Systematic approach to diagnosing and treating hair loss: The role of trichoscopy, PRP, and laser therapy
Objectives: In this presentation, I will provide physicians with a systematic approach to diagnosing and treating common hair disorders, based on my extensive experience as a practitioner, trainer, and advisor in hair conditions. The role of trichoscopy in diagnostics will be highlighted. Several case studies will be presented, where patients were treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and/or Er:YAG laser therapy. PRP and LASER are two modalities that have garnered significant interest from both patients and hair specialists in recent years. For this reason alone, they deserve our attention.
Introduction: Globally, hundreds of millions of men and women are affected by hair loss. Only a minority seek medical help; many choose not to start medical treatment or discontinue it prematurely. Patients often search for solutions online, falling prey to quack remedies that promise miracle cures. Physicians who aim to treat these patients must be prepared to become experts in hair loss. By following a systematic approach—comprising rigorous diagnostics and a selection of scientifically proven treatments —they can guide patients through the complex pathology of various hair conditions.
Materials / method: Using a variety of case studies, diagnostic pathways and biostimulatory treatments will be presented. Trichoscopy allows for the rapid and accurate identification of pathognomonic features of conditions like androgenetic alopecia. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) further provides an accurate overview of the patient’s current hair status. Treatments with PRP and Class 4 Er:YAG laser will be described in detail. The rationale behind therapy selection, the development of specific treatment protocols, and the methods of follow-up and evaluation will be discussed.
Results: The results of these treatments will be thoroughly discussed, supported by standardized before-and-after photographs.
Conclusion: The days when patients had to helplessly watch their hair gradually deteriorate are definitively behind us. For many patients, hair preservation is within reach. Physicians interested in treating these patients must become proficient in the complexities of hair loss, its various entities, and the appropriate treatments. Accurate diagnosis is crucial, and several treatment options have been scientifically researched, although the search for the optimal combination of therapies continues to evolve.
