Hair Loss Treatment Melbourne

In some cases, such as when the cause of hair loss is medication or a temporary, unmanaged medical condition, hair loss may resolve by itself. Pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia), unfortunately, does not resolve on its own, and if it bothers you, you may benefit from treatments.

While androgenic alopecia is not a medical condition, we can treat the issue with varying levels of success with drug or non-drug treatments. Everyone is a little bit different in their response. It is unusual for androgenic alopecia to reverse.

Causes of resolvable hair loss include thyroid disorders and in biological females, pregnancy or post- birth due to hormonal fluctuations. These are often reversible forms of hair loss may be distressing since hair loss can be patchy and unexpected, but fortunately, it is unusual for it to stay this way.

An unmanaged thyroid condition may result in ongoing hair loss. We can help treat thyroid conditions and help to halt the hair loss. 

All drug treatments come with risks, since drugs, by their very nature, are designed to block certain biological processes. In the case of hair loss, the drugs block androgens like testosterone from affecting hair follicles. This interruption can cause a subsequent hormonal disturbance that may affect other functions, such as sexual function and libido. We must weigh the risks with how determined you are to regrow hair. Other treatments may be more appropriate.

Side-effects of drug treatments can include an increased risk of prostate cancer in men. Pregnant women should not touch crushed or broken tablets, as it can be absorbed via the skin and affect the developing foetus with the incorrect hormonal messages. The incorrect hormonal messages can interfere with sexual organ development, resulting in anatomical abnormalities.

Scalp injections have proved to have some success in clinical trials, though no hair-loss treatment comes with a guarantee of success. Each person is different, and individual results vary. The scalp injections typically result in some regrowth of hair, but it may not be as much as you might like.

Research has shown positive outcomes for hair regrowth, though repeat treatments are necessary.

Hair loss can share a common source in any sex. Androgenic alopecia is the result of androgens negatively affecting a follicle’s ability to produce hair.  When women enter menopause, their hormonal profile looks about the same as a man of equivalent age if there are no reasons why this might be untrue, for example, hormone therapy. Androgens are the predominant hormone in menopause, replacing the dominance of oestrogen and progesterone.

Autoimmune-related loss of hair can affect anyone, as can temporary hair loss related to an underlying health condition. Autoimmune-related hair loss tends to be an ongoing loss, while health conditions tend to get treated effectively and the issue resolves.

Typically we’d try a single treatment at a time so we can measure results. It depends on the person and the nature of hair loss. Everyone is assessed individually, with tests run to determine the root cause and a treatment plan designed accordingly.

Doubling up on treatments isn’t always smart, especially with hair loss. It’s important to be able to see what is working and what isn’t, and adjust treatment accordingly.

We use an anaesthetic cream on the scalp before applying the injections to minimise any discomfort. Needles by their very nature can sting a little, so we make sure you are comfortable during your treatments. If you require regular pain medicine during treatments, you’ll have it. We will advise you of what to expect at your appointment. No surprises!

After treatment, your scalp may be a little tender, but this is an expected response to injections. Inflammation will reduce quickly as your scalp heals.

The minoxidil scalp rub mode of action isn’t understood, but it may dilate blood vessels on the scalp to improve follicle health. Because it affects blood vessels, it can have some unwanted impacts on the rest of the body, since it is absorbed. Do not use minoxidil on broken skin, as it can increase absorption into the blood.

There are some known possible side-effects from minoxidil, including severe scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth, fast heartbeat, chest pains, swollen hands and feet, rapid weight gain, feeling light-headed, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and flushing. You may also experience changes to the colour or texture of hair.

Some treatments come with side-effects, particularly drug treatments. Injections do not come with side effects.

Side-effects vary by drug treatment, with hormone-blocking drugs causing hormonal disturbances, as per the mode of action of the treatment. Creams can cause issues in some people, including headaches and swollen hands and feet, especially if the product absorbs into the bloodstream.

Every treatment comes with a unique risk profile, so research each treatment you are considering or talk to your dermatologist about what could go wrong. 

Hair growth is slow, so it takes a while to see results. After a successful round of PRP injection treatments, you can expect to see hair starting to grow after a few months. With drug treatments, the same applies, it can take at least six months. Hair loss treatments are a long game, so prepare yourself for a wait.

After six months to a year, you’ll know if your treatments are working because you’ll see hair growth. You can also get a check-up to do the hair-pull test and check your follicle health.

Depending on what treatment you’re having, you can expect to be in the clinic for about an hour. Each treatment will be different in terms of whether you are prescribed medication or have scalp injections. Naturally, a prescription is quicker than injections, but there are also blood tests and other examinations to be completed.

Scalp injections require multiple applications, usually about four spaced a month apart. Whether you’ll need to get further treatments depends on results. We’ll track your results over time to see if additional treatments are required.

You take/use drug treatments and scalp creams daily. Their effect is lost once you stop taking/using these treatments.

You can expect to be on treatments for at least six months before you start to see results. Hair is slow to grow even on a good day, but we are kickstarting a damaged follicle, often over multiple treatments. Results take time and being patient is important.

We do not perform hair transplants at ENRICH Clinic. Hair transplants are a specialised treatment that take a  time. We cannot comment on whether they are worth it or not .

You should be able to care for your hair normally, however taking care to use irritant-free hair-care products is important. Any product that contains sodium laurel sulphate, for example, should be avoided, since SLS is a substance researchers use to irritate the skin deliberately. It has no place in our skin and hair care products. Irritating your freshly revived follicles may result in the loss of hairs, which is counterproductive.

Your doctor may provide you with recommendations for hair-care products that won’t irritate your scalp.