Medical Treatments

Hair restoration treatments at our Birmingham, Alabama, practice combined with prescription hair loss medication can help stimulate new hair growth and minimize hair loss. When used consistently, minoxidil (Rogaine®) and finasteride (Propecia®) help patients from Huntsville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and other nearby cities boost their hair restoration results.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) for Hair Loss

Doctors who originally prescribed minoxidil to treat hypertension noted that one of its side effects was hair growth. It became the first medication to treat hair loss approved by the FDA after studies showed it could grow hair when applied to the scalp. Originally used for the top of the scalp, this led to the misconception that this was the only area where minoxidil could treat hair loss. It can actually be used anywhere on the scalp, but it isn’t effective for individuals with completely bald heads. Minoxidil can enhance the results of other hair restoration treatments.

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.

Meet Dr. Beckenstein Request My Consultation

Credentials You Can Trust

How Does Rogaine Work?

Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by increasing the time hair follicles spend in the growth phase. Additionally, the medication stimulates follicular growth, and it can be used in tandem with finasteride, which works by inhibiting the effects of the hormone DHT on hair follicles.

Who Can Use Rogaine?

Both men and women can use Rogaine. It comes in various strengths—5% for men and 2% for women. Some compounding pharmacies produce 10% solutions, which may be more effective in some cases. Rogaine comes in a solution that can create a “wet, greasy” look and feel, but there are foam preparations and shampoos available. Women are more sensitive to minoxidil’s effects and should be careful to prevent applications from running down the face. If this occurs, it could stimulate the growth of facial hair. Discontinuing minoxidil treatments will result in the return of hair loss after about 3 months. Medical treatment for hair loss is a perpetual requirement.

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

Is Finasteride Effective for Hair Loss?

Marketed as Propecia, finasteride prevents the conversion of the hormone DHT from testosterone. DHT causes susceptible hair follicles to slowly become dormant by shortening the growth phase, decreasing follicle size, and miniaturizing hair shafts. Ninety percent of men treated for 5 years with finasteride reported no more hair loss, and 48% grew new hair. The FDA has approved Propecia only for use by men.

Patients must take this medication for at least a year to see its effectiveness. As with minoxidil, stopping finasteride treatments will result in hair loss seen before beginning treatment. In some cases, the hair loss may be more pronounced because the hair loss would have progressed during the treatment period. Unlike Rogaine, Propecia does not stimulate hair growth. It prevents hair loss and can be used with Rogaine for a two-pronged treatment of hair loss.

What Are Propecia’s Side Effects?

Propecia is a pill, which means it can have side effects throughout the body. Sexual dysfunction (reversible) can occur, and some men report breast enlargement as well as breast tenderness. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels can be reduced in 50% of men, something that’s important to note when screening for prostate cancer. Your physician should be made aware if you are taking this medication. Propecia has been shown to decrease the likelihood of prostate cancer, but the tumor grade may increase.

Newest Therapeutic Agents

The newest available agents to treat hair loss are latanoprost, dutasteride, prostaglandins, and other new anti-inflammatory agents. More than 10 categories of medical treatments are now available! Through genomic testing, Dr. Beckenstein determines which of these agents will be effective for you based on your genetics.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

Medications are only one of several hair preservation and restoration treatment options offered at our practice. In fact, you won’t find another hair restoration practice in Birmingham that can match the range of treatments available at T3 Hair Preservation. If you’re concerned about hair loss and want to discuss your options with Dr. Beckenstein, request a consultation using the online form or call us directly at (205) 776-7985 to schedule an appointment.