Trichophytic Closure: Increasing The Odds of A Less Visible Hair Transplant Scar
Written by admin on February 28, 2009
All cosmetic surgery leaves scars, there’s no ifs , ands or buts about it. However, a skilled surgeon can greatly reduce the visibility of scars my utilizing specific techniques that either strategically place the scar in a less visible area of the body or camouflage the scar all together.
Hair transplant surgery is unique in that most scars, even the less than optimal ones, can be hidden within the hair, if in fact the patient has a sufficient amount above the scar.
Patients should expect a donor scar to be no more than 1-2mm in width on average. In some cases, even in the best hands, the donor scar can be wider. If a patient’s connective tissues are weak, or if he happens to fall into the hands of an unskilled surgeon the scar left behind can become a serious aesthetic issue. Read more
Accutane Related Hair Loss - Am I Candidate For Hair Transplant Surgery?
Written by Paul Straub, MD on February 24, 2009
Hello. I am considering getting a hair transplant and I had a few questions. I am a 24 year old male and I began losing hair about 3 years ago immediately after taking the medication Accutane. I have always had very thick hair, but about a month after I started taking Accutane I noticed that I had lost a ton of hair of the front/mid area of my head. My hair went from being so thick that every time I got it cut they needed to thin it out using special scissors, to being able to see my scalp in certain spots within a couple of weeks.
My hair loss began about an inch or so above my hairline in the front/center part of my head in a diffuse pattern. My hairline didn’t recede at all and I didn’t really lose any hair in my crown area. As soon as I noticed the hair loss I immediately quit taking the medication. For about 6-12 months after stopping the medication I lost a large amount of hair and was probably shedding between 100-300 hairs a day. Eventually the shedding slowed down drastically and I think my hair has stabilized for the most part now. I only notice about 20-30 hairs lost when I shower and comb my hair every day. The majority of my hair is still thick and healthy, but there is an area about the size of my hand that runs from the top of my head to my hairline that is incredibly thin and I have probably lost about 70% of the hair in that area. My hairline has not receded at all and I was told I have a juvenile hairline. Read more
Female Experiencing Shock Loss 6 Weeks After Hair Transplant Procedure. Is This Normal?
Written by William Reed, MD on February 18, 2009
I am a 26 year old female who had a transplant 6 weeks ago ( 1000 grafts, first transplant ) due to frontal thinning of hair. I am experiencing shock loss which I know to be normal, but I want to know is it normal to start at this time, how much hair usually comes out and how long does the shedding usually last for? - Christine
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Dear Christine,
“Transplant shock”, or thinning of pre-exisiting hair after a transplantation is as unpredictable as it is frustrating and anxiety-provoking. It is thought that the shedding comes from the chemicals released by the inflammation associated with healing wherein the chemicals are perhaps useful in sterilizing the environment but are also noxious to the surrounding cells. The cells of the hair follicle respond to stress by inducing the follicle to go into its resting phase, “telogen”. Scalp hair generally grows for three years, then goes into the resting phase for three months before reentering another growth phase. This appearance of the resting phase usually becomes apparent as early as 3 weeks and can continue for perhaps three months. Read more
Looking To Get Repaired After Receiving a Bad FUE Hair Transplant Procedure
Written by Michael Beehner, MD on February 11, 2009
In November of 2007 I traveled to another country to have an FUE hair transplant by a supposed world renowned hair transplant surgeon. I was impressed with his website and with his credentials and he told me on the phone that he was the first in North American to perform this type of surgery and that no one else has perfected it to his level. He said he could guarantee that I would have no scaring and undetectable results. Since I was told the he was board certified in FUE, and he was the president of a couple of organizations, I thought that I would be big good hands.
Unfortunately for me, this was not the case. The entire experience was a disaster! I have practically zero growth and my donor area is severely scared after this supposed surgeon removed 2000 FUE grafts from the back and side of my head. I was told that I would be able to close crop my hair, which is now impossible, and I look MUCH worse than when I went in to see him. I put my trust in this doctor and all I have to show for it is less hair, a scarred head and thousands of dollars less in my bank account.
I have attempted to contact his office on several occasions but the doctor has stopped returning my calls or answering my e-mail. Read more
Do You Think I Am Overpaying For My Hair Transplant?
Written by Robert J. Reese, DO on February 5, 2009
I went in for a consultation and was told I would need about 200-250 grafts for a bald area that I have that is the size of a quarter on the hairline of my temple from birth. I was quoted $3,000. Not FUE just a regular transplant. I have never believed one should shop around for medical procedures, but everyone tells me it’s way too much. Based on this quote the grafts would come out to $12 if I implanted 250, and $15 if I implanted $200. My research online told me grafts normally range between $5-9. I live in a major metropolitan city and granted the doctor is a recognized doctor, but by comparison this seems a bit much. Am I overpaying? Please advise. -Leeanne
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Dear Leeanne:
Thank you for your question. There is an old adage that goes, “In life, you get what you pay for.” This is especially true in the field of surgical hair restoration. I have encountered many, many patients over the years that have chosen to have a transplant procedure with their primary decision making factor being “price”. They comfort themselves into thinking that their procedure will be performed by another “qualified” physician. And they go on to regret their decision in the end. Read more
