As those who have gone through the process will explain, there is a significant amount of down time associated with hair transplantation. Whether it is the down time experienced during the initial healing phase, the time spent waiting for the first signs of growth, or the period before full maturation, this down time exists and can be difficult for hair transplant patients. Since no one wants to spend this time agonizing over the final results or partaking in other counterproductive activities, hair loss sufferers often share creative ways to cope with hair transplantation down time.
In a recent discussion thread on the Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums, members have started sharing personal experiences with hair transplantation down time and ways to conquer these difficult periods. Are you looking for ways to cope with down time after hair transplant surgery? If so, feel free to interact in the discussion thread - how did you cope with down time?
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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc
Many people think of balding as strictly a male affliction. However, the estimated 30 million balding women in the United States comprise roughly 40% of American hair loss sufferers. This female segment of the balding population is increasingly seeking answers and treatments for the multitude of conditions leading to female hair loss.
The main culprit behind female balding is genetics. In fact, 96% of all female balding is due to androgenetic alopecia. Unlike male pattern baldness which can manifest itself in any number of patterns, female pattern baldness is often diffuse in nature (occurring over the entire area of the scalp) as represented by the Ludwig Scale.
Aside from genetic balding, non-genetic factors such as pregnancy, crash dieting, traumatic stress, low iron levels, medical conditions, etc. can lead to a condition known as telogen effluvium. This condition includes the rapid shedding of healthy hair when the body senses that it needs to divert its energies elsewhere. Telogen effluvium is often reversible after successfully treating the stressor causing the condition. However, just as it typically takes three to four months for the hair to shed, it may take three to four months for the hair to regrow after successful treatment.
Other factors influencing female hair loss are menopause, medications such as birth control pills, trauma and illness. Trauma may arise from burns, scarring or traction alopecia. This condition arises when damage is done to the hair follicle by continual pulling and tight tension for very long periods and is common among women who wear tightly braided hairstyles or weaves. In fact, photographs recently emerged on the Internet indicating that supermodel Naomi Campbell may be a victim of traction alopecia. There is no medical treatment for this condition. However, if diagnosed early, traction alopecia is reversible.
We’ve just released episode 2 of our comical cartoon series the Follicular Follies of Balding Bob and Fleckie the Follicle. Watch this hilarious episode to see at what great lengths Bob will go to restore the appearance of a full head of hair. View it now by visiting the “Follicular Follies of Balding Bob and Fleckie the Follicle” home page.
In attempt to conceal his hair loss, Bob visits a whacky hair restoration physician attempting to sell him his revolutionary “Bio-Fusion Matrix”. Watch Fleckie’s reaction as the “Toop Goop” is applied to Bob’s scalp screaming “It’s a Rug you Fool!” while a crazy “laser guided” multi-armed machine plants the glorified hair system / hairpiece firmly onto Bob’s scalp! You don’t want to miss this hilarious episode!
Also, view the first episode “The Bald Lie” on YouTube below. Be sure to turn your speakers up and listen to the comical background music that fits perfectly with the episode.
Description of Episode 1: The Bald Lie:
Watch the lovable characters Balding Bob and Fleckie the Follicle’s first attempt at online dating. Bob’s new online girlfriend uncovers his best kept secret when she asks that he removes his baseball cap. Other than Fleckie, the one last remaining hair at Bob’s hairline, he’s practically bald. View this hilarious episode to see how Bob and Fleckie react and stay tuned for the next episode as Bob attempts to conceal his hair loss with the “Bio Fusion Matrix” hair system.
Even in the midst of the “information age”, half-truths, fabrications and the occasional “old wives’ tale” still manage to surround the topic of hair loss. Despite the best efforts of patient communities like the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network to set the record straight regarding male pattern balding, the human need to find a simple solution to this complex problem is perhaps the greatest reason that these myths persist. So, let’s bust some of these popular hair loss myths:
Bald men are more virile: Ok, we’ve all seen the tee-shirt which reads, “That’s not a bald spot, it’s a solar panel for a sex machine!” but is there any truth to the notion that “cue ball-dom” equates to sexual prowess? The answer is no. Sexual virility is not related to the number of follicles on a man’s head.
Poor circulation leads to balding: The notion that increasing blood flow in the scalp may promote hair growth has led some balding men and women to place themselves in a pretty awkward position, including upside-down! Standing on your head won’t cure your hair loss but it may lead to a pretty wicked headache and unconsciousness. Although, it may take your mind off of balding for a while.
Clogged pores lead to hair loss: This balding myth dates back to the ancient Egyptians who thought that burning incense could unclog the pores of the scalp leading to hair regrowth. It has probably been kept alive by modern-day snake-oil purveyors offering “advanced” and costly scalp cleansers claiming to unblock clogged hair follicles and restore hair to its former glory.
I’ve recently become concerned that my hair is thinning, and I’m wondering if a blood panel assessment which tested the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in my blood would accurately predict my future hair loss?
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is the hormone directly responsible for genetic hair loss. Through a fairly simple conversion, normal, circulating testosterone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone in our bodies. When this happens, dihydrotestosterone binds to healthy hair follicles, and, unfortunately, causes these follicles to wither and eventually fall out. Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why a blood panel showing the levels of DHT in the blood could be useful in assessing potential hair loss.
In theory, this idea makes sense and could definitely give you some idea of the probability of developing some level of balding. However, because genetic hair loss is such an unpredictable and progressive issue, it’s essentially impossible to state that your pattern, level, or probability of baldness can be predicted by a simple blood panel. The good news is that proven, preventive therapies (such as minoxidil/Rogaine and finasteride/Propecia) can help stabilize and reverse hair loss, especially when detected at an early stage.
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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc
I was wondering when it is best to go the FUE route? Is it based on the size of the session or the number of sessions you may have left? What is the criteria for making this decision? Some hair transplant doctors I talk to almost insist on FUE but a lot of them seem really against it.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is perfect for folks who want a crew cut in their donor region, have a strong risk of poor scarring or a family history of poor scarring and need limited amounts of hair now and in the future.
That being said, we have a couple of patients getting a series of FUE procedures for Norwood class 6 hair loss but they were informed that it will cost more and possibly offer less consistent hair growth than follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or strip.
One of these patients originally asked for a strip procedure of 2500 grafts, but he called the office and now wants to do FUE of around 1500 grafts and reassess later. We’ve gone through all of the pertinent issues and, if he experiences significantly more balding in the future, he may well choose to have a strip down the road and that is certainly an option.
An informed patient often makes the choice that is correct for them. It’s informing them that is key pre-op.
Recently, the Publishers of the Hair Transplant Network attended the 2010 18th annual ISHRS scientific meeting held in Boston from October 20 th through the 24th.
Each year hair restoration physician from around the world gather for several days to attend lectures, meetings, workshops and discussions focused on hair loss treatments. It’s practically impossible to cover all of the important topics discussed at the meeting. Thus, this report will feature the highlights that may be of most interest to hair loss sufferers and those wanting to restore their hair. A few of these topics have been discussed and debated by patients for years online using our hair loss forum, while other topics provide information on innovative techniques and treatments that may potentially revolutionize the hair restoration profession in the future. However, despite some exciting anecdotal evidence provided in various presentations, it’s important to remain cautiously optimistic while much needed research continues and investigation is underway. Some of these topics include the benefits, limitations, and refinements in follicular unit extraction (FUE), its tools and techniques; treating and minimizing the risks of scar stretching via follicular unit hair transplantation (FUT); Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as a storage solution for grafts; Bioengineering of the hair follicle (hair multiplication) including exciting preliminary findings using the highly talked about formula ACell; the advantages and disadvantages of dense packing; studies on the causes and treatments for female hair loss and more.
The attention to detail at these meetings is highly impressive and hair transplant surgeons who regularly attend deserve to be commended for their dedication to continuing education.
Propecia (finasteride) is one of only two clinically proven and FDA approved treatments for male pattern balding. However, unlike its sidekick Rogaine (minoxidil), using Propecia carries with it the potential for experiencing some very unpleasant sexual side effects. While studies show that less than 2% of men who take Propecia experience such side effects, it remains a very real concern for men considering this treatment. Some patients simply refuse to add it to their daily hair loss regimen while continuing to lose precious hair follicles to the effects of DHT.
So, what are the risks of adding Propecia to your daily routine and how long do you wait before evaluating its effects? Concerned that he may be experiencing an adverse reaction to Propecia himself, forum member “teach77″ created the following thread, Timeframe for Propecia Sides? Please help! You are encouraged to join the discussion and add your personal experience.
Three months ago, I underwent follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and was very careful not to overextend myself and potentially stretch my hair transplant scar. However, I’m now three months post-operative, and want to return to my daily activities without worrying about putting too much tension or stress on the strip scar. I’m wondering, can a hair transplant scar still stretch 3 months after the procedure?
It is uncommon for a scar to stretch after 3 months. As a rule of thumb, a scar has about 30% tensile strength at 3 weeks and 80% at 3 months (tensile strength referring to the ability of the new tissue to resist tension and stretching). We used to think that scars became stronger than skin, but they may never get to 100% strength. I advise patients to avoid forcefully stretching their scalp for the first 3 months and discourage active scalp stretching exercises until they have reached 5 months.
Dr. Cam Simmons
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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc
The publishers and editors of this web blog are
former hair loss sufferers and not medical
professionals. Medical questions should be directed to
qualified medical professionals.
No information provided on this site constitutes a
warranty of any kind; nor shall visitors to the site
rely solely on any such information or advice.
As those who have gone through the process will explain, there is a significant amount of down time associated with hair transplantation. Whether it is the down time experienced during the initial healing phase, the time spent waiting for the first signs of growth, or the period before full maturation, this down time exists and can be difficult for hair transplant patients. Since no one wants to spend this time agonizing over the final results or partaking in other counterproductive activities, hair loss sufferers often share creative ways to cope with hair transplantation down time.
