Post Hair Loss Questions and Get Answers

As a hair loss sufferer visiting this hair restoration blog I’d like to inform you that Dr. Alvi Armani has filed a lawsuit against the Hair Transplant Network community for comments made on our forum that were critical of him and his clinic.

Yet another hair transplant surgeon does not feel that me or certain other members of this hair restoration community have the right to express our opinions or share our experiences.

I invite you to exercise your right to free expression by visiting our forum topic, Dr. Armani Lawsuit Against the Hair Transplant Network, and reply to demonstrate that you are prepared to exercise your right to free speech.

Fortunately our forefathers had the good sense to make the first amendment protecting free speech the very first amendment. Many people, including me, have expressed numerous reservations online about Dr. Armani and his questionable ethics, deceptive marketing practices, as well as issues with his hair transplant technique.

Two posters, one of whom claimed to be a patient of Dr. Armani, were banned on Hair Loss Help when they expressed reservations about Dr. Armani,his practice and his results. They then came to this forum and exercised their right to share their experiences and concerns. One of Dr. Armani’s online representatives then contacted us. We encouraged them to exercise their right to reply and refute any claims that they felt were not accurate. However, instead of replying they chose to sue the Hair Transplant Network.

I have some hair in the front of my head and if I were to get hair replacement in the front, is it necessary to shave my head?  I see most hair transplant photos with the recipient area shaved.  Does shaving provide a better chance for survival? Does it make it easier for the doctor to operate?

Though I feel that shaving the recipient area creates an optimal work environment for the hair restoration physician, in my opinion, it isn’t always necessary.

Where shaving appears to be most helpful is when transplanted hair is placed in between and around a lot of existing native hair. Around sparse natural hair, shaving is most likely not going to be as much of an issue.

The type of recipient incision made also may be a factor here. Whereas cases can be made for both perpendicular (coronal/lateral) and paralel (sagital) incisions depending on the hair loss patient, I have heard many physicians argue that sagital incisions do a much better job of sliding in and around existing hairs to avoid transection then lateral incisions. This certainly makes a strong case for physicians who do not require shaving of the recipient area.

At the same time however, those who don’t typically require shaving admit that surgery can take much longer when transplanting in between and around existing natural hair which could then potentially make larger hair transplant megasessions exceeding 4000 follicular unit grafts near impossible to perform in a single day.

Technorati Tags: hair replacement, hair transplant photos, hair restoration, transplanted hair, native hair, hair loss, sagital incisions, lateral incisions, natural hair, hair transplant megasession, follicular unit grafts

This question was posed by a hair loss sufferer seeking hair loss help on our hair restoration forum and answered by Dr. Jeffrey Epstein of Miami, FL who is an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.  His professional answer is below.

We do not require any of our hair transplant patients to shave the hair in the balding recipient area, for a few important reasons: first, it makes it difficult to resume regular activities for the first few weeks after the hair restoration procedure, and second, during the course of the procedure, I find the presence of the existing hairs allows me to more accurately determine the relative thinness of different areas of the scalp. Yes, it may take as much as an additional 90 to 120 minutes longer to perform a procedure of 2500 plus follicular unit grafts when the hair is present, but this extra time put in is a small price for the advantages of leaving the hair alone.

Dr. Epstein

—

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 loss help, hair transplant, balding, hair restoration, follicular unit grafts

I emailed one inquiry about hair transplant costs.  I was told by a hair loss doctor in India that I require approximately 6000-8000 follicular unit grafts, which I think is too much.  They said if I want enough hair density, that I require 2000 grafts for the hairline and temples and another 2000 for the crown.  I don’t think I am that bald.  Please tell me what I need to do to lower and add density to my existing hairline, refine my temples, and the expenses involved in a full hair restoration plan.

This hair loss question was posted directly to Dr. Raymond Konior of Chicago, IL, who is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.  See his professional answer below.

Interpreting graft numbers can be confusing for patients.  It is understandable why you would think such large numbers are unnecessary.  You need to understand that density is one of the main factors that will influence your satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the end result. 

The final density will depend on how many grafts are placed per square centimeter in the thinning hair zones.  Baseline density in a non-thinning zone has been reported to vary between 60-100 follicular units.  Variations in baseline density are influenced by age, area of scalp, race and other factors.  Your scalp would need to be examined under magnification to determine your exact baseline density in the donor site.  That inspection would also determine if you have any density fluctuations between the occipital donor site (back of your scalp) and the temporal donor site (side of your scalp).

Technorati Tags: hair transplant, hair loss, follicular unit grafts, hair density, bald, hair restoration, thinning hair

Ultra refined follicular unit hair transplantation is a term to describe the new “gold standard” of hair transplantation where hair restoration physicians are using smaller blades, making smaller incisions, and creating smaller “skinny” grafts. Making smaller incisions and trimming smaller grafts allows a hair transplant surgeon to “dense pack” follicular unit grafts much more closely together than that of standard follicular unit hair transplantation (almost twice as dense in many cases) and when done correctly, produces high hair growth yield and minimizes scalp trauma.

Determining what is “ultra refined” however can sometimes be a little tricky as blade and needle sizes vary and many hair transplant surgeons like to cut grafts somewhere in between “skinny” and “chubby”.

With a “chubby” graft, there is some extra potential that hairs in catagen (resting) contained within the graft will be rescued and thus produce greater hair growth yield.  However, in my opinion, cutting a graft too chubby will result in additional scalp trauma and a need for more than one pass to accomplish the same result.

On the flip side, cutting a graft to “skinny”, makes the graft more vulnerable, so physicians, nurses, and technicians must be extra careful with these ultra-skinny grafts to ensure they are not damaged.  I have found that most patients prefer ultra refined follicular unit grafting because it allows a hair transplant doctor to accomplish more in a single hair restoration surgery. Those who have mastered this technique, such as those members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians have a proven track record of excellent and consistent patient results.

Technorati Tags: hair transplantation, hair restoration physicians, hair transplant surgeon, dense pack, follicular unit grafts, hair growth, hair transplant, hair growth yield, follicular unit grafting, hair transplant doctor, hair restoration

The Hair Transplant Network is a patient driven hair restoration community giving hair loss sufferers and patients a chance to learn about and share their hair restoration experiences, results, and photos online.   Balding men and women seeking real hair loss solutions can view these photos or share their own experiences by visiting www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog.

We will be featuring a few balding blogs each week for our newsletter subscribers.

This hair transplant patient received 2053 follicular unit grafts with Dr. Ron Shapiro, a well respected member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.  At only 5 months after surgery, this patient already has grown a good bit of hair.  Be sure to follow his hair restoration journey on his blog.

Dr. Epstein, also a well respected member of the Coalition transplanted 2700 follicular unit grafts over the balding frontal half of this patient.  Though 5 months is far too early to determine the final result, his new hair is already starting to blossom quite nicely.  Be sure to encourage this patient by posting comments on his weblog.

—

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

Technorati Tags: hair restoration, hair loss, Balding, balding blog, follicular unit grafts

I had a hair transplant for my hair loss 9 months ago and want to know how much more hair growth I can expect.  I am satisfied with my results so far but was hoping for more. 

Many hair transplant patients who undergo hair replacement surgery typically expect that most of their hair will have grown in and fully matured 9-12 months after surgery.  It is important that balding men and women who have had surgery realize that it takes up to at least 12-18 months for hair to mature.  This includes the possibility of some new hair growth and a lot of hair thickening and darkening. 

In my opinion, the difference in the appearance of fullness and density is extremely noticeable between 9 months and 14 months under harsh lighting.  Learn more about how lighting affects the illusion of hair density and fullness.

Though most if not all of the transplanted hair has at least started to grow in by 9 months, much of it is still fine, lighter in color, and not yet mature.  As the hair thickens and darkens, the result will appear more natural and look denser under harsh lighting conditions.

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 loss, hair growth, hair replacement, balding, transplanted hair

I have an extremely large forehead which has been bothering me for the past 10 or so years. I have been wearing baseball caps now for years to hide this.  I don’t go out to certain places that do not allow caps etc and i stopped playing football.  I was wondering if it would be possible to get a hair transplant to lower my forehead about an inch in front of my hairline? I have a good hairline, just a large forehead! What are the costs of this hair replacement procedure?

Yes, hair restoration surgery could be a possible option for you however, consulting with a first-rate hair restoration physician is key to determine whether or not you are a good candidate.  The hair loss doctor will evaluate your scalp and determine whether or not you are a hair transplant candidate based on a number of factors including age, if you have or may experience any hair loss, your donor hair availability (hair density and scalp elasticity), etc.

The cost of hair transplant will vary between hair transplant clinics and depending on the type of surgery you have - follicular unit transplantation (fut) or follicular unit extraction (fue).    The number of follicular unit grafts needed and sessions needed to accomplish your hair restoration goals will also make a difference.

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 replacement, hair restoration, hair loss doctor, hair loss, donor hair, hair density, cost of hair transplant, hair transplant clinic, follicular unit grafts

This insightful information was posted on our hair restoration forum by Dr. Martin Tessler Southfield, MI who is an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

I have thinning hair on my crown and have been losing my hair for about 3 years now. I am 25 and it is really starting to disturb me and curb my social activities. I am worried about continuing further hair loss and it getting even worse.  I want to get a hair transplant to thicken up the crown area and perhaps look at adding something to the receding hairline.  I’m currently on Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil) for about 1.5 years.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Without examining you in person it is difficult to give you a definitive answer. From the photos you look like you have a fairly dense donor area and that your hair has some curl to it. Also, if you have a lot of finer, shorter hairs in the crown that are only an inch or so in length you could be a candidate for a relatively small hair restoration procedure even though you are only 25. Over the past 10 years I have done a single smaller surgery on hundreds of young balding men who are willing to take Propecia. The surgery and the Propecia work together, where we see very significant hair growth that exceeds expectations. Most of these hair transplant patients have had minimal further hair loss as long as they continue Propecia. Since a very small amount of donor hair is used, in many there is no real downside. They return for refills on their hair loss medication, not more surgery.

Technorati Tags: thinning hair, losing my hair, hair loss, hair transplant, Propecia, finasteride, Rogaine, minoxidil, donor area, hair restoration, balding, hair growth, hair transplant patients, donor hair, hair loss medication

Hair Transplant Patient Photo Albums of the Week

Get past the hype of commercialized claims and come to our hair restoration forum to see “real deal” before and after hair restoration pictures posted by real hair transplant patients.  In a world of uncertainty and commercialism, what you see is what you get on our hair loss forum.

Well respected forum member “NervousNelly” shares his 6 month hair transplant photo update.  NervousNelly had his hair replacement surgery performed by Dr. Ron Shapiro and received approximately 2900 follicular unit grafts.  Though he still has a lot more hair growth to come, he is already seeing the great benefit of hair transplantation.  Be sure to congratulate him on his new head of hair.  See also his before and immediately postoperative hair transplant photos by clicking here.

Forum member “Avrian” received 3000 follicular unit grafts with Dr. Wong and has returned to our hair loss forum to share his one year hair transplant result with us.  Click here to see his photos and congratulate him on his new hair.

Click here to see over 5 years of hair transplant patient posted photo albums and experiences shared.  To create your very own free hair loss blog, click here.

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

Technorati Tags: hair restoration, real hair transplant, hair loss, hair replacement, follicular unit grafts, hair growth, hair transplantation, hair transplant photos, hair loss forum, hair transplant patient, hair loss blog