MINOXIDIL

Minoxidil is an over the counter medication for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. As with Finasteride, Minoxidil stops hair loss and promotes hair growth and has been proven to be most effective in the early stages of hair loss. Unlike Finasteride, which is an oral tablet, Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp daily. You will see Minoxidil marketed under a range of brand names, including: Rogaine, Avacor Physician’s Formulation, Loniten (oral), Amexidil, Spectral DNC, Vanarex and Mintop.

 

Minoxidil has been widely used as a topical hair loss treatment for 20 years, however, it is not fully understood how Minoxidil works on the hair follicle cells.

Its application to promote hair growth was actually discovered by accident as the drug was originally used as a treatment for high blood pressure. Suggestions of how Minoxidil works include dilation of the blood vessels, resulting in increased oxygen and nutrient supply, encouraging increased hair growth or directly acting on the growth of hair follicle cells.

 

Whilst there is no conclusive evidence as to why Minoxidil encourages hair growth, the fact is that it does, though the degree of success will often depend specific level and pattern of hair loss.

 

The London Hair Loss Clinic believes each case of hair loss is unique and we understand your goals are personal to you. That’s why your hair loss treatment will be tailored to you to suit your individual hair loss needs.

 

 

Why choose Minoxidil?

 

Minoxidil has been proven to be most effective in the early stages of hair loss.  A combination treatment course, inclusive of Minoxidil and other treatments, will result in hair regrowth for most hair loss sufferers. The effectiveness of this medication has mostly been demonstrated in younger men who have only experienced hair loss for less than 5 years.

 

What can Minoxidil achieve?

 

• Promotes hair growth

• Increased scalp blood flow in balding men when applied

• Reduces blood pressre

• Stimulates skin vasculature to increase blood flow

• Produce longer, more visible hairs

 

What are the alternatives to Minoxidil?
 

The London Hair Loss Clinic offers a number of effective alternatives to Minoxidil, or other clinically proven medications and products  that can be combined with Minoxidil to ensure optimum levels of hair regrowth. Find out more about LHLC’s non-surgical alternatives.

 

Before your Minoxidil prescription

 

Dr Stefano Cotrufo always invites his patients for at least two consultations before any procedure to make sure everything is clear. The targets are agreed in writing and patients are fully aware of the possible risks and complications associated with Minoxidil.

 

During your consultation, you will:

 

• Be able to discuss your circumstances

• Undergo a microscopic examination of your hair and scalp combined with a medical history check

• Undergo a health evaluation to define the cause of the hair loss and to work with you to develop a treatment plan

• Be given time to ask advice and pose questions to Dr Cotrufo

• Discuss the options that are open to you, including costs and timescales

• Ask about risks, benefits and alternatives to Minoxidil

• Learn more about the Minoxidil treatment

 

 

The Minoxidil prescription

At the start of treatment, the new hair can be lighter in colour and downy and has less visible benefits. However, as you continue treatment, the hair begins to colour and thicken to match the healthy hair on your head. Our surgeon can talk you through the pros and cons of using Minoxidil and advise on the routines to keep your scalp and follicles healthy.

 

After your Minoxidil prescription

Like with many non-surgical treatments for hair loss, when you stop taking the medication your hair will start to fall out again at the rate it was before you began treatment, usually within 30 to 60 days. Our specialist, Dr Cotrufo will answer any questions or concerns you may have after your final appointment.  

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Do you have any questions about Minoxidil?

 

To speak to our hair restoration expert, Dr Stefano Cotrufo, about Minoxidil and any other surgical or non-surgical treatments for hair loss, please call us today on 020 7666 3147.