Can the cause of hair loss be genetic?
Each strand of hair on your head is governed by a genetically programmed timeline that includes growth, resting and shedding. On average, 50 to 150 hairs are lost each day, but most hair grows back because the follicle remains. Sometimes, certain factors can cause the hair follicles to die.
Most of the time, hair loss results from genetic coding given to the hair follicles during formation in the womb. While hair loss can occur to everyone, it occurs most often to males, who are more susceptible to the DHT hormone.
When a genetic link is made to DHT, the hair follicle begins to shrink. It's first noticed as thinning hair; eventually the hair follicle dies and permanent baldness occurs. How and when this occurs is predetermined by genetic coding.
Can stress, drugs or trauma cause hair loss?
High levels of stress have been known to cause some hair loss. Autoimmune disease, the use of certain drugs, illness and severe nutritional deficiency may also cause hair loss or promote early [male pattern baldness]. Trauma to the head accompanied by scarring can cause permanent damage to hair follicles. Even tight hairdos like braids can create tension that can inflame hair follicles, destroying them and stopping hair growth.
How much does hair transplantation cost?
It depends on how extensive the surgery is. Most surgeons quote a price "per follicular unit" where each follicular unit could contain anywhere from one to 4 hairs (depending solely on the donor area). You can expect a hair transplant to cost anywhere from $1500 to even $10,000 dollars a procedure depending upon the region.
"Cosmetic surgery is too important to consider price alone!"
Because of the fierce competition, South florida is a Mecca for cosmetic procedures. BE CAREFUL as you shop around! Patients should choose a doctor based not only on costs, but instead, mainly on the before and after pictures and the whole impression of the doctor in general. I discourage patients from making decisions after speaking to a counselor instead of the doctor. This means that the physician is too busy with other procedures and doesn't have his heart in his work. If the doctor can't spend much needed time in a one on one consultation with you, then he isn't passionate enough about making you look your best. It is the doctors who MAKE the time to meet with you who are concerned with your particular needs and that is what it takes to get great results.
How many hair restoration procedures will I need?
With the method of dense packing we try to give the patient the most hair the first time around. There are also other factors that come into play such as the patient's own hair density that will determine how many surgeries are necessary for a certain result.
Usually two surgeries could be sufficient to obtain a great result, although we try to give the best result with just one surgery.
How long does the hair repair surgery take?
Hair transplant surgery could take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours depending on how many grafts the patient needs.
How many days does hair transplant surgery take to heal?
If the new hair does fall off with the crusted part, it will still keep growing. If we go by the textbook, the new transplanted hair makes its way out of the scalp surface 12 weeks after the surgery.
What will it look like during the healing process? Are there bandages?
During the healing process no bandages are required. After the crusts have fallen off, the skin surface is pinker because there is brand new skin. There might be some hairs continually growing from the day of surgery, but most of them are under the surface of the scalp making their way up to the surface. That process is completed in 12 weeks (for a first time transplanted area) and up to 16 weeks (for a multiple time transplanted area).
Will I experience any downtime due to the surgery?
There is usually no down time with the new follicular procedures because the trauma to the scalp is minimal and healing is very fast. Patients not engaged in heavy physical activities could resume work the following day after the surgery.
Is it safe to go out in the sun after surgery?
The new skin in the grafted area is what should be protected from the sun. Apply a good sunscreen to the area after all the crusts have fallen off or protect the area by covering it with a hat. The sun itself will not affect the growth of the new implants.
How soon after the surgery can I wash my hair?
You may wash your hair as soon as 48hrs after the surgery but very delicately in the grafted area.
Please be aware that the pressure of the shower head could dislodge the grafts, therefore, we recommend using a bowl full of water and making it fall gently on the grafted area. No rubbing or any traction should be applied. Dry the area with a soft wash cloth by just gently pressing, not rubbing.
The area from which the grafts were obtained should be cleaned more vigorously. This will help in the healing process and facilitate the suture or staple removal.
Is there a chance I could lose MORE hair during the hair transplantation process?
How long does hair transplantation last?
Hair transplantation lasts forever, it is permanent.
Will I scar?
Scars at the grafted sites are a thing of the past. Scars in the donor area are minimized by the new techniques we have today. They are not visible unless you buzz your hair extremely short.
Can you correct a bad hair transplant?
Bad hair transplants should be all corrected. I created this web site to encourage patients who need more detail to come forward and "naturalize" their previous transplants.
Can I wear a hat after the procedure? If so, how long do I have to wait before I do so?
Many doctors suggest that you bring a baseball cap the day of surgery and learn how to place it over the grafted area without harm.
Can I or should I use topical ointments after surgery?
I absolutely tell all my patients to let the surgical sites heal without ointments.