Introduction
Hair thinning is a common concern for many individuals in New York City, affecting both men and women. It can have a significant impact on self - esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are numerous hospitals and clinics in the city that offer a variety of treatments for hair thinning densification. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the top hospitals, available treatments, and associated costs in New York City.
Understanding Hair Thinning
Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle occurs in three discrete phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase, where hair grows actively, lasts from 2 to 6 years. Most of the hair on the scalp is in this phase. The catagen phase lasts about ten days, and the telogen phase lasts for two to three months, during which the follicle rests and the hair falls out. A normal amount of hair loss is between 50 to 100 hair strands per day as the hair goes through this cycle. Disruptions in this cycle can lead to hair thinning and loss.
Common Causes of Hair Thinning
- Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia, which includes male - pattern and female - pattern hair loss, is hereditary. In men, it typically presents as a thinning crown and receding hairline creating an “m” shape. In women, it often shows as diffuse thinning and a wider part.
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions like thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary disease (PCOS), and hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, puberty, and menopause can contribute to hair thinning.
- Stress: Three types of hair loss associated with stress are telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. Telogen effluvium causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding after a stressor event.
- Medications: Blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics, cholesterol - lowering medications, and many others can cause hair loss or thinning as a side effect.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Poor nutrition, such as vitamin or mineral deficiency, can lead to hair problems. For example, iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of hair loss in women.
- Illness and Infections: Severe illnesses with fever, like COVID - 19, bacterial and fungal infections, lupus, lichen planus, and secondary syphilis can all result in hair thinning.
Top Hospitals and Doctors for Hair Thinning Densification in New York City
Healthgrades - Recommended Doctors
Healthgrades has listed several doctors who treat hair loss in New York City. Some of the highly - rated ones include:
Doctor Name | Rating | Location |
---|---|---|
Dr. Ana Krieger, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 425 e. 61st st. 5th floor, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Lindsey Bordone, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 51 west 51st street, New York, NY 10019 |
Dr. Jeffrey Weinberg, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 32 union sq e ste 516, New York, NY 10003 |
Dr. Michele Green's Practice
Dr. Michele Green is an expert in hair loss and has been at the forefront of innovation in treating thinning hair in NYC for over two decades. She is consistently rated one of the best dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine. Dr. Green treats all types of hair loss, from androgenic alopecia to telogen effluvium. She incorporates the latest technologies, such as platelet - rich plasma (PRP) injections and Keravive™ Hydrafacial for hair loss, into her practice.
Dr. Wolfeld's Hair Restoration Practice
Dr. Wolfeld is a nationally - recognized hair restoration specialist. He is a board - certified plastic surgeon and the first physician certified both by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He offers a variety of hair restoration procedures, including follicular unit excision (FUE), follicular unit transplantation (FUT), and uses the advanced Artas IX system.
Treatments for Hair Thinning Densification
Medications
- Finasteride (Propecia): An FDA - approved drug for treating androgenetic alopecia. It is a 5 - alpha - reductase inhibitor that helps reduce hair loss by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is effective for both men and post - menopausal women with hair loss.
- Spironolactone: An FDA - approved prescription medication for treating androgenetic alopecia and PCOS in women. It slows the production of male sex hormones and obstructs androgen receptors, controlling DHT and testosterone levels.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): An FDA - approved topical treatment for hair loss. It comes as a solution or foam and needs to be applied to the scalp at bedtime. It can be used in combination with other treatments and is suitable for both men and women.
- Hair Vitamins: B vitamins, especially biotin, are useful in treating hair loss. Supplements like Viviscal and Nutrafol, formulated with essential vitamins, have been clinically proven to thicken and help hair grow. Nutrafol also contains saw palmetto, which prevents the conversion of male androgen hormones into DHT.
Platelet - Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP is a popular non - surgical hair loss treatment. It involves collecting a sample of the patient's blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells, and injecting the plasma into the scalp. The plasma contains growth factors that stimulate hair follicles, promoting new hair growth and reducing hair loss. Dr. Michele Green was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to incorporate PRP into her practice. Most patients benefit from 5 treatments of PRP, spaced one month apart, followed by annual maintenance treatments.
Hair Transplantation
There are two main types of hair transplantation procedures:
- Follicular Unit Excision (FUE): This procedure involves harvesting healthy hair follicles from the back of the head and transplanting them to the thinning or balding area one by one for a natural result. Dr. Wolfeld uses advanced techniques like the Artas IX system for FUE, which is a physician - assisted robotic method that ensures precision and outstanding outcomes.
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Also known as the “strip” method, a linear strip of the scalp is harvested from the back of the scalp, and the follicular unit grafts are dissected from the strip and implanted in the thinning or balding area.
Hydrafacial Keravive
Hydrafacial Keravive is a unique 3 - step office procedure to cleanse, stimulate, and hydrate the scalp. It removes impurities and dead skin cells from the hair follicles and replaces vital nutrients. Step 1 uses hydrafacial vortex technology to remove oils and impurities and stimulate circulation. Step 2 stimulates and nourishes the scalp with a peptide complex solution. Step 3 involves using the Hydrafacial Keravive complex spray at home for daily nourishment. It is recommended once a month for three months in conjunction with the spray.
Laser Cap
The laser cap is an FDA - approved prescription - strength laser therapy for hair regrowth in both men and women. It uses low - level laser therapy (LLLT) to re - energize inactive hair follicles. It is a drug - free alternative and is particularly effective as a maintenance device for hair growth. Dr. Michele Green offers the laser cap at her office, which has been proven more effective than other advertised lasers on the market.
Costs of Hair Thinning Densification Treatments
Medication Costs
The cost of medications can vary. Finasteride and minoxidil are available in different formulations and brands, and their prices depend on the pharmacy and the dosage. Hair vitamins like Viviscal and Nutrafol also have different price points depending on the package size.
PRP Treatment Costs
The average cost of PRP in New York City can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per session. Most patients require a short series of 4 sessions, each spaced one month apart, to achieve optimal results. The total cost depends on the individual needs and goals of the patient, the treating physician's experience, and the geographic location of the dermatology office.
Hair Transplantation Costs
The cost of hair transplantation with Dr. Wolfeld can range from $8,000 to $16,000, depending on the extent of the scalp to be transplanted. With Fuesion Hair Clinics, the average cost of a hair transplant in New York typically ranges from $4,000 to $15,000, based on the number of grafts required and the complexity of the procedure. Fuesion Hair Clinics offers a cost calculator on their website to help clients estimate the price.
Hydrafacial Keravive Costs
The cost of Hydrafacial Keravive may vary depending on the clinic. However, as it is a series - based treatment, patients should expect to budget for the multiple sessions and the cost of the at - home spray.
Laser Cap Costs
The cost of a laser cap can also vary. Some may be available for purchase outright, while others may be rented from the doctor's office. Prices can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the brand and features.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Treatment
When choosing a hospital or clinic for hair thinning densification, consider the following factors:
- Doctor's Expertise: Look for doctors who are experienced in treating hair loss and have a good reputation. Check their ratings and reviews from previous patients.
- Treatment Options: Ensure that the facility offers the treatment options that are suitable for your type of hair loss. Different treatments work better for different causes of hair thinning.
- Cost and Insurance: Understand the total cost of the treatment and whether it is covered by your insurance. Some cosmetic treatments like PRP for hair loss are not typically covered by health insurance.
- After - care: A good hospital or clinic should provide comprehensive after - care instructions and follow - up appointments to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
Hair thinning can be a distressing issue, but there are many effective treatments available in New York City. From medications to advanced procedures like hair transplantation and PRP injections, patients have a range of options to choose from. By understanding the causes of hair thinning, the available treatments, and the associated costs, you can make an informed decision about the best course of action for your hair health. It is recommended that you consult with a board - certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist to determine the most suitable treatment for your specific condition.
If you are struggling with hair thinning in New York City,