Hair restoration information online consistently contradicts itself. One source promises miraculous results from supplements, while another insists only surgery works. Meanwhile, social media is full of before-and-after photos that seem too good to be true.
At The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine in Madison, Wisconsin, Shamila Gupta Rawal, MD, helps patients navigate these conflicting claims. Her background as an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon gives her detailed knowledge of scalp anatomy and how different hair loss patterns develop.
She evaluates each patient’s specific situation and explains which treatments will work based on their type of hair loss and its current stage.
Not all hair loss responds to the same treatments. The cause and severity directly influence which options work.
This hormone-sensitive condition affects 95% of men and 40% of women experiencing hair loss. Men typically see hairline recession and crown thinning, while women develop diffuse thinning across the top of their scalp.
Your immune system attacks follicles in distinct areas, creating round or oval patches of complete hair loss. These patches can appear anywhere on your scalp, beard, or eyebrows.
Stress, illness, or hormonal changes trigger this condition, causing you to lose much more than the normal 100 hairs per day. The shedding usually starts 6-12 weeks after the triggering event.
Follicles that have shrunk but haven’t shut down can often reactivate. Once follicles completely stop producing hair, however, your options become limited to surgical replacement or coverage techniques. Our most effective treatment options include the following:
Low-level laser therapy energizes struggling follicles. Dr. Rawal prescribes LaserCap® devices for home use. Most patients notice decreased shedding within four to six weeks.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy delivers growth factors from your blood directly to follicles. We recommend three initial sessions, then maintenance every 6-12 months.
For extensive thinning, Dr. Rawal offers her proprietary tRigenera treatment, which releases 70 billion smart exosomes to repopulate your scalp with healthy stem cells.
When follicles stop functioning, only transplantation can restore density in those areas.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) harvests individual follicles without creating linear scarring. This method allows patients to wear shorter hairstyles without visible scarring.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) removes a scalp strip, which allows Dr. Rawal to harvest more grafts in a single session. This technique works well when you need maximum density.
Scalp micropigmentation deposits medical-grade pigment that mimics hair follicles. It works well for:
You can combine micropigmentation with other treatments or use it as a standalone solution, depending on your goals.
Dr. Rawal evaluates your hair condition, family history, and lifestyle to determine which treatments fit your situation. She reviews factors like your age, the pattern of your hair loss, and how quickly it’s progressing.
The evaluation process includes examining your scalp under magnification to assess follicle health and discussing your goals realistically. Dr. Rawal explains what each treatment can and cannot accomplish, so you understand exactly what to expect.
Schedule a consultation at The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine to learn which treatments align with your hair loss pattern. Call our Madison office at 608-721-6132 or book online.
