Dermatologist Javier Pedraz, medical director of Insparya clinic, reveals that genetics is the main cause of androgenetic alopecia, prevalent in Spain. Environmental factors like stress and diet can accelerate hair loss. Spain and the Czech Republic rank among Europe's highest in baldness rates.
Spain holds one of the top global spots for baldness rates, occasionally edged out by the Czech Republic, per various studies. Dr. Javier Pedraz, born in Salamanca in 1978 and trained in medicine at La Princesa Hospital, serves as medical director of Insparya, the largest hair transplant clinic founded by footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. This network, starting in Portugal and now in five countries with 15 clinics and 400 staff, has treated 70,000 patients across its 2,500 square meters per site.
Pedraz joined in 2019, leaving public medicine for this innovative venture. Initially doubtful, he was struck by its scope. Androgenetic alopecia, the most common hair loss type, stems primarily from genetics, though chronic stress, modern habits, and nutritional shortages can worsen it. "Genetics loads the gun, and environmental factors can pull the trigger," the expert states.
It affects men more due to testosterone but troubles women more emotionally from hormonal influences. It harms self-esteem, restricting social activities like beach visits or dating. Transplants suit men; women benefit from mesotherapy or platelet-rich plasma, as seen with Georgina Rodríguez.
Procedures last hours, with temporary swelling and hair shedding after a month, but regrowth starts by the sixth month. They cost 5,000 to 6,000 euros, and Pedraz cautions against cheap Turkish options due to follow-up risks like inflammation or necrosis.
A balanced Mediterranean diet aids, supplemented by zinc or biotin, though not as primary treatments. Minoxidil, around for 50 years, is well-known but lacks thorough comparisons. Pedraz notes results differ by individual factors, and his greatest reward is witnessing transplants transform lives.