Hair Loss

Don’t let hair loss define you. At Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery our experts offer advanced technology in medical grade products to rejuvenate, restore and replace hair loss.

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What is HairStim?

HairStim is a group of custom created prescription formulas that are proven to help with hair loss. Each compound is custom crafted to the individual patient to maximize efficacy and tolerability. Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery is proud to be one of the select offices in the country providing this novel treatment.

Ingredient mixtures include

  • high-dose minoxidil
  • topical finestaride
  • topical retinoids
  • topical spironolactone
  • and more

HairStim in the media

Dr. Bhanusali is quoted in Allure Magazine as saying, “It’s now an option for patients who otherwise were not getting benefits with topicals or didn’t want to take oral medications due to concerns about side effects.” Read the full article.

Hair Restoration

Utilizing the latest cutting edge techniques, our dermatologists have crafted various treatment modalities for both female and male hair loss. After undergoing lab testing to determine any medical causes for hair loss, our dermatologists utilize a patient-specific treatment regimen to obtain impressive results.

Hair Transplantation

At Hudson Dermatology & Laser, we offer comprehensive options for hair loss. This includes non-invasive options as well as surgical Hair Transplantation.

Hair Restoration Media Coverage

The science of Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness is also called male androgenetic alopecia, alopecia or genetic hair loss. Male pattern baldness is so named because it appears in a common pattern, beginning with a receding hairline at the temples creating an M pattern, progressing to diffuse thinning of the hair at the front and center, and eventually hair loss at the crown. Time to baldness has been reported to be 15-25 years. However, some men go bald in less than five years. Androgenetic alopecia tends to affect both men and women in the family.

What causes male pattern baldness?

Genetics and male sex hormones (androgens) play key roles in androgenetic hair loss. Human hair follicles have an inherited tendency for androgen-dependent growth beginning in puberty, which stimulates the growth of the beard, underarms and pubic areas. In male pattern baldness androgens suppress the growth of the hair.

  • Heredity accounts for about 80% of the tendency toward male pattern baldness. The baldness genes modify the hair follicle’s response to androgens. If the tendency is strong, baldness happens earlier in life. If weak, it happens later. Less than 15% of men have little, or no baldness by age 70. Recent studies have shown that while the gene for male pattern baldness is on the X chromosome passed from mother to male child, additional genes from the father also contribute.
  • The role of androgens or male hormones, specifically testosterone, is well established in genetic hair loss. Recent studies suggest that a range of hormones play a role in male pattern baldness. Studies also report that even normal levels of androgens are sufficient to cause hair loss in genetically vulnerable people.
  • Male pattern baldness alters hair cycle development and causes follicular miniaturization and inflammation.

How do male hormones trigger baldness?

Hair grows in cycles. Each follicle normally grows for 2-6 years, during which new hair is formed and grows to push out the old hair. Next comes the resting phase which lasts about 3 months. After that, the hair is shed, and the next growth cycle begins.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

In men with a genetic tendency, an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT attaches to the hair follicles and causes them to shrink with every growth cycle. It also leads to shorter and shorter hair cycles and delays the growth of new hair to replace hair that has been shed. With time, the hair follicles become so small that they only grow short, fine hairs. This is called follicular miniaturization. Follicle miniaturization is a hallmark of male pattern baldness. Eventually, the follicles wear out and stop growing hair.

Prostaglandin D2

Another hormone (Prostaglandin D2) causes inflammation of the hair follicles which causes the hair follicles to stop growing hair. Only recently have other non-genetic factors been studied for their potential role in male pattern baldness.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors like climate, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors related to your geographic location are involved. Body Mass Index is important, and the science is clear that heart disease, insulin resistance, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity are linked to male pattern baldness. Some of these factors are modifiable, but the exact impact of lifestyle modifications on male pattern baldness is not yet known.

Preventative Hair Loss Treatment

  • Rogaine
  • Finastride
  • Supplements

Restorative Hair Loss Treatment

  • FUE

The science of Female Pattern Baldness

Female Pattern Hair Loss is the term used to describe a genetic tendency for hair loss in women. The genetic tendency is strong and makes the hair sensitive to hormonal changes, particularly estrogen. It is the most common cause of thinning and hair loss in women. 90% of female hair loss is genetic and affects about 30 million women in the U.S. The risk of Female Pattern Hair Loss increases when there is a family history of hair loss.

46% of women hide their hair loss and feel shame and embarrassment. Female pattern hair loss affects a woman’s confidence and personality. Many women view hair loss as life-altering.

What is the pattern in Female Pattern Hair Loss?

The pattern of hair loss in women is different than in men. The hair line does not recede. Instead, the first sign is widening of the part, that over time progresses to diffuse thinning to the front, temples, and vertex (the crown) areas. Sometimes a woman will notice that her ponytail diameter is smaller.

Some women experience hair thinning all over the head. Hair thinning may accelerate for a few months, and then stabilize for a few months due to the normal cycles of hair and hormones.

However, most women do not go bald or lose all their hair. Rather, as they age, new hairs grow in finer and thinner, evidence of shrinking hair follicles. Eventually, the follicle stops growing hair. View the typical pattern of Female Pattern Hair Loss below:

What causes female pattern hair loss?

The genetic tendency combined with the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes the hair follicles to produce thinner and finer hair.

Women do experience higher blood levels of testosterone as they age and estrogen levels decrease during and after menopause.

The current science shows that Female Pattern Hair Loss is genetically predetermined, and multifactorial including hormone and non-hormone causes. The science is clear that there is an alteration of the hair growth cycle which causes a gradual reduction in the growth phase and an increase in the time between hair is shed and new hair grows.

Who is affected by Female Pattern Hair Loss?

In genetically susceptible women, Female Pattern Hair Loss usually begins between the ages of 40 and 60 but can begin earlier. It is most common after menopause because of a decline in production of estrogen which is protective of the hair follicles.

Is Female Pattern Hair Loss reversible?

All hair loss is not the same. Early diagnosis and treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss are effective to avoid the progression of hair loss. If you are concerned about your thinning hair, schedule an appointment at the Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City to get the correct diagnosis and learn about your treatment options.

Preventative Hair Loss Treatment

  • Rogaine
  • Finastride
  • Supplements

Restorative Hair Loss Treatment

  • FUE

Alopecia Areata

Hair follicles are created before birth and remain constant throughout life. There are about 100,000 – 150,000 scalp hair follicles at birth. But not all follicles become active at the same time, and some lose the ability to produce hair over time.

Active follicles have a normal life cycle that includes a growth phase, followed by a transitional phase, and then a resting phase. In fact, hair grows one centimeter a month! And, not all hair follicles are active at the same time. The life cycle of hair follicles can be as long as seven years or as short as two years. The cycle ends when the hair is shed.

See an example of Alopecia Areata below:

What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is the medical term for hair loss. There are many types of hair loss caused by a variety of conditions from autoimmune diseases to the use of certain medications.

Temporary hair loss can result from giving birth or from severe stress. Hair loss may be reversible or reverse on its own. Permanent hair loss is commonly caused by androgenetic alopecia areata or hereditary hair loss affects men and women. Everyone loses 50 – 100 scalp hairs each day. Usually, those hairs grow back.

Causes of Alopecia Areata

  • Changes in hair color and thickness are some of the most obvious signs of aging. As we age, the rate of hair growth slows down and the hair follicles age too. Some hair loss is expected with aging because the hair is shed faster than it grows back. Once thick, healthy hairs fall out and are replaced by thinner, less pigmented hair, as the follicles wear out.
  • Androgenetic alopecia areata is inherited hair loss caused by a genetic predisposition to hormones that damage the hair follicles. Androgenetic alopecia areata is the most common cause of hair loss and shows as a receding hairline from the forehead in an M pattern. Women usually retain their hairline, but have a broadening of their central part, and overall thinning.

Contrary to popular belief, hereditary hair loss is not from the mother or mother’s father. Rather, multiple genes have been identified as causing male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss.

  • Autoimmune disease. Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that causes smooth, round patches of hair to fall out. It affects the scalp and can affect the beard and eyebrows. The skin may be itchy or painful.
  • Disease and underlying conditions. Losing your hair may be the first sign of 30 different diseases. Common diseases like thyroid disease and anemia can cause the hair to fall out. Diabetes and lupus are related to hair loss. Treating the underlying disease can stop or reverse hair loss.
  • Major surgery, high fever, severe infections, and scalp infections interfere with normal hair cycles. The hair usually grows back.
  • Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can cause hair loss on the head, and over the entire body. The hair usually grows back.
  • Sudden, intense emotional or physical distress can cause a temporary loss of hair.
  • Hormone changes in pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
  • Drug-induced hair loss. Certain medications used to treat cancer, depression, heart problems, epilepsy, gout, and blood pressure can interfere in the normal cycle of hair growth.
  • Traction alopecia areata is caused by hairstyles that pull the hair tight including ponytails, pigtails, and cornrows.
  • Hair loss is associated with rapid weight loss. Stress to the system forces hair follicles into the resting phase. When the stressors are removed, normal hair growth will return.
  • Dietary changes and nutritional deficiencies like low iron can cause hair loss.

Preventative Hair Loss Treatment

  • Rogaine
  • Finastride
  • Supplements

Restorative Hair Loss Treatment

  • FUE

Hair Loss Research and Clinical Trials

Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery will be offering a broad range of research and clinical trials in alopecia / hair loss. Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali conducted the original HairStim trials and is on the advisory board of Follica Bio, a biotech startup looking at a new medical device for hair growth. Dr. Bhanusali also previously served as a consultant for Rogaine and other hair loss companies.

If you’re interested in participating in a clinic trial please contact us.

FUE: Follicular Unit Extraction

Our office specializes in FUE (follicular unit extraction), a form of transplantation that minimizes scar appearance and makes for a seamless recovery. This procedure is done by taking individual hair follicles from your skin and moving them to another part of your body where hair’s thinner or absent

The process starts with a consultation. Not everyone is a candidate and we never want to push something on someone who doesn’t need it. During your consultation, we evaluate both the site of hair loss, as well as the donor site. Shortly after, our team circles back after discussing the procedure, amount of grafts needed, etc and plan out the process.

We generally do hair transplants on weekends to ensure privacy.  Procedures can take 6-10 hours depending on the amount of hairs transferred.

The Procedure 

A small area is shaved on the back of the scalp (donor site) and hairs are harvested. Number of hairs depends on the amount needed for desired aesthetic look

The hairs are then separated and prepped for implantation

Our team designs the new hairline and creates small openings to plant the follicles. Over the rest of your appointment, individual follicles are placed.

During your procedure, all patients are provided the ability to enjoy VIRTUAL REALITY. Most patients lose themselves in the enjoyment of cinema and forget they are in a procedure. We also offer pro-nox to help with any discomfort as needed.

It is important to note- results may not be seen until around 6 months (full result around 1 year) after the procedure.