Hair is a symbol of seduction, good health and strength. We have 80,000 to 160,000 hairs that renew themselves in 3 to 5 years. We lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. When this physiological loss increases and is not compensated for by regrowth, we speak of alopecia.
Alopecia, whether affecting women or men, is a common hair problem that often impacts on quality of life.
The most common form is androgenic alopecia in women and androgenic alopecia in men.
This hair loss is caused mainly by hormonal and genetic factors.
To reduce hair loss on a long-term basis, treatments have been developed to complement any medication, Minoxidil and Finasteride.
The PRP hair, the LED hair and capillary mesotherapy are methods that improve hair density and stimulate hair regrowth.
The hair cycle is made up of three phases.
During a dermatological examination of the scalp, it is important to analyse these phases in order to identify a possible cause.
Alopecia can be acute (if it lasts less than three months) or chronic (if it lasts more than three months), diffuse or localised.
The causes of acute alopecia are :
The causes of chronic alopecia are :
The most common cause of alopecia isandrogenic alopecia.
Some contraceptives have beneficial effects on hair, while others weaken it and can cause alopecia.
Hormones are important for hair health. They influence its shine, strength and tendency to become dry and dull. Hormonal variations can cause hormonal hair loss.
Hormonal contraception has a direct impact on the appearance of hair. The composition and dosage of hormones depend on the type of pill. This is why some oestroprogestogenic pills improve hair quality, while progestogen-only pills can lead to hair deterioration.
Alopecia can be hereditary in origin. The most common form is androgenetic alopecia, which mainly affects men. Contrary to what you might think, it is not solely linked to ageing and can appear as early as the age of 20. In men, this type of alopecia generally begins with hair loss around the hairline and temples.
Heredity plays a major role in androgenetic alopecia. However, hormones, particularly androgens, are also involved. The androgen receptors present in the dermal papilla of the hair disrupt the hair cycle: hair growth is accelerated and the hair becomes thinner and thinner before falling out for good.
Hair loss at the menopause is mainly due to the hormonal changes that occur during this period. At the menopause, levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall, upsetting the hormonal balance. The drop in female hormones leads to a relative increase in androgens, the male hormones, which can have an impact on hair follicles.
Androgens reduce the size of hair follicles, slow hair growth and accelerate hair loss.
Other factors such as stress, nutritional deficiencies and certain medications can contribute to hair loss at the menopause.
Hair loss after pregnancy, also known as post-partum hair lossis a common phenomenon. About a third of women can be affected. This type of hair loss is hormonal, triggered by the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth.
During pregnancy, mums-to-be often notice an improvement in the quality of their hair, which becomes shinier, silkier and grows better as a result of increased oestrogen levels.
After giving birth, the rapid drop in this hormone causes hair loss which can be impressive, giving the impression of lose handfuls of hair.
Several other factors can aggravate hair loss after childbirth: rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiencies, stress and fatigue.
Facialscarring alopecia is a form of localised alopecia which, unfortunately, is permanent.
It can be caused by inflammation of the scalp or by trauma, burns or radiotherapy to the scalp.
This type of hair loss, also known as post-partum telogen effluviumis caused by intense physical or emotional stress.
During periods of stress, a higher percentage of hair enters the resting phase (telogen) prematurely and falls out after a few months.
The phenomenon is often temporary and reversible once the stress factor has been eliminated.
Facialtraction alopecia is a type of alopecia caused by repeated and excessive strain on the hair follicles.
It is often the result of tight hairstyles such as braids, buns and ponytails.
This constant tension damages the follicles, leading to progressive hair loss.
The first signs of traction alopecia are thinning hair and a receding hairline. To prevent and treat this condition, it is advisable to reduce tension on the hair by avoiding tight hairstyles.
The most common cause of alopecia is androgenetic alopecia of genetic origin where hair loss is due to the influence of androgens.
This type of alopecia can affect men from the age of 18 and women from their thirties.
We speak of alopecia in men and alopecia in women.
Two scales represent the stages of development of the phenomenon, the Hamilton scale for men and the Ludwig scale for women.
Female hair loss and male hair loss are a frequent request for consultation.
Although there are treatments to lastingly reduce hair loss, regrowth is random and never spectacular.
Some medical techniques, used alone or in combination, enable patients to regain denser, stronger and healthier hair.
The only possible prevention is to treat the cause. However, there are a few things you can do to improve the health of your hair.
Before any treatment, any cause of alopecia must be identified and treated. The reference aesthetic treatment is represented by injections of PRP.
No preparation is necessary. Before the treatment, Dr Romano carries out an analysis of the scalp to identify the most affected and fragile areas. However, the entire scalp will be treated.
A blood sample is taken and the tube is centrifuged for six minutes to separate the plasma containing platelet growth factors (PRP) from the other components.
The PRP is collected and injected into the scalp using a mesotherapy technique, using a gun, which makes the session painless.
There are no after-effects and you can resume your usual activities immediately. It is not advisable to take anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids for 48 hours following the session.
As an initial treatment, three sessions are required, at three-month intervals. An annual maintenance session is then required.
Hair mesotherapy capillary treatment involves injecting vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients directly into the scalp. These active ingredients stimulate the hair follicles, locally improving blood circulation and promoting cell regeneration. Mesotherapy also helps to slow hair loss by strengthening the follicles and prolonging their growth phase.
The sessions are well tolerated if carried out with a pistol. Injection by hand (without a gun) is painful and less effective.
After treatment, you should avoid shampooing your hair until the following day, and you should not sweat (intensive sport) on your scalp on the same day.
The protocol includes an attack phase and a maintenance phase.
Attack phase: six sessions at two-week intervals, then three sessions at one-month intervals.
Maintenance phase: one session every three or six months.
Therapy with LED (light-emitting diodes) is an innovative, non-invasive technique for treating alopecia, with promising results. This method uses specific wavelengths to stimulate the hair follicles and encourage hair regrowth.
LED light improves blood circulation, which increases the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles. It also helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, two factors often associated with hair loss. LED treatment is painless and requires no recovery time.
This treatment can be carried out alone or in addition to mesotherapy and PRP sessions.
Around twenty sessions are required.
Results are visible three months after the start of treatment, as the hair cycle is long.
Their importance varies and is linked to individual sensitivity.
LED hair
Hair mesotherapy
PRP hair (Platelet Rich Plasma)
| Type of consultation | Generally practiced rates |
|---|---|
|
PRP
|
600 CHF per session |
|
Mesocheveux |
200 CHF per session |
Patients describe a noticeable improvement in hair density and quality and an increase in self-confidence.
They find these treatments accessible because they are non-invasive and there is no recovery time.
The combination of these techniques is considered particularly effective.
Patients stress the importance of regularity in achieving optimum results.
However, as with any medical treatment, results can vary from one person to another, so it is essential to consult a specialist for personalised care.
The best treatment will depend on the cause of the alopecia, its severity and the patient's gender. A consultation with a specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment.
Yes, hair can grow back after the age of 60, although the density and speed of regrowth are reduced. Treatments such as PRP, mesotherapy and LED therapy stimulate regrowth.
For women, products containing Minoxidil are often recommended. Natural solutions such as essential oils and food supplements can also help.
Yes, hair can grow back after alopecia, especially if it is treated quickly and effectively, but there can be no regrowth in the case of scarring alopecia.
Plants such as saw palmetto are sometimes used as natural alternatives to minoxidil to slow down hair loss. Minoxidil is still more effective than a plant.
Androgenetic alopecia can be curbed by treatments such as Minoxidil, Finasteride (in men), LED therapy, mesotherapy and PRP. A healthy lifestyle and balanced diet are also important.
Cosmetic solutions such as hair powders, wigs, hair extensions or specific hairstyles can be used.
Some forms of alopecia, such as scarring, are irreversible. However, other types, such as androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata, can be treated.
Hair loss during the menopause can be slowed by hormone treatments, dietary supplements rich in vitamins and minerals, and topical treatments such as Minoxidil.
To curb alopecia, you need to follow a suitable treatment: Minoxidil, PRP and mesotherapy. A healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and stress reduction are also beneficial.
Yes, Minoxidil is clinically proven to be effective in treating hair loss and stimulating hair regrowth.
Possible side effects of Minoxidil include scalp irritation, itching, the appearance of hair on the face and hands and, rarely, palpitations.
Rosemary essential oil is renowned for its stimulating properties on hair regrowth. Peppermint essential oil and lavender oil are also beneficial.
To thicken fine hair at the menopause, mesotherapy, PRP and Minoxidil are effective. A diet rich in proteins and vitamins is recommended.
A blood test for hair loss should include iron, ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, thyroid hormones and androgens.
When daily hair loss exceeds physiological loss, i.e. 50-100 hairs a day, it's time to consult a doctor. Signs that may cause concern include loss of hair density, bald patches, itching or irritation of the scalp.
Certain habits are beneficial for the scalp, but they cannot treat alopecia: scalp massages, application of essential oils to the scalp, food supplements and a healthy diet.
Diet: foods rich in protein, vitamins (biotin, vitamins A, C, D, E) and minerals (iron, zinc, selenium) and good hydration.
Hair care: use gentle hair care products that contain no sulphates, parabens or silicones. Avoid excessive heat (hairdryers, straightening irons) and tight hairstyles.
Medical treatments if prescribed: Minoxidil and Finasteride.
Natural remedies: essential oils such as rosemary oil.
Food supplements containing biotin and vitamins.
PRP hair, mesotherapy hair, LED.
Stress management.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
