Hair Transplant

Is It Normal To Experience Hair Loss After a Hair Transplant?

Written by Robert M. Bernstein, MD on October 5, 2008

I recently had a hair transplant with a very reputable doctor. I am about 3 months into the process post op and have noticed some hair loss in the frontal area. Surgery was easy, recovery excellent, but loss of frontal area is noticeable, in spite of continued use of both Propecia and 5% Minoxidil. The doctor did seem surprised, but said both grafts and original permanent hair should grow back. Should I be concerned? And, what else can I do? - Michael
- - - - - - - - -

Shedding of some of the patient’s existing hair in and around the area of a hair transplant is a relatively common occurrence and should not be a cause of concern. The mechanism appears to be a normal physiologic response of the body to the stress of surgery – i.e., site creation, adrenaline in the anesthetic etc. Some doctors claim that their techniques are so impeccable that their patients do not experience shedding. This is clearly a false claim. Read the story »

In Need of Scar Revision From Coronal Browlift - Should I Go To a Hair Transplant Surgeon or a Plastic Surgeon?

Written by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD on October 3, 2008

I had a coronal browlift done 7 years ago and was left with a widened scar on my head.  I just went to a facial plastic surgeon who recommended a scar revision, basically just to strip off the scar skin and close it with trichophytic closure.  I wonder if a hair transplant surgeon can perform this better than a plastic surgeon because he told me that this technique was first invented by a hair surgeon.  Is there anything, like the tools or practices that would make the hair transplant surgeon a better choice? Thanks. - John
- - - - - - - - -

The challenge when repairing widened browlift scars is that many of the same conditions that were present when the original incision was made still exist-  the tightness of the scalp, the curved shape of the skull in that area, and the general healing mechanism of the patient.  Therefore, many times, scar repairs, whereby the scar tissue is excised and the incision opened up then sutured close, wind up with somewhat to little improvement. Yes, the trichophytic technique can make for a less detectable scar by allowing hairs to grow through the scar, but if the incision is closed under tension, there will still be some moderate show of scar.
That being said, it usually makes sense to try a scar repair to see how much if any improvement is possible.  It has been my experience that, in many cases, transplanting hair into these browlift scars is very successful.
These hairs will in fact grow right through the scar, when proper techniques are used.  You can see some examples of these procedures by going through some different doctors’ websites on the internet. Read the story »

Searching For a Reputable Hair Transplant Surgeon

Written by Spencer Kobren on October 1, 2008

I am 24 years old and looking into options to maintain my thinning hair.  Hair transplant surgery is something I’m pondering, but I would like to fully inform myself with information from a credible doctor/surgeon. I’ve seen some non-biased studies and I’m intrigued, so the next step would be a consultation.  Herein lies my concern.

I see you have an extensive list of experts listed on your site.  Do any of these hair transplant surgeons work for Bosley or Medical Hair Restoration?

If so, I could at least ask these questions in confidence.  If not, could you give me some contact info for a good surgeon that may not work for such a high profile practice?

Thank you,
Ryan

- - - - - - - - - -
Dear Ryan,

First and foremost, it is important to fully understand the hair transplant process and to assess whether or not you are even a candidate for the procedure. I’m glad you found the IAHRS since, in my opinion, the internet is an extremely dangerous place to attempt to find accurate and objective information on surgical hair restoration. Read the story »