Last updated on May 28, 2024
Anagen effluvium is a sudden and severe form of hair loss that can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. Despite the fact that the condition can have a variety of causes, there are treatment options to encourage hair growth and enhance patient outcomes.
At Crown Clinic, we offer anagen effluvium treatment. Melbourne residents can contact us for expert advice or to book an appointment.
What is anagen effluvium?
Anagen effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs when hair growth is disrupted during the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.
It is a sudden and severe form of hair loss that can lead to bald patches on the scalp or even complete baldness.
Causes of Anagen Effluvium
Causes anagen effluvium can include:
- Chemotherapy drugs are the most common cause of anagen effluvium, as these drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicle cells.
- Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss, particularly in the area being treated.
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and alopecia areata can also cause anagen effluvium, as can fungal infections of the scalp.
- Infections
- Exposure to toxins
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Symptoms of Anagen Effluvium
The primary symptom of anagen effluvium is hair loss, which typically occurs suddenly and rapidly.
Hair loss can occur on any part of the scalp and may appear as bald patches or complete baldness. In some cases, other body hair may also be lost in various areas of the body, such as the eyebrows or eyelashes.
The severity of the hair loss can vary depending on the underlying cause of the anagen effluvium.
How is Anagen Effluvium Treatment Performed?
The treatment of anagen effluvium depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Once the course of treatment is over, hair typically grows back in cases where chemotherapy or radiation therapy caused the hair loss.
Treatment may be necessary to help promote hair growth where autoimmune diseases or infections are the cause of hair loss.
Treatment options may include:
- Corticosteroids injections
- Growth Factor Treatment
- Topical minoxidil
- Oral medications
Recovery After Anagen Effluvium Treatment
The recovery time varies depending on the underlying cause of the condition and the treatment options used. In cases where chemotherapy or radiation therapy is the cause of hair loss, hair growth typically starts a few months after treatment ends.
When chronic autoimmune diseases or infections are the cause of hair loss, recovery may take longer and necessitate ongoing treatment.
Advantages and Risks of Anagen Effluvium Treatment
The primary advantage of Anagen Effluvium treatment is the promotion of hair regrowth, which can help restore a patient’s self-confidence and improve their quality of life.
In cases where hair loss is caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, treatment can also help to minimise the emotional impact of hair loss during a difficult time.
The risks associated with anagen effluvium treatment depend on the treatment options used. Corticosteroid injections can cause side effects such as skin thinning and discolouration, while topical minoxidil can cause side effects such as scalp irritation and itching. However, the risks associated with these treatments are generally considered to be low, and most patients are able to tolerate them well.
How Much Does Anagen Effluvium Treatment Cost in Melbourne?
The cost of traction alopecia regrowth treatment at our Melbourne clinic will depend on the treatments recommended. In some cases, more than one treatment may be required for the best results. Review our prices here.
After your initial consultation, we advise on the best course of action and provide a detailed quotation.
Contact us to book an appointment.
Choose Crown Clinic.
At Crown Clinic, we specialise in several hair restoration treatments and techniques. Our doctors have more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic surgery. We are committed to putting the safety and well-being of our patients first by recommending procedures that will be beneficial.
We also aim to keep our pricing reasonable and realistic in a competitive and ever-changing market.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr Tony Prochazka
MBBS (Melb) FACCSM (Med) FCPCA / Cosmetic Doctor
Dr. Tony Prochazka has over 20 years of experience with various hair restoration techniques, scalp micropigmentation treatments being one of them.
Dr. Prochazka was also the inaugural dean of the faculty of medicine at the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and a former vice president of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia.
How to schedule a consultation
To schedule a consultation at our Melbourne clinic, please contact us at 02 9134 4788 or book online via our website.
Our Melbourne location
Level 1, 9 Claremont St.
South Yarra, VIC 3141
Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our most frequently asked questions:
What doctor do I see for hair thinning or female-pattern hair loss?
If you are experiencing thinning hair or female pattern baldness, it is recommended that you see a dermatologist or a trichologist. These specialists can help diagnose the cause of your hair loss and provide appropriate treatment options.
Can my GP help me with hair loss?
A general practitioner (GP) can help you with hair loss. They can assess your hair loss and refer you to a dermatologist or trichologist if necessary. They can also provide basic advice on hair care and recommend over-the-counter hair loss treatments.
Is Anagen Effluvium a result of damaged hair follicles?
Anagen Effluvium is not a result of damaged hair follicles. Rather, it is a type of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles are prematurely pushed into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle.
Is Anagen Effluvium similar to telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia?
Anagen Effluvium is a form of hair loss that occurs during the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. It is different from telogen effluvium, which occurs during the resting phase of the hair cycle, and androgenic alopecia, which is a genetic condition that causes hair thinning and baldness in both men and women.
While anagen effluvium is primarily caused by factors such as chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medications, telogen effluvium and androgenic alopecia can have a range of causes, including stress, hormonal imbalances, and genetics.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.