Improved Hair Loss Treatments on Horizon.

Davis Chapman

08 August 2008

For folks experiencing hair loss, theres a mixture of inspiring and daunting reports. No drug treatments have gained FDA approval since 1997, and the best treatment, a hair transplant, is dear. But transplants now offer increasingly gratifying results thanks to improved surgical methods, and up to date biotechnology discoveries may lead to less invasive treatments, reports the Aug 2008 issue of the Harvard Health Letter. Newswise For folk experiencing hair loss, theres a mixture of inspiring and daunting reports.

No drug treatments have gained

FDA approval since 1997, and the best care, a hair transplant, is costly. But transplants now offer increasingly gratifying results thanks to improved surgical strategies, and up to date biotechnology discoveries may lead to less invasive treatments, reports the Aug 2008 issue of the Harvard Health Letter. The FDA has licensed 2 drugs, minoxidil ( Rogaine ) and finasteride ( Propecia ), to slow hair loss or regrow hair.

A major disadvantage of both is that you must keep on taking them to sustain the advantages. Hair transplants involve removing hair follicles from the sides of the head and implanting them in bald or thinning areas. One of the main obstacles is money"surgery costs $8000 to $12000. Transplants have improved over time, making for a more natural hairline by continuing the trend toward smaller and smaller grafts. Many drugs that preserve the health of hair follicles are in the pipeline. In addition, firms hope to find paths to create new hair follicles from the start. One potential strategy involves using an abrasive gel to carefully damage the skin and then topical cream to change on the follicle-generating genes. Another probability is a method in which hair-forming cells are removed, multiplied, and replanted into the scalp. You'll be able to find masses of treatments for hair loss on the Web . Some are specifically designed shampoos sold together with saw palmetto herbal additions. The Harvard Health Letter is free from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical Faculty , for $28 per year.