Choosing a Hair Loss Expert Video Transcript

Participants

David R. Marks MD, Michael L. Reed MD, Neil Sadick MD, Mary Ellen Luchetti MD

Summary

If you are experiencing hair loss, you may have considered seeking expert help for your problem. But who should you turn to? And how do you know you're getting the best care? Join our hair loss specialists as they discuss how to go about finding the right hair loss expert for you.

Webcast Transcript

DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Hi, and welcome to our webcast.I'm Dr. David Marks.If you're losing your hair, you may be searching for a solution.Who should you turn to, and how do you know you're getting the best care? With me today to tell us how to find a hair loss expert are two guests who are themselves hair loss experts.

First is Dr. Neil Sadick.He's a dermatologist and a cosmetic surgeon and a hair transplant surgeon at Weill Cornell Medical College.Thanks for being here.

NEIL SADICK, MD: You're welcome.Hi, David.

DAVID R. MARKS, MD: And another dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon is Dr. Michael Reed.He's from NYU. Welcome.

MICHAEL REED, MD: Thank you, David.

DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Who should a person turn to first when they're seeking help?

NEIL SADICK, MD: When you're seeking medical help, always look to a medical expert such as your physician.If you have a dermatologist, dermatologists are really experts in the field of hair disorders, so if you have a dermatologist, he is the person I would consult first. If you don't, you can consult your family physician, and he can make the appropriate referral to a dermatologist who he feels is expert in this particular area.

DAVID R. MARKS, MD: But not all dermatologists are hair loss experts, are they?

MICHAEL REED, MD: All dermatologists are trained in the general knowledge and treatment of hair loss disorders, but not all dermatologists choose to do this, because it's a very important area and people are very upset.It takes a long time to deal with these consultations, so a dermatologist will often refer to a dermatologist specialist. There are some of us in the area who have sort of a subspecialty in hair and scalp disorders, in medical and/or surgical treatment.

DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Does it make a difference if the person is a man or a woman? Not the doctor, the person suffering from hair loss.

NEIL SADICK, MD: Not really.Most dermatologists who are trained and have some expertise in this area usually deal both with men and women.

DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Some patients may turn to over-the-counter products or products that they hear advertised on the radio or television. Is this harmful? Is this going to do anything bad, or is it just a waste of time?

MICHAEL REED, MD: Most of the things that are advertised -- there are some exceptions.For example, over-the-counter minoxidil, which is Rogaine, is FDA approved.It's been shown to be effective in scientific studies.Most of the other preparations that are heavily advertised or marketed are, to be nice about it, unproved, shall we say. Any product that is advertised as being effective in regrowing hair and absolutely devoid of side effects has got to be untrue, because there's a basic law of pharmacology that every drug that works has some side effects in some certain circumstances.So I would just use that as a guide in using these over-the-counter preparations.

Unfortunately, this is snake-oil country. It always has been and always will be.People get really desperate when they're losing their hair, and they'll try anything. They show this money-back guarantee, and you take advantage of it.

DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Who should a person not turn to?

NEIL SADICK, MD: I would not turn to anyone that has no experience and no interest in treating patients with hair disorders.