🌸 What Is a Scalp Cooling Device?

🌸 What Is a Scalp Cooling Device?

A scalp cooling device is a medical device used to reduce or prevent hair loss (especially on the scalp) caused by chemotherapy.
It is also known as scalp cooling or scalp hypothermia therapy.

🧊 How Does It Prevent Hair Loss?

By cooling the scalp, blood vessels constrict, reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles, which helps prevent hair loss.

Here’s how it works:

• Cooling the scalp temporarily reduces blood flow
• Fewer chemotherapy drugs reach the hair follicles
• This reduces damage to the hair roots

🛠️ How to Use It (General Process)

1. The cooling cap is worn before chemotherapy begins
2. Cooling continues during chemotherapy
3. After treatment, cooling continues for another 30–90 minutes (as the drug may still be active)

In most cases, total cooling time is about 2–3 hours.

✅ How Effective Is It?

• It does not completely prevent hair loss
• However, studies report that 50–70% of users experience either partial hair retention or hair loss that is barely noticeable
• Effectiveness varies depending on the type of chemotherapy and the individual’s condition

⚠️ Cautions and Side Effects

Item	Details
Cold Sensation / Headaches	Prolonged cooling may cause cold discomfort, headaches, or general unease
Cost	Not covered by insurance (out-of-pocket). Each session may cost several thousand to tens of thousands of yen
Individual Variation	Some people respond well, others less so
No Impact on Overall Treatment	Only the scalp is cooled—this does not affect the effectiveness of cancer treatment

🏥 Main Devices Used in Japan

• DigniCap
• Paxman

Both devices have a strong track record in Western countries and are now available in some cancer centers and breast clinics in Japan.

🎀 Who Is It Recommended For?

• People who feel significant emotional stress about hair loss
• Those who want to maintain their appearance during treatment (e.g., for work or daily life)
• Patients undergoing limited chemotherapy, such as those with early-stage breast cancer

📌 Summary

Item	Description
Purpose	To reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss
Method	Cooling the scalp to restrict blood flow
Effectiveness	Cannot completely prevent hair loss, but may reduce visible thinning
Cautions	Costs, cold-related discomfort, and individual differences
Consult With	Breast surgeons or oncology specialists at hospitals offering scalp cooling