New in My Practice: Cosmeceuticals

In each edition, Modern Aesthetics^® asks top aesthetic physicians what cosmeceuticals are popular in their practices today. This month, Tampa FL-based dermatologist PANOS VASILOUDES, MD, PhD, FAAD, FAAP shares his experience with HARKLINKKEN HAIR RE-GROWTH TREATMENT. Dr. Vasiloudes is also the Medical Director of Harklinikken.

What is HARKLINIKKEN hair re-growth treatment?

Developed in Copenhagen, the Harklinikken hair regrowth treatment comprises a proprietary extract of custom-blended ingredients that may reverse hair loss due to hereditary factors, stress, hormone changes, and environmental causes in both men and women. Specifically, the extract contains proprietary ingredients derived from milk, amino-acid complexes, sterols, tannins, and fatty acids from botanicals, such as iron-rich Burdock and Calendula — both of which help improve blood circulation, reduce scalp irritation, and promote the development of healthier scalp and hair follicles.

In addition to the customized extract, clients are given shampoo, conditioner, hair hydrators and styling products as needed. There is no color, perfume, silicone, petrochemicals or preservatives like parabens in the Harklinikken line of products.

There are currently 10 Harklinikken hair loss/re-growth clinics around the globe, with the newest one in Tampa, FL and one slated to open in Los Angeles soon. A client would go to www.harklinikken.com to complete an online assessment to determine if they are a candidate for the treatment. Assessment includes a questionnaire and a Skype or video conference call with a Harklinikken hair specialist. About 70 percent of individuals are accepted. At Harklinikken, our primary focus is on mild-to-moderate female and male hereditary androgenetic/hormonal hair loss.

Those who may not be suitable candidates for the treatment include individuals with alopecia areata/totalis, hair loss from scarring, severe scalp conditions, or other medical conditions causing or aggravating their hair loss. Clients with hair loss related to these conditions are either treated first for their underlying disease or excluded from the Harklinikken hair re-growth program.

Accepted clients will receive a customized extract based on age, gender, type of hair loss, hereditary factors, duration, and pattern of hair loss instead of how long it's been since the client first noticed hair loss and the degree of hair loss on the Norwood or Savin scale. The cost of the extract is $78 for a one-month supply. Supplemental products including shampoos, conditioners and stylers range from $29-$42. In sum, Harklinikken hair regrowth treatment costs around $100-150 per month.

How Well Does it Work?

So far, we have evaluated and/or treated more than 100,000 men and women. We have documented measurable hair density improvement over the course of treatment. Typical client results exceed 30 percent improvement in hair mass (combination of re-growing hair and improving existing hair thickness and quality), with many realizing 50-70 percent more hair. Most clients begin to notice a visible change in hair density in four to six months, but some notice it as early as one to two months.

A lot of clients are evaluated with follysis during their initial in-clinic assessment and then six months later to precisely track progress. Follysis measures the thickness, diameter, and number of hairs regrown, as well as the number of active hair follicles and compares to pre-treatment status.

Long-term commitment and daily compliance is key to these results. Treatment is re-evaluated monthly to see how well it is working and to make any necessary adjustments to the formula.

How can or should this be incorporated into practice?

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, obstetrician /gynecologists, internists, and family physicians can refer patients concerned about hair to our website for an online consultation. As part of my role as medical director, I supervise all Harklinikken locations globally and am in constant contact with all of our hair specialists to evaluate and identify cases related to underlying illness or medications.