Author Archive for Robert M. Bernstein, MD

Robert M. Bernstein, M.D., is recognized world wide for his pioneering work in Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction. His Center for Hair Restoration in Manhattan is devoted to the treatment of hair loss using these state-of-the-art techniques. Dr. Bernstein, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University, is the recipient of the "Platinum Follicle Award” for "Outstanding Achievement" in scientific and clinical research in hair restoration. This is the highest honor awarded by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. “Dr. Bernstein has contributed to the field of hair transplantation in dramatic and substantial ways, revolutionizing the advancement of Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. His published articles have become ‘Bibles’ for this methodology. Dr. Bernstein has been chosen as one of “America’s Top Doctors,” by Castle Connolly Medical and New York Magazine's "The Best Doctors in New York” for nine consecutive years. He has been selected to be among New York Magazine’s “Best Beauty Docs in New York” for his pioneering work in Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction. Dr. Bernstein's contributions to the field of hair transplantation and devotion to patient care have earned him the honor of "Pioneer of the Month" and "Surgeon of the Month" in Hair Transplant Forum International. Dr. Bernstein has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show and The Discovery Channel. He has appeared on The Early Show, CBS News, Fox News, and National Public Radio, and in GQ Magazine, Men’s Health and Vogue. Dr. Bernstein's is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Visit Dr. Bernstein's Website: www.bernsteinmedical.com

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

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
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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 more

How Can I Conceal My Hair Transplant From Others During Post Operative Healing?

I am considering a hair transplant and would like to have the procedure and not be overly obvious about it. What are my options in hiding or concealing any redness after a week or so if it exists? I’m assuming I would follow all aftercare procedure recommendations. Thanks, Greg
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There are a number of factors that can make a hair transplant obvious in the post-op period. These include the redness that you are asking about, but also crusting and swelling.

Redness is easily camouflaged with ordinary make-up. At one week post-op, the grafts are pretty secure so that make-up can be applied and then gently washed off at the end of the day. Since the recipient wounds are well healed by one week, using make-up does not increase the risk of infection. At 10 days, the grafts are permanent and can not be dislodged, therefore, at this time the makeup can be removed without any special precautions.

Usually residual crusting presents more of a cosmetic problem than redness and, as you alluded to in your question, can be minimized with meticulous post-op care. Read more

How Do I Camouflage a Hair Transplant Scar?

What’s the best way to camouflage a scar left behind from a scalp reduction that I had in 2001? I am currently wearing Dermatch to cover the area, but the hair parts like the “red sea” on top around the scar so the makeup does not look so good. I would like to fill in the area with hair but I am not sure if a hair transplant will grow into scar tissue. Thank you.
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Hair will grow in the scar but, as you allude to, the problem is often the abnormal hair direction rather than the scar itself.  Besides adding hair to the scar, if one transplants hair adjacent to the scar, so that it lies over the scarred area, the visual affect of the “Red Sea” effect can be lessened.  Read more

Finasteride - Prostate Cancer – Hair Loss?

Finasteride, is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the 5-mg dose, it has been used for the treatment of non-cancerous prostate tumors and in the 1-mg dose has been prescribed both as a prevention and treatment for early onset male pattern baldness. However, some caution was taken when a study conducted in 2003 by the National Cancer Institute suggested that while Finasteride 5mg (Proscar) might be responsible for a 25% reduction in the overall incidence of prostate cancer, it might also be responsible for an increase of 25.5% in high-grade, aggressive tumors detected in these patients when compared to the placebo group. This random study was conducted on a group of 18,000 men.

The 2003 study, however, did not conclude whether the increased incidence of high-grade tumors was caused by finasteride or if finasteride, in fact, aided in the detection of pre-existing high grade aggressive cells.

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Any Hope For The Hopeless? When a Hair Transplant Isn’t An Option

I am writing because I am wondering what to do for my situation. I am 25 years old with extreme diffuse thinning. Lucky me huh? I think it resembles more female pattern type hair loss and the donor hair, side top everywhere is evenly thinned. I think I’ve done enough research to figure out that I am probably not a candidate for a hair transplant due to not having a very stable donor hair area, and also I hear doctors don’t want to transplant guys that are too young. So this is one of those times age isn’t on my side. What do I do? I don’t want to depress anyone, but this has ruined my life, or perhaps more appropriately stated, robbed me of the one I had before. Not a lot of 25 year old women wanting to date a guy with hair like their grandfather. Do guys with diffuse thinning respond well to Propecia or Rogaine? thanks.

You are correct that if you have diffuse thinning by age 25, you would not be a candidate for a hair transplant. I would use both Finasteride and Rogaine and begin these medications as soon as possible. With diffuse thinning, it is possible to have a dramatic response. Read more

Women’s Hair Transplant - Shock Loss | Minoxidil Isn’t Working, Please Help

I have a question about shock loss and recurrent shedding (I am a woman, age 55). In May of 2002 I underwent a hair transplant of 750 micrografts, mostly on top and in front, some on the crown. After the procedure, I went into a bad shock loss - in addition to losing the original hair around the new transplants, I also lost a lot on the back of my head to above my ears, above the donor incision, which took a half inch strip of scalp out from ear to ear. On top of that, I was on minoxidil which kicked in further hair loss like it always does in the beginning. The shock loss areas grew back but not anywhere near as thick as they were before - which was never that thick! The minoxidil did nothing for me that I could see, although it may have speeded up the regrowth of the shock loss areas.

Here is my question - it is now nearly 4 years later and I am having a terrible problem with shedding the past few months, and once again I am thin on top and above the scar all the way up to and including the crown. In fact, it’s every place above the donor area, same as the first time. Is it possible that when you lose a lot to shock, the hair cycle of all those follicles resets to that specific point in time, and if the cycle is 4 years long, you will lose it all again in 4 years? Or, after a shock loss, do the follicles involved revert to their previous individually staggered cycles the next time around? Read more