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According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the facelift, (rhytidectomy), is the sixth most popular elective procedure performed today.

Although the procedure is very common and usually offers significant cosmetic benefit, it is associated with one infrequently discussed side effect: the post-operative loss of “sideburns” and hairline distortion in female patients.  Females who undergo this procedure often consider surgical hair restoration to correct this.

During the facelift procedure, an incision is made in front of the ear (in the temple/sideburn region) and extended into both the hairline region and the area further behind the ear itself. Afterward, the skin is separated from the deeper tissues, tightened, and pulled until taut. Although this maneuver pulls the skin tight and creates a more “youthful” appearance, it also results in an excess of tissue that must be excised.

Unfortunately, because the initial incision is made in the sideburn and hairline area, the last step of the procedure involves the removal of the excess, hair-bearing tissue from this region. In various cases, this results in a total removal of the sideburn hair and an unnatural appearance of the hairline (which can be caused by scarring or a distortion of hairline shape or height).

Fortunately, although this side effect often discourages post-operative facelift patients, the damage can be reversed and reconstructed with modern hair transplant surgery.

This below question was asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums and answered by Janna, the lead medical technician for Coalition hair restoration surgeons Dr. Ron Shapiro and Dr. Paul Shapiro.

I’m undergoing a hair transplant procedure in the near future, and I’m wondering if I should get a haircut before surgery? Is it best to “shave” my head? How short should it be cut?

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, hair restoration, Dr. Ron Shapiro, Dr. Paul Shapiro, hair transplant, haircut, follicular unit transplantation, FUT

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums: 

I recently underwent hair transplant surgery (follicular unit transplantation) and I’m wondering if I’ll experience any sort of additional hair loss from the procedure? Additionally, how soon, after the hair transplant procedure, can I shave my head?

Technorati Tags: Hair Loss, hair transplant surgery, follicular unit transplantation, hair transplant, hair restoration

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums: 

I recently underwent follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and I’m worried about post-operative scar stretching. I’m curious, could Botox injections help prevent the potential hair transplant scar stretching?

In my opinion, this wouldn’t work. Botox is a purified form of Botulinum toxin, which is a well studied muscle paralytic. Botox, when used for cosmetic purposes in the face, “relaxes” facial muscles and decreases the wrinkled, furrowed, aged appearance associated with excessive muscle contraction.

During follicular unit transplanation (FUT) the depth of the “strip” removed from the donor region goes to the dermis and (likely) slightly into the deeper subcutaneous fatty tissue, but stays superficial to any muscle tissue (which in that region of the scalp is likely to only be the occipital region of the occipitofrontalis muscle).

Because scar tissue forms from the more superficial layers and not the muscle tissue, providing an agent that would decrease potential contraction from the muscle, but not necessarily the overlying tissues, really would not prevent excessive stretching. Furthermore, injecting botox into muscles in the back of the scalp would result in unwanted muscle paralysis with no cosmetic or anti-spastic benefit to the patient.
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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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Below we’ve compiled some of the most recent hot topic hair loss related questions and answers provided by physician experts and veteran hair transplant patients. You are encouraged to click on any of the links to topics you find interesting below.

Which Shampoo is Best to Use After Hair Transplant Surgery? View this article presented by Dr. Michael Beehner and learn whether or not the type of shampoo you use after hair transplant surgery really matters.

Impact of Abruptly Stopping Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments? Learn about the risks of stopping proven hair loss treatments and what it may mean for your hair.

When Creating a Second Hair Transplant Scar May Be Appropriate: This article discusses Coalition member Dr. Cam Simmons‘ thoughts on whether or not it’s appropriate to create a second hair transplant scar.

Can Swimming or Excessive Chlorine Exposure Cause Hair Loss? Learn whether or not your hair is in any danger from swimming regularly.

Bill Seemiller
Managing Publisher of 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, hair transplant, Dr. Michael Beehner, hair transplant, hair loss treatments, Dr. Cam Simmons, hair transplant scar, Bill Seemiller

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I began investigating hair transplant surgery and the possibility of shaving the back and sides of my head to a “zero” (very close cut) after the operation. I’m wondering, will an ultra-refined follicular unit transplantation (FUT) scar be visible at this hair length? If so, is follicular unit extraction (FUE) a better option?

At a “zero,” even the best, most “pencil thin” follicular unit transplantation (FUT) scar will be visible.

However, keep in mind that while scarring is very, very minimal with follicular unit extraction (FUE), I wouldn’t be surprised if you could see some scarring in the donor region with a “zero buzz” post-follicular unit extraction as well.

Obviously the type and overall visibility of the scarring will be different, but at this point in time, both these techniques are surgical procedures and will leave “some” type of scarring.

However, if you are an acceptable candidate and do plan on wearing your hair very short, FUE may be a better option. Consulting with a talented hair transplant surgeon will help evaluate your FUE eligibility.
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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, hair transplant surgery, follicular unit transplantation, FUT, hair length, follicular unit extraction, FUE, hair transplant surgeon

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

I have never taken any medical hair loss treatments like Rogaine (minoxidil) or Propecia (finasteride) and don’t plan to after my hair transplant. I am 37 years old with a 5A.pattern of hair loss on the Norwood Scale. Is anyone out there doing the same or is it like a foregone conclusion that you have to?

The chances of continued balding are really high without medications. It is always up to the patient of course, but not using Propecia and Rogaine could result in further hair loss and/or more hair restoration surgeries to repair the extra loss.

Dr. Scott Alexander

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog.

Technorati Tags: hair loss treatments, Rogaine, minoxidil, Propecia, finasteride, hair transplant, hair loss, Norwood Scale, balding, hair restoration

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums: 

I recently underwent hair transplant surgery and the physician recommended I complete several laser treatment (Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) sessions after the procedure. Is this necessary? Will it help with post-operative growth and healing?

Laser treatment (sometimes known as Low Lever Laser Therapy or LLLT) is a pretty controversial topic in the hair restoration community. Some believe it is a valid therapy for stimulating follicular growth and aiding in post-operative healing, while others think it is simply ineffective and not recommended.

Frankly, I’ve seen some pretty convincing evidence that LLLT is not an effective hair restoration treatment. Furthermore, I have not been presented with conclusive or persuasive counter-evidence refuting these findings.

Regardless of whether or not you believe LLLT is effective, one thing is certain: our network hosts thousands of hair transplant cases from patients who have undergone surgery without adjunct laser therapy and still manage to achieve excellent results. For me, this is the most convincing proof that surgical hair restoration can stand alone as a restorative therapy without LLLT. Personally, I’d feel comfortable moving forward with this information.

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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

Follow our community on Twitter

Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

In this hair loss article, recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Parsa Mohebi shares his expert advice regarding the use of medical hair loss treatments after hair restoration surgery.

Oftentimes I receive inquiries about whether it would be a wise decision to stop using Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil) after a hair restoration surgery. The fact is, there are risks involved with that decision which include hair loss on the existing, prone to balding hair. Frequently, a second procedure is needed as time moves on, which can be predicted through a thorough microscopic scalp evaluation, also known as a miniaturization study.

Stopping finasteride will have no effect on the hair which has been transplanted, but the risk of losing the existing hair at any time is possible. A proper miniaturization study will show which areas of the scalp are most prone to future thinning. This is important for knowing what may occur over time. To stop finasteride or minoxidil after a hair transplantation surgery is never recommended but, ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether they are willing to accept the risk of losing their existing hair or be comfortable taking medicine to maintain a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Parsa Mohebi

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

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:

Is shock loss equally common in the recipient area as it is in the donor area?

In my experience shock loss is more common in the hair transplant recipient area. I have only had a few surgical hair restoration cases over the past 14 years with noticeable shock loss in the donor area.

Obviously, the more hair that the hair transplant surgeon is trying to work around in the recipient area the better chance of having shock loss. The health of the existing hair is also a major factor in how much shock loss a patient will get.

Dr. Glenn Charles

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

Technorati Tags: Hair Loss, hair transplant, hair restoration