Hair Restoration

Assessing Your Hair Loss: Our Comprehensive Approach

At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, successful hair restoration starts with a thorough understanding of your condition. Hair loss isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue, and neither are our treatments. We begin with detailed assessments to identify the root causes of your hair loss, which allows us to craft a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific situation.

TrichoTest™: Personalized Genomic Testing

In women especially, the causes of hair loss are quite variable. One of the first steps in our hair restoration process is the TrichoTest, a genomic test that provides valuable insights into your genetic predisposition for hair loss. This test helps us determine which medications and supplements are most likely to be effective for you. By understanding your genetic profile, we can tailor your treatment plan to maximize hair growth and maintenance.

• What it does: The TrichoTest analyzes specific genetic markers related to hair loss and hair growth.
• Why it matters: Knowing your genetic makeup allows us to accurately predict which treatments will work best for you, reducing the trial-and-error phase and helping you achieve results faster.

HairMetrix®: Advanced Microscopic Hair Analysis and Quantification

At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, we utilize HairMetrix, an advanced technology that offers detailed microscopic hair analysis and quantification. HairMetrix is a cutting-edge tool that provides real-time, noninvasive assessments of your hair and scalp. This technology allows us to accurately measure hair density, thickness and overall scalp health without the need for a biopsy.

• How HairMetrix works:

• • Noninvasive imaging: HairMetrix uses high-resolution imaging to capture detailed pictures of your scalp and hair follicles. This noninvasive approach means there’s no discomfort or downtime.
  • Data-driven analysis: The system analyzes the images to provide quantifiable data on hair density, thickness and follicle health. This data helps us understand the extent of your hair loss and track improvements over time.
  • Personalized treatment plans: By providing a clear, data-driven picture of your hair and scalp condition, HairMetrix enables us to tailor your treatment plan precisely.
  • Ongoing monitoring: Regular HairMetrix assessments allow us to track your progress and adjust treatments as needed to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.

This technology is a crucial part of our comprehensive approach to hair restoration, providing us with the insights needed to deliver the most effective treatments tailored specifically to you.

Hair Restoration Treatment Options

Our hair restoration treatments are designed to target hair loss from multiple angles. Whether you prefer noninvasive treatments or are considering surgical options, we offer a wide range of solutions for your hair restoration needs.

Medical Management: Topical and Oral Medications

Medical management is often the cornerstone of our hair restoration plans. Medical management is intended to stop further hairloss by treating its root causes.  We offer both customized topical and oral medications that work to preserve existing hair and stimulate new growth. These medications are selected based on the results of your TrichoTest and other diagnostic tools to provide the most effective treatment possible.

Topical Medications

• Minoxidil: This popular topical treatment stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
• Finasteride and dutasteride: Topical forms of these medications help reduce hair loss by blocking the process that converts testosterone to DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair thinning in most men and some women.
• Spironolactone: This medication works by reducing androgen levels, making it particularly effective for women with hormonal hair loss.
• Latanoprost: Originally used to treat glaucoma, this medication was discovered to stimulate hair growth when applied to the scalp.
• Arginine and fatty acids: These ingredients nourish the scalp and improve hair density by promoting blood circulation and stimulating the hair follicle stem cells.

Oral Medications

For some patients, oral medications may prove to be more practical. These can either be taken alone or in conjunction with topical treatments to maximize results.

• Minoxidil: In oral form, minoxidil can be more potent than its topical counterpart, offering another option for those who need more intensive treatment.
• Finasteride and dutasteride: Taken orally, these medications are effective in reducing hair loss and stimulating regrowth by inhibiting DHT production.
• Spironolactone: Also available as an oral medication, spironolactone is particularly beneficial for women experiencing hair loss due to hormonal imbalances.
• Cetirizine: This antihistamine has been shown to reduce inflammation in the hair follicle, supporting hair growth.

Regenerative Therapies: PRP, PRFM, EXOSOMES and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Regenerative medicine treatments are a powerful tool in our hair restoration arsenal. They are the next step in hair follicle recovery after topical and oral medications. Once hair loss has been stabilized, these injectable therapies work by super charging the hair follicles directly, resulting in new blood vessels and encouraging new growth and strengthening of existing hair. These treatments are performed in our St. Louis office under local anesthesia and have no significant downtime for most patients.

PRP and PRFM

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) are two of the most popular injectable treatments for hair restoration. Both are derived from your blood and are rich in growth factors that promote healing and regeneration.

• PRP: When injected into the scalp, this concentration of platelets releases powerful growth factors that encourage new blood vessel growth and stimulates the stem cell region of the hair follicles to renew hair.
• PRFM: This advanced version of PRP includes a fibrin matrix, which helps to slow and prolong the release of growth factors, providing sustained benefits to your hair follicles. This is the preferred type of PRP here at Ridenour.

Topical Exosome Therapy

Exosome therapy is one of the latest advancements in hair restoration. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that play a key role in cell-to-cell communication, carrying proteins and genetic material that can influence cell behavior. Exosomes are derived from stem cells in bone marrow, fat or platelets. When applied to the scalp in combination with micro needling, exosomes can help rejuvenate hair follicles and promote new growth.

• Benefits of exosome therapy:

• • Delivers powerful growth factors directly to the hair follicles
  • Supports the natural regenerative processes of the scalp
  • Can be used in combination with other treatments for enhanced results

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Stem cell therapy is an exciting new development in hair restoration. We use adipose-derived stem cells (nano fat) harvested from your own fat tissue to stimulate dormant hair follicles and promote new growth. Stem cells can change into various cell types, diminish inflammation, increase blood flow, and rescue damaged and aging cells, making them highly effective in regenerating the stem cell region of  hair follicles.

• What to expect:

• • The procedure involves minor liposuction to harvest the fat cells, which are then processed to extract the stem cells.
  • Dr. Ridenour injects these stem cells into the scalp, where they work to rejuvenate your hair follicles and stimulate new growth. Early data suggests adipose-derived-stem cells have a lasting effect on hair growth.

Low-Level LED Light Therapy and Laser Caps

Noninvasive treatments like low-level LED light therapy and laser caps are excellent options for enhancing hair restoration results. These therapies use light energy to stimulate hair follicles, enhance blood flow to the scalp and improve overall hair density.

• LED light therapy:

• • Uses specific light wavelengths to penetrate the scalp and stimulate hair follicles
  • Painless and requires no downtime, making LED therapy a convenient option for busy patients

• Laser caps:

• • A portable device that delivers low-level laser therapy to the scalp
  • Ideal for maintaining results between in-office treatments
  • Easy to use at home, with sessions typically lasting just a few minutes each day

Surgical Hairline Lowering

For patients looking to achieve a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing hairline, surgical hairline lowering may be an option. This cosmetic procedure involves removing a strip of non-hair-bearin skin from the forehead, allowing the hairline to be brought forward. It’s a highly effective way to address high or frontal receding hairlines, particularly in women.

• Benefits of hairline lowering surgery: 

• • A lower, more youthful hairline
  • Immediate results with minimal downtime
  • Can be combined with other treatments like PRP or stem cell therapy for comprehensive hair restoration

Complementary Therapies for Enhanced Results

At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, we believe in a holistic approach to hair restoration. In addition to our primary treatment options, we offer a range of complementary therapies designed to enhance your results and promote long-term hair health.

Scalp Conditioning

Maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for successful hair restoration. We offer scalp conditioning treatments that improve circulation, nourish the hair follicles and create an ideal environment for hair growth.

• Keravive and Massage: This unique scalp conditioning treatment cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the scalp, creating a healthier environment for hair growth. Scalp massage increases blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting nutrient delivery and stimulating growth.
• Specialty shampoos: We recommend shampoos specifically formulated to support hair health, reduce inflammation and prevent hair loss.

Vitamins and Supplements

Nutritional support is a crucial component of our hair restoration plans. We may recommend specific vitamins and supplements to address any deficiencies that could be contributing to hair loss, including:

• Zinc and iron: Essential minerals that support hair growth and prevent hair thinning
• Vitamin B12: Plays a crucial role in cell production and hair growth
• Arginine and Nitric oxide: Increases blood flow to the scalp, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles
• Nutrafol: This award-winning formula is proven to support faster-growing, visibly thicker, fuller, stronger hair.