Hair loss and pattern baldness: an exciting breakthrough?

Hair loss affects millions of people across the world, in both men and women. In many cases, such conditions dent self-confidence and cause enormous psychological stress that negatively impacts our lives.

If you suffer from hair loss, we know how damaging that can be. But the fact is you’re far from alone. And there are things that can be done to halt and even reverse the process.

Hair loss can strike at a range of ages, not just from middle-age, and there are several different types of hair loss too, most commonly androgenic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness. For men, this is usually caused by genetics and is linked to the production of DHT and testosterone. It’s typically characterised by recession at the temples (widow’s peak) and thinning at the crown.

The extent and shape of male pattern baldness can be identified on something as the Norwood Scale (see image right).

For women, androgenic alopecia usually manifests itself as overall thinning of the hair and loss of volume. You might notice a widening part on your head. The ailment can be down to genetics, hormonal changes or illness.

The truth is that there are many causes, and either way all hair loss conditions are complicated and trying to combat them can be a minefield.

One of the biggest issues with hair loss are the number of potions and treatments on the market – or in development – all promising a miracle cure. In reality, the only medications currently approved in the UK for combating the condition are the topical solution minoxidil (Regaine is one popular brand) and the oral drug finasteride (often known by the brand name Propecia). Some people have reported a slowing down – and even a reversal – of their hair loss with these medications, and they can sometimes be even more effective when combined.

That said, results vary greatly between individuals. Continued use of the drugs is also imperative in order to maintain their benefits. And even then, long-term results aren’t guaranteed. There is also the risk of side-effects too, such as sexual dysfunction.

Surgical hair transplants are another popular and effective solution. While invasive, the quality of these procedures has improved dramatically in recent years and the results are permanent. However, despite some great results, transplants don’t yield the same hair density that you may once have had, meaning you need to manage your expectations. This is primarily due to being restricted by the amount of donor hair from the back of your head. Furthermore, transplants don’t account for future hair loss meaning that operations can be a lifetime commitment. And that can get pricey.

But are there any other options or exciting answers in fighting this age-old mystery?

VieStem Hair Micro-Transplantation with Regenera Activa is arguably the most exciting new treatment to enter the market. It uses your body’s own tissue to improve hair density and trigger new growth on your scalp where you are thinning. The procedure is described as “regenerative” and “autologous”. By that, we mean it uses your body’s own resources – in this case stem cells from your own hair – to thicken and grow new hair.

Using technology developed by the Spanish company Regenera Activa, it has already been successful in countries such as Singapore. Vie Aesthetics is the first clinic in the UK to introduce this breakthrough for hair loss – and the results have been extremely encouraging.

If hair loss troubles you, VieStem Hair Micro-Transplants with Regenera Activa are something for you to consider as both an alternative, or complementary action, to the other treatments mentioned above.

However, it is only recommended if you’re suffering from early, mild and moderate forms of hair loss.

The doctor takes a small piece of tissue from an area on your scalp where the hair is still dense and not affected by baldness. This is usually the area at the back of the head, closest to the neck. A local anaesthetic is injected prior to the procedure and the process is quick and relatively pain-free.

From this tissue sample, the doctor harvests regenerative stem cells from your own hair, which are then mixed in a solution and skilfully injected into your scalp where the thinning is occurring.

This activates follicles that are nearing the end-phase of their life (known as miniaturised hairs, which are the small, fine hairs you see – or don’t see! – in cases of thinning). The follicles can once again become healthy, and over time, capable of producing denser, thicker and stronger hair.

Numerous clinical studies have shown improvements in hair count and scalp coverage can begin to take place after just one month. Indeed, since we introduced the treatment, clients have experienced healthier hair in the same period.

However, it’s important to note that the treatment is more suitable if you’re suffering from early, mild and moderate hair loss. We can’t guarantee that it will be as effective on large areas of “baldness” in which the hair follicles are no longer functioning. In these instances, traditional hair transplants may be something to consider.

Celebrity Hair Stylist and author Steven Smith, who was one of the first to have this treatment at Vie Aesthetics said his hair looked amazing and that the treatment was a miracle.