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Hair Preservation Services

Treatments that preserve hair before hair loss becomes significant are more effective than ever for both men and women. This allows us to focus on addressing hair loss before hair transplant surgery is needed. Dr. Michael Beckenstein’s expertise using advanced hair preservation treatments for early hair loss at our Birmingham, Alabama, practice includes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell transfer, and low-level laser technology.  

These science-backed treatments are supported by clinical studies and are safe, cost-effective options for men and women noticing early signs of hair loss. Dr. Beckenstein and his team create personalized treatment plans using both experience and advanced diagnostics. They often combine different hair preservation treatments to get the best results.  

Good Candidates for Hair Preservation 

Hair preservation treatments are most effective at the early stages of hair thinning, which is why these therapies are best suited for younger men and women. Not only can these treatments curtail hair loss, they can often reverse it and, in certain cases, increase hair shaft size, indefinitely maintaining your hair thickness.  

Benefits of Hair Preservation Treatments 

Many men and women concerned about thinning hair don’t seek treatment because they believe existing options are expensive, ineffective, risky, or involve surgery with downtime. But treating hair loss at its early stages with these effective options avoids all of these issues.  

Hair preservation treatments are affordable, non-invasive or minimally invasive, and extremely safe. Some of the procedures are performed at home. Choosing to address hair loss at an early stage can help you avoid hair replacement surgery. If you have more advanced hair loss, we can perform NeoGraft® hair restoration, which is highly effective but has a higher price. 

Hair Preservation & Restoration by Age

Whatever your age, Dr. Beckenstein’s comprehensive hair loss evaluation starts with a thorough assessment of your condition, including a physical examination, lab work, computer analysis, and genetic testing. These are basic treatment trends for various age groups in both men and women.

Ages 16-20

In this age range, nonsurgical hair preservation therapies are recommended. Hair transplantation is rarely recommended. Therapeutic treatments may include compounded topical or oral medications, which can help restore healthy hair growth. Other treatments include low-level laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Hormonal manipulators cannot be used on women in this age group.

Ages 20s & 30s

Nonsurgical therapies are usually recommended as initial treatments or to supplement hair replacement. Hair transplantation may be recommended if there is significant thinning resulting in major scalp exposure. Hair preservation must be used with hair replacement, as you must treat the remaining hairs to keep them where they are. Otherwise, that hair will be lost in time. Hormonal modulators are not recommended for women in this age group.

Ages 30s to 60s

The same treatment options as those identified for younger patients are all possible, along with micropigmentation, tissue expansion, scalp reduction surgery, or hairline lowering surgery. Hair transplant surgery combined with nonsurgical therapies is more common for older patients. Hormonal modulators may be utilized for more mature women.

Hair Preservation Treatments 

Hair preservation treatments must be customized for each patient. That’s why Dr. Beckenstein offers a wide-ranging menu of treatments, including the most advanced therapies currently available. Hair restoration and preservation research is constantly evolving, and Dr. Beckenstein is at the forefront of the latest techniques. By combining experience and judgment with advanced diagnostics, Dr. Beckenstein will develop the right plan for you. T3 Hair Preservation is the only practice in the Birmingham area to offer all the treatments and diagnostics included on this page.  

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

This FDA-approved treatment is another innovative use of laser technology. We use the Sunetics G laser, which is an excellent option for both men and women. It is the safest and least invasive therapy we offer, and it’s extremely effective. Often called red light therapy, LLLT is based on research that showed red light laser energy promotes hair growth and inhibits hair follicles from entering the catagen phase, which signals the end of active hair growth. The laser increases blood flow to the scalp, boosting metabolic activity and regenerating hair follicle activity to produce thicker hair.   

Additionally, we now have the most effective laser caps that are great options for our out-of-town patients who cannot come to the office for treatments. The same developer of the Sunetics laser has, at the prodding of Dr. Beckenstein, developed a cap!

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy 

PRP is a nonsurgical treatment that involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to promote hair growth. This treatment uses your own blood to create a concentrate of platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the scalp to slow hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and in many patients increase hair shaft size. This advanced therapy involves drawing your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the growth factors, and then re-injecting it into the scalp. T3 uses the Magellan® system, which actually spins out the platelet cells; most other systems do not. PRP has to be red in color; if it is not, it does not contain the platelets. 

Stem Cell Transfer 

Stem cells have been used for years to promote healing after injuries. More recently, researchers found that these cells can jump-start hair growth when injected into aging follicles, creating denser, thicker hair. Stem cell therapy is an in-office procedure that involves harvesting a small amount of fat using micro-cannula liposuction. Fat is a rich source of stem cells, and after using a complex system to separate the actual stem cells from the fat, Dr. Beckenstein injects them into the scalp.

Micropigmentation  

Men who have already lost much of their hair and shave their heads can create the appearance of closely-cut hair follicles through an innovative treatment called hair follicle simulation tattoo. We are the only U.S. hair restoration practice certified to perform this procedure, which can also create the appearance of eyebrows and camouflage scars.

Michael S. Beckenstein MD, FACS

Dr. Beckenstein is one of the leading hair preservation and restoration specialists in the South and treats each patient personally. The board-certified plastic surgeon combines exceptional technical skill with a personable demeanor to create a relaxed environment for the men and women concerned about hair loss.

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Credentials You Can Trust

Transdermal Infusion®  

This is another cutting-edge technology cleared by the FDA to improve hair growth on the scalp. Transdermal infusion uses electrical currents to infuse therapeutic serums containing growth factors and peptides into the scalp. The serums stimulate the immune system, influencing the follicles to create healthier hair. This is a needle-less technique to “inject” agents into the scalp. It is revolutionary in the field of hair loss therapy, and T3 is the first in Alabama to introduce it. 

Amniotic Membrane Derivatives

Healing properties contained in amniotic tissue derived from amniotic fluid—already used in multiple ways in other areas of medicine—can also stimulate the growth of thicker hair shafts when injected into the scalp.

Medications 

Several categories of topical and oral medications can be effective during the early stages of hair loss. The most well-known of these—and the only ones approved by the FDA to treat androgenetic alopecia—are minoxidil (Rogaine®) and finasteride (Propecia®). Finasteride is an oral medication that blocks hormonal effects on hair follicles. Minoxidil stimulates stem cells in the follicles to promote the growth phase of the hair cycle. These medications can be used as a primary therapy or to augment the others listed above. Our genome testing will determine if these will work for you. 

Advanced Diagnostics  

Dr. Beckenstein uses comprehensive diagnostic tests to assist in determining the reason for your hair loss. Based on these findings, he will develop a customized therapy regimen for you. A thorough work-up is essential for the most successful treatment. 

Computer Analysis 

At T3 we use a special computer system to analyze your scalp, hair shafts, and follicles. This aids in diagnosis and allows us to monitor your progress numerically. 

Genome Assessment 

Dr. Beckenstein, again, has introduced a revolutionary concept into hair preservation! By determining your genetic patterns with a simple test, he can develop a treatment plan based on your genetic profile. Over 10 categories of agents are tested, and we can determine which ones should work for you. Oral or topical therapies can be compounded specifically for you. These can be used as a sole source of therapy or to bolster other therapies. 

Lab Studies 

A thorough hormonal analysis is required to rule out other causes of hair loss. We need to make sure the right therapy is planned for you. Ruling out these disorders assures you receive the appropriate treatment. 

Biopsy 

Occasionally, Dr. Beckenstein will recommend a scalp biopsy based on his initial examination. This allows the diagnosis of many causes of hair loss, including infection, scarring alopecia, autoimmune disease, and inflammatory causes. T3 uses a specialty lab that is well-versed in scalp disease. 

What Sets Us Apart

What does T3 Hair Preservation offer that "big box" hair restoration practices don't?

  • Continuity of care—Dr. Beckenstein personally treats each patient
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Board-certified plastic surgeon
  • Advanced hair restoration and preservation treatments
Learn more about T3 Hair Preservation

Which Treatment Is Right for You? 

Dr. Beckenstein’s personalized care includes a thorough history, physical examination, lab work, computer analysis, and a genetic assessment. This enables him to create a comprehensive plan just for you; this can be a single therapy or a combination of treatments. It’s the kind of hands-on approach you won’t find at “big box” hair restoration practices.  

If you’re concerned that your hair is beginning to thin, the first step to enjoying thicker hair is to request a consultation using the online form. Or call us at (205) 776-7985 to schedule an appointment.