® experience a slowing or cessation of hair loss over the back and top of the scalp.
Many men are concerned about reported sexual side effects with the drug. In truth, the side effect of lower libido was noted in only 1.8% of the men taking the drug in clinical trials versus 1.3% on a placebo. Furthermore, this side effect always went away in men who stopped taking Propecia® and also disappeared in most men who continued taking Propecia®, according to the manufacturer Merck & Co.
Of course it is important to have realistic expectations. First of all, results take time. If you are not willing to commit yourself to taking Propecia® for at least twelve months, it's probably not worth starting. Secondly, Propecia® must be taken on an ongoing basis to maintain the benefit. Merck states that any hair grown or maintained by Propecia® will be lost within twelve months if the patient stops taking the medication. Further, men who are already "shiny bald" are less likely to benefit from Propecia® because the hair follicles may not be salvageable. Men who have early thinning in the back and top have a better chance to see some benefit, but as noted above, only for as long as they continue taking the medication.
When you meet with a Bosley physician, you may be prescribed Propecia® as a part of your hair restoration plan. As a convenience, patients can order Propecia® onlne from Bosley through CareScripts, a provider of online healthcare solutions. Order Propecia From BosleyThere are several advantages to purchasing Propecia® through Bosley and CareScripts including a convenient autoship program which allows you to schedule your refills in advance until the prescription expiration date. As a Bosley patient, you are also entitled to special pricing and periodic promotional rebates. Right now you can save $25 on Propak® (90 day supply) – a $100 annual savings. If your Propecia® prescription was issued by a non-Bosley M.D., you may still refill your prescription through our website by faxing the prescription to CareScripts at 1-480-632-6690. No Propecia® prescriptions will be written for female patients.
Topical Minoxidil (2% & 5% Solutions)
In 1988, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first medication for application to the scalp that has been proven to grow human hair: Minoxidil solution 2%. Minoxidil has been clinically proven to slow down or help halt hair loss in some cases, and to help regrow hair on the vertex of the head in some cases. But it has demonstrated little effect on frontal baldness (e.g., the temples), the area of greatest concern to most balding and thinning men. To remain effective, Minoxidil must continue to be used on a daily basis.
Topical Minoxidil is now available without a doctor's prescription in two different strengths, the original 2% solution, and a stronger 5% solution for men only. Minoxidil solution is sold under a variety of brand names including Rogaine®.
