July 31, 2022

Restore Your Confidence if You Suffer From Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania (TTM) is classified as an impulse control disorder where a person suffers from the uncontrollable urge to pull out their hair. It can be from any hair on your body but the scalp is often the target of this recurring behavior.

When this disorder first appears, it can be easy to hide. However, as it progresses, those with trichotillomania end up with a hair loss problem that presents itself with patches of broken hair and bald spots. 

Besides its effects on a person’s physical appearance, it also has a huge negative impact on their mental and emotional states. It leads to low self-esteem, shame, social withdrawal, and even depression. 

Why do people do this?

TTM often starts in adolescence during a time of severe stress or tension. The pulling isn’t painful but rather soothing, which may explain the impulse to continue. Most sufferers of TTM aren’t even aware of their actions.        

How common is trichotillomania?

It’s estimated that 5-10 million Americans are affected by TTM at some level and many more compulsive hair-pullers don’t meet the diagnostic criteria but still have issues of hair loss from pulling.                                                                                

Is there a cure?

Right now, there’s no cure for trichotillomania as far as drugs or treatment that eliminates the condition. However, some treatments can reduce or stop hair-pulling behavior. There are also remedies to treat its other effects such as hair loss and scalp infections. 

Effective treatments for TTM?

The first is to be evaluated by a professional. Once you’ve been diagnosed, you can be treated by a behavioral health professional for treatment. It’s important to become aware of when you are hair pulling, the triggers that can set the behavior off, and practice exercises to control the urge.

Once you’ve recognized the problem and are getting help for it, The Hair Restoration Institute can help you regain your confidence and self-esteem by giving you your hair back. 

Hair Treatment Options:

• FUT or FUE hair transplantation. For many people with TTM, a transplant may be effective. Transplants are also effective for hair loss due to many other causes, so they may be a part of your treatment plan.

   

• PRP hair loss therapy. Platelet-rich plasma is rich with growth hormones and compounds that can help stimulate hair growth. In this treatment, the medical professional takes a sample of your blood and removes these compounds, and applies them in concentrated form to areas of hair loss – which helps stimulate growth.

   

• Low-level laser therapy. Low-level lasers have a therapeutic effect on follicles, helping restore their health so they can continue to grow hair. 

Other options in your treatment plan might include:

• Custom wigs

• Dermal Lens hair replacement systems

• HRI’s nutritional support and growth serum treatments

   

• and much more!

We want to help you get your confidence back to help you overcome this condition of hair-pulling. Get assessed by a professional at Hair Restoration Institute, the sooner you can be on your way to thicker, fuller hair. Make an appointment today for a discreet and free consultation by one of our caring hair loss experts. You can find us at 8030 Old Cedar Ave S Ste 202 in Bloomington, MN, or call 612-588-HAIR (4247) for a private, complimentary consultation.