Why Take Medical Treatment?

1) Control Hair Loss

Maintaining and maximising hair density is achieved by taking medical treatment and this allows the patient to be on the front-foot by controlling the Androgenetic Alopecia/hair loss process.

The mainstay of medical treatment remains 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that reduce the formation of DHT with less binding of DHT to Androgen Receptors (AR), stopping and potentially reversing the miniaturization process of follicle units.

2) Avoid Miniaturisation

This can only be achieved by taking the medications continuously and for the long run.

If follicles with Androgen Receptors (AR) are allowed to miniaturize beyond a certain critical point, the Arrector Pilli muscle detaches and this is the point of “no return” for a follicle unit.

3) Avoid Detachment of Arrector Pilli Muscle

Epidermal Stem Cells are delivered to the Bulge Area of a hair follicle via the blood supply of the Arrector Pilli muscle.

Once the Arrector Pilli muscle has detached from the miniaturized follicle it can no longer be salvaged or “turned around” and that follicle unit is lost forever.

4) Go Beyond Treading Water

Without medical treatment those who undergo hair transplant surgery merely “tread water” because existing follicles with AR will continue to miniaturize and disappear over time despite adding new hair follicles devoid of AR from the safe donor area - new follicles are added but existing old follicles are disappearing.

“The hospitality and constant care during and after the procedure was simply 5 star treatment. I'm proud to say that my results have been life transforming“ - R McDonagh

What If You Don’t Take Medical Treatment?

1) Hair Density May Get Worse

It is important to understand that hair loss needs to be treated. Even if an individual chooses to undergo hair transplant surgery, he/she will still need to take medical treatments post-op.

The total Hair Mass Index (HMI) or hair volume will increase after the surgery but return to what it was before or even worse if medication is not taken as the miniaturization process continues with regard to non-transplanted hair (residual hair follicles).

2) Won’t Look as Good

The aesthetic effect will not be as good as it would be otherwise should the patient not take medical treatment long term.

In addition to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, products such as ketoconazole shampoo, derma-roller, low-level light therapy, Vitamins, Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto), and minoxidil will further amplify the effect leading to increased hair volume.

“Dr André Nel not only restored my hairline and my confidence; he reversed and repaired my previous surgery that was botched by another surgeon.” - T. Walker