The Civil War, Pearl Harbor, 9/11 … America has faced many adversities in its history and has managed to emerge stronger in the aftermath.
But how do you fight and defeat an invisible medical enemy – especially one as seemingly challenging as the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic?
The first step to overcoming any crisis of this magnitude is to separate the fact from the fiction, understand what you’re up against, and know what needs to be done to protect yourself, your loved ones, and fellow citizens.
Let’s start with the basics …
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is one of a large family of viruses known as coronaviruses, named for their crown shape. Some of these viruses cause respiratory illnesses in people, and the symptoms range from sneezing and coughing to fever and trouble breathing.
There have been other widespread coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, but COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus – meaning it is a new strain of the virus which has not been previously identified in humans. It is also highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, close contact with someone who has the virus, or contact with surfaces that have been recently touched by someone who has the coronavirus.
In some ways, COVID-19 and influenza (the flu virus) are similar. For example, both are spread via small droplets from the nose and mouth – but not through the air over long distances and times – and both cause respiratory disease.
However, there are key differences between the two in that:
- There is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.
- COVID-19 causes more severe disease in a greater percentage of cases than does the seasonal flu, with an average of 1-2 deaths per 100 people infected with COVID-19 compared to about 1 in every 1,000 infected with seasonal influenza.
- COVID-19 doesn’t appear to transmit as efficiently as the flu. When those with COVID-19 symptoms are isolated, it is possible to control the spread of the disease to others.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
The COVID-19 coronavirus causes symptoms that are similar to those for the flu and other respiratory illnesses, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme fatigue (occasionally)
As such, most people – approximately 80% – who are infected with this virus do recover from the disease without the need for special treatment. However, among the elderly and those who have pre-existing medical issues that can cause vulnerability (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or diabetes), the COVID-19 coronavirus can cause severe illness such as pneumonia and organ failure – increasing the risk of death.
Scope of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Since it was first detected in China in recent months, COVID-19 has spread rapidly, person-to-person. It is now detected in more than 100 locations internationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) declared the COVID-19 coronavirus a public health emergency. On March 11, the World Health Organization designated the disease as a global pandemic, prompting the president of the United States to declare the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency two days later.
As of March 17, 2020, there were nearly 200,000 cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus reported worldwide, with approximately 106,000 active cases and nearly 8,000 deaths. Of the active cases, 94% are considered mild, and 6% are considered serious or critical. Of the nearly 89,000 cases which have already had an outcome, 91% have recovered and 9% have died.
Of course, these numbers are constantly changing and are expected to increase sharply until the number of new cases levels off, and the virus is fully contained and/or a vaccine is available.
How to Protect Yourself from the COVID-19 Coronavirus
Although there is no current vaccine for COVID-19, you and your loved ones can avoid becoming one of these statistics by following some simple precautions:
- Monitor yourself closely (even if you have no symptoms) if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or if you are in close contact with older adults who are medically vulnerable. That means regularly checking for symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
- Limit going out, avoid crowded areas (10 or more people), and increase your personal space from others (six to 10 feet) – also known as social distancing. This is especially important in helping to prevent the massive spread of the COVID-19 virus and over-taxing the healthcare system.
- Practice proper hygiene to reduce the risk of infection or spreading the disease. This includes washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time, and always wash your hands when you use the bathroom or when preparing food. If soap and water aren’t available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to cleanse your hands.
- When coughing or sneezing, do so into a tissue or into your bending arm. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands. If you do cough or sneeze into your hands, wash them immediately with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer.
- Always avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially with an unwashed hand.
- If you have been traveling outside of the country, self-isolate for 14 days upon your return.
- Clean the surfaces of frequently used areas such as door handles, phones, TV remotes, bedside tables, toilets, and toys, using regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (one-part bleach to nine-parts water).
- If you suffer from any chronic health conditions or are older than 60, stay home as much as possible.
- If you have the option, work from home.
What to Do if You Have COVID-19
If you have – or believe you have – the COVID-19 coronavirus, reduce your contact with others. Stay at home and self-isolate.
If you have the virus but you must leave home, wear a mask or otherwise cover your mouth and nose, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. Avoid having visitors to your home, and avoid visiting individuals in hospitals or long-term-care facilities – especially older adults with chronic conditions. If you need supplies, have them delivered to your home instead of going out to run errands.
If you have the symptoms – such as a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing – but are not seriously ill, stay home and contact your doctor. Do not go to your doctor’s office, healthcare facility, or a lab without consulting your physician first.
As the number of documented cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to rise so that the doctor can postpone your appointment. If you have a fever of 100.4 or higher, or if you have been in contact with someone with a fever over the last 14 days, call your doctor to alert them of your possible vulnerability so they will be ready for you once tests are available.
When an appointment is scheduled for your test, do not bring any guests with you to your visit. If you require assistance or if a support person is needed, call your doctor’s office to make appropriate arrangements. Also, please arrive to any doctor’s visit right before the appointment time to avoid crowding the waiting room.
If you are seriously ill with these symptoms and are in need of immediate medical attention, call 911 and let them know you may have the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Getting Through This Together
COVID-19 is not the first global pandemic, nor is it likely to be the last. However, it is a serious threat to the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide, which is a fact that none of us can ignore.
The good news is that the impact of this disease can be mitigated – saving countless lives in the process – by being diligent and following relatively simple precautions. Working together, we can bring an end to the current COVID-19 coronavirus crisis sooner rather than later, and get back to enjoying our lives.
For more information about the coronavirus, visit the CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.
Best Methods of Hair Transplants
/in Hair Transplant /by ihealthspotIf you are interested in getting a hair transplant procedure, you may be wondering what your options are. There are two main types of hair transplants: follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).
While they sound similar, there are some important differences between these two types of hair transplant surgery. Before choosing which one is right for you, let’s take a look at the details of each procedure and how they work.
What Is Follicular Unit Transplantation?
A FUT procedure involves taking a strip of tissue containing healthy and transplantable follicles from a donor site, elsewhere on your head. The donor site is typically located at the back or side of the head, and it is stitched up after extracting the tissue.
The surgeon then cuts the strip into tiny sections of only a few hair follicles per section. The doctor then places them in the desired area of the scalp to populate the balding area with new hair. A FUT surgery procedure can involve transplanting thousands of hair follicles in a fairly short period of time.
What Is Follicular Unit Extraction?
During a FUE procedure, the surgeon takes individual hair follicles from each individual donor site and places them individually in the desired area. This results in a more natural-looking hairline, but it is a much more intensive, more expensive, and longer process than a FUT procedure.
One of the major benefits of a FUE procedure is that it doesn’t leave large, linear, painful donor scars like FUT surgery does. This surgery is also better for an individual who wants a shorter hairstyle in which potential scars would be more visible.
Recovery from FUT and FUE Procedures
You may feel pain in the scalp during the first few days following your procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe medications to help with the pain and swelling as well as antibiotics to prevent infection.
While you are allowed to go home later the same day of the surgery, you should take a few days off from work and exercising in order to allow your scalp to rest and heal. Try not to allow the scalp to sweat, and do not apply shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products to the scalp unless your doctor specifically tells you to. After several days, you can gently wash your hair using a surgeon-recommended shampoo.
Which Procedure Is Right for Me?
Determining which type of hair transplant surgery is right for you depends on the results you desire, your budget, and your surgeon’s recommendation. Weigh the pros and cons with your surgeon when deciding which procedure is right for you. Upon talking to your surgeon, the right decision will likely become very obvious.
Hair Transplant Procedures in Kansas City, MO
If you are interested in learning more about hair transplant surgery and how it can help restore your hairline, call the experts at Darling Hair Restoration. Our team has a wealth of medical experience performing hair transplant procedures, and we would love to help you achieve the look you want.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Darling, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (816) 792-3400 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you achieve a fuller, healthier head of hair!
Methods Designed to Slow Hair Loss
/in Hair Loss /by ihealthspotFor men and women who are losing their hair and have valiantly tried to fight it using treatments like shampoos and topical medications – don’t lose hope! Medical advancements have helped hair loss and hair thinning become issues of the past.
There are now effective ways to get your hair back through a variety of treatments. These methods can be used on their own, in combination with other treatments for hair loss, or in conjunction with hair transplant procedures to combat hair loss.
Medical Treatments for Hair Loss Without Surgery
Let’s take a look at some of the nonsurgical medical methodologies that are used by hair restoration doctors to help men and women get their hair back:
Scalp Injections
Scalp injections are effective and efficient treatments to combat hair loss because the treatment is injected directly into the balding area. One of the most effective injection treatments is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which is a type of regenerative medicine that fosters your own body’s ability to heal and regrow cells.
The theory behind PRP therapy is that the platelets in your blood are specifically designed to heal the injury. They also have “growth factors” that encourage healing and regrowth. Therefore, PRP therapy involves injecting a platelet-rich concentration from your own blood into your scalp in order to stimulate healing and healthy follicle production. Many patients experience excellent results.
Combination Treatments
To double the efforts, hair loss specialists and surgeons often combine treatments. One example is combining PRP therapy with another revolutionary biotechnology called ACell.
The ACell + PRP therapy treatment combines the regenerative properties of ACell with the healing stimulation of PRP therapy. ACell provides a cellular structure called MatriStem technology, which is a special protein complex that facilitates cells to regrow and rebuild.
Together, they result in effective and supercharged results that reduce hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
If your hair is thinning, home-based low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may be a great solution for you. You wear the device on your head underneath a hat (so no one ever has to know!) three times a day for just 20 minutes at a time.
This laser therapy was previously only performed by doctors at a clinic, but it’s now available for everyday use to avoid any interruptions in your lifestyle. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as Rogaine.
Hair Loss Treatment in Kansas City, MO, and Des Moines
Hair loss can be successfully reversed through a variety of ways today, including medications, hair transplant procedures, and laser treatments. If you want to find a solution to your hair loss, make an appointment with Dr. Scott Darling. He has years of experience treating hair loss in men and women caused by a variety of reasons, and he would love to help you get your hair back through the safest and most effective treatments available.
To make an appointment at either of our KCMO or Des Moines offices, call us today at (816) 792-3400 or request an appointment via our online contact form. We look forward to helping you love the way you look!
What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus – and How to Protect Yourself and Those You Love
/in Uncategorized /by Dr. DarlingThe Civil War, Pearl Harbor, 9/11 … America has faced many adversities in its history and has managed to emerge stronger in the aftermath.
But how do you fight and defeat an invisible medical enemy – especially one as seemingly challenging as the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic?
The first step to overcoming any crisis of this magnitude is to separate the fact from the fiction, understand what you’re up against, and know what needs to be done to protect yourself, your loved ones, and fellow citizens.
Let’s start with the basics …
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is one of a large family of viruses known as coronaviruses, named for their crown shape. Some of these viruses cause respiratory illnesses in people, and the symptoms range from sneezing and coughing to fever and trouble breathing.
There have been other widespread coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, but COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus – meaning it is a new strain of the virus which has not been previously identified in humans. It is also highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, close contact with someone who has the virus, or contact with surfaces that have been recently touched by someone who has the coronavirus.
In some ways, COVID-19 and influenza (the flu virus) are similar. For example, both are spread via small droplets from the nose and mouth – but not through the air over long distances and times – and both cause respiratory disease.
However, there are key differences between the two in that:
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
The COVID-19 coronavirus causes symptoms that are similar to those for the flu and other respiratory illnesses, including:
As such, most people – approximately 80% – who are infected with this virus do recover from the disease without the need for special treatment. However, among the elderly and those who have pre-existing medical issues that can cause vulnerability (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or diabetes), the COVID-19 coronavirus can cause severe illness such as pneumonia and organ failure – increasing the risk of death.
Scope of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Since it was first detected in China in recent months, COVID-19 has spread rapidly, person-to-person. It is now detected in more than 100 locations internationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
On January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) declared the COVID-19 coronavirus a public health emergency. On March 11, the World Health Organization designated the disease as a global pandemic, prompting the president of the United States to declare the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency two days later.
As of March 17, 2020, there were nearly 200,000 cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus reported worldwide, with approximately 106,000 active cases and nearly 8,000 deaths. Of the active cases, 94% are considered mild, and 6% are considered serious or critical. Of the nearly 89,000 cases which have already had an outcome, 91% have recovered and 9% have died.
Of course, these numbers are constantly changing and are expected to increase sharply until the number of new cases levels off, and the virus is fully contained and/or a vaccine is available.
How to Protect Yourself from the COVID-19 Coronavirus
Although there is no current vaccine for COVID-19, you and your loved ones can avoid becoming one of these statistics by following some simple precautions:
What to Do if You Have COVID-19
If you have – or believe you have – the COVID-19 coronavirus, reduce your contact with others. Stay at home and self-isolate.
If you have the virus but you must leave home, wear a mask or otherwise cover your mouth and nose, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. Avoid having visitors to your home, and avoid visiting individuals in hospitals or long-term-care facilities – especially older adults with chronic conditions. If you need supplies, have them delivered to your home instead of going out to run errands.
If you have the symptoms – such as a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing – but are not seriously ill, stay home and contact your doctor. Do not go to your doctor’s office, healthcare facility, or a lab without consulting your physician first.
As the number of documented cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to rise so that the doctor can postpone your appointment. If you have a fever of 100.4 or higher, or if you have been in contact with someone with a fever over the last 14 days, call your doctor to alert them of your possible vulnerability so they will be ready for you once tests are available.
When an appointment is scheduled for your test, do not bring any guests with you to your visit. If you require assistance or if a support person is needed, call your doctor’s office to make appropriate arrangements. Also, please arrive to any doctor’s visit right before the appointment time to avoid crowding the waiting room.
If you are seriously ill with these symptoms and are in need of immediate medical attention, call 911 and let them know you may have the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Getting Through This Together
COVID-19 is not the first global pandemic, nor is it likely to be the last. However, it is a serious threat to the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide, which is a fact that none of us can ignore.
The good news is that the impact of this disease can be mitigated – saving countless lives in the process – by being diligent and following relatively simple precautions. Working together, we can bring an end to the current COVID-19 coronavirus crisis sooner rather than later, and get back to enjoying our lives.
For more information about the coronavirus, visit the CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.
What to Expect for Hair Transplant Surgery
/in Hair Transplant /by Dr. DarlingIf you’re at your wits’ end about your thinning hair, it’s worth your time to look into hair transplant surgery. A hair transplant is an effective way to restore the hair that you’ve lost. With technological advancements, there are several surgical options that are available to you.
The two most popular hair transplant surgery methods are the follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). What your hair doctor will recommend largely depends on your type of hair loss and your personal preferences.
You may wonder what to expect from hair transplant surgery. Here are a few of the basics:
Anesthesia Will Be Used
If the thought of hair surgery petrifies you, do not worry. For the procedure, you will be given an oral anesthetic and/or numbing injections into the surgical area. The doctor will wait until the area is fully numb.
The Surgery Takes up to Eight Hours (with Breaks)
Depending on how much hair is being transplanted, the hair transplant surgery usually takes between six and eight hours. However, you will be encouraged to get up and stretch, have a snack, and use the restroom. During the surgery, you can watch a movie, read a book, or work on your laptop.
You May Experience Tenderness
Any hair transplant procedure involves the transfer of quality hair follicles from a part of your body to another area. The transplanted hair will not immediately grow; it will take several weeks for the donor site and the transplant site to heal. After the surgery, the affected areas will feel tender and a bit sore. You may need pain medication to relieve pain.
Avoid Physically Demanding Activities After Hair Surgery
After undergoing a hair transplant procedure, do not engage in physically demanding activities for a time period – your doctor will explain how long that will be in your case. You need to prevent any rush of blood to the scalp as much as possible, because that can interfere with the healing process.
Expect Some Hair Shedding Afterward
Some hair strands may shed after the procedure. This is normal – it is only the resting phase, which is generally two to four weeks after the hair transplant.
During this period, each transplanted hair follicle attempts to reconnect to its new location on your head or body. It will take up to four months for the new hairs to begin growing visibly.
Experienced Hair Surgeon in Kansas City, MO
There are certain risks to hair transplant surgery as well as any other kind of surgery, which is why you should choose only the most qualified and experienced hair surgeon to perform this surgery. A reputable hair doctor will work closely with you and guide you in pre- and post-operative care, tracking your progress to make sure you are healing nicely.
Dr. Scott Darling has many years of experience as a hair-restoration surgeon. He employs revolutionary methods to ensure that his patients enjoy a hair transplant experience that is as painless as possible – and as successful as imaginable.
If you want to know more about hair transplant surgery methods, give Darling Hair Restoration a call at (816) 792-3400 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to showing you what we can do for you!
Candidates for Hair Transplant Surgery
/in Uncategorized /by ihealthspotHair loss issues affect both men and women of all ages. Hair loss can be attributed to illnesses, genetics, stress, aging, and even psychological issues. However, it occurs, losing hair can leave a person feeling self-conscious and unhappy with the way they look. For this reason, many people seek professional help to restore their hair. There are many choices when it comes to hair loss treatment. However, one of the most effective ones is hair transplant surgery.
So, how do you know if you are a good candidate for hair transplant surgery? There are many factors in play.
First, you must deal with the cause of your hair loss. For example, if your hair loss is caused by stress or trauma, you need to have that issue handled. If your hair loss is caused by a specific medicine you are taking for an illness, you need to stop taking it to stop further hair loss. If you have a medical condition that is responsible for your hair loss, it needs to be addressed and gotten under control. Once this is done, you can proceed to hair transplant surgery. Otherwise, even after surgery, you will continue to lose hair.
Second, you need to have healthy hair follicles available on other parts of your scalp. Hair transplant surgery requires donor hair to be taken from other parts of your head. If you are completely hairless on your scalp, you may not be a good candidate for hair transplant surgery. Additionally, if your hair quality is poor, you may not qualify. Talk to a hair transplant surgeon to get an assessment on whether you have healthy donor hair and can consider hair transplant surgery as a treatment option.
Another factor that plays a role in whether you are a good candidate for hair transplant surgery is your end goal. Do you want extremely thick hair in the front of your head or do you want to simply fix a receding hairline? Depending on your goal, your treatment options may change. Some people want a thicker appearance while others want hair sparsely spread across the scalp. Your goal, combined with the amount of donor’s hair you have available, can determine if you are a good candidate for hair transplant surgery. You may or may not be able to achieve the look you want with hair transplant surgery. Therefore, talk to a hair transplant surgeon about your goals and what is the best way to achieve them.
Hair Transplant Surgery in West Des Moines, Kansas City, and Liberty, MO
Hair transplant surgery should always be performed by an experienced and skilled hair transplant surgeon. If you want your hair transplant to look natural, aesthetically pleasing, and last a lifetime, you should invest time in finding the best hair transplant surgeon available.
Dr. Darling of Darling Hair Restoration has a wealth of experience treating hair loss in both men and women through surgical and nonsurgical treatments.
If you have thinning hair and are interested in learning more about hair transplant surgery, Dr. Scott Darling is here to discuss your options.
For more information or to request an appointment, please call (816) 792-3400. You can also book an appointment online.
(Video) Traumatic Alopecia
/in Hair Loss, Hair Restoration, Uncategorized /by Admin-MainIn this video Dr. Darling describes Traumatic Alopecia and shows how it is reversed in this patient. If you have suffered hair loss from a traumatic event like this patient who lost her hair during a treadmill accident, Darling Hair Restoration can help reverse your hair loss. Call us at 888-757-7546 or request an appointment online.
Advanced Hair Restoration Treatments for Alopecia in Kansas City & Des Moines
You do not have to live with patchy hair loss forever. When it comes to traumatic alopecia, a hair restoration expert can help to restore your hair.
The talented and compassionate hair restoration experts at Darling Hair Restoration have expertise and experience in restoring hair for patients with alopecia. Find out how we can transform your life using the most advanced and cutting-edge treatments available.
To schedule a consultation, call Darling Hair Restoration at (888) 757-7546 or send an appointment request now.
What Is Alopecia?
/in Hair Loss /by ihealthspotAlopecia areata is a type of hair loss that is caused by an autoimmune disease. With this condition, your body is actively attacking your hair follicles thinking that they are a foreign invader. As a result, your hair falls out rapidly, resulting in hair loss.
Alopecia areata can affect the hairs all over your body – not just your scalp. Alopecia may affect you in three different ways: areata can be patchy hair loss on your head, alopecia totalis is complete hair loss on your head, and alopecia universalis is hair loss all over your body.
While alopecia typically does not cause physical pain and is not contagious, the hair loss can impact your emotional and mental state. It can be an emotionally difficult thing to go through. Today, there is no known cure for alopecia, but it’s possible to manage the condition.
More on Alopecia
Alopecia can affect a person of any gender and age. The most common type of alopecia is alopecia areata, in which hair falls out in quarter-sized patches. It’s rare for alopecia to cause total hair loss. Moreover, it’s even possible for hair that has fallen out to grow back. What makes the disease so particularly challenging is the uncertainty of when hair will grow back – if it grows back at all.
Alopecia is either primary or secondary, with primary being hair loss caused by an attack on hair follicles, and secondary being hair loss caused by tumors, infections, burns, or radiation.
Researchers are not sure what causes this condition but think alopecia is largely genetic. If someone in a family has alopecia, there is an increased risk for every other family member to develop it. However, for many people, alopecia develops due to a trigger, such as a viral infection or environmental factors. Physicians also suggested that for some, stress may be a trigger.
Alopecia Treatment
While there is no cure for alopecia, doctors can administer therapies that can help regrow lost hair. In fact, there are hair loss treatments available for patients with alopecia. Since the condition is inflammatory but doesn’t destroy hair follicles, there is hope for them to regrow hair once the condition gets under control.
Hair restoration options for patients with alopecia include targeting the inflammation, such as immunotherapy. Comprehensive treatments may include anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, vasodilators, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, hair transplantation, and more. Most patients require a combination of treatments to get the best results possible. Talk to a hair loss specialist today about which treatments will work best for you.
Advanced Hair Restoration Treatments for Alopecia in Kansas City, MO
You do not have to live with patchy hair loss forever. When it comes to alopecia, a hair restoration expert can help improve your symptoms.
The talented and compassionate hair restoration experts at Darling Hair Restoration have expertise and experience in restoring hair for patients with alopecia. Find out how we can transform your life using the most advanced and cutting-edge treatments available.
To schedule a consultation, call Darling Hair Restoration at (816) 792-3400 or send an appointment request now.
Women’s vs. Men’s Hair Loss
/in Hair Loss /by Dr. DarlingHair loss may affect women and men differently in the sense that gender hair loss patterns can vary. However, one thing’s for sure, losing your hair takes a toll on your emotional health. So much of your identity is tied to your hair and its distinct characteristics. Fortunately, there have been great advances in the field of hair restoration, and more options are available to those suffering from hair loss.
Here is a quick comparison of women’s hair loss versus men’s hair loss.
Women’s Hair Loss
Many assume that hair loss affects mostly men, however, women also suffer from it – although it occurs later in life for most women than men. Women who suffer from hair loss often do so because of a condition known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or androgenetic alopecia.
Approximately 30 million women suffer from FPHL in the United States. For women, hair loss usually starts at the age of 40 (around the time of menopause), and the issue can be exacerbated by treatments such as chemotherapy and harsh chemical treatments.
Women’s hair loss pattern starts as a thinning at the top of the head and the hairline moving farther back. Women report hair thinning and their hairline getting wider. Doctors use the Ludwig classification method to classify the level of female pattern hair loss in patients. Type I describes minimal hair thinning. Type II is a noticeable decrease in hair volume and a widening of the hairline. Type III is marked by diffused hair thinning, where the top of the scalp becomes see-through as a result of hair loss.
Men’s Hair Loss
Men lose hair as a result of genetics and hormone changes. Male pattern hair loss is markedly different from female pattern hair loss because it can start much earlier in life – for some, it can even start in their 20s. The hair loss pattern starts with a receding hairline that begins to form the letter M, or the thinning of hair on the crown that eventually forms a U-shaped or horseshoe pattern on the sides of the head.
Hair loss for both sexes may also occur as a result of chronic heightened stress levels, and for women, pregnancy may also cause temporary hair loss. Other causes include scalp conditions or infections such as ringworm or psoriasis.
Treatments available for hair loss include surgical and nonsurgical hair restoration procedures and hair transplantation.
Top Hair Restoration Clinic in Liberty, MO
At Darling Hair Restoration, we offer the most advanced treatment methods for hair thinning and hair loss for both men and women. We begin by diagnosing the type of hair loss you have in order to recommend the most effective form of treatment.
Some of the most advanced therapies we make available to our patients include follicular unit extraction, strip FUT, corrective hair transplant, low-level laser therapy, and PRP therapy. Your treatment plan may include a combination of two or more of these treatments.
Learn how we can address your hair loss issue. Schedule a consultation at Darling Hair Restoration by calling (816) 792-3400. You can also book an appointment online now.
10 Common Reasons For Hair Loss In Men
/in Hair Loss /by ihealthspotHair loss is a common issue among men of all ages. Hair loss is caused by a variety of reasons, ranging from genetics to medical conditions. Here are 10 common reasons for hair loss in men.
1. Genetics
One of the most common reasons for hair loss in men is genetics. Some men have genes that cause hair follicles to become extremely weak early on in life. This causes hair to fall out and makes new hair more difficult to grow. Men who have blood relatives with hair loss are more likely to experience it because genetics passes the same traits down to them. If your father, uncles, or grandfathers have hair loss, you are at a higher risk of developing it.
2. Stress
Chronic stress contributes to faster hair loss in both men and women. Stress can affect the life cycle of hair and sends them into the shedding phase faster and more frequently, which causes a reduction in hair. This is why many people suffer from temporary hair loss following a traumatic event or incident, and once they get past the trauma, their hair grows back.
3. Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disorder that results in hair loss not only on your scalp but also on other parts of the body. With alopecia areata, your immune system attacks your hair follicles and destroys them, preventing them from growing healthy hair.
4. Steroids
Taking steroids results in elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, which can cause hair loss. DHT binds itself to hair follicles and constricts them, causing them to shrink and die.
5. Hairstyles and Hair Treatments
Some hair salon treatments can be very damaging to the scalp. Hair relaxants are particularly dangerous and can contribute to hair loss. Some hairstyles can also cause hair loss, such as placing your hair in a tight bun or ponytail, because they put immense pressure on the hair follicles. As a result of this, you can develop traction alopecia – hair loss caused by pulling force on the hair.
6. Smoking
Your smoking habit can contribute to hair loss as a result of poor circulation. Cigarettes contain toxic ingredients that can damage your cellular function. Moreover, your hair follicles need a healthy oxygen supply. Smoking inhibits this, which is why it contributes to hair loss.
7. Scalp Infection
There are infections that can cause hair loss, such as ringworm. This condition is characterized by hair falling out in patches. Oftentimes, treating the infection can solve the issue, and you will be able to grow hair back again.
8. Scalp Conditions
Conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis also cause hair loss. If these conditions affect your scalp, you may experience itchiness that causes you to scratch your scalp often. This can irritate the scalp and lead to hair loss. Getting these conditions under control with the help of a doctor can help refrain from scratching and irritating the scalp.
9. Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Chronic sleep deprivation causes bodily stress, which can lead to a variety of health and cosmetic problems, including hair thinning and hair loss. Lack of sleep can inhibit healthy protein synthesis and hair growth.
10. Poor Diet
If you don’t get proper vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in your diet, particularly protein and iron, your hair can suffer. Even just a three-month diet with low protein and iron intake can result in hair thinning and hair loss.
Hair Loss Treatment in Kansas City and Liberty, Missouri
If you suffer from hair loss, talk to the experts at Darling Hair Restoration today. We offer highly advanced hair restoration services, including many nonsurgical treatments.
To schedule a consultation, call (816) 792-3400 or send a request online. We look forward to serving you soon!
Can You Regrow My Hair?
/in Hair Loss /by ihealthspotHair loss and thinning is a big problem and insecurity for a lot of men and women. Losing your hair can lower your confidence and make you look and feel a lot older than you are. Fortunately, there are ways to regrow your hair.
At Darling Hair Restoration, we take a multi-faceted approach to restoring your hair. We use a combination of efforts to not only stop hair from falling but also to grow new hair.
Hair Loss Evaluation
The first step in restoring your hair is to have an evaluation of your type of hair loss. This allows us to determine the best course of treatment for your specific hair loss. Are you actually shedding or is your hair just thinning? Is there an underlying condition or medicine that is causing your hair loss? Do you need to make lifestyle changes (such as coping with stress better or making nutritional adjustments) to improve your hair growth? Our expert, Dr. Scott Darling, considers all these questions when determining the underlying cause of your hair loss.
Dr. Darling is a dermatologist and hair loss expert. He will make a clinical diagnosis and create a hair loss treatment plan that will effectively stop further hair loss and restore your hair. We offer both surgical and nonsurgical hair loss treatments.
Hair Loss Treatments
Your hair loss treatment plan may include the use of topical hair restoration drugs, and if your hair has not completely gone, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate new hair growth. Today, you can use LLLT at home – we can provide you with a home-unit device.
Another option is hair transplantation, which is a more permanent treatment method for hair loss. It involves the transfer of healthy hair from a donor site on your scalp to areas of your head that lack hair. You may choose either follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplant (FUT) as your type of surgery. Both offer different benefits to you. Hair transplant surgery takes a few hours to complete and is done as an outpatient procedure. In a few months, you will have new, permanent hair growth in the transplanted area of your scalp. This is a great way to permanently restore your hairline.
We may also recommend PRP therapy, or platelet-rich plasma therapy, to enhance the outcome of our surgical and nonsurgical hair loss treatments. We prepare the PRP solution using a sample of your blood. It contains powerful growth factors that boost your body’s natural healing process. When the PRP therapy is applied to the scalp, it stimulates healthy growth of hair. You also heal at a much faster rate with PRP therapy.
Effective hair loss treatment typically involves a multi-faceted approach. Visit us today to see how Dr. Darling can restore your hair and the confidence in the way you look.
Regrow Your Hair at Darling Restoration in Liberty, Missouri
For a hair loss evaluation, schedule a consultation at Darling Hair Restoration by calling (816) 792-3400 or sending an appointment request online. We look forward to serving you soon!