Available at Dr. Demetri’s Hair Restoration Clinic in Tampa, prescription strength topical and oral hair loss medications can slow hair thinning and promote regrowth, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia or male and female genetic hair loss. Starting hair loss medications early is essential for achieving maximum regrowth and preventing further thinning and fallout. Serving patients in Tampa Bay and throughout Hillsborough County Florida-contact Dr. Demetri’s hair restoration clinic today where we offer:
- Expert hair loss evaluation and condition diagnosis
- Hair loss medications for women and men
- Meticulously personalized treatment plans
- Extensive history of successful outcomes
The Benefits of Dr. Demetri’s Hair Loss Medication Treatments
Demetri Arnaoutakis MD, or Dr. “Demetri” as he is known to patients, is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstruction surgeon who first became interested in hair restoration while learning reconstructive techniques for traumatic injuries to the scalp. A globally recognized expert in facial plastic surgery and advanced hair procedures, addressing hair loss with Dr. Demetri begins with a thorough evaluation of your scalp, hair follicles, overall health, medication history and possibly some lab work.
Along with prescription oral medications Dr. Demetri also works directly with a local pharmacist to compound medical-grade topical formulations tailored to each patient’s individual needs that may include:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Increases blood flow to hair follicles, promoting regrowth.
- Finasteride (Propecia): Reduces DHT levels, preventing further hair loss.
- Retinoic Acid: Enhances scalp health and improves absorption of topical treatments.
FAQs About Hair Loss Medication
What do hair loss medications cost?
The cost of hair loss medications varies and is influenced by the medication type and the details of each patient’s case. A consultation with Dr. Demetri will enable him to create a personalized treatment plan that includes detailed pricing. Once optimal results have been achieved, the amount and cost of the medication needed to preserve the outcome and prevent future loss may be less.
Who is a candidate for hair loss medication?
Ideal candidates for reducing hair thinning and achieving new hair follicle growth with medications are both men and women and may include those who:
- Have a family history of androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) and are experiencing gradual hair thinning.
- Are noticing increased hair shedding or thinning due to stress, illness, or a major life event (like surgery or childbirth).
- Are experiencing hormonal hair loss, including postpartum shedding or hair loss related to thyroid disorders.
- Have completed chemotherapy and wish to support regrowth of hair post-treatment.
- Prefer a non-surgical approach to hair restoration before considering options like hair transplants.
- Are committed to a consistent treatment regimen and understand that ongoing use may be necessary to maintain results.
If you are a candidate for medical-grade hair loss serums or oral medications Dr. Demetri will prescribe a regimen designed to achieve and maintain optimal restoration results.
How do hair loss medications work?
For certain types of hair loss, medical-grade topical formulations, and oral prescriptions alone or in combination can be effective through their ability to:
- Improve Follicle Health: Minoxidil widens blood vessels to increase follicle blood supply, helping slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth.
- Manage Hormone Changes: Finasteride blocks the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, a key hormone linked to hair thinning.
- Improve Scalp Health: Retinoic Acid promotes scalp health overall by reducing buildup and enhancing medication absorption.
What are the possible side effects of hair loss medications?
Patients taking oral medications have reported a decrease in sexual function or desire, particularly men taking oral finasteride, with less frequent side-effects that can include mood changes, breast tenderness or swelling and, in rare cases, an allergic reaction. Dr. Demetri’s topical formulations, including ones containing finasteride, were developed to offer effective treatment and avoid the potential side-effects of some oral medications.
Can hair loss medications reverse all types of hair loss?
While topical and oral medications can improve hair loss caused by genetics, age, or temporary medical conditions, they are not considered to be effective for alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder) or traction alopecia (caused by tight hairstyles leading to permanent follicle damage).
Topical vs. oral hair loss medication: which is best?
Some individuals experience side effects from oral finasteride, such as decreased libido. For these patients, Dr. Demetri has developed a topical alternative, which has shown comparable effectiveness without systemic side effects. Studies indicate that adding retinoic acid to topical formulations enhances their effectiveness.
How long does it take to see results with prescription hair loss medication?
- Finasteride (Propecia): Typically requires 3 to 6 months for noticeable improvement, with maximum results around 12 months.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): May take 3 to 6 months for visible results, with studies showing regrowth in over 50% of users after 4 months.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing proper scalp hygiene, and following gentle hair care practices can further enhance treatment outcomes.
Are the improvements achieved with hair loss medication permanent?
Hair loss medications require consistent use to maintain results. If treatment is discontinued, hair thinning may resume.
Book Your Hair Loss Medication Consultation Today
If your hair is becoming noticeably less dense you may be in an early stage of female genetic hair loss or male pattern baldness or have increased thinning due to other individual factors that can be effectively treated with non-surgical solutions customized by specialist Dr. Demetri. For an accurate hair loss evaluation and tailored treatment plan—contact us at Dr. Demetri’s hair restoration clinic in Tampa today to schedule a hair loss medication consultation.
