Hair Loss Treatment and Assessment in Burnaby

Your physician asks when the thinning began, about family history, health conditions, medications, diet and stress, then examines your scalp and hair. Blood tests or a referral may be suggested if a medical cause needs checking. Options are then discussed, which may include PRP or prescription medication where clinically appropriate, and a follow-up plan is agreed.

PRP is one option that may be discussed after assessment, mainly for pattern thinning where follicles are still present. It uses a concentrate of platelets from your own blood, injected into the scalp. Evidence is limited, protocols differ between studies and results vary, so the physician explains realistic expectations first. See our PRP hair page for details.

Hair follows a growth cycle, so any change is gradual and usually takes several months to judge. Reduced shedding is often the first thing people notice; changes in thickness take longer. Response varies with the type and stage of hair loss, and no result can be promised. Your physician reviews progress against your baseline at follow-up.

Prescription medication may be considered where clinically appropriate, depending on the type of hair loss, your health and other medications. Your physician will explain the expected benefits, the risks and any monitoring needed, and how long it takes before an effect can be judged. Some options are not suitable during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy.

It can point toward likely causes, such as pattern hair loss, shedding after illness or childbirth, or a possible medical factor like thyroid or iron problems. If something needs checking, blood tests or a referral may be suggested, and your family doctor may be involved. Sudden or patchy hair loss should always be assessed medically.

Skin Art MD is a physician-led skin clinic at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0H6, near Metrotown SkyTrain Station (Expo Line). We are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00, and closed on Monday. Phone: +1 (604) 639-2581.

Yes. Women are assessed as well as men. Female pattern thinning often shows as a widening part or diffuse thinning rather than a receding hairline, and shedding after childbirth, illness or stress is common. Because hormones, iron and thyroid can play a part, the assessment looks at your history first. PRP is not done during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

These depend on the option chosen. After PRP, temporary scalp tenderness, redness, swelling or bruising can occur and usually settle within a few days. Prescription medication has its own possible side effects, which differ by medicine. Your physician will explain the risks of any option before you decide, and what to report.

PRP may not be suitable with an active scalp infection, a blood or platelet disorder, blood-thinning treatment, scarring hair loss, complete baldness in the area, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. An active flare of patchy hair loss also needs medical care first. A physician assessment decides, after reviewing your history and medications.

Yes. Consultations at Skin Art MD in Burnaby are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, so you can describe your hair loss and ask about options in the language you prefer. Let us know your preferred language when you book, online or by calling +1 (604) 639-2581.

No. Options such as PRP are mainly discussed for pattern thinning and some types of shedding where follicles are still active. Scarring hair loss, complete loss in an area and some autoimmune conditions need other medical care. The physician will tell you at assessment if a treatment is unlikely to help, and when another pathway is more appropriate.

Pattern hair loss is gradual and ongoing, so any improvement from treatment may fade after it stops, and thinning can continue at its own pace. That is why maintenance is often discussed. Shedding caused by a temporary trigger, such as illness or childbirth, may settle on its own. Your physician will explain what to expect for your type of hair loss.