A renowned plastic surgeon has stepped forward with insights about a prescription medication reportedly used by former President Donald Trump to combat hair loss.
According to the Daily Mail, Dr. Gary Linkov, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, has identified finasteride as his primary recommendation for patients battling hair loss, a medication that Trump's former physician revealed was part of the president's treatment regimen.
The drug, which costs between $20 to $60 monthly, has gained significant attention in the medical community for its effectiveness in preventing male pattern baldness. Clinical trials involving 1,800 men demonstrated that after two years, only 17 percent of participants taking finasteride experienced continued hair loss, compared to 72 percent in the control group.
Finasteride works by preventing the body from converting testosterone into DHT, a compound responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing them to fall out. The medication was initially developed to treat enlarged prostates before its hair-preservation properties were discovered.
Dr. Linkov emphasizes the importance of early intervention, noting that most men experience significant hair loss between ages 25 and 35, followed by a slower progression of hair thinning. Statistics indicate that nearly two-thirds of men face notable hair loss by age 35, with the number increasing to 85 percent by age 50.
The surgeon often combines finasteride treatment with minoxidil, marketed under the brand name Rogaine, which enhances blood flow to hair follicles and promotes thicker hair growth. This dual approach has shown promising results in maintaining and improving hair density.
Dr. Harold Bornstein, Trump's longtime physician, disclosed the former president's use of finasteride in interviews with The New York Times. While Trump's team has never officially confirmed these claims, the revelation sparked increased interest in the medication.
Actor Rob Lowe has been particularly vocal about his experience with the drug. In a candid interview with the UK's Daily Telegraph, Lowe shared:
The first glimmer that a single hair of mine was going to fall out, I was having stuff mainlined into my f****** veins. And that's what I did for the next thirty years.
Dr. Linkov acknowledges that while finasteride is highly effective, it comes with potential side effects affecting one to two percent of patients, including decreased libido and cold sweats. A more potent alternative, dutasteride, reduces DHT levels by over 90 percent compared to finasteride's 60-70 percent but carries a higher risk of side effects.
Research continues to advance with new medications like KX-826, GT-20029, and RU58841, which are currently undergoing clinical trials. However, these treatments haven't yet received FDA approval for hair loss treatment.
Medical professionals emphasize that while finasteride can effectively slow or stop hair loss, it typically won't restore hair that has already been lost. The focus remains on early intervention and prevention rather than restoration.
The conversation around hair loss prevention has evolved significantly, with more than 2.4 million Americans receiving finasteride prescriptions annually. Some prescriptions target prostate enlargement, while others specifically address hair loss concerns.
Dr. Gary Linkov's revelations about finasteride have shed light on a medication that has become increasingly popular among men fighting hair loss, including high-profile figures like Donald Trump and Rob Lowe. While the drug shows promising results in clinical trials, medical professionals continue to emphasize the importance of understanding both its benefits and potential side effects.
