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This question, asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums, was answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. Raymond Konior of Chicago, IL.

What is the consensus regarding a hair transplant patient’s decision to close the temples as in the example below? Is the hair behind it in the lateral region considered safe as it has receded so far?

I believe that the strategy of how a hair transplant surgeon approaches hairline design in terms of location and density is based on several key parameters – each of which must be factored into the final decision as to what should or should not be done with respect to designing the frontal hair restoration zone. Here are some of the key components that I factored into his plan.

A prediction as to the final hair loss pattern – Although there is no way to assess the definitive final pattern for many patients, an educated prognosis can often be made based on age, examination for presence or absence of miniaturization and family history. Analysis of these factors for this case suggested that his final pattern would support the long term aesthetic benefit of the restoration that was performed. Personally, I spend much more time trying to convince patients to be conservative with respect to hairline location and density as there seems to be more patients presenting to my office with the potential for progression to an advanced pattern on the Norwood Scale that would not support aggressive hairline restoration. Fortunately this patient appeared to have just the right combination of factors to allow for the restoration performed.

Shock loss, or the loss of native hairs after hair transplant surgery, is a real concern for any hair loss sufferer considering surgical hair restoration. The effects of shock loss can be serious, and may even cause some to postpone or reconsider hair transplantation altogether. But, is this fear justified? Is it possible to prevent post-operative shock loss?

To answer these important questions, recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Parsa Mohebi recently shared his thoughts on preventing shock loss after a hair transplant procedure:

Shock loss, loss of existing hair in transplanted area due to trauma or stress of native hair, can be seen after hair transplant procedures.  This phenomenon is more common for patients who have a significant amount of miniaturization in the transplanted area.  In other words, if hair loss is not completed in a particular area, shock loss will accelerate the process. 

Often times, patients seek advice as to how to minimize shock loss. The primary recommendation we give is to use Propecia (finasteride), the second is Rogaine (minoxidil). Some patients wait until after their procedure and then start to see shock loss before starting finasteride and/or minoxidil. This is definitely not how prevention should be handled!

Patients are advised to begin their use of Propecia or Rogaine a few days before their hair transplant to get the medication in their system, working at its maximum therapeutic level. Some patients go as far as continuing the medication for six to eight months after their procedure simply to avoid post-surgical shock loss.

Since becoming FDA approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) in 1997, many millions of men around the world have successfully used Propecia (finasteride) to slow the progression of balding and regrow hair. A small percentage of these men experienced a range of sexual side effects from mild testicular pain to erectile dysfunction.

From the beginning, Merck (Propecia’s manufacturer) maintained that less than 2% of men would experience these side effects and that they would eventually subside upon discontinuation of the hair loss treatment. However, over the years, a small but vocal patient minority have been warning of prolonged and even permanent sexual dysfunction resulting from the use of Propecia.

Sometimes dismissed as a “placebo effect” or “psychological” in nature, new revisions by the FDA to Propecia’s warning label seem to confirm what some have known for a quite a while: Some men may experience permanent sexual side effects from Propecia.

For more on the changes to Propecia’s warning label see, FDA Forces Merck to Change Propecia Hair Loss Drug Label?

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community

Get Proven Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new online hair loss treatment shop.

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This question, asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums, was answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. Glenn Charles:

I’m considering a 2000 graft FUT (strip) or FUE hair transplant and I’m curious if a strip scar is visible to others when the hair is wet. Does it being “pencil-thin” or “matchbook match” sized affect visibility when wet?

Remember that every surgical hair restoration patient has different healing properties. The technique used by the hair transplant surgeon to suture the donor area and how much tension is present are the major factors that determine a strip scar’s appearance. Each patient will have to adopt a hairstyle that will cover up follicular unit hair transplant (FUT) or  even follicular unit extraction (FUE) scarring.

Like most things in life, to get something you might have to give something up.

Dr. Glenn Charles

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community

Get Proven Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new online hair loss treatment shop.

Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

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Technorati Tags: Hair Loss, FUT, FUE, hair transplant, hair restoration, follicular unit hair transplant, follicular unit extraction

In recent years, surgical hair restoration has become increasingly popular among balding men and women seeking a solution to the devastating effects of hair loss. But, finding a quality hair transplant surgeon is not a simple matter of cracking open your local telephone directory or performing a quick Google search. Unfortunately, there are many clinics around the world performing outdated and downright poor quality hair transplants compared to the elite few performing state of the art, ultra refined follicular unit hair transplantation.  Prospective patients must educate themselves not only about the procedure itself but also how to identify and locate these world-class surgeons.

The good news is that the information age has made it easier than ever to conduct effective research from the comfort of your own home. The Internet provides the tools, but where should you begin and what do you really need to know? You only get one shot at a first hair transplant and choosing the wrong doctor can have serious consequences.

For in-depth advice on how to conduct your hair transplant research and ensure a successful outcome, read the article, Choosing a Quality Hair Transplant Surgeon.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community

Get Proven Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new online hair loss treatment shop.

I am experiencing hair loss of about 40-60 strands a day. I have lost lots at my temples. It’s gone really deep. My goals are:

1.   To prevent further balding.
2.   If somehow I can regrow hair at my temples (is this too much to ask for)

I read about platelet rich plasma (PRP) and ACell. I don’t know how effective they are. Can anyone explain if this is effective? I don’t know if I have thinning hair. I have undergone no hair loss treatment yet. My stylist told me that there is thinning of hair at the front. Please advise which doctor I should consider in the Los Angeles area.

There is currently no non-surgical hair loss treatment available that is likely to restore your receding hairline. However, your best bet to retain the hair you have and potentially add density to thinning hair is using Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These are the only two clinically proven and FDA approved drugs for the treatment of androgenic alopecia.

In addition to these drugs, you may also wish to add Nizoral Shampoo to your hair growth regimen. Nizoral contains the active ingredient Ketoconazole which may be a mild DHT blocker. Used in combination, Rogaine, Propecia and Nizoral are known affectionately as “The Big Three”.

To restore your hairline, you may require hair transplant surgery. To learn more about your options I suggest consulting with one or more of the prescreened, quality hair restoration physicians recommended by the Hair Transplant Network. You can also click here for a list of recommended doctors in California.

Treating hair loss is a multibillion dollar industry. Unfortunately for the millions of balding men and women across the globe, sorting out effective non-surgical hair loss treatments from the multitude of hair growth scams out there can be tough.

Those suffering from androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) have a veritable cornucopia of herbal and drug-based topicals, tablets, shampoos and even mechanical devices to choose from. Many of these products make lofty claims to turn back the clock and restore bald heads to luscious, flowing locks. But buyer beware! Currently there is no hair loss cure. However, there are a few select products that are clinically proven and FDA approved or simply offer compelling evidence to support their claims to regrow hair.

To learn more about which treatments are really effective for thinning hair read the article:

Which Hair Loss Treatments Really Work?

To purchase credible treatments for balding at extremely low prices, visit our online hair loss treatments store.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community

Get Proven Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new online hair loss treatment shop.

Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

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Technorati Tags: hair loss, balding, hair loss treatments, hair growth, androgenic alopecia, baldness, bald, hair loss cure, regrow hair

Are you one of the millions of balding men and women worldwide waiting for a new and revolutionary treatment for genetic hair loss? If so, your wait may soon be over.

The Internet has been abuzz lately over a discovery by University of Pennsylvania researchers, illuminating the role of a compound called Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in androgenic alopecia. These scientists have noted a direct correlation between higher concentrations of this compound and thinning hair, suggesting that inhibiting PGD2 or otherwise blocking its effects may stop hair loss and potentially regrow hair.

For more information on this exciting and potentially life-changing non-surgical hair loss treatment, read the article:

Hair Loss Cure? Recent Discovery of PGD2 (Prostaglandin D2) Brings Hope For Ending Hair Loss.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with speculating about future hair loss treatments, balding men and women are advised to research and consider clinically proven and FDA approved treatments available today. For men these are Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). Only Rogaine is safe and approved for female hair loss. Women should not ingest or even handle Propecia tablets.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community

Get Proven Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new online hair loss treatment shop.

Despite continued interest and intrigue from the hair loss community, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) remains a controversial and divisive topic. Some hair restoration physician experts believe it is a legitimate treatment and has its place in modern hair restoration. However, other hair loss experts think the evidence behind LLLT is lacking, and claim those providing and promoting laser therapy are supporting “junk science.”

However, while debating and doubting new medical hair loss treatments can be a healthy practice, the reality is that laser therapy is currently offered in a variety of settings and balding men and women must know whether it is an effective, worthwhile treatment.

Knowing this, several important questions remain: has Low Level Laser Therapy proven itself as an effective hair restoration product? What types of individuals should investigate laser therapy? Specifically, what are the leading hair loss doctors saying? Finally, should balding patients try laser treatment?

To answer these questions and further investigate the history of LLLT, review the newest article:

Low Level Laser Therapy: “Sham” or Effective Hair Loss Treatment? 

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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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Technorati Tags: hair loss, Low Level Laser Therapy, laser therapy, hair loss treatments, balding, hair restoration, hair loss doctors

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

I know many hair loss sufferers fight baldness by combining treatments (medical and surgical treatment, surgery with partial hair pieces, etc), and I’m wondering if the combination of a hair piece and scalp micropigmentation (SMP) would efficiently hide my hair loss?

To clarify, you’re considering a scalp micropigmentation (SMP) procedure and a short/cropped hair system over the pigmented scalp?

While the fine details of hair systems are a bit diverse, I’m not sure this would be ideal. Frankly, I don’t think the micropigmentation would show through the system (meaning the hair system would completely mask any micropigmentation work underneath), and it seems like going for “one or the other” may be a more realistic option.

However, I have seen several cases of SMP combined with a hair transplant, and the two definitely worked together to create a denser appearance all around. Look at this example from Coalition hair restoration surgeon Dr. William Rassman. While it’s not technically a transplant with the addition of SMP (it’s more likely the patient possessed naturally thinning hair), you can still see how the micropigmentation helped augment the lower density.

Could be something to consider. Good luck!
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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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