Post Hair Loss Questions and Get Answers

Hello.  I have been using Propecia for around 12 days. I have noticed additional hair loss in the crown.  Is this normal?  Why is this happening?

Though chemically, Propecia (finasteride) begins to work right away, it can take up to 3 months of using this hair loss treatment to notice a difference in the amount of hair loss.   Additionally, this hair loss medication should be used for approximately one year to determine whether or not it will regrow hair.  Keep in mind however, that even if Propecia does not regrow hair, that it has a high percentage of combating future hair loss.  Documenting your progress with monthly pictures is often the best way to determine whether or not Propecia is benefiting you in any way. 

Keep in mind that hair shedding is also common over the first 3 months.  Though it is a temporary inconvenience, the hair that sheds as a result of Propecia will grow back stronger.

Unfortunately, hair shedding due to Propecia often leads to many hair loss sufferers prematurely stopping this hair restoration medication.  The important thing is to give Propecia the time it needs to start providing its benefits.

Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

Technorati Tags: Propecia, hair loss, finasteride, hair loss treatment, hair loss medication, regrow hair, hair shedding, hair restoration

I have been told I have a diffuse hair thinning pattern of hair loss.  What is that and how do I treat this?

I have seen diffuse thinning refer to a couple of things.

Diffuse Alopecia:

Diffuse Alopecia is a condition characterized by hair loss over the entire scalp including the sides and back of the head.  An example of Diffuse Alopecia is Telogen Effluvium.  Many things can cause this, but Diffuse Alopecia is not genetic. 

Some possible causes are but not limited to:

• Hormonal changes in the body (thyroid disorders)
• Pregnancy or shortly thereafter
• Certain medications (anticoagulants - blood thinning drugs)
• Scalp determatitus or other inflamation of the scalp
• Severe infections such as pneumonia
• Traumatic Stress (physical or emotional)
• Iron deficiency

Treating this type of hair loss depends on the actual hair loss cause.  Tests should be performed by a doctor to first determine the cause which may involve a thyroid gland test to determine it is working properly and whether or not iron level are normal.  Medication or supplements may be administered to correct the condition.  In most cases of diffuse alopecia, no treatment is needed for the hair loss condition itself and in many cases, the hair regrows.  Some people however may continue to experience diffuse alopecia and the scalp hair remains thin.  Complete baldness however, is exceptionally rare.

Genetic Hair Loss with a Diffuse Pattern (Diffuse Pattern Baldness):

Technorati Tags: hair thinning, hair loss, diffuse thinning, Diffuse Alopecia, thyroid disorder, anticoagulant, determatitus, Traumatic Stress, Iron deficiency, hair loss cause, hair regrows, baldness, Genetic Hair Loss, Diffuse Pattern Baldness

“Who is the best hair transplant doctor” is a common question posed on our hair restoration discussion forum and typically leads to subjective answers. As members post their preferences for particular hair transplant doctors, please understand that though some data may be objective - there is a lot of subjectivity.  However, the real question is not “who is best” but rather “how do we know which hair restoration physicians truly perform state of the art hair transplantation”?

At the Hair Transplant Network, we recommend only those hair restoration physicians who truly have a proven track record in performing state of the art hair transplantation. Members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians consist of an elite group who perform regular larger sessions of ultra refined follicular unit hair transplantation. To see our coalition membership standards click here.

All of our hair restoration doctors are continually reviewed and assessed in a few ways.

Pat Hennessey, the Publisher of our community, has visited and continues to visit our hair transplant physicians as well as other potentially promising leading hair restoration clinics worldwide. To date, the Hair Transplant Network is the only Network worldwide to assess their hair transplant physicians in this way. To see the highlights from Pat’s visits, view “Visits to Leading Hair Transplant Clinics”.

Pat’s visits include but are not limited to:

• Assessment of the hair transplant surgical procedure (including session sizes), technique, and tools used to perform the surgery. This assessment is measured against other leading hair restoration clinics worldwide who have a consistent track record of producing first-rate hair transplant results.

Technorati Tags: hair transplant doctor, hair restoration physicians, hair transplantation, hair restoration, hair transplant physicians, hair restoration clinics, Hair Transplant Network, hair transplant results

I like to keep my shaved down really short but really want to be able to frame my face with a nice hairline.  If I get a hair transplant, can I keep my head shaved?

The answer depends on how short you want to cut your hair and whether or not you want to potentially reveal a hair transplant scar.

The type of scar you will receive will depend on the hair transplant technique you consider.  Many hair transplant patients who want to keep their hair buzzed extremely short consider Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE/FIT) because of the patterned scar as opposed to Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT/FUSS/Strip Surgery) which creates a fine linear scar going from ear to ear.

Learn more about FUT verses FUE by clicking here.

However, regardless of the technique of hair transplantation chosen, the shorter you wear your hair, the greater the risk of revealing the scar(s).

Selecting a quality first rate hair restoration physician will help minimize scarring but scarring in hair restoration surgery is inevitable.

Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

Technorati Tags: hair transplant, hair transplant scar, hair transplant technique, hair transplant patient, FUE, FIT, FUT, FUSS, Strip Surgery, hair transplantation, hair restoration

I am a hair loss sufferer seeking hair transplantation as a option to restore my hair.  I have heard that a hair transplant is noticeable for awhile afterward.  How soon can I wear a hat after hair restoration surgery?

You are correct.  Immediately following hair transplant surgery, and for at least the following 2 weeks (maybe much longer depending on a number of variables) - the fact that you had something performed on your scalp will be noticeable, though I doubt too many people would pinpoint hair transplant surgery.  See the following thread on our hair restoration forum titled When will I look normal after a hair transplant?

Wearing a loose fitting hat is acceptable immediately following the hair transplant surgery - the same day but be extra careful not to touch the transplanted hair.  Some hair transplant surgeons will even provide a loose fitting hat for you to wear out of the office.  It is important however, to check with them first to know whether or not to bring your own.

It is also very important to follow the postoperative hair restoration instructions given to you by your hair transplant clinic.  See some general hair transplant postoperative tips.

Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair transplantation, restore my hair, hair transplant, hair restoration, hair transplant surgery, transplanted hair, hair transplant surgeon, hair transplant clinic

This question was posed by a hair loss sufferer on our hair restoration forum and answered by Dr. Michael Beehner of Saratoga Springs, NY who is one of our recommended hair restoration physicians. His professional answer is below.

Most of the factors that we think have to do with “shock loss” of native hair following a hair transplant procedure all take place at the time of hair restoration surgery. The two most important things are: one, the VULNERABILITY of the hairs that exist on top, and two, the AGGRESSIVENESS with which the recipient sites are made. If a large percentage of those remaining native hairs are “miniaturized” (limited length and decreased diameter; ie: “wispy”) they are much more likely to be shocked than a strong terminal hair is. When recipient sites are aggressively made, whether it is the closeness with which they are made or the width, depth, or length of the individual sites, native hairs can be lost either by taking a “direct hit” by the instrument used or simply as a “shock” reaction to having all these cumulative injuries occurring so close to them.

The THICKNESS OF THE SCALP is another key factor. The plexus of key arterial vessels that network to supply blood supply to the scalp lay deep in the scalp over the “galea” layer (the thick gristle at the bottom) deep in the subcutaneous fatty layer. It this subcut layer is nonexistent, then it is hard for the doctor to avoid injuring those deeper vessels, even with tumescence.

Technorati Tags: hair loss, shock loss, native hair, hair transplant, hair restoration, terminal hair, recipient sites

I am suffering from hair loss and want to know what I should do to regrow hair.  I’ve heard a little bit about Propecia and Rogaine.  Will they help?  If I only want to take one of them, which one is better?  Thanks.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Propecia (finasteride) is a pill that is taken orally in the dosage of 1mg of finasteride.  It works to inhibit Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - the hormone responsible for genetic hair loss. 

Rogaine (minoxodil) is a topical formula applied to the balding area in the recommended dosage 1ml applied twice daily.  Rogaine works by stimulating the hair follicle which may increase the hair shaft diameter and elongate the anagen (growing) phase - thus regrowing hair.  Rogaine however, does nothing to stop genetic hair loss as it does nothing to inhibit DHT.

Taking both Propecia and Rogaine together are said to have a synergistic effect, thus being the best fighting force against hair loss when taken together. However, if one were going to choose one over the other - because Propecia inhibits DHT, it has a better chance of stopping hair loss than Rogaine that simply stimulates hair growth.

Of course, I recommend researching any hair loss medication and learn about the benefits, risks, and limitations before ordering it.  I also recommend consulting with a medical doctor.

Bill - aka Falceros
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

Technorati Tags: hair loss, regrow hair, Propecia, Rogaine, finasteride, Dihydrotestosterone, DHT, minoxodil, balding, anagen, regrowing hair, genetic hair loss, hair growth, hair loss medication

I think I may have telogen effluvium. A couple months back, I went through a very stressful time in my life and I started losing hair in the front part of my scalp.  I also noticed that the white bulb was attached to the hair.  While under stress, my diet was also very poor.  I have recovered and my diet is back to normal for the last month and my hair is not coming back.  Can I expect restoration of normal hair density?

Thank you for your inquiry,

I think the first step for you is to see a dermatologist or a hair restoration specialist in order to determine with certainty the cause of your hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium is typically characterized by diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp.  Many things can cause this including traumatic stress.  The good news is, this type of hair loss is normally reversible when the condition is treated.  Read more about Telogen Effluvium.

I would suspect however, that you may be experiencing Androgenetic Alopecia (genetic hair loss) or Traction Alopecia, a condition characterized by frontal hair loss typically caused by excessive hair pulling that may be done by a salon or by having your hair pulled back too tightly.  As long as this hair pulling is stopped before the scalp scars (and the follicles remain in tact), the hair should grow back normally.  Scarring of the scalp however, may cause permanent hair loss.  Read more about traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, and other forms of non-genetic hair loss here. 

Technorati Tags: telogen effluvium, losing hair, hair density, hair loss, Telogen Effluvium, hair thinning, Androgenetic Alopecia, frontal hair loss, hair pulling

Biotin as a Hair Loss Treatment  

There are a number of herbal supplements out there that claim to work as a hair loss treatment.  Whereas there is no question that marketing is over-reaching at best in order to sell a product, the real question for any hair loss sufferer is: will this product help combat hair loss or is there any chance that it will regrow hair?  To date however, it is important to understand that there is no hair loss cure, therefore realistic expectations must be developed and maintained when considering any hair restoration product.

Below I decided to take a look at an herbal supplement that is said to combat hair loss.  This product is an “active” ingredient in some of the marketed hair loss remedies including Provillus and is also sold as a stand alone product in nutritional stores. 

Biotin:

Biotin is a nutritional supplement that has been around for years and is taken orally. The concept of biotin was discovered in the fur industry. Minks and chinchilla’s were raised for their pelts in making mink coats. Apparently when these animals were fed raw eggs, a protein called avidin inhibited biotin in the vitamin pathway and the animals started to shed creating sparse pelts. When raw eggs were omitted from their diet, the animals recovered.  In other words, this ingredient may be beneficial for those people who have an extreme bioton deficiency from eating a heavy supply of raw eggs - but there have not been any clinical studies on human beings for biotin as a hair loss treatment.

Technorati Tags: Biotin, Hair Loss Treatment, hair loss, hair loss, regrow hair, hair loss cure, hair restoration, hair loss remedies, avidin

This question was posed by a hair loss sufferer and answered by Dr. William Reed of La Jolla, CA who is a well respected member of the Coalition of Hair Restoration Surgeons.  His professional answer is below.

Thank you for your inquiry. Hair transplant cost is dependent upon how many hair grafts would be necessary. The number of follicular unit grafts necessary is related not only to the surface area needing grafting but also the density of hair that is appropriate with the hairline that we would be creating and, thus, the stage of balding that we are mimicking. ( I know that’s a mouthful, but break it down and it makes sense, I think, and an attempted elaboration follows.) A higher hairline mimicks a more advanced degree of balding; the more advanced degree of balding not only receeds the hairline but drops the density of the remaining hair. A very modest degree of balding may often require the density than can be achieved only with two procedures depending upon the second important factor determining how many grafts you need: styling.

When one thinks about it, what we are trying to do with hair transplantation is get hair mass in an area of scalp that doesn’t have enough. Hair mass is the result of three things:

1. Density, i.e., the number of hairs growing in the area / square inch
2. The diameter, color and waviness of the hair shaft and

Technorati Tags: hair loss, Hair transplant, hair grafts, follicular unit grafts, density of hair, balding, hair transplantation, hair mass