Hair Loss in Young Men

Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Hair

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Australian cosmetic surgeon Dr Jennifer Martinick spoke to Holly O'Neill about the difficulty for a young man coming to terms with hair loss.

The loss of hair for men can be distressing at any time, yet when it occurs in the early 20s the effect on appearance, self-esteem and lifestyle can be devastating. A young man starting out in the world, perhaps just finished study, is starting his first job and probably looking for a relationship. He has enough pressures without losing his hair, which can in turn affect his self-confidence. Australian hair restoration surgeon Dr Jennifer Martinick says that it is an emotional and often desperate time for these young men. "He would buy anything in a bottle that might put hair on his head." Because his behavior can even become irrational, Dr Martinick feels that in a sense he is psychologically vulnerable.

This is often overlooked and is an area a lot of doctors do not address. Dr Martinick says if her patient is a young man concerned with hair loss, what he is usually saying is that some significant person in his life has pointed it out. This is obviously a huge blow to his ego. "I consider that any man under the age of 26 has an emotional aspect to his hair loss," says Dr Martinick. She goes on to explain by the time they are over the age of 30 they have a much more realistic expectation of the outcome, and their concern about hair loss is more likely to be connected to image, rather than a sense of worthlessness or insecurity.

It can be a difficult position for the surgeon as well. What can they do to help a young man work through this difficult time? "Spend time getting to the psychological problem. Empathize with them. Talk about the predisposing genetics of it. Discourage them from buying any junk in a bottle. Try to reassure them," explains Dr Martinick. She gets them to understand that if every male in their family is bald, they can't expect to be different. Hopefully understanding family history and genetics will lessen the desperation and the need to buy every product on the market in the hope it will restore their hair. Although they rationally know it won't work, deep down there is always the tiny, desperate hope it will.

Young men suffering hair loss often benefit from treatments such as finasteride tablets and minoxidil topical solution. At a young age these tend to help hair grow back and stop further hair loss. It is important that they persist with treatment.

Dr Martinick tries to strike a close relationship with these kinds of patients, as in these cases the role of the doctor is also for psychological support. "I try to get them to come back on an annual basis," says Dr Martinick. She takes photos from year to year, so the hair loss can be monitored. If the surgeon does not offer appropriate support, the patient may well turn to another surgeon who may not have the same integrity and may try to sell the patient "miracle cures" or even perform a hair transplant.

Hopefully, if time is spent with the patient they will come to terms with and understand their condition. "If you can get them over that emotional hurdle until they're that bit more mature and have come to terms with it, then they can talk about some transplanting. Or by then maybe it's not such a big deal," concludes Dr Martinick.

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