Hair consultation

Overview

Hair loss in women and men can have many causes. In our hair consultation we investigate possible triggers – such as hormonal disorders, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases or a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements. The aim is to identify the cause and to tailor the treatment specifically to it.

For objective follow-up monitoring we use the computer-assisted TrichoScan system. It objectively measures hair density and the ratio of hairs in the growth phase to those in the resting phase, thereby making the course of the treatment measurable over time.

Areas of application

• Hair loss in women and men
• Diffuse hair loss (e.g. hormonal, due to the thyroid or deficiency states)
• Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
• Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
• Follow-up and outcome monitoring of an ongoing therapy
• Unclear changes of the hair and scalp

Procedure

1. History-taking and investigation of the cause

   During the consultation and the examination of the scalp we look into possible causes – hormonal disorders, thyroid and autoimmune diseases as well as a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements. Where necessary, we supplement the assessment with laboratory tests.

2. TrichoScan (objective follow-up monitoring)

   An area of about 1 cm² is shaved; three days later the regrown hairs are dyed and recorded with a digital camera at 20-fold magnification. The software analyses hair density as well as the ratio of anagen (growth phase) to telogen hairs (resting phase). After three to six months the examination is repeated in order to measure the treatment outcome.

3. Individually tailored therapy

   Depending on the cause, hair tonics as well as preparations containing vitamins and trace elements are used. In addition, mesotherapy or PRP therapy can be used, in which active substances are introduced into the scalp in a targeted manner. In the case of patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) we additionally offer a topical immunotherapy (e.g. with diphenylcyclopropenone, DPCP) or treatment with the excimer laser.

4. Follow-up monitoring

   At regular intervals we assess the course – objectified by the TrichoScan – and adjust the therapy where necessary.

What to expect

• For the TrichoScan a small area (approx. 1 cm²) is shaved; a meaningful comparison is made after three to six months.
• Hair growth changes slowly – the treatment outcome can only be assessed over several months.
• The therapy is tailored individually to the identified cause.
• Injection treatments (mesotherapy, PRP) are generally carried out over several sessions.
• TrichoScan, PRP and mesotherapy are generally self-pay or IGeL services; what is medically necessary in an individual case is something we discuss with you in advance.

Risks & notes

• After injections into the scalp (mesotherapy, PRP), temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or small bruises can occur; infections are rare.
• The DPCP treatment deliberately triggers a controlled, medically supervised skin reaction that is accompanied by itching and redness; it can also turn out more strongly (pronounced eczema, blisters, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck/nape area) or leave temporary light or dark pigment spots. The dose is therefore increased step by step and under medical supervision.
• After an excimer laser treatment, temporary redness is possible.
• The treatment outcome varies from person to person and cannot be guaranteed; depending on the cause, hair loss can only be influenced to a limited extent.
• PRP and mesotherapy as well as the DPCP treatment are not standard therapies approved under medicinal-products law for this application; they are carried out as an individual treatment attempt following detailed information, and their efficacy is supported by evidence to varying degrees depending on the procedure.
• We will inform you personally in advance about the risks relevant to your therapy.

Frequently asked questions

What can cause hair loss?

Very different things: hormonal disorders, thyroid or autoimmune diseases, a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements, hereditary hair loss or patchy hair loss (alopecia areata). In the hair consultation we investigate the cause in a targeted manner.

What is the TrichoScan?

A computer-assisted method for objective follow-up monitoring. It measures hair density and the ratio of growth-phase to resting-phase hairs. By comparing the results after three to six months, the course can be assessed objectively.

Which treatments do you offer?

Depending on the cause, hair tonics and preparations containing vitamins and trace elements, supplemented by mesotherapy or PRP therapy. In the case of patchy hair loss we additionally use DPCP or the excimer laser.

How quickly will I see a result?

Hair grows slowly – the outcome becomes apparent over several months. This is why the TrichoScan check is generally carried out after three to six months.

Are the treatments painful?

Injections into the scalp can be briefly uncomfortable but are usually well tolerated. We will inform you in advance about the procedure of the respective treatment.