Erivedge or visomodegib capsule is a prescription oral chemotherapy medication for adults with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back after surgery or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. At Bauman Medical, chemo hair loss expert Dr. Alan Bauman has examined, evaluated and successfully treated patients who have experienced hair loss, baldness, hair thinning and-or alopecia from Erivedge (vismodegib).
What is the Mechanism of Erivedge – vismodegib?
Vismodegib is a Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor. By disrupting the hedgehog pathway signal which drives cancer cell growth, Erivedge prevents the cancer from growing. Hedgehog pathways may also be responsible for many of the side effects of Erivedge. For example, Sonic Hedgehog signaling is required for hair follicle development in a fetus and for regulating hair follicle growth and cycling in the adult.
What are some known side effects of Erivedge visomodegib?
In addition to loss of taste, muscle pain, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, birth defects, fetal death, diarrhea and fatigue, Hair Loss, alopecia, and-or thinning of scalp and body hair is a known side effect of Erivedge visomodegib. Your hair may become thin, brittle, or may fall out when taking Erivedge. This means that hair breakage, shedding and changes in texture of your hair are possible side effects. In addition to scalp hair loss, Erivedge can cause loss of any body hair, including pubic, underarm, legs/arms, eyelashes, eyebrows and nose hairs. It is assumed that interruption of the Hedgehog pathway is a possible cause of changes in hair follicle function and hair fiber production in those taking the cancer drug Erivedge visomodegib.
Hair Loss and Erivedge Medication for Cancer
Hair Loss is the second side effect listed in the FDA-approved label for Erivedge and seems to be one of the more common side effects of this chemotherapy drug.
Is vismodegib hair loss permanent?
All of the details of hair loss due to Erivedge vismodegib are not known. Hair usually starts to regrow after the treatment is completed, but could take months or longer to fully regrow. Accounts of incomplete or partial hair regrowth have been reported.
What can be done about temporary hair loss or alopecia with Erivedge?
If vismodegib is causing temporary alopecia or hair loss, the use of a 3D-Printed Cranial Prosthesis or non-surgical medical-grade hair replacement system may be an excellent option. A CNC hair prosthesis functions beyond a typical medical wig or hair replacement system.
What should I do if I have hair loss related to Erivedge?
First, notify your prescribing doctor immediately of any side effects with Erivedge. If hair loss side effects occur, seek out a qualified, credentialed (ABHRS, FISHRS, IAHRS) and experienced Hair Restoration Physician. Seek out an MD who has the ability to scientifically evaluate, measure and monitor your hair loss and hair regrowth and has access to the best treatments available. Bottom line, ask an expert. You may ask Dr. Alan Bauman a question about Erivedge hair loss and receive information about what to do if you experience hair loss with Erivedge vismodegib.
What kind of treatments will help hair regrowth after Erivedge vismodegib?
As long as hair follicles remain viable and not permanently damaged, treatments such as laser therapy (LaserCap 224 or CapillusRX), PRP Platelet Rich Plasma, Topical Formula 82M Minoxidil as well as nutritionals/supplements for hair support (Viviscal Pro, Nutrafol) may be good options. If some hair follicles are irreversibly damaged in small areas, FUE hair transplantation with SmartGraft, NeoGraft or ARTAS robotic-system may be required to restore coverage. If large numbers of hair follicles over a large area of scalp are damaged and do not respond to therapy, non-surgical hair replacement with CNC 3D-printed hair prosthesis may be an option.
Is Taxotere Linked to Permanent Hair Loss and Baldness?
For more than 20 years, at Bauman Medical we’ve treated men and women who have suffered from hair loss due to hereditary conditions, illness, injury, trauma as well as medications such as chemotherapy. While all these hair loss conditions are different, what they have in common is when someone loses their hair, we know it can have significant effects on their self-esteem, self-confidence and psychological well-being. We all know that hair is important for self-expression. Our hair is a reflection of how we view ourselves and important for how others perceive us. Hair is a sign of beauty, health and youth that is recognizable from across the room. When hair is lost, whether it be a little or a lot, it can have deep and long lasting psychological effects.
Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
The psychological effects of hair loss often surprise many people and may even prevent cancer patients from seeking the proper lifesaving treatment. Recently, well-known Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood declined chemotherapy for his lung cancer, not because he didn’t think it wouldn’t work, but because he didn’t want to lose his hair!
Thankfully for most cancer patients who receive chemotherapy, their hair returns to its normal state after the drug has been withdrawn. For others, changes in texture, color, curl and coverage are lingering problems that can be dealt with in terms of styling, hair replacement, and-or doctor-directed hair regrowth treatment options, if desired. However, when hair growth does not return after chemotherapy, especially when this happens unexpectedly, permanent baldness becomes more of a significant, long-term disfiguring burden to bear.
Breast Cancer, Taxotere and Hair Loss
It has been reported that more than 1,600 breast cancer survivors treated with Taoxtere or docataxel (Sanofi-Aventis) have experienced alopecia or permanent baldness with little to no hair regrowth after stopping the drug. From our Taxotere hair loss patients we’ve learned that this unexpected hair loss situation is a continuous and unwelcome reminder of the disease they worked so hard to defeat. The impact of this type of unexpected long-term hair loss cannot be underestimated and our hearts are heavy whenever these brave survivors seek our help.
Years into their remission, and even though they’re feeling physically well, these survivors are still treated as “sick” by those unfamiliar with their condition. They avoid family photos for years and must answer questions from their kids about why their mom didn’t get her hair back and others with a similar condition did. It can affect their personal life as well as their professional one–where in today’s job market, your professional image and first impression matter.
Should You Be Grateful Chemo Saved Your Life?
The now well-known story of Ami Dodson, a frustrated breast cancer survivor who is now living with chemo-induced alopecia said, “I should not be permanently disfigured.” She goes on to describe that she gets told all the time, “‘Well, you’re not dead. Shouldn’t you be grateful the chemo saved your life?’ No, I should be alive and also have hair. Disfigurement is not something we should accept as something that’s part for the course.” It should be noted that Dodson has gone on to file a lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis regarding her permanent hair loss which she believes is related to her chemotherapy.
And Dodson, now in her 40’s, is not alone in her frustration. Her story is similar to countless others who have turned to Dr. Alan Bauman and Bauman Medical for help. When Dodson was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 2010 at age 35, doctors used Taxotere (docataxel) to treat her cancer. Later, when her hair did not return or regrow, she was diagnosed with permanent chemo-induced alopecia for which there is currently no known cure.
Taxotere and Chemo-induced Alopecia
At Bauman Medical, we’ve been seeing a significant increase in chemo-induced alopecia cases over the years. These brave survivors are healthy and certainly happy to be in remission. What they are not so happy about is the permanent hair loss that they deal with daily. The traditional wigs and weaves are uncomfortable, itchy and not particularly suited for an active lifestyle–especially here in Florida and across the United States. They also don’t like the idea of having to shave what little hair they have.
The good news is that new hair replacement technology recently brought to the United States from Bologna, Italy is an excellent solution. The new “CNC” Hair Prosthesis by Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories is created with a combination of 3D-printing and old-world craftsmanship. Once the scalp mould and template is sent to Cesare Ragazzi in Bologna, the 39-step / 240+ man-hour process is begun. The breathable, dermato-compatible “second skin” is matched with proper texture and complexion color. Then, up to 100,000 unprocessed human hair strands are meticulously blended and matched to the patient’s specifications. These hair strands are delicately sewn strand-by-strand into the “second skin” of the prosthetic’s medical-grade polymeric base with an incredible attention to artistry and detail–the angle, orientation and position of each hair is designed to be virtually identical to mother nature’s patterns.
When the CNC Hair Prosthesis for chemo is applied to the woman with severe chemotherapy hair loss and styled, the end result is a hair replacement system like no other in terms of naturalness, beauty and durability and unmatched in the freedom of lifestyle provided. Swim, shampoo, shower, dance, curl and style… all as if it was your own natural head of hair.
What is a CNC 3D-Printed Cranial Hair and Scalp Prosthesis?
Many alopecia and other hair loss patients are thrilled to hear about the new Italian Hair Replacement System called the CNC Cranial Prosthesis. But what exactly is a CNC medical-grade hair and scalp prosthesis and how does it differ from traditional medical wigs, weaves and extensions and other medical hair replacement options like hair transplant surgery, platelet rich plasma (PRP), medications and laser therapy? Where can you buy a CNC Cranial Prosthesis? How does it work and what is involved in getting an Italian Hair System? What does "CNC" stand for, anyway?
At Bauman Medical, we've seen that some alopecia patients are not good candidates for hair transplantation, which requires a significant quantity of your own healthy donor hair follicles to be redistributed into the thinning or balding area. Men and women with severe hair loss that affects their available "donor hair" in terms of quantity and quality, as well as those who want to achieve results that a hair transplantation or medical treatments cannot provide, need other options. Unfortunately, hair replacement options like hot, itchy, shifting wigs or damaging extensions or weaves have their obvious drawbacks.
What if there was a hair replacement solution that offered a nearly limitless quantity of hair, with long lengths seen only in Hollywood, and the pure soft silky shiny quality ONLY found in real unprocessed human hair, in a system that you could be as active or athletic as you want to be without restrictions... swimming, dancing, shampooing/styling, etc., and secured in such a way that made it seamless and undetectable to even the closest inspection and touch? It is not a dream, it is REAL. Leave it to modern technology combined with the brilliant craftsmanship, artisanship and appreciation of beauty found only in the "DNA" of the Italians (think shoes, handbags, fashion, sportscars, etc.) to solve this problem! With nearly 50 years of experience, Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories (CRLAB) of Bologna, Italy brings together a marriage of technology and artistry that is unlike any other breakthrough in non-surgical hair restoration called the "CNC." And, at Bauman Medical, we are thrilled to be able to pioneer this life-changing "beauty tech" to the U.S.!
If you know someone struggling with hair problems due to hair loss, alopecia, chemotherapy, scarring, burns, injury or other condition that depleted their hair and may benefit from the CNC Hair and Scalp Prosthesis / Italian Hair System, please have them contact us at BaumanMedical.com/schedule-consultation.
What does CNC mean?
CNC stands for "Capelli Naturali a Contatto" in Italian, which means simply "Natural Hair, Attached." It is a deceptively simple name for a hair replacement system or medical-grade cranial prosthesis, behind which lies an incredible series of 39 separate production steps, nearly 250 man-hours of meticulous handcrafted labor over 12 weeks of time and uses 3D scanning, robotic 3D-printing, sophisticated polymer chemistry and more, all within a quality-controlled production facility that looks like it was designed more for aerospace engineering than hair replacement! Having personally been to the facility, however, I can say with great confidence that the most important "ingredient" that I noticed was the passion and love that each member of the CRLAB team brings to their "job"--and a deep appreciation of how their work has such an impact on peoples lives.
It is truly a pleasure to have a partner such as Cesare Ragazzi to work with in order to help our patients and we are thrilled to bring this "gamechanging" hair replacement option to our patients in the U.S. exclusively at our clinic Bauman Medical, located in Boca Raton, FL.
What is the CNC scalp prosthesis "second skin" made of?
CNC prosthetic base is made of a breathable, comfortable, dermato-compatible (skin friendly) medical grade polymer that is shaped specifically the patient's unique scalp contour with the help of sophisticated 3d-printing technology. The color and texture is matched specifically to the patient. When the hair is implanted into the prosthesis and it is secured to the scalp with medical grade adhesive, the appearance and texture of the prosthesis is 100% undetectable to the naked eye and indistinguishable from the patient's own skin.
Up to 100,000 unprocessed human hairs may be implanted into the CNC hair and scalp prosthesis to restore a full head of hair, or just a small area of hair loss--depending on the patient's needs. Only "virgin" or unprocessed hair is obtained primarily from people of Eastern Europe--that means the shine, quality, texture of the hair is truly unsurpassed. This hair is far different and certainly more rare than traditional wigs or weaves made from Asian hair (or even Yak hair, eeew!) which is typically dyed and processed to create inexpensive "throw-away" hair replacement systems. Based on a small sample of the patient's own hair, if available, strands of the proper curl, length and color are carefully selected and artistically blended to create and mimic the natural variety of hair found on the human scalp. In other words, natural "brown" hair is NOT just brown--it contains perhaps 15-20 different colors blended together. This is what helps gives natural hair (and the CNC hair and scalp prosthetic) its unique radiant color and shine.
Each individual hair strand is "stitched" or implanted and secured into the "second skin" of the prosthesis with careful attention to the angle, orientation and position--in order to mimic natural patterns of hair growth on the scalp. As a hair transplant surgeon, I can certainly appreciate the detail required on this step!
Once the CNC production steps are completed and all of the numerous quality-control aspects are met, the Cranial Prosthesis is sent back to Boca Raton, Florida so it can be applied and styled for one of our hair loss patients at Bauman Medical.
How often does the CNC get maintained? What is the maintenance involved?
Approximately every four weeks, the CNC must be removed, cleaned and reapplied to the scalp. This is important for the health of the scalp as well as to maintain the longevity of the CNC hair replacement system. With proper care and maintenance, the hair system will remain looking and feeling great for years and years.
Where to buy CNC hair and scalp prosthesis? Where can you get a CNC 3d-printed hair system?
The Bauman Certified HairCoach Program is the brainchild of board-certified Hair Restoration Physician, Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D. of Boca Raton, Florida.For over two decades, he’s dedicated his entire professional career to helping those with hair loss. In addition, he’s been a champion of educating professionals and the general public interested in learning more about the causes of hair loss, effective treatments as well as the latest medical and surgical procedures in the fast changing and often confusing field of Hair Restoration.
Hair loss is a common concern for millions of men and women, but yet there are limited resources available to patients and professionals alike when it comes to effective treatments and procedures and a multitude of myths, misconceptions and misinformation. The HairCoach program was “born” out of Dr. Bauman’s well-wrought results-oriented "Bauman Protocols" which include scientifically rigorous hair loss evaluations, diagnosis, advanced treatments, obsessive follow-ups/results tracking and more.
What kind of topics are covered in HairCoach certification?
HairCoach offers information on male and female pattern hereditary hair loss and other alopecias such as traction alopecia, scarring types of alopecia, baldness prevention and more, common scalp problems like dandruff, itching, flaking, oily or dry scalp, PRP Platelet Rich Plasma hair regrowth preparation and application protocols, hair growth diagnosis and tracking with HairCheck trichometry and HairCam dermoscopy, hair restoration basics, FDA-approved and compounded medical therapies, non-chemical treatments like Low Level Laser Therapy, nutrition and nutraceuticals, proper hair care and scalp care and trichology principles, diagnostic tools and therapeutic regimens included in Scientific Scalp Makeovers™, cranial prosthetic devices, hair transplantation using NeoGraft FUE and the ARTAS robotic-assisted FUE system and much more. Future therapies such as stem cell treatments, Autologous Lipocyte Micronized Injection (ALMI Hair Regrowth), growth factors, cell therapy, hair follicle cloning or rejuvenation will be discussed.
No one in the world expects that you can become fully versed in the evaluation and treatment of hair loss in one simple workshop or seminar. However, whether you are just starting your journey towards helping those struggling with hair loss, or you want to refine your skills in the latest techniques and technology, Dr. Bauman’s HairCoach Program has proven again and again to be a valuable investment.As a Certified HairCoach (or C.H.C.), a multitude of personnel, resources and training opportunities will be available for you over the long-run to ensure your success, including additional training, online resources, priority access to Dr. Bauman and his knowledgeable staff, published research, webinars and much more.
Who should consider HairCoach training and certification?
Professionals in the beauty, aesthetic, cosmetic and anti-aging industry looking for the latest information on hair loss in men and women, diagnosis and evaluation methods, effective treatment protocols, the latest most advanced procedures, common “pearls and pitfalls,” etc., can all benefit from HairCoach program. HairCoach attendees have included physicians, surgeons, aestheticians, hairdressers, cosmetologists, registered nurses and nurse practitioners, medical assistants, physician assistants, clinic managers and many others in the health and beauty industries.
What educational resources are available through HairCoach?
While there is a robust self-study online component to HairCoach, the distillation of key points, tips, techniques and more come together in the hands-on experience at Dr. Bauman’s more than 11,000 square foot “Hair Hospital” facility in Boca Raton, FL. The jewel of the hair restoration industry, Dr. Bauman’s comprehensive and state-of-the-art facility is unmatched in its ability to help those with hair loss.Taught by renowned hair transplant surgeon and board certified Hair Restoration Physician, Dr. Alan J. Bauman himself, the HairCoach program “comes alive” for those limited number of participants who can attend the small programs, presentations and hands-on training.
What do past participants say about HairCoach?
Listen to what some HairCoach attendees have to say about the program:
More HairCoach program reviews, ratings, feedback and testimonials are available!
For more information on upcoming HairCoach class dates and registration, please visit http://www.HairCoach.net
Alopecia Areata Awareness Month: New Treatment Utilizes 3D-Printing Technology
Top hair loss expert and new treatment pioneer, Dr. Alan J. Bauman, discusses how new hair and scalp cranial prosthetic hair replacements made with 3D-printing are offering new hope to alopecia sufferers.
Boca Raton, Florida – September is National Alopecia Areata Awareness Month and it’s an important opportunity for those suffering from alopecia areata and other less common types of hair loss, like cicatricial alopecia, to get educated about effective new hair restoration options that can help.
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, over 6.8 million people in the U.S. have, had or will develop alopecia areata at some point in their lives. An autoimmune disease, alopecia areata causes the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. Depending on the type and severity of the alopecia, sufferers may experience small bald patches on the scalp that spontaneously regrow, or it may progress to full cranial hair loss called alopecia totalis or total body hair loss, otherwise known as alopecia universalis.
“While medical treatments for hair loss have advanced dramatically over the last few decades, there is no true cure for alopecia areata,” explained top hair loss expert and new treatment pioneer, Dr. Alan J. Bauman, founder of Bauman Medical Group in Boca Raton. “For those who suffer from less common hair loss conditions like alopecia areata and cicatricial (scarring) alopecia, traditional medical treatments are not effective, leaving patients with very few options and little hope for a normal life.”
To combat this problem, the hair loss community recently developed advanced “cranial prosthetics” that can conceal patchy or full scalp baldness in cases where it can’t otherwise be treated. A leading product in the cranial prosthetic category is the CRLab CNC Hair Replacement System, which uses 3D-printing to perfectly design and conform the prosthetic to the patient’s exact cranial measurements, skin type and other specifications. According to Dr. Bauman, cranial prosthetics may be covered by some health insurance companies.
Dr. Alan Bauman, Claudia Cassida (Alopecia Areata Totalis patient), Charlie Villanueva--Alopecia Areata Totalis Patient, founder of "AlopeciaApparel” and NBA Basketball Player for the Dallas Mavericks, along with CRLAB Executives from Bologna, Italy at Bauman Medical in Boca Raton, Florida
“For men and women who are not candidates for transplantation and other medical treatments, the CR-Lab CNC Hair Replacement System does an amazing job of restoring a full and natural-looking head of hair,” Dr. Bauman explained.
Dr. Bauman & Claudia, Alopecia Areata Totalis patient before and after photo of CRLAB CNC Hair & Scalp Prosthesis
Claudia first became ill with alopecia areata in 1993, which caused her to lose all of her hair. After seeking treatment for her sudden hair loss, Claudia was informed that because alopecia areata is a genetic and autoimmune disease, there is no cure, and few medical options exist for treating the condition.
After wearing wigs for nearly 20 years, Claudia heard about the CNC Hair Replacement System. “CNC is a fabulous reality for those who want to skip the phase of shock of losing their self-image. Because hair is a very important part of our image,” Claudia explained. “It’s a prosthesis, but its features are way more comfortable than any type of wig.”
Claudia has regained her self-confidence after switching to the CNC Hair Replacement System. “It’s not like wearing any wig, it’s something that fits perfectly. And on me, it fits perfectly, like I was. It’s like I never lost my hair.”
About the ‘CNC’ Hair & Scalp Cranial Prosthetic
CNC (CRLab, Italy) is a customized medical-grade hair replacement system that is approved by the Italian Ministry of Health.
The CNC cranial prosthesis is crafted from beautiful, 100 percent unprocessed human hair meticulously implanted into an ultra-lightweight, breathable, antibacterial, dermato-compatible polymeric base made using 3D-printing technology.
Made with an FDA-cleared components, CNC is a unique hair replacement option for patients who suffer from autoimmune alopecia or extensive scarring alopecia, as well as patients who may not be good candidates for hair transplants.
The CNC can be shampooed and styled with ease and can be exposed to all activities, including swimming, shampooing, hairstyling, and high-impact sports.
Patients say the CNC becomes “a part of them,” never hot, itchy or uncomfortable—providing a previously unattainable level of confidence, freedom and comfort above and beyond traditional medical wigs.
With monthly maintenance and proper care, the prosthesis can last between four to five years, which is far longer than traditional wigs and hairpieces, ultimately saving patients more money in the end.
Later this month, Dr. Bauman will be a featured speaker at the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery’s (ISHRS) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 28-October 1, where he will be presenting a scientific abstract on the use of cranial prosthetics in combination with other hair restoration options to improve the quality of life for those patients with otherwise untreatable hair loss disorders. One of Bauman’s patients who has had combination of hair transplantation and CNC cranial prosthesis will be amongst patients examined by his colleagues during the Live Patient Viewing portion of the conference.
To learn more about CNC cranial prosthetics as an option for alopecia, or to request Dr. Bauman’s presentation from the upcoming ISHRS conference, visit www.alopecia.md.
If you or someone you know is suffering from alopecia, schedule a long-distance phone consultation or an in-person, in-office consultation with Dr. Bauman online at www.baumanmedical.com or by calling toll-free 844-GET-HAIR or +1-561-394-0024. To learn more about scalp and hair treatments and CNC hair replacement systems visit www.salonBBoca.com.
About Dr. Alan J. Bauman:
Alan J. Bauman, M.D. is the founder and chief medical officer of Bauman Medical Hair Transplant and Treatment Center in Boca Raton, FL. At more than 11,000 square feet, his clinic is the world’s largest stand-alone treatment center dedicated exclusively to hair loss. Dr. Bauman has been a full-time hair transplant surgeon since 1997, and has treated over 17,000 patients and performed over 7,000 hair transplant procedures.
Dr. Bauman is one of approximately 100 physicians worldwide to achieve board certification from the esteemed American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). He is a Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), an accepted member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS), recommended by the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), a member of the Pantene Hair Research Institute and an active lecturer and physician faculty member for numerous medical organizations.
Dr. Bauman received his M.D. degree from New York Medical College and surgical residency training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.
Dr. Bauman has appeared in print, radio and television as a medical expert and successful early-adopter of the most advanced technologies in the treatment of hair loss. Appearances, interviews and profiles include the Today Show, The Early Show, Good Morning America, Extra, Access Hollywood and Dateline NBC among other TV appearances. Newspaper and Magazine articles and feature stories include The New York Times, Newsweek, Cosmo, Vogue, Allure, O – The Oprah Magazine and Men’s Health among others.
About Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories:
Owned by AdviHair, a subsidiary of AdviCorp Plc., Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories is the established market leader and innovator in hair enhancement—combining unique proven technology with customer empathy. Since opening our first private clinic over forty years ago we have treated over a million clients from all over the world. We are proud to be working with respected expert physicians and thought leaders like Dr. Alan Bauman who care so deeply about their hair loss patients. Our scientific haircare and scalp treatment programs along with our advanced medical CNC hair replacement systems change lives for the better. CNC clients have the confidence to enjoy a natural and active lifestyle, feel a positive sense of wellbeing and live life without compromises. For more information visit http://www.cesareragazzi.com or call +39-051-6174267.
Chemotherapy is designed to target fast growing cancer cells in your body. Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs don’t distinguish between cancer cells and other rapidly growing cells your body such as those found in hair follicles. While every cancer drug is different and has different effects on different people, chemotherapy drugs may cause significant hair loss on your scalp as well as the rest of your body.
Hair follicles that produce your hair contain some of the fastest growing cells in your body. These rapidly growing cells are found in the proliferative matrix of the dermal papilla or root of the hair follicle. Hair loss in the form of sudden significant shedding can occur within a few weeks of starting chemotherapy.
Whether your hair remains “normal” during treatment, gets weaker over time, or sheds out completely depends on the type and dosage of your chemotherapy. Most chemotherapy causes temporary hair loss, but some chemotherapy medications are known to cause more hair loss more quickly and can also have a high likelihood of causing permanent damage to your hair follicles. Some patients report that after chemotherapy has stopped, their hair growth resumes but in a different volume, texture and curl. In some patients, hair regrowth may be significantly delayed or not regrow at all. If you are concerned, ask your oncologist about hair loss associated with the chemotherapy drugs he or she is prescribing and what options there are.
The thought of losing hair can be disturbing. But the good news is that you can absolutely “be prepared” for the worst-case hair loss scenario! For many chemo patients, they are focused on the treatment of their cancer—and rightly so. However, many want to continue to live a ‘normal’ life and not ‘give a face to the disease’—meaning, they want to maintain a healthy appearance to their coworkers, family, friends or others, and not necessarily discuss their health situation. Your health is your business, so you should have the option of discussing it (or not) with whom you choose. Today’s modern hair restoration and hair replacement options like "CNC" 3D-printed cranial prosthetics are significantly different than the medical wigs of the past. Many cranial prosthetics can be totally or partially covered by your insurance.
At SalonB at Bauman Medical Group, our team of professionals, led by hair loss expert Dr. Alan Bauman, can help you determine what is the best course of action to take regarding your chemotherapy hair loss situation. We work closely with many oncologists, cancer teams and social workers from around the country to help patients with chemotherapy-induced hair loss. After treating over 18,000 hair loss sufferers since 1997, we know every single hair loss patient is different, and we are here to offer help and compassionate support.
Do you want to discuss your hair loss situation with a professional, or simply be connected to others who are dealing with a similar hair loss situation from chemotherapy? Contact the experts Bauman Medical Group today at 561-394-0024. www.salonbboca.com
Roughly 80 million men and women in the U.S. suffer from hair loss. This may sound like a daunting figure, but in reality most hair loss cases today are treatable - thanks to several decades of advanced medical research and high-tech treatment development.
However, the most important weapon in the battle against baldness is a relatively simple one - early detection.
By the time hair loss becomes noticeable to the naked eye, science tells us that about 50% of the hair follicles responsible for producing hair have already shut down. The earlier patients can get started on preventive or restorative therapies, the better their odds are for retaining a full and healthy-looking head of hair.
Since August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, it’s a good opportunity for all of us - men and women, old and young - to learn more about the early signs of hair loss and the treatment options available.
Detecting Hair Loss
A common mistake with detecting hair loss is to rely on the “mirror test” before taking action. That is, most people wait until their hair loss becomes readily noticeable - perhaps it’s diffuse thinning up top for men and women, or a receding hairline.
However, relying on this type of visual cue puts you at a disadvantage because as noted above, by the time hair loss is visible half of your hair in that area may be already gone.
Some people think that a better way to check for early signs of hair loss is to examine how much hair is being shed each day. This also can by tricky because a typical healthy head of hair will lose approximately 100 hair strands per day due to natural hair follicle cycling. If you’re noticing an excessive number of hairs on the pillow in the morning, at the bottom of the shower or in the comb, you may be in the active stages of hereditary hair loss.What’s tricky about that?Well, excessive shedding doesn’t always mean you have male or female pattern hair loss--it could be a sign of an underlying health problem or even a scalp issue, which results in temporary shedding of hair called telogen effluvium.
Further, patients put themselves at another disadvantage when they tell themselves that their hair loss has stopped.Studies show us that left untreated, hair loss will always get worse over time even though visually it appears to have stopped.
For these reasons, it is important to schedule a visit with an experienced, board-certified hair restoration physician when these symptoms are observed. He or she will be able to run the proper tests to determine the true cause of your hair loss, and what types of treatments might be needed. A hair restoration physician can also run tests that will help predict the likelihood of future hair loss.
Diagnosing the Problem
Aside from blood work and other traditional tests, Hair restoration physicians have several tools at their disposal to gauge a person’s risk of hair loss, and the rate at which active hair loss is progressing.
These include:
Genetic tests - While the results are a little more complicated than a “yes” or “no”, a new genetic test by HairDX can accurately determine a man’s (and woman’s) risk for losing their hair, so they can begin preventive treatments early. The test uses a simple cheek swab and can determine the genetic risk of developing male and female pattern hair loss. There are also genetic tests that can determine how well you are likely to respond to certain medical treatments. For example, the HairDX Genetic Test for androgen sensitivity can help predict your response to certain types of medical treatment (such as finasteride or Propecia). This information helps the physician tailor a treatment regimen specific to the patient’s genetics and therefore patients avoid spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a treatment that may not be effective for them.
Hair density measurements - The HairCheck® device is a highly sensitive hand-held ‘trichometer,’ which measures hair caliber and hair density together, and expresses them as a single number known as the Hair Mass Index (HMI), or "Hair Number.”Doctors can use this number to accurately assess hair loss, growth and breakage on any area of the scalp. By tracking these numbers, a physician can determine the extent and rate of the patient's hair loss and/or breakage, and inform them of any changes over time. This information also helps monitor and track the efficacy of their treatment regimen in case modifications are needed. This type of testingworks for both men and women.
Scalp exams - Newly developed “Trico-Tests” are highly effective at determining if an underlying problem with the scalp is the root cause of a hair disorder. Patients are evaluated with non-invasive, pain-free skin diagnostic tests that check the scalp’s pH, sebum and hydration levels to determine if there are any abnormalities. A magnified videoscopic examination of the scalp is also performed to examine any signs of scalp flaking or dandruff, excess sebum production, identify bacterial or fungal colonies and assess overall hair follicle health and function. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, hair strand cortisol level testing may also be administered (for example: Bauman Medical’s “sTRESS Test”). Scalp testing is available for both men and women.
Effective Treatment Options
Once the cause of the hair loss has been determined, an effective treatment program can be developed. This is likely to include a multi-therapy approach, and certain lifestyle changes may also be recommended.
Today, there are a variety of effective treatment options available for both men and women:
Topical and Oral Treatments: In addition to the over-the-counter minoxidil-containing Rogaine, and Rogaine for Women, topical treatments include compounded topical minoxidil Formula 82M and Latisse/Bimatoprost or other prostaglandin analogs. Currently, there is only one FDA-approved oral medication, (finasteride, brand name Propecia).
Low Level Laser Therapy: In recent years, low-level laser therapy has become a key element of the multi-therapy hair restoration regimen. Thanks to continued device approvals from the FDA specifically for hair regrowth, and a wide array of devices, including in-office laser ‘hoods’, at-home handheld units, hats, and brushes, more patients and doctors are utilizing phototherapy as an effective treatment option.
Nutritionals: Many hair loss patients benefit from the addition of nutritional supplementation in their treatment regimen. Hair vitamins and supplements, like Viviscal Pro and “SuperBiotin” are specially-formulated to nourish thinning hair, while also creating a healthy environment for existing hair and hair follicles.
Scalp Makeover: During a scalp makeover, the patient undergoes a simple skin diagnostic test to see if their sebum, pH, hydration, toxin and cortisol levels are imbalanced, and then depending on the results, a variety of scalp therapies are provided. Treatments for the scalp range from sebum-regulating topical serums (as well as hydration, anti-DHT and blood microcirculation stimulants) to scalp steaming, scalp massage, electrotherapy stimulation, hair boosting dermal patches and laser therapy. A scalp makeover can help overcome common hair problems, including hair thinning, excessive shedding and breakage.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, or PRP: The use of autologous PRP (platelet rich plasma) for wound healing after hair transplants and as a stand-alone treatment for enhancing hair growth has become a promising new treatment for both men and women. The application of PRP to the scalp requires short outpatient visits which can normally be done over a lunch hour.
Hair Transplant Robotics: The first robot designed to perform part of the hair transplant recently became available. Called the ARTAS System, it’s an image-guided robot that harvests up to 1,000 hair grafts in a single hour – which has made hair transplant surgery even more accurate and efficient and leaves no linear scar.
NeoGraft FUE: Less invasive hair transplants allow for the transplantation of hair without the ‘telltale’ signs of old-style hair transplantation such as the linear scar on the back of the head. The NeoGraft device helps the surgeon extracts hair follicles from the donor area of the scalp individually without the need for scalpel or stitches, leaving no linear scar. Recovery is faster, more comfortable and less restrictive. Artistic hairline design and single-follicle transplantation techniques create hair transplant results that truly defy detection.
3D Printed Hair: For male or female hair loss patients suffering from severe or extensive hair loss, or those looking for an alternative to hair transplantation, “3D-Printed Hair” is the latest breakthrough in hair replacement. New non-surgical medical-grade hair and scalp prosthesis, like the CNC Hair Replacement System, offers a customized, natural hair replacement option for a complete return to an active lifestyle, without compromise! The 3D printed hair system can be shampooed, dried and styled as your own hair. With monthly maintenance and proper care, the prosthesis can last up to 4-5 years - much longer than traditional wigs or hairpieces.
Visit http://www.baumanmedical.com for an overview of these treatment options.
Seeing It Through
Treatment programs should be customized for the individual patient, and based on a full examination of the person’s genetic factors, health history, hair loss progression and lifestyle issues. Routine follow-ups are also important in order to determine how well the follicles are responding to the treatments, and to see if changes should be made in the therapy regimen.
One of the hardest parts of treating hair loss is helping the patient understand that it is a long-term investment and process. Just like hair loss, initial changes in hair regrowth take time and can be subtle before they are noticeable to the naked eye.
When one starts to actually treat their hair loss, it is important to keep in mind that it can take more than a year to see the full, final results from treatment. This is longer than many other treatments or procedures that patients have experience with so many patients are tempted to end their hair treatments too soon.Ending treatment prematurely disrupts any progress that had been made. Regular follow-ups should be performed every 90 days as this helps to reconfirm to the patient that they are responding to their treatment regimen and getting the best results possible. If they are not responding, adjustments to treatments can be made expeditiously.
Hair loss is a treatable condition, but the earlier the problem is detected and treatment started, the better your chances are of keeping your hair and re-growing what has been diminished.
Tips on Finding a Hair Restoration Physician
A hair restoration physician is someone who specializes exclusively in the medical diagnosis, treatment and tracking of hair loss and its treatment.
Look for physicians who are board-certified in hair restoration by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, accepted members of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association.
Due to the limited number of board-certified hair restoration physicians worldwide, prospective patients should be prepared to travel and consult long-distance.
Before choosing your doctor, visit the clinic, read reviews, ask for before-and-after pictures and, most importantly, ask questions.
Medical doctors who do not specialize in hair restoration (general practitioners, dermatologists, etc.) may not be up to date on the latest treatment methods and technologies. This can lead to subpar results and, in some cases, treatment complications.
Visit http://www.baumanmedical.com to start a consultation with hair loss expert and board-certified hair restoration physician, Dr. Alan J. Bauman.
Medical Grade Hair and Scalp Prosthetic Made with 3D-Printing for Dr. Alan J. Bauman’s Hair Transplant Patient Unveiled at CARF Alopecia Conference
Top hair loss doctors, researchers and over 150 patients met and spoke with Cicatricial Alopecia patient ‘Ivory’ who underwent an innovative hair restoration method by Dr. Bauman combining the latest permanent FUE/FUT hair transplantation procedure with a custom 3D-printed hair and scalp prosthetic device.
Internationally recognized hair loss expert, Dr. Alan J. Bauman, recently teamed up with the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation or CARF to raise awareness on scarring alopecia as well as educate patients, researchers and physicians on some of the new options available for this currently incurable condition.
"This year's conference was a huge success, and allowed us to further CARF's mission to provide education and patient support, raise public awareness, and advance and promote research. It truly was a collaborative team effort, and we are so thankful to have the support from Dr. Bauman, and others in the hair restoration community, who are helping to improve the care of patients with scarring alopecia," said Nicole Rogers, MD, FAAD and Conference Chair. Dr. Bauman was invited by Dr. Rogers and CARF to be a featured speaker at their 7th International Patient-Doctor Conference, June 3-5, in New Orleans, #CARF2016. His presentation, “The Best of All Worlds,” was focused on the combined use of a medical grade 3D printed hair and scalp prosthetic along with hair transplantation in a patient with traction alopecia and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Dr. Bauman and his patient, “Ivory,” were in attendance at the conference to discuss her experience with cicatricial alopecia and her treatment, which included hair transplantation and a custom CRLab CNC hair replacement system made in Bologna, Italy.
“Cicatricial alopecia affected my self-confidence and has been self-limiting for me. I refused to see a new hair stylist, as I was afraid they would be shocked or ask numerous questions. I was afraid and ashamed to seek help. I also avoided activities, such as swimming or simply riding in a convertible,” said Dr. Bauman’s patient Ivory. “Now, my results are permanent and I feel 100% more confident. Dr. Bauman and my new CNC system have given me a new outlook for managing and coping with my hair loss.”
Some of the experts who were in attendance to present and participate in the panel discussions along with Dr. Alan Bauman include Dr. Antonella Tosti, Dr. Yolanda Lenzy, Dr. Melissa Piliang, Dr. Lady Dy, Dr. Lynne Goldberg, Dr. Erin Boh, Dr. Marc Avram, Dr. Patricia Farris, Dr. Kate Holcomb, Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, Dr. Maria Hordinsky, Dr. Fonda Farah, Ms. Rita Wanser, Ms. Elayne Kuehler, Ms. Debbie Guastella and Dr. Jeff Donovan. This event was sponsored in part by Procter & Gamble, Lifes2Good (makers of Viviscal) and Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories (makers of the CRLab CNC Hair Replacement System).
“CARF is a truly unique organization that has really grown into a valuable resource for both patients and physicians,” Dr. Bauman commented. To learn more about this condition and request Dr. Bauman’s presentation from the conference visit http://www.alopecia.md To learn more about CARF - the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation, or to make a donation, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/cictricalalopeciares If you or someone you know has hair loss or scalp concerns, schedule either a long-distance phone consultation or an in-person, in-office consultation with Dr. Bauman online at http://www.baumanmedical.com or by calling toll-free 844-GET-HAIR or +1-561-394-0024.
About Dr. Alan J. Bauman: Alan J. Bauman, M.D. is a full-time hair transplant surgeon who has treated over 17,000 patients and performed over 7,000 hair transplant procedures since starting his hair loss practice, Bauman Medical, in 1997 located in Boca Raton, FL. Dr. Bauman received his M.D. degree from New York Medical College and surgical residency training at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Dr. Bauman is one of approximately 100 physicians worldwide to achieve board certification from the esteemed American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He is a Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, and is an active participant and lecturer at numerous Annual Scientific Meetings and Live Surgery Workshops. Dr. Alan Bauman has appeared in print, radio and television as a medical expert and successful early-adopter of the most advanced technologies in the treatment of hair loss. Appearances, interviews and profiles include the Today Show, The Early Show, Good Morning America, Extra, Access Hollywood and Dateline NBC among other TV appearances. Newspaper and Magazine articles and feature stories include The New York Times, Newsweek, Cosmo, Vogue, Allure, O – The Oprah Magazine and Men’s Health among others. To learn more about treatment options for cicatricial alopecia visit http://www.BaumanMedical.com
It's yet to be seen exactly how 3-D printing will change the world, but the technology is already proving to be an asset in the prosthetics industry — in this case, hair.
Danielle Grillo of Transitions Hair Solutions in New Jersey has made dozens of 3-D printed hairpieces for people who suffer from hair loss, many of them cancer survivors. She's worked in the industry for more than two decades, and says the 3-D printed hairpieces, while expensive, "are the closest thing to your natural scalp and hair," Grillo told TODAY.
"3D-Printed Hair" is the latest technology for cancer survivors, alopecia sufferers and those who are not candidates hair transplantation. The Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories Italy CNC Hair and Scalp Prosthetic is a medical device handcrafted in Bologna, Italy now available in the U.S. at salonB in Boca Raton, Florida. 20-year Alopecia sufferer, Claudia Cassia [Above, pictured w/ hair loss expert Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D.] from the Alopecia & Co. support group describes her experience with her new CNC as life-changing and highly emotional--free from the hassle of traditional medical wigs or hairpieces. For more info visit http://www.salonbboca.com or email [email protected]
LOOKING FOR A CAREER EDGE, MANY MEN ARE SEEKING TO LOOK MORE YOUTHFUL THROUGH COSMETIC SURGERY
Robyn A. Friedman, Special Correspondent | Sun Sentinel March 21, 2004
Brian Altschuler started losing his hair when he was 28. Fearing that the hair loss made him appear 10 years older, Altschuler looked into toupees and weaves, but wasn’t thrilled with the prospect of shaving his head for a glued-on, fake-looking hairpiece. So last December, Altschuler had a $9,000 hair transplant. Now he feels like he’s regained his youthful edge.
“We live in a society where people judge you by your appearance,” said Altschuler, now 33 and the manager of organizational development for Bethesda Healthcare Systems in Boynton Beach. Altschuler does work force training and development and often speaks to crowds of up to 400 people.
“I need people to feel comfortable and trust in me,” he said. “People follow leaders who are not only confident in their personality, but confident in their appearance as well.”
Like Altschuler, men in search of a competitive edge in business or the workplace are flocking to cosmetic surgeons to gain a more youthful appearance via plastic surgery, liposuction, Botox or chemical peels. Surgical procedures and recovery times have improved to the point where a man can leave work early on Friday, visit his cosmetic surgeon and arrive Monday morning sporting a new look. And television shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy reflect a society that is much more accepting of men who put effort into looking good.
“There used to be a stigma associated with plastic surgery and vanity in men,” said Julio Gallo, a facial plastic surgeon in North Miami Beach. “I think men are realizing that it’s not a taboo area any more, and it helps them in not only their social life, but their professional career as well.” Gallo said that about a quarter of his patients today are men, up from about 10 percent a decade ago.
The most common procedures he performs on men are nose jobs, eyelid lifts and face lifts. Gallo also does about 50 chin implants a year. In that procedure, a small wedge of solid silicone is inserted on top of the jaw bone through a 1-centimeter incision under the chin. “If a man has a weak chin, this distracts from an impression of authority,” he said.
Another factor driving the trend: job insecurity. With the recent economic slump and downsizings, many men in their 40s and 50s have found themselves out of work. With younger men competing for what few jobs are available, older executives feel they need to gain an edge.
Looking younger is considered an asset. “If someone looks washed out, then I don’t necessarily want to hire him,” said Thomas H. Shea, chief executive officer for the Florida/Caribbean Region of Right Management Consultants in Fort Lauderdale.
“To have an equal chance, someone has to look vibrant — like they’re up to a challenge. That’s why plastic surgery is more culturally acceptable now.” Shea said that for job candidates, looking good is as important as keeping skills current.
“If I’m a technology person, I have to stay current on software,” he said. “But I also have to look fit, make sure I don’t get overweight and stay in shape so I can remain competitive.”
Ronald Friedman, a self-employed financial planner in Boca Raton, recently had a hair transplant. “I wanted to match up my face and my body,” said Friedman, 49. “I’m a young-looking guy, and it was odd not to have hair on the front of my head. Now I feel much more in proportion.”
According to the New York-based American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, men had nearly 1.1 million cosmetic procedures last year (13 percent of the total). Cosmetic procedures for men increased 31 percent from 2002.
The top five surgical procedures for men were liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast reduction and hair transplantation. Studies indicate that the perception of bias against older workers is widespread. According to a recent survey of executives conducted by Norwalk, Conn.-based ExecuNet, 82 percent of those surveyed said that age discrimination is a serious problem in today’s employment market, up from 78 percent three years ago.
Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said they have encountered age discrimination in a job search, up from 58 percent in 2001. Alan J. Bauman, a Boca Raton surgeon who specializes in hair restoration, says some of his clients are looking older, “and they see these young guys right out of school nipping at their heels.”
Bauman does hair transplants at a cost of $4,000 to $12,000 per session; the average person needs two sessions, he said. Bauman also said he’s seeing an increase in the number of parents who pay for hair transplants for their college-age sons. “It’s kind of a pre-employment spiffing up,” he said. “The parents pay for the best schools and the best tailor, and they want their son to have the best opportunity when he goes on a job interview, so they pay for hair too.”
Martin Casal, a Miami-based sales representative for Toshiba America Inc., recently had rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job.” “It was big and crooked and didn’t really match my face,” said Casal, 26. “I’m going into a field where I’m meeting people, and I felt that looking better would boost my confidence and self-esteem.” Casal paid $3,500 for the procedure. He now plans to go to a cosmetic dentist to get veneers to correct gaps between his teeth. He expects the increase in confidence to make him a better salesman. Bauman sees that kind of thinking often. “People need a competitive edge,” he said. And the edge of choice these days for more and more men comes on the underside of a scalpel.
Robyn A. Friedman is a freelance writer.
SPIFFING UP: Alan J. Bauman, a Boca Raton surgeon who specializes in hair restoration, painlessly prepares thousands of graft sites on his patient. Bauman does hair transplants at a cost of $4,000 to $16,000 per session; the average person needs one or two sessions, he says. Alan J. Bauman Photo/Joe Amon Copyright 2004