The social demands of modern society has made us all a little impatient and greedy. We want everything bigger, better and faster. We want to live larger than life. This includes everything from the cars we drive, to the people we follow on social media. It's like we have this innate desire to have the most and be the biggest. This mindset bleeds into other facets of life and those who seek to restore their hair through hair transplantation are no different. So just how many hair transplants can you have? Well, keep reading. There is no one-size-fits-all however, there is an approximate average among the hair transplant community. But this is dependent on the harvesting technique and whether the patient is electing to under go Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) or Follicular Unit Excision (FUE). FUE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a hair transplant surgeon removing follicular units one by one from the patients donor site with a small punch between the sizes of 0.7 and 1mm in circumference. It is common knowledge that visible hair loss occurs once 50% of the natural density has been lost. This formula can also be applied to the donor supply (back and sides of the scalp) of a patient. Most individuals are born with approximately 100,000 hairs on their head. This means a typical Norwood 6 patient would have approximately 25,000 hairs in their safe donor zone (area safe from the effects of DHT). The majority of individuals have about 2 hairs per graft, so if we do some simple division 25,000 hairs breaks down to 12,500 grafts. Now since we know hair loss does not become visible until 50% of density has been lost, most patients would be able to transplant 6,250 grafts via Follicular Unit Excision (FUE). Now it's important to remember these numbers are not set in stone and will vary from person to person, some may have more grafts available and some may have less.
How About FUSS? FUSS or strip surgery is performed by removing a strip of donor tissue from the back and sides of the scalp which are genetically resistant to DHT. Strip surgery relies on the elasticity of a patients scalp, because every time a strip of donor tissue is removed, the patients scalp becomes tighter and loses elasticity. Thus, reducing the amount of surgeries a patient could have without severely compromising the scalp. The term "stripped out" refers to the patients scalp which can no longer withstand any further donor tissue removal. The amount of surgeries an individual can have depends on the elasticity of their scalp. Some individuals can have up to four hair transplant procedures and others may only be able to have two. How Many Hair Transplants Can You Have? Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer, because there is no on-size-fits-all when it comes to hair transplant surgery. Some individuals never lose any hair besides their hairline, while others only lose hair in their crown (vertex) and some go completely bald. Obviously, the amount of hair transplant procedures one can have or would have depends on these aforementioned factors. However, the one thing we are certain of is that combining both FUE and FUSS will ultimately lead to the maximum amount of hair and surgeries one can have
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In the last decade or so, Nizoral has been included in hair loss sufferers regiment all around the world. In fact, Nizoral is part of the “big 3” which is a combination of Propecia (finasteride), Rogaine (minoxidil) and Nizoral. To date, the big 3 is the most effective combination for combating androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). That said, surgical hair restoration is king in terms of hair loss treatments. So many hair loss sufferers who opt for surgery are asking themselves can we still use Nizoral or will it damage grafts? Well, keep reading. Most hair transplant surgeons recommend using baby shampoo for the first few weeks after having a hair transplant procedure. This is because harsh chemicals found in some shampoos may damage the healing grafts. Therefore, patients should wait until all of their transplanted grafts have shed before beginning to use Nizoral again. What is Nizoral Nizoral shampoo is a shampoo that was created to treat dandruff and other fungal scalp conditions. The active ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole, this ingredient has been shown to be a potent 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. The 5-alpha reductase enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone in to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through the blood stream. DHT is the main catalyst for male and female pattern hair loss. How Does Nizoral Treat Hair Loss
No shampoo to date has been approved by the FDA to treat hereditary hair loss, but there is some clinical evidence that suggests Nizoral may treat androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). The active ingredient ketoconazole is thought to work by removing excess sebum from the scalp and hair follicles. Hair follicles as well as sebaceous glands contain a high level of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. As we previously stated, this enzyme is responsible for creating DHT. Therefore, removing sebum that contains DHT should theoretically stop the hormone from binding to the androgen receptors on the scalp and reduce hair loss. According to various studies Nizroral shampoo is as effective in treating genetic hair loss as 2% Rogaine (minoxidil). That may not sound impressive, but it shows that the shampoo can be somewhat effective in treating hair loss. Conclusion Using Nizoral shampoo after a hair transplant can be useful in preventing the further progression of hereditary hair loss, but the shampoo must be used after the transplanted grafts have fully healed. Additionally, the shampoo on its own is not likely to have any major impact on hair loss however, when combined with Propecia finasteride and minoxidil the shampoo can be quite effective. The vast majority of people assume that hair transplant surgery can completely restore a bald head into a full thick and luscious head of hair. Unfortunately, this assumption is wrong. While surgical hair restoration is the only option to restore hair on a bald scalp, it is subject to some physical limitations. The question on everyone’s mind is whether one hair transplant will be enough to restore the appearance of a full head of hair. Keep reading the article.
On to the question is one hair transplant enough to restore the appearance of a full head of hair? Unfortunately, there isn’t a definitive answer, but in most cases no. Allow us to explain the reasons why one hair transplant is not enough to provide full coverage and density. The first reason is hair loss progression, while it’s understandable why someone may want to have one hair transplant, it is not logical. Hereditary hair loss is a progressive condition that spreads and gets worse over time. Therefore, patients may require several surgeries over their lifetime to maintain their appearance and density. In addition, the average donor supply of a patient is not dense enough to provide full coverage with adequate density in one surgery. The donor supply of a person is finite, some individuals have a thick, robust and abundant donor supply that enables them to cover a significant portion of their scalp with desirable density. However, the vast majority of patients simply have enough donor hair to cover the front and midsection of their scalp; leaving the crown (vertex) either bare or lightly covered. The last reason why one surgery is not likely to be enough to satisfy the majority of patients is density. Technically, you are able to cover the entire scalp with a few hundred follicular unit grafts. However, the density of the overall result will be poor and not cosmetically appealing. This is why hair restoration physicians prefer to tackle hair loss in sections, focusing on the front first and the crown (vertex) last. This enables the surgeons to dense pack the hairline and frontal third. The hairline provides the biggest cosmetic impact because the hairline is the frame and foundation the face. Bottomline Now we’re not saying that one hair transplant won’t be enough for every single person in the world, there may be a select few with minimal hair loss that will be satisfied with one hair transplant long-term. That said, the vast majority will likely require a few procedures throughout their entire lifetime to keep up with their appearance. For many researching surgical hair restoration, the mere words “shock loss” strikes fear and panic. The thought of looking even balder after surgery is enough to deter many hair loss sufferers from the procedure. However, shock loss for the most part is temporary and resolves on its own, but depletion is a permanent condition. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the two.
What Is Donor Depletion? Donor depletion refers to the donor site of a patient that has been severely compromised by over-harvesting a large number of follicular units for transplantation. Generally, donor depletion occurs with Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) more often than it does with strip surgery, this is because FUE requires a larger area for donor harvesting. Unfortunately, the occurrence of donor depletion continues to grow each year, this is due to mega-sessions being performed on less than ideal candidates. Donor depletion leaves the donor site of patients looking moth-eaten and patchy. What Is Shock Loss? Telogen Effluvium commonly referred to as "shock loss" is a form of short-term hair loss that occurs from stress, trauma or a surgical procedure. Shock loss generally resolves on its own without treatment within three to six months. Hair follicles have three phases of life, the anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transitional) phase and the telogen (resting) phase. When trauma occurs a massive amount of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase all at once, this creates a temporary appearance of thinning/balding. The hair loss may appear patchy over the donor site. How Can You Tell The Difference Between The Two Visibly speaking it is difficult to detect a difference between donor depletion and donor shock loss. However, there are some subtle clues that can help an individual determine if he is suffering from either condition. The first determining factor should be how many follicular unit grafts were removed during the surgical procedure. Anything over 3,000 grafts in one sitting is extremely risky and can lead to donor depletion. Another factor to consider is the time frame between surgery and the thinning appearance. If the thinning appearance occurred suddenly after surgery, it is likely to be shock loss. However, if the thinning appearance has lasted longer than six months with no visible changes each month, it is likely to be donor depletion. Conclusion Unfortunately, only time can truly tell the difference between shock loss and donor depletion. However, choosing a qualified and accredited hair transplant surgeon can ensure that donor depletion does not occur. A skilled, experienced and talented surgeon understands the importance of donor management. The longevity of the result depends on the master plan and strategy employed by the surgeon. Therefore, it is imperative and crucial to choose a qualified pre-screened hair restoration surgeon. We have all heard the old-wives tale that wearing hats can cause hair loss, or that washing your hair too often will make you bald, but is it safe to dye transplanted hair? Well to find out keep reading. Although most hair coloring treatments are considered "safe" for transplanted hair, none of them are considered good for transplanted hair. Unfortunately, most of the time when hair loss appears grey hair follows shortly after, but not all hair transplant patients are forced to accept grey hair. In fact, many hair restoration patients dye their hair regularly without any issues. In this article, we will discuss what causes hair loss and how long patients must wait before dying their hair.
What causes hair loss There are various forms of hair loss, but the most common form is called androgenic alopecia or genetic hair loss. This form of hair loss is caused by an individual’s genetic vulnerability to certain hormones that are produced by both men and women. The main hormone responsible for causing hair loss in men and women is called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), this hormone binds to the hair follicle receptor sites and essentially shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer grows. This process is referred to as miniaturization or thinning. Male and female pattern baldness follows a specific pattern. For women this pattern resembles a Christmas tree shape on the top of the scalp. For men this pattern resembles a horse shoe on the top of their scalp. When Can You Dye Your Hair After A Hair Transplant? There is no clear cut answer, but in general most surgeons want their patients to completely heal before dying their hair. There are several factors to consider before dying transplanted hair. First and foremost, patient's need to make sure they have allowed sufficient time for the recipient sites to heal and the follicular units to fully anchor in to their scalp. Generally, most patients heal quickly within the first 7-10 days following hair restoration surgery. However, most surgeons advise patients to wait a full 90 days before dying their hair, because some dyes carry harsh chemicals that could potentially harm the grafts if applied too soon. In addition, some patients may experience an allergic reaction when applying dye to their hair and scalp. Therefore, patients are advised to do a skin allergy test with the hair dye prior to applying the dye to their scalp to ensure there is no allergic reaction to the dye. Conclusion To answer the question, yes transplanted hair can be dyed different colors. However, patients should always follow their surgeons post-operative care instructions. While most hair dyes are considered safe to use by hair transplant surgeons, most surgeons recommended patients stay away from hair dyes that contain harsh chemicals like peroxide and bleach. These harsh chemicals can severely dry out the hair follicle and cause them to become brittle and damaged. However, it is recommended to follow the physicians post-operative instructions and if it is not clearly indicated on the post-operative instructions; patients are advised to contact their surgeon directly. There was a time when Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) was pit against Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS). In fact, it was a heavily debated topic on popular hair loss forums such as the hair restoration network. However, it seems that the debate has settled and now hair loss sufferers have turned their attention to the harvesting device for FUE. In this article, we will be going over manual punch devices and micromotor punch devices for FUE and which ones are superior.
Manual Punch For FUE Technically, both micromotor and manual punches used during the follicular unit extraction procedure are handheld devices used to harvest follicular units from the patients donor site. However, a true manual punch is described as a surgical device that is used to excise the grafts without any automated assistance of a motor. Surgeons and technicians puncture the skin with the use of a surgical tool and manually rotate and oscillate the punch in order to free up the graft from the root. This method is employed by several elite hair transplant surgeons in Europe and North America. Micromotor Punch For FUE A micromotor punch is a small electrical punch that can rotate, vibrate and oscillate automatically with the assistance of a motor. This handheld motorized surgical device can extract grafts rapidly and quickly without much surgical fatigue. However, the use of this device remains a heavily debated topic amongst hair transplant surgeons worldwide. Some feel the device can damage surrounding hair follicles by carelessly extracting grafts without being careful. In fact, many surgeons feel that micromotor devices have led to over-harvested donor areas that leave patients exchanging one insecurity for another. That said, many of the world’s leading hair restoration surgeons use micromotor devices in their clinic with consistent patient results. Manual vs Micromotor Many feel that manual FUE punch allows the surgeon to feel the graft as it is being cut from the root. In addition, some hair restoration surgeons feel that using a manual punch slows them down enough to carefully select the best hair for transplantation. However, some surgeons feel that using a manual punch actually causes significant fatigue and may impact the quality of the hair that is being extracted. Many feel that the use of a micromotor can improve their speed and quality by reducing fatigue and improving the health of the grafts, as they are extracted. Conclusion In the end, tools are only as good as the hair transplant doctor using them. Regardless, manual, motor and robotic FUE can be disastrous in the wrong hands. Surgical hair restoration is a personalized procedure that requires an artistic approach to ensure the results are natural and undetectable to the general public. Some of the world’s best hair transplant surgeons use both punches regularly in their practice with great results. The most important factor to consider is not the tool the surgeon is using, but the consistency of the doctors results. If the doctor is performing ultra-refined hair restoration the tool used to harvest the grafts is secondary and insignificant to the patient. How many of us go to Starbucks every day and buy $5-6 dollar lattes and cappuccinos? Contrary to popular belief the most effective treatments available for hair loss do not break the bank. In fact, the top three hair loss treatments can be purchased for less than a coffee a day from Starbucks. In this article, we will go over the best hair loss treatments for any budget.
Proscar (finasteride) Initially, the drug company Merck manufactured the drug Proscar (finasteride), the medication Proscar (finasteride) is a 5 mg tablet of Finasteride which is primarily used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The drug company Merck manufactures both Proscar and Propecia however, Proscar is used to treat BPH and Propecia is used to treat androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). That said, Proscar (finasteride) can also be used to treat hair loss. In fact, most individuals looking to save some money can buy a 30-day supply of Proscar and cut the pills in to 4 pieces which makes 1.25 mg tablets - thus, making a 120-day supply for the price of 30 pills. In addition, Proscar (finasteride) is generally cheaper than Propecia (finasteride) and can be purchased from most drug stores with an average cash price of $64.15 which is less than a dollar a day. Since both drugs are manufactured by the same company (Merck) the quality is exactly the same. Generic Rogaine (minoxidil) Rogaine (minoxidil) was approved in 1988 the FDA approved Minoxidil as a topical hair loss treatment. Rogaine is the trade name or brand name of Minoxidil however, in 1996 the FDA approved over-the-counter sale of the drug and generic formulations of Minoxidil could be legally created and distributed. Today, companies like Kirkland sell their generic formulation of Minoxidil through on-line vendors like Amazon and ship the drug worldwide for an exceptionally low price of $25.77 for a 90-day supply. This breaks down to less than a dollar a day. Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo Though no shampoo has been approved by the FDA as a proven hair loss treatment, there is some clinical data that suggests that Ketoconazole, the main ingredient in Nizoral may help in fighting androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). Studies conducted by researchers showed Ketoconazole was as effective in treating hair loss as 2% Rogaine (minoxidil). Nizoral can be purchased online through vendors like Amazon for the price of $13.29 per bottle, this can last anywhere from 30-90 days depending on how often the shampoo is used. However, because the shampoo may be harsh for some individuals it is recommended to use the shampoo no more than 3x per week. Since the shampoo is recommended to be used only a few times per week, the treatment would cost significantly less than a dollar a day. Conclusion It is crucial that hair loss sufferers consult with a qualified hair restoration doctor to obtain a prescription for Proscar (finasteride) however, generic formulas of Rogaine (minoxidil) can be purchased over-the-counter or online without any prescription. Minoxidil, Finasteride and Nizoral are recommended to be used simultaneously by hair loss sufferers. This combination is referred to as the "big 3" and is the most effective hair loss regimen available today. Thinking about undergoing hair transplant surgery? Like other cosmetic procedures, hair transplant surgery is becoming increasingly popular. It is also perhaps the quickest and most efficient way to restore your naturally growing hair. However, the decision to undergo a hair transplant is a huge step and should not be taken lightly.
Considering the number of inexperienced hair restoration surgeons in the industry, you must carefully evaluate your options before making a concrete decision on who should perform your procedure. Thus, before undergoing hair transplantation, you must inquire, research, and review each hair transplant surgeon and clinic you are considering. Listed below are a few questions you should ask before undergoing this procedure. Why should I choose this clinic? Selecting the right hair transplant clinic is the most crucial part of the process. Begin by finding some reliable options through search engines and the hair restoration forum, Quora and Reddit. Be cautious however, as some reviews may be less than genuine and might be competitors trying to deviate customer attention. You can also meet somebody face-to-face in your area. It could be a patient or the hair transplant doctor. Ask them to show you pictures of their best results. Learn about their techniques and do your own research before deciding on a clinic. Is this hair transplant doctor right for my procedure? Many internet tools effectively highlight the credentials and experience levels of each surgeon you are considering. Read real genuine patient reviews, look at before and after photos posted by patients and the clinic and consult with the hair surgeons you are considering undergoing surgery with before making a final decision. Moreover, check whether the surgeon is aware of the current medical innovations and hair transplant techniques in the industry. Should I take supplements before undergoing a hair transplant? Hair transplant surgery works independent of any hair loss medication or supplements. However, certain supplements may nurture your scalp and hair roots, promoting healthy hair growth. Though they are not required, some examples of helpful supplements that may be helpful include oral collagen supplements or multi vitamin capsules, etc. Which hair transplant procedure suits me? Many hair transplant clinics offer three types of procedures — FUE (Follicular Unit Excision), FUSS (Follicular Unit Strip Surgery) and scalp micropigmentation (SMP). FUE is quite popular and widely chosen by many patients. The hair restoration surgeons use tiny punches to harvest hair follicles from the “donor area” (sides and back of the scalp). In FUSS, a strip of tissue containing hair follicles is dissected under microscopes into smaller follicular units and implanted into the balding areas of the scalp. SMP is a pigmentation technique, a form of tattooing on the scalp that creates the appearance of a buzz cut. Will I require another hair transplant in the future? No matter how well a hair transplant is done, patients may require additional procedures depending on their current or future degree of hair loss. But a credible hair transplant doctor works with their patients to construct not only a short term, but a long-term hair restoration plan. In other words, patients are informed if they will likely need additional procedures based on their individual circumstances and physiology. The leader of the free world, commander in chief Donald Trump has been suspected of having a hair transplant. However, not many can say for certain what exactly is going on with the president’s hair. Some suspect it is an elaborate comb over while others Believe it may be a weird looking toupee. However, the hair restoration patient community investigated this bizarre question and has another thought about what might be going on. In this article, we will be discussing what exactly is going on with Donald Trump’s hair. Most Likely A Hair Flap Surgery While the general public suspect it’s hair plugs or an elaborate comb over, the unnatural direction of Donald Trump’s hair growth points to a more invasive procedure. In the 70’s and 80’s it was common for men to undergo a hair flap surgeries. Some believe that Donald Trump may have had this procedure when he was younger and desperate to conceal his thinning thatch. Many believe that the savvy businessman/mogul underwent this highly invasive procedure some time during the late 70’s and early 80’s prior to his fame skyrocketing. What Is A Hair Flap Surgery? The Fleming Meyer Hair flap surgery is an outdated surgical procedure that some may even call “barbaric”. The procedure is performed by a surgeon excising a flap of skin from the sides of the scalp and transplanting the flap on the balding area. The surgery is extremely invasive and has a long recovery process with a multitude of possible complications. Furthermore, the overall appearance of the Fleming Meyer Flap is unnatural due to unnatural hair growth direction. In nature, the angles of the hair follicles change depending on where the hair is located on the scalp. For example, hair in the crown grows in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The hair on the hairline starts at a 35-45 degree angle and goes up gradually in to the mid-section of the scalp. The hair on the sides of the scalp grow downward and do not gradually go up as they would on the top of the scalp. Scalp Reduction Surgery Some believe that Donald Trump has had several scalp reduction procedures. A scalp reduction is performed by excising a bald spot or balding area and surgically closing the incision. The idea behind the surgery is to reduce the size of the individuals forehead or to remove a bald spot. Unfortunately, this procedure is also highly invasive and does not produce the most natural looking results. Some hair transplant surgeons still perform scalp reductions however, mostly on women born with naturally high hairlines. Several complications can occur from scalp reductions. The list of complications are infections, necrosis (death of skin tissue), nerve damage, disrupted hair growth patterns and noticeable scars on the scalp. Conclusion While it’s difficult to say for sure what procedure Donald Trump has undergone, one thing is for sure it doesn’t look good or natural. Hair transplant surgery has evolved from the old “dolls hair” plugs of the 80’s and 90’s. Today, a hair transplant is virtually undetectable and the hair grows identical to any other hair on the scalp. However, not all surgeons are created equal, the skill, talent and experience varies widely, as do their results. Therefore, it is important to consult with a vetted hair transplant surgeon who is pre-screened to meet the highest standards for quality. Many believe that hair loss only affects men, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, 40% of women have visible hair loss by the time they are 40 according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Unfortunately, many women experience hair loss after giving birth. In this article, we will discuss the cause of post-partum hair loss and what treatments are available. What Causes Post-Partum Hair LosSadly, women experiencing hair loss after pregnancy is quite common and this temporary thinning affects millions of women worldwide. During pregnancy, women experience an increase in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle which can make the hair appear fuller and thicker. After giving birth women experience a natural decline in their estrogen and progesterone levels. This can then cause hair follicles to enter the telogen (resting) phase all at once, which can lead to an appearance of thinning Are There Any Treatments For Post-Partum Hair LossPost-partum hair loss is a temporary condition that generally resolves on its own - once the hormonal balance is restored. However, there are some tips that can provide women with the appearance of fuller and thicker hair. Currently, Toppik and DermMatch are the two most popular hair loss concealers on the market today. Toppik is a keratin-based fiber that attaches and binds to hair follicles to provide an appearance of fuller hair. DermMatch is a hard packed powder formula that matches the color of the scalp with the individual's hair. This camouflages any thin spots because the scalp is no longer visible through the individual's hair. Both of these treatments are safe and non-toxic and can provide women with a solution for their temporary hair thinning. Can A Hair Transplant Treat Post-Partum Hair Loss?As previously mentioned, post-partum hair loss is a temporary condition brought on by hormonal changes in the body. Hair restoration is primarily used to treat androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). Hair transplantation works by removing hair from the back and sides of the individual's scalp referred to as the (donor) zone. The hairs located in the donor zone are genetically resistant to the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main catalyst for genetic hair loss.
However, post-partum hair loss is not caused by a genetic vulnerability to DHT, it is brought on by a hormonal imbalance. Therefore, post-partum hair loss is not permanent and does not require hair transplant surgery. However, hair transplantation can be considered for individuals suffering from androgenic alopecia. Unfortunately, some women may have a genetic predisposition to hereditary hair loss which can be triggered by post-partum thinning. It is important to consult with a qualified pre-screened hair transplant surgeon to appropriately diagnose the cause of hair loss. |
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