Is there treatment for baldness?

One of the most common cosmetic concerns among men and women is hair loss. Although most of us take balding to be an irreversible part of middle age changes, it is possible to get a full head of hair again with the appropriate treatment.

What is causing your hair loss?

Genetics: The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is genetics (more than 90 per cent of cases).

Health problems: If you have a severe illness, hormonal imbalance (especially related to the thyroid), secondary syphilis, anaemia or an autoimmune problem (a condition where your immunity attacks the body), you may experience some hair loss. This usually resolves once your health problem has been sorted out.

Medication: Drugs used to treat cancer, gout, depression and some birth control pills can contribute to loss of hair.

Skin conditions: Psoriasis and fungal infections such as ringworm can lead to patchy hair loss.

Compulsive behavior: Children (and sometimes, adults) may get into the unfortunate behaviour of compulsively pulling out their scalp hair and even eyebrows and eyelashes (a condition known as trichotillomania).

Pregnancy: Some women experience extensive hair loss when pregnant or after child birth. This usually grows back with time.

Diet: If you are on an extreme diet which prevents you from getting sufficient protein and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), you are likely to experience some degree of hair loss. The hair also becomes dry and gets a brownish tinge (if it is black). This usually improves if you regularly eat a sufficiently balanced diet.

Poor hair styling techniques: This primarily affects women whose hairdressers pull tightly at their hair when braiding, weaving or styling it. The hair loss is primarily in the front and also affects women who like holding their hair consistently in ponytails. Non-surgical treatments for hair loss:

Medication: A tablet known as finasteride and a cream known as minoxidil have both been used with varying levels of success in the treatment of hair loss. Both these drugs are available locally but should only be used under the guidance of a doctor well versed in their side effects.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP has been used to help improve skin and wound healing. It stimulates inactive or newly implanted hair follicles into an active growth phase. Although PRP is available locally, it is not routinely used in the treatment of baldness.

Laser therapy: Laser hair therapy works by rejuvenating the cells that hair follicles need for oxygen and nutrients. In certain countries, there are easy to use devices such as combs and caps that emit low levels of laser rays that can be bought over the counter. Laser therapy is also available locally but you must ensure that you only use accredited therapists (ask for their certificates if need be).

Surgical treatments for hair loss

Hair transplant/grafting

This involves harvesting hair (and scalp) from one part of the head and implanting it in the area experiencing hair loss. Often, multiple procedures are required to achieve the desired effect. Usually, this procedure can be done under local anaesthesia and you do not need hospital admission.

Scalp Reduction

In scalp reduction, the bald patch of skin is removed and the surrounding hair-bearing scalp is stretched and sutured together to cover the defect. It is best done for people with bald patches on the top or back of the head as opposed to those with frontal hair loss (due to the cosmetic outcome). The procedure can be done under either local or general anaesthesia and does not require admission. Scalp reduction and hair transplants can be performed at the same sitting depending on your needs.

Who is a candidate for surgical hair replacement?

—Men and women with baldness related to genetics (male and female pattern baldness) —People who have lost hair due to scalp injuries such as burns.

Who is not a candidate for surgical hair replacement?

—People whose hair loss is due to reversible causes such as poor diet, health problems, medication or skin conditions. You only need to treat the underlying problem in these cases. —People with widespread hair loss. In these cases, there is insufficient donor sites to harvest hair for transplant. —People who form keloid scars (very thick visible scars)

What are the side effects of surgery?

—People who have scalp reduction may report a sensation of ‘tightness’ around the surgical site. This feeling reduces with time. —Patients who have had skin grafts may report itching and crusting of the scalp. —Infection, swelling and minor bleeding can occur in both procedures. —Initial hair loss may occur a few weeks after a hair transplant. This usually regrows in a few months.

Are hair transplant specialists available locally?

Hair transplants are performed locally and the procedure is available in private hospitals.