Most hair transplants are performed in men and women who have lost their hair because of age-related pattern baldness. But sometimes hair transplant surgeons restore hair that has been lost due to surgery or an accident. These hair transplant procedures, which are often more complex than standard hair transplants, are known as corrective hair transplants.
Women who have facial cosmetic surgery make up the bulk of corrective hair transplantation, says Edwin S. Epstein, MD, a hair transplant surgeon in private practice in Richmond, Virginia and Virginia Beach.
During a facelift, incisions are usually made near the hairline at the temple and run down to the front of the ear and behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. After removing fat and tightening muscle, the surgeon pulls the skin back, trims the excess and stitches the tissue together. The hairline is therefore pulled back on the head and hair loss may occur due to scarring. In men, the sideburns are often lost and women can lose their bangs. The hair loss may be especially problematic for women who like to wear their hair off their face in a ponytail.
Likewise, a forehead lift, also known as an eyebrow lift, can lead to hair loss because incisions are usually made at or behind the hairline and the skin is then pulled back. In men who are bald, the incision may be made at mid-scalp. Newer brow lift techniques leave less of a scar and cause less hair loss, but some people may still require a hair transplant.
"The goal of hair transplantation in these situations is to recreate and dense up the hairline," explains Bob Leonard, DO, founder and chief surgeon of the Leonard Hair Transplantation Association in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
People may also seek corrective hair transplantation if hair loss has occurred as a result of trauma such as an accident or burn. The surgeon may perform hair transplants in the upper lips of men who had cleft palates repaired as babies, so that they can grow a mustache. They also do a lot of corrective procedures in people who had hair transplants performed with outdated plug techniques. These less precise procedures left wide spaces around each plug as well as scarring in the donor area in the back of the head.
Corrective procedures are more challenging procedures than standard transplants. Dr. Leonard says that's why it's particularly important that people find a hair transplant surgeon who has a great deal of experience performing transplants on a variety of patients.
When transplanting in a scarred area, surgeons have to be extra cautious about how close together they place the tiny grafts of hair to ensure that the hair is properly nourished. Hair growth in or near scarring may also be slower than it is healthy tissue, but Dr. Epstein says, "transplanted grafts often attract a blood supply, and that makes subsequent transplants work better."
People having this kind of transplantation may therefore require one or two additional procedures. In most cases, surgeons say, people who are patient and have enough donor hair are very satisfied with their new look.
"In people who have had a disfiguring scar, it doesn't always take a lot to make a dramatic improvement," Dr. Epstein says. "For them, a hair transplant offers a huge change in what they see in the mirror."
Showing posts with label Hair Restoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hair Restoration. Show all posts
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Hair Transplant FAQs
Why have a hair transplant?
The reason why men get hair transplants is to achieve a more or less “permanent” correction of hair loss in order to improve self-esteem and restore a more youthful self-image.
Who can get a transplant?
Any person with noticeable hair loss that includes thinning hair and bald areas, and whose remaining hair is capable of growing in a transplanted location (called a donor-dominant condition), is a candidate for hair transplantation. A donor-dominant condition is one in which transplanted hairs are able to survive at a new location and will live and produce hairs as long as they would have in their previous location. The most common condition seen is so-called male- and female-pattern androgenic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). However, other conditions such as scarring disorders resulting from injury, diseases, or previous surgery of the scalp, can also be treated with hair transplantation.
When should a hair transplant be done?
A hair transplant can be done any time after there is enough hair loss in a particular area, such as the front, middle, or top of the scalp so that noticeable thinning is present on casual examination of the affected area. Hair loss actually begins long before it is noticeable and approximately 50 percent of the hairs in a given area are lost before noticeable thinning becomes apparent.
How is a hair transplant done?
A variable sized section of living scalp containing live hair follicles is removed from the back of the head (donor area) and subsequently microdissected into small so-called follicular unit grafts that are implanted into small surgically produced recipient sites in the balding area (recipient area). The surgical sites are well-healed in 7 to 14 days, and after a delay of 8 to 12 weeks, the transplanted hairs begin to produce new hair shafts.
Where is a hair transplant done?
Hair transplants are done in an outpatient setting. Patients walk in and walk out the same day. Patients are given oral, or in some cases inhalant/intravenous sedation, followed by local anesthesia to the donor and recipient sites.
What are the main difficulties experienced by a patient before, during, and after a hair transplant?
The main problems encountered by patients before hair transplantation are usually concern about the cosmetic down time in the postoperative period, and varying degrees of anxiety about potential discomfort during and after the procedure. During the procedure, the patients often become restless due to the prolonged time required to achieve the results and because of this, sometimes have difficulty refraining from talking and moving, which makes the procedure more difficult for the surgeon and the assistants. Finally, after the procedure, the patients experience variable degrees of discomfort at the donor site and variable degrees of swelling of the forehead that resolve in a few days. Also, there are variable degrees of self-consciousness caused by the tiny scabs that are present in the recipient sites. However, most patients will say that the difficulties experienced in the postoperative period in no way equal the level of anxiety experienced during the preoperative period. The subconscious fear of detection by casual observers is not realized in the vast majority of patients during the postoperative period.
Which regions of the scalp are best suited for hair transplantation?
The frontal scalp and the midscalp are the areas best suited for microsurgical hair restoration. The so-called bald spot (vertex) can also be corrected, but is somewhat less desirable.
Can a completely bald head be completely restored by hair transplant surgery?
The answer is no, but this is a trick question. Obviously, a completely bald head cannot be transplanted because it has no donor hair to transplant! However, even a very bald scalp cannot be completely transplanted since the size of the donor area and the number of hairs present are smaller than the potentially bald area on the top of the head. However, if the potential donor site is sufficiently large and reasonably dense, a surprisingly large number of hair follicles are available for transplantation to the top of the head, and fairly large areas of balding scalp can be covered adequately with hair that is both natural and reasonably dense in appearance.
The reason why men get hair transplants is to achieve a more or less “permanent” correction of hair loss in order to improve self-esteem and restore a more youthful self-image.
Who can get a transplant?
Any person with noticeable hair loss that includes thinning hair and bald areas, and whose remaining hair is capable of growing in a transplanted location (called a donor-dominant condition), is a candidate for hair transplantation. A donor-dominant condition is one in which transplanted hairs are able to survive at a new location and will live and produce hairs as long as they would have in their previous location. The most common condition seen is so-called male- and female-pattern androgenic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). However, other conditions such as scarring disorders resulting from injury, diseases, or previous surgery of the scalp, can also be treated with hair transplantation.
When should a hair transplant be done?
A hair transplant can be done any time after there is enough hair loss in a particular area, such as the front, middle, or top of the scalp so that noticeable thinning is present on casual examination of the affected area. Hair loss actually begins long before it is noticeable and approximately 50 percent of the hairs in a given area are lost before noticeable thinning becomes apparent.
How is a hair transplant done?
A variable sized section of living scalp containing live hair follicles is removed from the back of the head (donor area) and subsequently microdissected into small so-called follicular unit grafts that are implanted into small surgically produced recipient sites in the balding area (recipient area). The surgical sites are well-healed in 7 to 14 days, and after a delay of 8 to 12 weeks, the transplanted hairs begin to produce new hair shafts.
Where is a hair transplant done?
Hair transplants are done in an outpatient setting. Patients walk in and walk out the same day. Patients are given oral, or in some cases inhalant/intravenous sedation, followed by local anesthesia to the donor and recipient sites.
What are the main difficulties experienced by a patient before, during, and after a hair transplant?
The main problems encountered by patients before hair transplantation are usually concern about the cosmetic down time in the postoperative period, and varying degrees of anxiety about potential discomfort during and after the procedure. During the procedure, the patients often become restless due to the prolonged time required to achieve the results and because of this, sometimes have difficulty refraining from talking and moving, which makes the procedure more difficult for the surgeon and the assistants. Finally, after the procedure, the patients experience variable degrees of discomfort at the donor site and variable degrees of swelling of the forehead that resolve in a few days. Also, there are variable degrees of self-consciousness caused by the tiny scabs that are present in the recipient sites. However, most patients will say that the difficulties experienced in the postoperative period in no way equal the level of anxiety experienced during the preoperative period. The subconscious fear of detection by casual observers is not realized in the vast majority of patients during the postoperative period.
Which regions of the scalp are best suited for hair transplantation?
The frontal scalp and the midscalp are the areas best suited for microsurgical hair restoration. The so-called bald spot (vertex) can also be corrected, but is somewhat less desirable.
Can a completely bald head be completely restored by hair transplant surgery?
The answer is no, but this is a trick question. Obviously, a completely bald head cannot be transplanted because it has no donor hair to transplant! However, even a very bald scalp cannot be completely transplanted since the size of the donor area and the number of hairs present are smaller than the potentially bald area on the top of the head. However, if the potential donor site is sufficiently large and reasonably dense, a surprisingly large number of hair follicles are available for transplantation to the top of the head, and fairly large areas of balding scalp can be covered adequately with hair that is both natural and reasonably dense in appearance.
All You Need to Know About Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is a relatively simple operation that can do wonders for people who suffer from hair loss-whether it is hereditary, due to an illness or accident. Getting a full head of hair often provides the confidence that allows people to feel better about their appearance. Below, Dr. Michael Reed answers some common questions about this procedure.
Why have a hair transplant?
Men get hair transplants to achieve a more or less permanent correction of hair loss in order to restore a more youthful self-image and improve self-esteem.
Who can get a transplant?
Any person with noticeable hair loss-including thinning hair and bald areas-and whose remaining hair is capable of growing in a transplanted location (called a donor-dominant condition), is a candidate for hair transplantation. A donor-dominant condition is one in which transplanted hairs are able to survive at a new location, and will live and produce hairs as they would have in their previous location.
The most common condition treated is so-called male-and female-pattern androgenic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). However, other conditions such as scarring disorders resulting from injury, diseases, or previous surgery of the scalp, can also be treated with hair transplantation.
When should a hair transplant be done?
A hair transplant can be done any time after there is sufficient hair loss in a particular area-such as the front, middle, or top of the scalp-so that noticeable thinning is present on casual examination. Hair loss actually begins long before it is noticeable; Approximately 50 percent of the hairs in a given area are lost before noticeable thinning becomes apparent.
How is a hair transplant done?
A variable sized section of living scalp containing live hair follicles is removed from the back of the head (donor area) and subsequently microdissected into small follicular unit grafts that are implanted into small surgically prepared recipient sites in the balding area (recipient area). The surgical sites heal in 7 to 14 days, and after a delay of 8 to 12 weeks, the transplanted hairs begin to produce new hair shafts.
Where is a hair transplant done?
Hair transplants are done in an outpatient setting. Patients walk in and walk out the same day. They are given oral, or in some cases inhalant or intravenous sedation, followed by local anesthesia to the donor and recipient sites.
What are the main difficulties experienced by a patient before, during, and after a hair transplant?
The main problems encountered by patients before hair transplantation are usually concern about the cosmetic down time in the postoperative period, and varying degrees of anxiety about potential discomfort during and after the procedure. During the procedure, the patients often become restless due to the prolonged time required to achieve the results and because of this, sometimes have difficulty refraining from talking and moving, which makes the procedure more difficult for the surgeon and the assistants. Finally, after the procedure, the patients experience variable degrees of discomfort at the donor site and variable degrees of swelling of the forehead that resolve in a few days. Also, patients often experience self-consciousness caused by the tiny scabs that are present in the recipient sites.
Which regions of the scalp are best suited for hair transplantation?
The frontal scalp and the midscalp are the areas best suited for microsurgical hair restoration. The so-called bald spot (vertex) can also be corrected, but is somewhat less desirable.
Can a completely bald head be completely restored by hair transplant surgery?
The answer is no, but this is a trick question. Obviously, a completely bald head cannot be transplanted, because it has no donor hair to transplant! Even a very bald scalp cannot be completely transplanted since the size of the donor area and the number of hairs present are smaller than the potentially bald area on the top of the head. However, if the potential donor site is sufficiently large and reasonably dense, a surprisingly large number of hair follicles are available for transplantation to the top of the head, and fairly large areas of balding scalp can be covered adequately with hair that is both natural and reasonably dense in appearance.
Why have a hair transplant?
Men get hair transplants to achieve a more or less permanent correction of hair loss in order to restore a more youthful self-image and improve self-esteem.
Who can get a transplant?
Any person with noticeable hair loss-including thinning hair and bald areas-and whose remaining hair is capable of growing in a transplanted location (called a donor-dominant condition), is a candidate for hair transplantation. A donor-dominant condition is one in which transplanted hairs are able to survive at a new location, and will live and produce hairs as they would have in their previous location.
The most common condition treated is so-called male-and female-pattern androgenic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). However, other conditions such as scarring disorders resulting from injury, diseases, or previous surgery of the scalp, can also be treated with hair transplantation.
When should a hair transplant be done?
A hair transplant can be done any time after there is sufficient hair loss in a particular area-such as the front, middle, or top of the scalp-so that noticeable thinning is present on casual examination. Hair loss actually begins long before it is noticeable; Approximately 50 percent of the hairs in a given area are lost before noticeable thinning becomes apparent.
How is a hair transplant done?
A variable sized section of living scalp containing live hair follicles is removed from the back of the head (donor area) and subsequently microdissected into small follicular unit grafts that are implanted into small surgically prepared recipient sites in the balding area (recipient area). The surgical sites heal in 7 to 14 days, and after a delay of 8 to 12 weeks, the transplanted hairs begin to produce new hair shafts.
Where is a hair transplant done?
Hair transplants are done in an outpatient setting. Patients walk in and walk out the same day. They are given oral, or in some cases inhalant or intravenous sedation, followed by local anesthesia to the donor and recipient sites.
What are the main difficulties experienced by a patient before, during, and after a hair transplant?
The main problems encountered by patients before hair transplantation are usually concern about the cosmetic down time in the postoperative period, and varying degrees of anxiety about potential discomfort during and after the procedure. During the procedure, the patients often become restless due to the prolonged time required to achieve the results and because of this, sometimes have difficulty refraining from talking and moving, which makes the procedure more difficult for the surgeon and the assistants. Finally, after the procedure, the patients experience variable degrees of discomfort at the donor site and variable degrees of swelling of the forehead that resolve in a few days. Also, patients often experience self-consciousness caused by the tiny scabs that are present in the recipient sites.
Which regions of the scalp are best suited for hair transplantation?
The frontal scalp and the midscalp are the areas best suited for microsurgical hair restoration. The so-called bald spot (vertex) can also be corrected, but is somewhat less desirable.
Can a completely bald head be completely restored by hair transplant surgery?
The answer is no, but this is a trick question. Obviously, a completely bald head cannot be transplanted, because it has no donor hair to transplant! Even a very bald scalp cannot be completely transplanted since the size of the donor area and the number of hairs present are smaller than the potentially bald area on the top of the head. However, if the potential donor site is sufficiently large and reasonably dense, a surprisingly large number of hair follicles are available for transplantation to the top of the head, and fairly large areas of balding scalp can be covered adequately with hair that is both natural and reasonably dense in appearance.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Hair Growth Drugs
Propecia® and Rogaine® are the only two hair loss medications that are approved by the FDA. With the ability to partially stabilize current hair loss and to prevent future hair loss, Propecia and Rogaine products can provide adequate results for plenty of patients. More often, though, they act as the perfect companion to hair transplant surgery.
What is Propecia®?
Propecia is the oral medication of the two hair loss treatment drugs that the FDA has approved. It can provide a defense against DHT—the hormone that causes hereditary hair loss—and help to stave off balding. The Propecia drug also has the ability to improve the amount of shedding a patient suffers in as few as three months. Hair transplantation will restore the hair you've lost, but Propecia can be added to help keep the rest of the hair that you are genetically destined to lose.
Rogaine® Hair Products
Rogaine is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment that can, like Propecia, provide a defense against the initial stages of hair loss. Rogaine can also sometimes be used after hair transplantation to promote new hair growth. The first FDA-approved unisex hair loss drug, Rogaine can also be effective for women. Rogaine comes in Men’s Rogaine, Women’s Rogaine, Rogaine Extra Strength, and Rogaine Foam. It is a topical solution, so patients apply this hair loss drug directly onto the scalp in the thinning areas.
Both Rogaine and Propecia are hair loss products that can be further explored and purchased at most of our listed locations.
What is Propecia®?
Propecia is the oral medication of the two hair loss treatment drugs that the FDA has approved. It can provide a defense against DHT—the hormone that causes hereditary hair loss—and help to stave off balding. The Propecia drug also has the ability to improve the amount of shedding a patient suffers in as few as three months. Hair transplantation will restore the hair you've lost, but Propecia can be added to help keep the rest of the hair that you are genetically destined to lose.
Rogaine® Hair Products
Rogaine is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment that can, like Propecia, provide a defense against the initial stages of hair loss. Rogaine can also sometimes be used after hair transplantation to promote new hair growth. The first FDA-approved unisex hair loss drug, Rogaine can also be effective for women. Rogaine comes in Men’s Rogaine, Women’s Rogaine, Rogaine Extra Strength, and Rogaine Foam. It is a topical solution, so patients apply this hair loss drug directly onto the scalp in the thinning areas.
Both Rogaine and Propecia are hair loss products that can be further explored and purchased at most of our listed locations.
Hair Transplant Costs
Hair transplant costs will vary from case to case. Because each patient's hair loss is unique, as are their expectations, the only way to learn the total expense of your own surgery is through an educational appointment with a qualified consultant.
Comparing Prices
You hear of hair transplant clinics charging by the graft, by the hair and even by the session, so it can be hard to really compare hair transplantation costs. For example, price per graft means nothing unless you know how many hairs you get in a graft and the experience of the doctor. Different hair restoration surgeons can perform a different number of micro-grafts per session. At a consultation, our specialists can break the hair transplant cost down into grafts or hairs once we've determined the price of your surgery.
Can you afford NOT to have a hair transplant?
As with any elective procedure, hair transplant cost is an important part of the research process. However, it shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. Hair restoration surgery can be custom-tailored, and planned out to fit each patient's individual budgetary needs. Plus, it's a valuable investment, producing results that last a lifetime. Can you really put a price tag on piece of mind? Hair transplant costs are no where near the costs some people pay worrying about their hair loss.
Comparing Prices
You hear of hair transplant clinics charging by the graft, by the hair and even by the session, so it can be hard to really compare hair transplantation costs. For example, price per graft means nothing unless you know how many hairs you get in a graft and the experience of the doctor. Different hair restoration surgeons can perform a different number of micro-grafts per session. At a consultation, our specialists can break the hair transplant cost down into grafts or hairs once we've determined the price of your surgery.
Can you afford NOT to have a hair transplant?
As with any elective procedure, hair transplant cost is an important part of the research process. However, it shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. Hair restoration surgery can be custom-tailored, and planned out to fit each patient's individual budgetary needs. Plus, it's a valuable investment, producing results that last a lifetime. Can you really put a price tag on piece of mind? Hair transplant costs are no where near the costs some people pay worrying about their hair loss.
How do I know Hair Transplantation surgery will work?
Hair transplantation has actually been around for quite awhile. For over 40 years, balding men and women have been turning to variations of this procedure, and finding successful results. However, the procedure is now better than ever. Heightened understandings of growth patterns and advancements in follicular unit grafting techniques have helped to produce remarkably natural results. Because the newly transplanted hair is taken from a healthy patch on your own head, it will continue to grow in its natural pattern for the rest of your life, blending with the hair that is already there. Obvious hair transplants are a thing of the past!
Hair Transplantation Surgery
Originally developed in the 1930’s, hair transplant surgery has come a long way since its conception. When it became popular in the 60’s and 70’s, hair transplant surgery was unrefined and the technique utilized large hair grafts produced by round punches. This often led to the sparse plugged look associated with hair transplantation. That is, until modern breakthroughs. Today’s hair transplant surgeons use micro-grafts and follicular unit transplantations that are virtually indistinguishable even by professional hairdressers.
Hair transplant surgery always begins with your healthy donor hair. It’s simple: If you don’t have the donor hair then you don’t have the hair that can be transplanted. This donor hair is located on the sides and back of the head and is resistant to balding, allowing it to continue to grow throughout your lifetime. Most men suffering from standard male pattern baldness will have a healthy donor area. However, if your hair loss is not hereditary and is caused by other conditions such as stress or medication, you will want to see a dermatologist first before attending a hair transplant consultation.
In follicular unit hair transplantations, a small section of tissue is removed from the donor area and is broken down under magnification. This is where modern hair transplant surgeons show their true artistry. Follicular units grow in groups of 1-4 hairs. By keeping this composition intact, your hair transplant mimics real life. Hair transplant surgeons reproduce with micro-grafts exactly how hair grows in nature. Each hair is different and an experienced hair transplantation surgeon can make sure the hairs are transplanted in areas where they are best suited. For example, certain hair groupings belong at the hairline, while other belong at the crown of the head.
Different hair transplant clinics use different methods and technology to achieve results. For your hair transplantation you’ll want to keep in mind that you’re maximizing hair growth, ensuring naturalness, and minimizing trauma to the scalp. With any hair transplant surgery there will be scars, but a good surgeon can keep that scarring to minimum, and more importantly, undetectable. When done correctly your hair transplant is a customized experience; it’s living hair that you can style like you would before your hair loss.
Hair transplant surgery always begins with your healthy donor hair. It’s simple: If you don’t have the donor hair then you don’t have the hair that can be transplanted. This donor hair is located on the sides and back of the head and is resistant to balding, allowing it to continue to grow throughout your lifetime. Most men suffering from standard male pattern baldness will have a healthy donor area. However, if your hair loss is not hereditary and is caused by other conditions such as stress or medication, you will want to see a dermatologist first before attending a hair transplant consultation.
In follicular unit hair transplantations, a small section of tissue is removed from the donor area and is broken down under magnification. This is where modern hair transplant surgeons show their true artistry. Follicular units grow in groups of 1-4 hairs. By keeping this composition intact, your hair transplant mimics real life. Hair transplant surgeons reproduce with micro-grafts exactly how hair grows in nature. Each hair is different and an experienced hair transplantation surgeon can make sure the hairs are transplanted in areas where they are best suited. For example, certain hair groupings belong at the hairline, while other belong at the crown of the head.
Different hair transplant clinics use different methods and technology to achieve results. For your hair transplantation you’ll want to keep in mind that you’re maximizing hair growth, ensuring naturalness, and minimizing trauma to the scalp. With any hair transplant surgery there will be scars, but a good surgeon can keep that scarring to minimum, and more importantly, undetectable. When done correctly your hair transplant is a customized experience; it’s living hair that you can style like you would before your hair loss.
Laser Hair Restoration
You might know that lasers have been used to remove hairs for years, but did you know lasers can also help you grow back the hair you’ve lost? Laser hair therapy is a hair loss alternative to surgery and drugs. Laser hair restoration is a low level laser therapy (LLLT) that has similar properties to other light-based treatments used on skin, such as IPL Photofacial. However, low level lasers are often referred to as “cold” lasers. This is because laser hair therapy doesn’t contain that thermal component to burn or vaporize tissue. Although like Photofacial, laser hair therapy’s light is absorbed into your skin cells to promote improvement in the deepest layers of your scalp. What laser hair restoration does is increase blood supply to your scalp, which simulates microcirculation, protein synthesis, and cellular metabolism. The results of which should be fuller, thicker hair.
Laser hair growth therapy has been used in Europe and Asia since the 1980’s to treat hair loss. Originally developed to remedy diabetics with poor blood flow, low level lasers were found to also increase the thickness and length of body hairs within the laser's radius. Laser Hair therapy can repair and improve hair shaft quality and increase volume, and is often used in pre- and post- hair transplant surgeries. Many hair transplant surgeons believe laser hair restoration can help the transplant grow quicker and improve your recovery time.
Laser hair therapy is safe and easy to perform and is often recommended by hair transplant surgeons as an accompaniment to hair transplant surgery. A particularly common medium for low level laser therapy includes the HairMax and the Rezultz laser combs. Learn more about these laser hair restoration options during your free consultation!
Laser hair growth therapy has been used in Europe and Asia since the 1980’s to treat hair loss. Originally developed to remedy diabetics with poor blood flow, low level lasers were found to also increase the thickness and length of body hairs within the laser's radius. Laser Hair therapy can repair and improve hair shaft quality and increase volume, and is often used in pre- and post- hair transplant surgeries. Many hair transplant surgeons believe laser hair restoration can help the transplant grow quicker and improve your recovery time.
Laser hair therapy is safe and easy to perform and is often recommended by hair transplant surgeons as an accompaniment to hair transplant surgery. A particularly common medium for low level laser therapy includes the HairMax and the Rezultz laser combs. Learn more about these laser hair restoration options during your free consultation!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
An Insight on Hair Restoration and Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery is all about improving the state of baldness through surgery. This surgery involves taking hair follicles, cells and tissues from a thickly grown hair area and placing them on the bald area.
Most of the hair loss procedures involve hair restoration surgery under anesthesia. Patients do feel some pain during this surgery as it involves plucking of tissues, and then transplanting them to another portion of skin that lacks hair. Small needles are used in this procedure where the scalp is thoroughly cleaned before performing the operation.
Tiny holes are created on a patient's scalp so that the hair follicles can be transplanted firmly. These holes will help the re-growth of hair on the scalp after the tissues, cells and the follicles are transplanted. This procedure is very delicate and may involve transplanting hundreds and thousands of hair follicles, usually the bald head.
This hair transplant surgery is a very delicate procedure and involves hundreds and thousands of hair follicle in this area.
How does a hair loss transplant work?
Even baldest men have a small ring of hair around the back and side of their heads. In hair transplantation surgery a piece of this skin containing hair follicles is removed. The follicles are then extracted from the surrounding tissue and then are reinserted into the balding areas of the scalp.
Since the follicles are not affected by hormone DHT, they continue to grow hair even after they have been moved from one spot on the head to the other.
Unless patients use a drug like Propecia after having a transplant, they will continue to see an increase in hair loss in areas where there are no transplants. In this case additional transplant procedures may be performed to increase the density. Due to the limited amount of skin that can be removed at one time, 2,500 grafts is usually the most that can be done at one time.
It is impossible to have the same density that existed before the hair loss. However, with careful placement of the follicles by the doctor, an illusion of a full head of hair can be created.
Who is the right candidate for a hair transplant?
Youngsters, who are around the age of 18 to 25 are not the right candidates as they have just temporary hair loss, which most probably will not continue in the future. Getting a hair transplant done so early will result in the incorrect distribution of donor hair. The doctor can never exactly guess the exact amount of future hair loss. This might lead to the person being disappointed with the results.
Men have specified areas in which there is thinning and hair loss, while women have diffused thinning around the entire head. Women are not good candidates if there is diffused thinning. But, some women also have localized loss of hair, which make them ideal candidates. The amount of hair loss, hair type, density and scalp laxity all affect in choosing the right candidate for hair loss restoration.
Going with a Doc
Following questions should help in choosing a hair restoration specialist doctor:
How long have you been doing this procedure?
How many patients have you performed it on?
May I see pictures of your patients, apart from those in the brochures?
Are you board certified and which board certified you?
How many and what kind of procedures has the patient in the brochure had?
How long after surgery was the picture taken?
How many grafts are usually done in a session?
How many sessions will I need to achieve the look I want?
How much will the entire procedure cost?
Describe the procedure.
What risks are associated with this kind of procedure?
Are you board certified and which board certified you?
What is your specialty?
What part of the surgery do you yourself perform and what part is performed by your technicians?
How many surgeries do you perform a day?
Do you currently have any pending lawsuits against you by unhappy patients?
Most of the hair loss procedures involve hair restoration surgery under anesthesia. Patients do feel some pain during this surgery as it involves plucking of tissues, and then transplanting them to another portion of skin that lacks hair. Small needles are used in this procedure where the scalp is thoroughly cleaned before performing the operation.
Tiny holes are created on a patient's scalp so that the hair follicles can be transplanted firmly. These holes will help the re-growth of hair on the scalp after the tissues, cells and the follicles are transplanted. This procedure is very delicate and may involve transplanting hundreds and thousands of hair follicles, usually the bald head.
This hair transplant surgery is a very delicate procedure and involves hundreds and thousands of hair follicle in this area.
How does a hair loss transplant work?
Even baldest men have a small ring of hair around the back and side of their heads. In hair transplantation surgery a piece of this skin containing hair follicles is removed. The follicles are then extracted from the surrounding tissue and then are reinserted into the balding areas of the scalp.
Since the follicles are not affected by hormone DHT, they continue to grow hair even after they have been moved from one spot on the head to the other.
Unless patients use a drug like Propecia after having a transplant, they will continue to see an increase in hair loss in areas where there are no transplants. In this case additional transplant procedures may be performed to increase the density. Due to the limited amount of skin that can be removed at one time, 2,500 grafts is usually the most that can be done at one time.
It is impossible to have the same density that existed before the hair loss. However, with careful placement of the follicles by the doctor, an illusion of a full head of hair can be created.
Who is the right candidate for a hair transplant?
Youngsters, who are around the age of 18 to 25 are not the right candidates as they have just temporary hair loss, which most probably will not continue in the future. Getting a hair transplant done so early will result in the incorrect distribution of donor hair. The doctor can never exactly guess the exact amount of future hair loss. This might lead to the person being disappointed with the results.
Men have specified areas in which there is thinning and hair loss, while women have diffused thinning around the entire head. Women are not good candidates if there is diffused thinning. But, some women also have localized loss of hair, which make them ideal candidates. The amount of hair loss, hair type, density and scalp laxity all affect in choosing the right candidate for hair loss restoration.
Going with a Doc
Following questions should help in choosing a hair restoration specialist doctor:
How long have you been doing this procedure?
How many patients have you performed it on?
May I see pictures of your patients, apart from those in the brochures?
Are you board certified and which board certified you?
How many and what kind of procedures has the patient in the brochure had?
How long after surgery was the picture taken?
How many grafts are usually done in a session?
How many sessions will I need to achieve the look I want?
How much will the entire procedure cost?
Describe the procedure.
What risks are associated with this kind of procedure?
Are you board certified and which board certified you?
What is your specialty?
What part of the surgery do you yourself perform and what part is performed by your technicians?
How many surgeries do you perform a day?
Do you currently have any pending lawsuits against you by unhappy patients?
Hair Cloning
Hair cloning is one of the most exciting developments in the search to find better solutions for hair loss. Popularly known as follicle cloning or multiplication, hair cloning involves taking a sample of one's hair follicle cells, multiplying these cells in a lab and injecting the multiplied cells back into the scalp. The basic use of hair cloning is to create natural hair regrowth without the use of an invasive surgery.
How hair cloning works?
Hair cloning helps in hair re-growth by harvesting healthy follicle stem cells. Instead of transplanting the hair follicles right away, hair specialists learned how to multiply the stem cells or seeds.
First of all new follicle stem cells will be grown in laboratory cultures. They will be attached to tiny skin-cell scaffolds. Then they will be implanted into bald areas of your scalp. The idea here is - taking these follicle stem cells from bulb of the hair and growing them together. After getting more number of hair seeds they will be injected into the scalp. First you can start with a small number of hairs. Later you can come back with larger number of hair seeds. Then you can inject them into one area and create brand-new hair follicles.
Hair specialists discovered the fact that some follicle cells can do more than regenerating. They can give off chemical signals which make the nearby follicle cells - that have shrunk during aging process - respond positively to these signals and regenerate, making healthy hair.
What are the obstacles that hinder Hair cloning?
Unfortunately, hair cloning is not yet possible. But still lot of research is getting done to perfect it. Current predictions indicate that it may take another ten years for hair cloning to become available for the public use.
Anyway the name of the process itself is a little misleading. In reality it refers to cell therapy rather than cell cloning. Research is being dedicated to work on this process with just a small sample of tissue from scalp. Once this process achieves perfection, one can develop several hundred thousand hair follicles.
The following are the major obstacles that have to be overcome:
Still there is no certainty that the multiplied cells will develop into hairs.
There is no certainty that the new hairs developed in the process grow to same thickness, color or direction like the existing hair coverage.
There is no certainty that the cloned cells will not cause any serious health problems like the growth of cancerous tumors.
Clearly hair cloning will offer exciting possibilities for hair loss treatment in the future. But for the time being, you have to make use of the more limited treatments currently available.
How hair cloning works?
Hair cloning helps in hair re-growth by harvesting healthy follicle stem cells. Instead of transplanting the hair follicles right away, hair specialists learned how to multiply the stem cells or seeds.
First of all new follicle stem cells will be grown in laboratory cultures. They will be attached to tiny skin-cell scaffolds. Then they will be implanted into bald areas of your scalp. The idea here is - taking these follicle stem cells from bulb of the hair and growing them together. After getting more number of hair seeds they will be injected into the scalp. First you can start with a small number of hairs. Later you can come back with larger number of hair seeds. Then you can inject them into one area and create brand-new hair follicles.
Hair specialists discovered the fact that some follicle cells can do more than regenerating. They can give off chemical signals which make the nearby follicle cells - that have shrunk during aging process - respond positively to these signals and regenerate, making healthy hair.
What are the obstacles that hinder Hair cloning?
Unfortunately, hair cloning is not yet possible. But still lot of research is getting done to perfect it. Current predictions indicate that it may take another ten years for hair cloning to become available for the public use.
Anyway the name of the process itself is a little misleading. In reality it refers to cell therapy rather than cell cloning. Research is being dedicated to work on this process with just a small sample of tissue from scalp. Once this process achieves perfection, one can develop several hundred thousand hair follicles.
The following are the major obstacles that have to be overcome:
Still there is no certainty that the multiplied cells will develop into hairs.
There is no certainty that the new hairs developed in the process grow to same thickness, color or direction like the existing hair coverage.
There is no certainty that the cloned cells will not cause any serious health problems like the growth of cancerous tumors.
Clearly hair cloning will offer exciting possibilities for hair loss treatment in the future. But for the time being, you have to make use of the more limited treatments currently available.
Hair Restoration and Hair Transplants Surgery Options
Thanks to medical science, women and men now have other truly good surgical and medical options that can restore their lost hair. Studies are proving that some medications are truly effective and safe like Finasteride for men or Minoxidil spray, as stand-alone options or along with surgery.
Hair restoration - Finasteride
Finasteride a patented product from Merck is a prescription drug and was introduced as the first oral medicine for male pattern hair loss. This drug is not for women.
Finasteride works by reducing the formation of DHT from testosterone by blocking an enzyme in the body. It decreases the amount of DHT. Thin wispy hair is produced by the affected follicles, which usually bounce back and produce a more thicker and longer hair. It takes around six to 12 months to show the results. Finasteride was originally devised to treat men having enlarged prostates, and has proved to be safe.
Hair restoration - Minoxidil
Both men and women who are suffering hair loss can use Minoxidil solution that can be applied to the scalp. Originally devised for treatment of blood pressure, doctors observed one side effect is good hair growth. It works to stop or slow down further hair loss. However, discontinuation of minoxidil results in the shedding of hair within a very short period of time.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants are the best alternative for those who prefer a surgical solution. Sometimes simple multi-vitamins help too. Know more.Hair restoration with the use of surgery involves removal of hair-bearing permanent skin. This is then made into micro grafts (each containing 1-3 hairs) and minigrafts (containing 3-8 hairs). Today hair transplants are done with the latest techniques and produces a hairline that looks very natural. This doesn't cause any visible scarring and get covered by the transplanted hair. The hair that is grafted continues to grow and will not fall out.
If you are rapidly losing your hair, then keep a check on your diet and take medical help from a physician. Zinc and Biotin are very good for hair growth. Sometimes a simple multivitamin like One A Day or Centrum are enough to compensate for any nutrients that are lost. Sometimes you may need a larger dose but consult the doctor before you take them.
There is an increase in hormone production like estrogen and decrease in sebum production during pregnancy. Post pregnancy, there is hair loss in about 50% of the women. This condition is called as, post-partum alopecia. The symptoms start around 10 - 14 weeks after the pregnancy, and usually last for around three months. Afterwards the this stage the hair comes back normally.
Hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners affect the condition of the hair that you have, and the manageability of that hair, or to be precise, the way you look and feel. Environmental and emotional stress can lead to a sudden onset of hair thinning or patchy hair loss. The remedy is: reduce stress if you can, or seek medical help.
Hair restoration - Finasteride
Finasteride a patented product from Merck is a prescription drug and was introduced as the first oral medicine for male pattern hair loss. This drug is not for women.
Finasteride works by reducing the formation of DHT from testosterone by blocking an enzyme in the body. It decreases the amount of DHT. Thin wispy hair is produced by the affected follicles, which usually bounce back and produce a more thicker and longer hair. It takes around six to 12 months to show the results. Finasteride was originally devised to treat men having enlarged prostates, and has proved to be safe.
Hair restoration - Minoxidil
Both men and women who are suffering hair loss can use Minoxidil solution that can be applied to the scalp. Originally devised for treatment of blood pressure, doctors observed one side effect is good hair growth. It works to stop or slow down further hair loss. However, discontinuation of minoxidil results in the shedding of hair within a very short period of time.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants are the best alternative for those who prefer a surgical solution. Sometimes simple multi-vitamins help too. Know more.Hair restoration with the use of surgery involves removal of hair-bearing permanent skin. This is then made into micro grafts (each containing 1-3 hairs) and minigrafts (containing 3-8 hairs). Today hair transplants are done with the latest techniques and produces a hairline that looks very natural. This doesn't cause any visible scarring and get covered by the transplanted hair. The hair that is grafted continues to grow and will not fall out.
If you are rapidly losing your hair, then keep a check on your diet and take medical help from a physician. Zinc and Biotin are very good for hair growth. Sometimes a simple multivitamin like One A Day or Centrum are enough to compensate for any nutrients that are lost. Sometimes you may need a larger dose but consult the doctor before you take them.
There is an increase in hormone production like estrogen and decrease in sebum production during pregnancy. Post pregnancy, there is hair loss in about 50% of the women. This condition is called as, post-partum alopecia. The symptoms start around 10 - 14 weeks after the pregnancy, and usually last for around three months. Afterwards the this stage the hair comes back normally.
Hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners affect the condition of the hair that you have, and the manageability of that hair, or to be precise, the way you look and feel. Environmental and emotional stress can lead to a sudden onset of hair thinning or patchy hair loss. The remedy is: reduce stress if you can, or seek medical help.
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