Can You Help Regrow Hair Without a Transplant? Toronto’s Top 4 Options

July 23, 2019 by in Patient Resources

Can You Help Regrow Hair Without a Transplant? Toronto’s Top 4 Options

Hair Transplant Toronto

If you’re losing hair, there are options for hair transplant in Toronto that you need to know about. No matter who you are (or how confident you are), losing hair can be a frustrating and discouraging process. Many people choose Toronto hair transplant surgery to regain their fullness and a youthful hairline that won’t wash off or fall off. Permanent results from FUE (follicular unit extraction) hair transplant with Dr. Cory Torgerson can be gratifying for people who are ready to regrow hair, but plenty of people like you are considering alternatives first.

If you’re not prepared for a more invasive or expensive procedure, we have great news for you. While past non-surgical hair growth solutions left a lot to be desired, today we have a full roster of valid options.

Perhaps your hair loss has an underlying cause that can be treated. If you’re wondering what can regrow hair without a transplant, you’re in luck. Several of our Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic treatments can address the source of hair loss, strengthen the hair you still have, and stimulate new growth.

We’ve gathered information about the top 4 alternatives to a hair transplant in Toronto. Read on for up-to-date facts about hair growth therapy that really works for men and women. We’ll also throw in a list of things to avoid so you can stop wasting time and money on baldness cures that only disappoint.

Toronto Hair Transplant Patients — First, Determine the Cause of Your Hair Loss

Tens of millions of men and women suffer from progressive hair loss. Many people have a “DIY” spirit that leads them to browse for solutions online and order products based on ads. Alternatively, they scan the drugstore aisles for anything that says “grow hair” on the label. You may be tempted to load up on over-the-counter medications and supplements, high-priced hair-thickening shampoos, and more without first determining the cause of your hair thinning. That could be a mistake.

What’s the worst that could happen? The wrong treatment will either not work or may cause a health problem to be overlooked.

Why are you losing hair? Is it really thinning? Are you missing a lot of hair or a little? Did you know that the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day? Though this may seem to be a significant number, at that level, it won’t be noticed. In fact, most people don’t see progressive hair loss until nearly 50% has thinned out. When the number of strands in your brush or shower starts to increase noticeably or suddenly, you may become worried that you’re experiencing hair loss. That’s your cue to visit a professional and take action.

So why are you losing hair?

There are lots of possible answers to that question. For most Toronto hair transplant clients, androgenetic alopecia, better known as male- or female-pattern baldness, causes the visible, progressive thinning that they experience. For men in particular, this condition is due to a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). When there’s an increase of DHT, sensitive hair follicles shrink, hairs get progressively wispier, and eventually re-growth stops altogether. Women tend to experience a diffused form of hair thinning across the scalp, rather than in specific areas like the hairline and crown.

Heredity isn’t the only factor in hair loss. It can also happen because of:

  • Medical conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (a type of eczema)
  • Stress or trauma, which may lead to telogen effluvium or shock loss (sudden hair loss)
  • Thyroid disease
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Nutrient deficiencies, including crash dieting
  • Hormonal changes, including menopause or pregnancy
  • Certain medications, including antidepressants
  • Treatments for cancer and autoimmune disorders
  • Tight hairstyles (traction alopecia)

The first and most crucial step to figuring out your treatment plan is to meet with a hair restoration expert. Their guidance is recommended, because they have the expertise to determine the right path forward for you. Your Toronto hair transplant or treatment consultation will involve a close-up inspection of your scalp and analysis of hair roots, density, and characteristics.

Toronto hair transplant specialist, Dr. Torgerson often suggests a combination of treatments for the diverse clients who come to see him. These supportive procedures, medications, and therapies may be paired with FUE hair transplantation or used alone to boost healthy new hair growth.

For example, if your physician determines that hair shedding is triggered by hormonal changes, the underlying issue and balanced physiology can be discussed with expected hair growth to follow. Along with restoring health and treating disease, you may seek the assistance of a hair specialist to talk about the following:

1. Topical Medication

Minoxidil:

Also known as Rogaine, minoxidil is a topical medication sold over the counter. Available as liquid or foam, it’s applied daily by men or women to stop hair fallout. It works by expanding blood vessels so that more blood, oxygen, and nutrients can reach follicles. The key is to ensure that it reaches the skin rather than just the hair (more manageable with the foam). The higher the percentage of minoxidil, the more effective it is, so opt for 5% over 2%.

In some cases, increased and thicker hair growth occurs as well, but the results will fade once the product is discontinued. Your doctor might suggest that you take an oral drug as well as using topical minoxidil. Many patients experience better results from a combination of treatments. You’ll be advised of possible side effects related to this product, which are typically mild and can involve itching and minor scalp inflammation.

2. Oral Drugs

Finasteride:

Often known as Propecia, this hair loss medication targets hormones and decreases your body’s ability to convert testosterone into DHT. It’s most effective in the early stages of hair loss and only prevents hair loss while you are taking it, not permanently. Finasteride is approved for use in men only, as it presents harmful effects for females.

Spironolactone:

Also known as Aldactone, this blood pressure drug blocks the androgen receptors in follicles. It’s shown to be effective in stabilizing hair loss in women.

No hair growth medication will restore your hair overnight. You may wait several months before seeing results. However, for many people, daily use pays off with fuller, healthier hair.

* These medications carry a risk of possible side effects and may not be right for everyone. Talk to your doctor about the considerations for use.

3. Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

Toronto hair transplant surgeons have been using PRP injections to accelerate healing after their procedures for years. PRP is an entirely natural way to stimulate hair re-growth. Platelet-rich plasma is found in your own blood and is loaded with growth factors that boost tissue repair. For decades, various forms of PRP extracted from patients have served as an autologous treatment to concentrate and direct natural growth and healing elements directly to injuries or surgical sites. PRP has been used to treat injuries, burns, and more recently, for cosmetic enhancements. The growth factors in PRP have shown compelling results in restoring hair in virtually all types of hair loss. PRP may be used in combination with a Toronto hair transplant or on its own. Keep in mind that it will not grow hair in completely bald areas.

How is a PRP hair treatment done?

PRP injections are carried out by first extracting a small amount of blood from the patient’s arm, then processing it with a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. The plasma is then injected superficially across the scalp areas where hair is thinning. It’s performed in 3 short treatments over a span of 3 to 4 months. Most people maintain their thicker hair with a maintenance treatment once or twice per year.

Not only does PRP wake up dormant follicles, but it’s also extremely hydrating for your scalp. Added benefits include improved blood flow, decreased inflammation, and increased nutrients for your follicles. Regardless of how old you are, PRP is minimally invasive, very low-risk, and suitable for everyone. There’s no downtime to schedule or incisions to care for. You can undergo this simple treatment on your lunch break!

4. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

If you don’t mind using a futuristic hat or comb each day, LLLT could be right for you. It hasn’t yet been proven to reverse hair loss, but it does strengthen the hair you have and slow the balding process. People searching for a drug-free Toronto hair transplant alternative love the comfortable, non-invasive light therapy option. Using red or near-infrared light, LLLT encourages the natural growth stage of your hair cycle (the anagen stage).

LLLT devices come in many forms (brushes, combs, and other items that are handheld). Some use red light therapy, while others use cold lasers, photo biomodulation, biostimulation, or soft lasers.

Generally, you’ll need to use them just a few times a week, typically for 20 minutes or so. You can expect visible improvement within the first 3 to 6 months.

Most surgeons recommend that you combine PRP with LLLT or medications like minoxidil for optimal results. Using them together can increase each of their advantages, and since they carry minimal risks, the benefits are well worth it.

Do Hair Supplements Help?

A word of caution about hair growth pills: Unfortunately, many hair-growth supplements exaggerate claims and don’t have the scientific backing to support results. Several dietary supplements promise to boost hair growth and may contain a wide variety of herbal extracts, minerals, or vitamins, plus fillers and some less easily verified ingredients. Biotin, a B vitamin, has been linked to faster hair growth, and silica is said to strengthen the hair. Neither of these comes with notable health risks, but they aren’t proven to have any effect at all on genetic, progressive hair loss. If you are seeking nutritional formulas and supplements for healthier hair growth, you are advised to:

  1. Seek advice from your primary physician
  2. Seek advice from a nutritionist
  3. Verify the ingredients and safety of any formulation that you ingest
  4. Don’t expect to regrow hair where you don’t have active follicles

Are You Seeking Hair Transplant in Toronto?

If you’re seeking alternatives to hair transplant in Toronto, we encourage you to contact the Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic. Dr. Cory Torgerson offers no-obligation information sessions to provide a full assessment and hair renewal plan. As one of Canada’s most talented facial surgeons, Dr. Torgerson is well versed in all types of hair loss and has a deeper understanding of patient health along with various causes and types of hair thinning. He believes patients should be fully informed of their options. While hair transplant surgery is not right for everyone, there is a way for everyone to feel more confident about their appearance. His unique treatment plans are customized for each individual. Book a consultation today to learn how you can take control over your hair loss.

Dr. Cory Torgerson (MD, PhD, FRCSC)

Dr. Cory Torgerson is a Canadian-trained Head and Neck Surgeon with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. With his focus solely being the Head and Neck, Dr. Torgerson is a leading authority in Canada. With several years of experience, a robust reputation, and a diverse clientele base, Dr. Torgerson is well-versed in what viable options are available to his clients and what strategies could be employed for Hair Transplant and Hair Restoration.

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Dr. Cory Torgerson (MD, PhD, FRCSC)
Dr. Cory Torgerson is a Canadian-trained Head and Neck Surgeon with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. With his focus solely being the Head and Neck, Dr. Torgerson is a leading authority in Canada. With several years of experience, a robust reputation, and a diverse clientele base, Dr. Torgerson is well-versed in what viable options are available to his clients and what strategies could be employed for Hair Transplant and Hair Restoration.
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