In a new study published by researchers at Columbia University, scientists believe they may have found an enzyme that controls hair growth. These enzymes are part of the Janus kinase, or JAK, family. In studies conducted with laboratory mice, researchers found that rapid hair growth could be achieved simply by inhibiting the JAK family of enzymes.
“What we’ve found is promising, though we haven’t yet shown it’s a cure for pattern baldness,” said Dr. Christiano in a news story published by Columbia University. “More work needs to be done to test if JAK inhibitors can induce hair growth in humans using formulations specially made for the scalp.”
Although it is uncertain whether or not “JAK inhibitor” hair restoration procedures will ever be available to hair loss sufferers, other treatments are available to patients in the form of topical foams, prescription medications, and laser therapy. Each of these non-surgical treatments focuses on preventing hair follicles from slipping into a “resting” phase, which is similar to the way JAK enzyme inhibition was found to promote new hair growth. By preventing hair follicles from becoming dormant—and hopefully reawakening those that are already asleep—these treatments aim to stop the progression of hair loss by improving hair follicle health so a natural growth cycle can be maintained.
Hair Follicle Health: Before & After Surgery
Hair loss is a progressive life long disease, so it’s important to understand how your condition may change over time. Every patient experiences a unique (though somewhat predictable) pattern of hair loss, which will ultimately affect the nuances of how and when a hair transplant will be performed. For many patients, supplementary treatments may prove helpful in preventing the progression of hair loss in the days and weeks before hair transplant surgery.
“We recommend a complement to hair transplant surgery,” explains Dr. Bernard Nusbaum. “And finasteride, minoxidil as well as laser therapy with Capillus products are an excellent option. These treatments can be used singly, or in combination.”
The Hair Transplant Institute also offers laser therapy with the Capillus272™ OfficePro. This unit is located on-site, and is recommended for use during the first days after hair transplant surgery. “Within two weeks after surgery, laser therapy with the Capillus272 Office Pro is utilized to enhance healing and speed post-procedure recovery.”
Reducing Scalp Trauma to Maintain Follicle Health
Most patients are familiar with the goal of a hair transplant procedure: To extract donor hair from a healthy area of scalp so it can be transplanted to the area(s) suffering from excessive hair loss, thinning, or balding (commonly referred to as the “restoration area”). However, many are unfamiliar with a second goal that is of equal importance. While performing a hair transplant, surgeons must minimize scalp trauma to ensure each transplanted hair follicle survives and thrives in the restoration area.
A new study co-authored by the Hair Transplant Institute’s lead surgeon, Dr. Paul Rose, reveals a new approach to follicular unit extraction (FUE) that may reduce scalp trauma by more than 21%. The new technique promises several key benefits, including:
- Accelerated healing process
- Reduced appearance of post operative scars
- Minimizing of any potential blood loss
Readers are invited to learn more about reducing scalp trauma during hair transplant surgery.
Comprehensive Hair Loss Evaluation and Treatment at Miami Hair
At Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we are always searching for ways to safely improve our patients’ experience with new technologies, advanced procedures, and exceptional results. We invite readers to contact us online or call our clinic directly at 877-443-9070 to learn more about comprehensive hair loss evaluation and treatment with South Florida’s top surgeons.