Alopecia

Alexis Stephens, DO, FAAD, FAOCD -  - Dermatology

Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

Alexis Stephens, DO, FAAD, FAOCD

Dermatology & Aesthetic Clinic located in Coral Springs, FL

Nearly 7 million Americans get bald patches as the result of alopecia, often severely impacting their confidence. If you’re noticing new or expanding bald patches, Alexis Stephens, DO, FAOCD, FAAD, can create a personalized alopecia treatment strategy to replenish your thinning areas and fight future hair loss at Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Coral Springs, Florida. To find an alopecia treatment that works for you, call the clinic or go online to book your appointment today.

Alopecia Q & A

What is alopecia?

Put simply, alopecia is hair loss. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your immune system is the culprit. While this seems like a serious issue, alopecia isn’t contagious and usually occurs in patients who are otherwise in good health. 

There are three main types of alopecia:

  • Alopecia areata: Bald patches on your scalp or body
  • Alopecia totalis: Complete hair loss on your scalp
  • Alopecia universalis: Complete loss of body hair

As a major component of your appearance, your hair is somewhat tied to your identity. Losing it completely or in patches can impact your self-esteem, so finding a treatment that works is a priority for many men and women with the condition

What causes alopecia?

You can get alopecia regardless of your sex, age, or race. The condition is genetic and occurs when your immune system starts to see your hair follicles as invaders that shouldn’t be in your body and attacks them. 

It often appears in patients who have other immune system disorders like allergies, eczema, or type 1 diabetes.

What are my treatment options for alopecia?

Alopecia is an unusual condition in that it often resolves itself, at least temporarily. If you have the condition and want to grow your hair back or stop the cycle of losing it repeatedly, you have several options for treatment. At Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Stephens assesses your case to create a customized treatment plan for you. Yours may include:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

As a versatile and revolutionary treatment, PRP injections have many applications. To treat your hair loss, Dr. Stephens draws your blood and derives the platelets and healing factors. 

When she injects them into your scalp, they strengthen your follicles and the increased blood flow to the area helps your hair grow back.

Topical medications

There are many topical ointments and creams available to suppress your immune system’s response to your follicles. They’re usually recommended for patients who have bald patches accounting for less than half of their hair.

Oral or injectable medications

Dr. Stephens may recommend oral or injectable medications if your alopecia has caused you to lose 50% or more of your hair.

Losing your hair as a result of alopecia doesn’t have to cost you your self-esteem. If you’re noticing new or returning bald spots, don’t hesitate to call Parkland Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery or go online to book your treatment consultation today.