RefinedMD
800 Pollard Road, Building A
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Phone: (408) 688-2082
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: Please call for availability
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Medications are often covered by insurance companies for hair loss, whereas cosmetic treatments for hair restoration usually aren’t. If cosmetic treatments are better for you, don’t worry. RefinedMD has a fantastic rewards that makes monthly payment reasonable – contact our office to learn more. SmartGraft and Capillus are both great options, and we’ll help you customize the best hair loss treatment strategy for you and your goals.
Understanding the cause of hair loss is essential to customizing a hair restoration treatment. Many patients choose to live with their hair loss because they think solutions are too costly—this is a huge mistake. When hair is thinning, the follicle is still active. It’s possible to re-boot your hair growth before a follicle is dead, but once the kill happens, fewer options are available. Plus, did you know that most of the time hair loss is covered by insurance for some treatments?
Since establishing RefinedMD in 2012, Dr. Swengel has earned a reputation throughout the South Bay as one of the area’s top cosmetic and medical dermatologists. He is sought out for his expertise as a Mohs micrographic surgeon and laser treatment specialist, as well as his warm, attentive style of patient care.
Meet Dr. Steven SwengelMedical treatments for hair loss might include medications, a supplement called Nutrafol available at RefinedMD, and the topical solution Minoxidil which is also available in the office. Minoxidil is highly effective for alopecia patients. However, it’s true what your grandmother told you—it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Hair and nails are both made of keratin, and both are the last parts of the body to get nutrients. You can bolster both by adding key vitamins such as biotin. With evidence that this safe vitamin helps with hair and nail growth, a daily dose of 2.5mg can give your hair some serious boost.
Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss. A primary care doctor can offer a deficiency test and evaluate you for anemia. Ferrous sulfate in 325mg doses is the daily recommendation, though only your primary care doctor can prescribe the right amount for you. Your overall diet and nutrition always plays a big role in hair growth.
How you care for your hair, especially if it’s long, is foundational. Nizoral is an anti-yeast shampoo that’s been shown to be helpful for both hair loss and dandruff. Available in a two percent strength option by prescription only, let it set on wet hair for five minutes three times per week. Normal shampoo and conditioner can follow. Most Americans over-wash, and daily washing can lead to added stress and dry hair. Aim for every other day, max, and use a wide-toothed comb on damp strands instead of a brush. Towel-drying is always best.
Choosing gentle and protective hairstyles is another must. Reduce stress on hair and avoid heat styling, tight styles, or sleeping on long hair without sporting a lose braid. Silk or faux-silk sheets and pillowcases also reduce hair damage. Avoid coloring hair, particularly if you have a penchant for dark tresses. Dark hair and a white scalp can make hair look even thinner.
Remember that as we age, so does our hair. “Old hair” is generally dry and wiry. On the plus side, wiry hair can look thicker. On the other hand, a lot of people like to cover their gray. If that’s you, stick with ammonia-free dyes as they are gentler.
Minoxidil is in Rogaine as well as a variety of other topical brands. It’s FDA approved with a two percent dose for women being the norm (five percent for men). Apply it to the scalp as directed, either once or twice per day. Avoid contact with the face. The Rogaine brand has propylene glycol, which can be aggravating to the skin—however, the foam version doesn’t have this preservative.
Sometimes a Rogaine/steroid lotion will be prescribed. It’s a blend of two products and not available at all pharmacies. Dr. Steven Swengel of RefinedMD can refer patients to nearby pharmacies and online pharmacies that carry it. With Minoxidil, perseverance is key. It can take many months to see improvement, but don’t give up. Stopping can cause hair loss. It’s a lifelong medication, and if you stop using it hair loss will come rushing back to where it was (or worse!). There are no serious side effects reported with Minoxidil, though it should not be used by women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Save it until your post-partum months when hair loss kicks into high gear.
RefinedMD is an out-of-network clinic which means we do not have a contract or communicate with any health insurance providers. A payment receipt along with a super bill will be provided following your appointment, which you can use to seek possible reimbursement from your insurance provider. Please understand that payment is expected to be paid in full at the time of your appointment. Learn more about insurance at RefinedMD.
Which would you rather do, reduce unwanted hair or remove it? The obvious answer might seem like the latter, but there’s a reason why we at RefinedMD exclusively offer laser hair reduction. The only way …
A lot of people think of hair transplants as the infomercials from years past. Today, hair transplantation is no longer the major surgery it used to be and you don’t have to shave your entire …
Suffering from hair loss, but wary of hair transplantation? Don’t worry—Dr. Sudeep Roy at RefinedMD offers the latest in hair transplantation, including SmartGraft and NeoGraft. Gone are the days of invasive hair transplant procedures that …
Most people know what a hair transplant is, and it’s a serious surgery that requires ample downtime. RefinedMD has an alternative: The Smart Graft. Hair transplants clearly work because they take sections of your scalp …
Take the first step toward feeling balanced, energized, and aligned with our GLP1 and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy special. New patients are invited to begin their journey with a complimentary in-person consultation, where a personalized plan can be developed to support metabolism, hormone balance, and overall wellness. For a limited time, enjoy 20% off regular pricing, making it easier to invest in long-term health and vitality. Whether you are looking to manage weight, improve energy levels, or support hormonal changes, this offer provides a thoughtful entry point into a more comprehensive wellness strategy designed around your individual needs.
This summer, take control of your body goals with our Cool For The Summer package designed to deliver real, visible transformation in the areas that matter most to you. Choose from targeted zones such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, or chin and commit to a customized treatment plan completed within 120 days for optimal results. This package is built around achieving meaningful change in a defined area, with a team that is committed to helping you reach your goals. As an added benefit, medically eligible patients will receive 12 weeks of microdosed tirzepatide at no additional cost with package purchase, supporting your progress from multiple angles and helping you feel confident all season long.
