Thinning Hair: Is There Hope?

Hair thinning and hair loss has been a problem for people over the ages. In this discussion I will only address hereditary hair loss. While areas of complete hair loss are seen much more commonly in men, thinning of the hair is common with aging in both men and women. Because there has not been an adequate treatment for extensive hair loss in men, there exists an extensive industry devoted to hair transplantation, wigs and other hair substitutes. Hair loss is distressing to many men, but it is even more distressing to women, probably because hair in women plays more of a role in sexual attraction than it does in men. Also, the range of treatments for women is significantly less than for men.

Thinning Hair: Is There Hope?

Hair thinning and hair loss has been a problem for people over the ages. In this discussion I will only address hereditary hair loss. While areas of complete hair loss are seen much more commonly in men, thinning of the hair is common with aging in both men and women. Because there has not been an adequate treatment for extensive hair loss in men, there exists an extensive industry devoted to hair transplantation, wigs and other hair substitutes. Hair loss is distressing to many men, but it is even more distressing to women, probably because hair in women plays more of a role in sexual attraction than it does in men. Also, the range of treatments for women is significantly less than for men.

Radiofrequency Ablation: A Botulinum Toxin Substitute for Frown Lines?

The development of botulinum toxin revolutionized the treatment of the frown lines. Prior to that surgeons often cut the muscles that caused frowning, but they frequently reattached. Next came the use of fillers, particularly Zyderm (collagen), to fill in the lines caused by frowning, but the frown itself persisted and the filler was relatively short lived. Then, with the development of botulinum toxin, the frown itself could be blocked, but the treatment initially needed to be repeated eveyr 3 months, although  with time these treatments could be stretched out to 5-6 monthly intervals. Now researchers are attempting to use radiofrequency current to injure the nerves that are blocked by botulinum toxin, and provide longer intervals between treatments.

Treating Your Acne with Home Devices

Acne has been the bane of teenagers and adults as well. It has been estimated that 85% of people have acne at some time during their lives. Throughout the years the primary treatments for acne have been oral medications including antibiotics, Accutane and others. Topical medications including topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids have also played a role.

Various devices have been used, over the years, to further improve the results of treatment, but these devices have never been first line treatments for acne. Ultraviolet light and x-ray were effective in the past, but we now understand that their risks exceed their benefits. Currently certain lasers and light systems, sometimes in conjunction with chemicals, are used as part of an acne treatment regimen.