Dr. Johnson on Genetic Research and Hair Loss Treatment

A study published in the journal Nature Communications in March 2016 identifies, for the very first time, a host of genes believed to be associated with many hair characteristics, including eyebrow and beard bushiness, hair color and shape, hair graying and hair loss. We asked Dr. Johnson, one of our board-certified surgeons at Hair Restoration Centers, to weigh in on the importance of this study.

Question: Dr. Johnson, is this a significant breakthrough in the quest to cure baldness?

Dr. Johnson: This finding represents progress in ongoing research efforts, but should be viewed as one step in a very long process rather than a dramatic leap forward. This particular study focused primarily on identifying gene associations, not necessarily uncovering the specific gene characteristics that might lead to a cure for hair loss. Realistically, any genetic “cure” is likely 10-15 years away at the soonest. Each piece of data about the genes controlling hair growth gives us more insight into this complex process, potentially bringing us closer to developing enhanced treatments.

Question: Should people postpone pursuing current surgical hair transplants like FUT or FUE procedures, or non-surgical medical treatments, because these might be incompatible with future treatment options?

Dr. Johnson: I strongly advise against postponing proven treatments that can slow or reverse hair loss. It’s highly likely that any new treatments developed from genetic research will be compatible with previous transplants. Additionally, it’s critically important to preserve as much of your existing hair as possible while these advanced treatments are being developed. The surgical procedures we offer at Hair Restoration Centers provide permanent solutions that can be complemented by future innovations.

Question: If genetic treatment technology were to become available, would Hair Restoration Centers adopt these methods?

Dr. Johnson: Absolutely. At Hair Restoration Centers, we’re committed to offering all effective methods for treating hair loss. While we specialize in surgical procedures like FUT and FUE, we constantly evaluate emerging technologies and techniques. We find new research fascinating, and while we reject unproven fads, we enthusiastically embrace evidence-based innovation that could benefit our patients.

Question: Do these findings point to a genetic cure for hair loss? If so, what would such a treatment likely involve?

Dr. Johnson: It probably won’t be a true “genetic cure” in the sense of modifying genes. More likely, we’ll see treatments involving the injection of growth factors, stem cell stimulators, or cultured cells from the dermal papilla combined with growth factors to stimulate new follicle development. At Hair Restoration Centers, we’re closely monitoring these developments while continuing to perfect our surgical techniques.

Our team at Hair Restoration Centers includes board-certified surgeons with extensive experience in both FUT and FUE techniques across our 27 nationwide locations. We offer personalized consultations to evaluate your unique situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

Dr. Johnson is one of our board-certified hair transplant surgeons at Hair Restoration Centers, with specialized training in both Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) techniques. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Johnson has helped thousands of patients achieve natural-looking hair restoration results.