Male Pattern Baldness

A Safe & Effective Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) Hair Restoration is a promising treatment for male pattern baldness, as they can slow down the rate of hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. PRP for male pattern baldness can also be used to stimulate new hair growth after a hair transplant. While male pattern baldness does not cause medical complications, many patients find their self-esteem and mental health affected if they lose their hair early in life. To date, treatments for thinning hair as a result of male pattern baldness have been limited to prescribed oral medication and topical ointment, both of which may result in unwanted side effects.

Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair thinning and hair loss among men. It can start as early as the late teens or early 20s, but by 50, more than half of men show signs of male pattern baldness. Fortunately, PRP is an effective and safe treatment option for male hair loss.

What Is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a gradual loss of hair that can begin with a balding spot on the head, which expands over time. This can coincide with a receding hairline. Treatments for male pattern baldness are most effective when you start noticing hair loss.

It is typified by 

• Thinning of the hair
• Receding hairline
• Balding or hair loss

The appearance and pattern of this type of hair loss is what distinguishes it from other types of balding.

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness develops as a combination of genetics and sex hormones (androgens). One of the functions of androgens is to regulate hair growth.

Risk Factors For Male Pattern Baldness

Genetics: Men with close relatives with MPB have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. The risk is higher if the relatives are on the maternal side of the family. 

Stress: One theory suggests that stress can be a trigger because it elevates levels of sex hormones in the body.

Essentially, the development of male pattern baldness is a weakening of the hair growth cycle. At some point, the cycle ends and new hairs stop growing.

Each hair on your head (and body) grows out of a hair follicle. Over time, and as a result of the influence of sex hormones, these follicles can shrink. This causes the hair growing out of them to be finer and shorter. At some point, the follicle stops growing new hairs. Significantly, the fact that the hair follicles stay alive indicates that new hair can be regrown if appropriate treatment is started.

The Stages Of Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern hair loss follows a typical pattern, which starts with the hairline receding. A bald spot usually starts with the shape of an M and develops into a U-shape of hair, where hair grows on the sides and base of the head.

A circle of thinning hair may also appear on the back of the head. As the surface area of the affected hair follicles increases, the amount of hair growth decreases, leaving a characteristic horseshoe pattern of hair.

Stage 1: There is little to no hair loss or hairline recession

Stage 2: Slight hair loss is visible in the areas between the ears and the temples

Stage 3: Deep recession of the hairline occurs around the templates. The hairline may have the appearance of an M or U shape.

Male Pattern Baldness Treatments

There are several approved treatment options for male pattern hair loss, but you are encouraged to weigh the potential side effects up against the benefits.

Surgical Hair Transplant

Hair transplants are surgically invasive procedures that are associated with a high degree of risk. Hair transplant surgery is expensive and you might need multiple treatments for success. There is also the risk of infection and scarring associated with hair transplantation.

Finasteride / Propecia / Proscar

• How is it administered? Pill form
• Time to results: 3 – 12 months

Finasteride is an oral medicine that can slow down the rate of hair loss in 80 to 90% of men. It does this by inhibiting the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness.

According to the research, as a hair loss treatment, Finasteride has a higher success rate than Minoxidil but has more side effects and potential for complications. For some men, the side effects may outweigh the potential benefits.

Potential side effects include

• Depression
• Itching
• Hives and rashes
• Breast growth and tenderness
• Swelling of the face and lips
• Difficulty getting an erection

Minoxidil

• How is it administered? A topical ointment available without a prescription
• Time to see results: 6 to 12 months

In clinical trials, Minoxidil has been found to strengthen hair growth and existing hairs, as well as reduce hair loss in some men. Sources indicate it is unlikely to encourage complete hair regrowth. You have to keep using it to see results. Even though topical Minoxidil is available without a prescription, it is advisable to discuss its suitability and potential side effects with your doctor before beginning treatment.

Potential side effects include

• Scalp irritation is the primary side effect however newer formulations appear to have improved this for some men
• Increased (undesired) growth of hair on other parts of the body

PRP Treatment For Male Pattern Baldness

• How is it administered? By injection
• Time to see results: results are visible in 2 months but more noticeable 5 to 8 months later as the hair growth cycle is approximately 90 days.

Made popular because of their ability to promote wound healing, regular PRP Hair Restoration is also an effective treatment for male pattern baldness. PRP Hair Restoration, or growth factor injections, have made waves in cardiac, plastic, and orthopaedic surgery due to their potential for decreased infection, fast healing, skin rejuvenation, and decreased risk of keloids and scars. 

This male pattern baldness treatment can be used by itself or even just before a hair transplant. Unlike other forms of male pattern baldness treatment, PRP injections have few side effects.

How Does PRP Work?

A small amount of blood is extracted and spun centrifugally to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. Afterward, the plasma is injected into your scalp. It is a quick and efficient procedure that can be done in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Because your cells are being used, the risk of an allergic or adverse reaction is very low.

How frequently do you need treatments with PRP to treat male pattern baldness?

• During the first three months, you can expect to have one treatment per month
• Thereafter you will likely return every three to six months for follow-up treatment.

The benefits of PRP as a treatment for male pattern baldness

• Affordability
• Simplicity
• Effectiveness / proven to produce results 

Would you like to explore male pattern baldness treatments like PRP injections? The next step would be to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our clinical specialists to assess the extent of your hair loss so a treatment plan can be drawn up. We look forward to assisting you.