Questions regarding transplanttion
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Will the implanted hair remain forever?
It is the result of a hormonal change that causes the follicular unit (hair follicles) to contract and grow slowly until the growth ceases entirely.
The hair in the chosen donor area (around the lower part of the scalp) is not in danger of the MPB (Male Pattern Baldness), but continues to grow throughout a person's life even when the hairs are implanted into other areas of the scalp.
Is the follicular units transplant method always successful?
A team of experts performs the follicular units transplant technique. It is successful as long as the patient is following the instructions of the doctors. It is impossible to recognize that the patient had done hair transplant.
Is the follicular units transplant technique complicated?
The procedure is carried out under local anesthetic and therefore there is no need for hospitalization. At the end of the transplant the patient will be released to his home and back to activity.
Can one return to work immediately after the transplant?
Usually one can return to work a day after the transplant, depending on his type of job.
We recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity for two weeks after the transplant so that the recuperation will be as fast and successful as possible.
Does the transplantation hurt?
Scientific development has turned the transplant into a completely harmless, and hardly any pain felt during and after the procedure.
What differs between the manual method and laser technique?
There is no difference between the quality of the manual and laser techniques.
Laser (CO2) is a device developed by Israeli scientists. The device functions with computerized software that enables the physician to puncture holes in the site chosen for transplantation.
The advantages of this system are the lack of bleeding on the site and a very swift process, in comparison with a manual technique.
The disadvantages are the scabs that remain for a period of between 14-20 days after the procedure, as opposed to 7-10 days with the manual technique. An additional disadvantage is that only small punctures of 1-3 hairs can be made.
There are other techniques, without the use of laser, such as “Follicular Units” manual mini/micro. This is a wonderful technique as it allows the transplantation of 3-4 hairs in the mini and 1-2 hairs in the micro. This technique is performed with a microscope. 1-3 hairs can be transplanted together and a more natural effect can be achieved, particularly in the fore line.
I personally no longer recommend the laser technique: it is an antiquated technique that holds no real advantages for either the patient or the doctor.
If the patient insists on laser it can only be used on those who are completely bald, but not on people with receding hair, because the laser is liable to burn the existing hairs.
It must be stated that there are many existing techniques for hair transplant, however the technique must be suited to the patient and not vise versa, as is often the case – and this is vital to remember.
What side effects result from hair transplant?
In certain cases a swelling appears in the area around the forehead or eyelids on the third day following the transplantation. However, this disappears after two days. Nowadays, a special plaster helps to avoid swelling almost completely.
In 20% of cases there is a possibility that the transplant will cause lack of sensation in the transplant area (due to anesthesia) for a period of a few weeks or months, however the sensations always return to normal.
Can a transplant take place from one person to another?
Hair transplantation is much more simpler surgical procedure than other transplants, however it does not differ in the issue of rejection of the implanted body.
A transplant cannot be done from one person to another because such an action would demand that the patient will take medication against rejection for all his life, a step that could cause side affects.
Therefore, as the treatment is cosmetic and not a medical problem that necessitates transferring an organ from one person to another, hair is not transferred from person to person.
I reside in an area far from the clinic. How may I verify further details without coming to the clinic?
We suggest diagnosis via a photograph. You can send photos either through the email or regular post – in front; both sides of the profile and if the problem is in the crown of the head the photo must be taken from the back area.
After receiving the photos, we will contact you in order to explain the recommended procedure for you, cost of treatment and to arrange a date for the treatment.
Am I a good candidate for hair transplantation?
Only after careful observation of experts can such a question be answered. The density of the hair in the donor site, thickness and color of hair must all be taken into account when doing a hair transplant. |
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Questions regarding hairloss
What is male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)?
Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition marked by hair loss or by thinning of the hair at the crown. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of baldness among men (98%).
What causes male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition caused by the genetic influence of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In hair follicles that are genetically predisposed to Dihydrotestosterone, the hair growth cycle speeds up (anagen phase). The result is that large follicles gradually become small follicles that produce shorter and thinner hair. An enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase regulates the production of Dihydrotestosterone.
Where in the body is Dihydrotestosterone found?
Dihydrotestosterone is found in many body tissues, including hair follicles on the scalp.
What does 5-alpha-reductase do in the body?
5-alpha reductase (5αR) converts the hormone Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT.
How common is male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness can begin in a man's teens, twenties, thirties and forties, and it appears to one extent or another in 50% of men before the age of 50.
Facts about hair loss
If you find your hair sticking to your hairbrush or comb or clogging the drains after you have washed it, there is no need to panic.
Everyone loses an average of 50-100 hairs a day. However, for each hair that is lost, a new hair grows from the same follicle.
At any given time, approximately 10% of hair on the scalp is in a resting phase (not growing), while the remaining 90% are actively growing.
Hair loss is only considered a problem when it begins creating bald spots.
Among men, hair loss begins due to a hereditary factor known as male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia, where hair begins to thin around the temples and forehead, creating a receding hairline. The regular hair in these areas is replaced by fine, soft hair, which in the end disappears altogether, leaving bald spot, which is slowly growing.
Over 50% of men suffer from male pattern baldness before the age of 50.
According to estimates, male pattern baldness is evidently caused by a genetic predisposition to a natural substance known as Dihydrotestosterone, which has a negatively impact on hair growth.
Dihydihydrotestosterone speeds up the growth phase. The long and thick hairs that generally grow on the head become smaller and finer, until they shed. A significant number of women also develop androgenetic alopecia, although hair loss tends to be more spread out and generally does not lead to complete loss of hair on the scalp.
Treatments for hair loss
While in the past, “treatment” for baldness was getting fit with a wig or toupee, today there are specific anti-androgen therapies. Medications such as cyproterone acetate and spironolactone may be effective therapies for women suffering from gradual hair loss. There are also a variety of estrogen-based formulas for local treatment, but no clinical studies have proven them to be effective in accelerating hair growth.
Finasteride (Propecia)
The oral treatment, Propecia (Finasteride 1 mg) is designed for men suffering from male pattern baldness. It has been found that daily treatment with Propecia significantly increases scalp coverage.
Results can generally be seen 12 months after the treatment begins and will last for years, provided treatment continues.
Guidelines indicate that long-term treatment with Finasteride yields ongoing improvement.
Findings of a two-year study with over 3,000 patients show that 83% of men treated with Finasteride had the same or higher hair count compared to 28% of those taking a placebo, of which 72% lost hair.
Self-evaluation of standard photos of the crown showed that 66% of men who participated in the 24-month study experienced increased hair growth when treated with Finasteride.
Thirty percent of the subjects experienced minimal regrowth, 31% moderate regrowth and 5% significant regrowth, compared to only 7% of the men who took a placebo.
Finasteride is only indicated for use by men, but can also be given for women over the age of 45. Fertile women may not be treated with Finasteride due to the risk of anomalies in the sex organs of male fetuses. Currently Propecia is available by prescription only.
December 13, 2011 - Response of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery regarding recent written publications about persistent sexual dysfunction by some men who have used Propecia (finasteride 1mg), click to read.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the first preparation approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia in both men and women.
How exactly minoxidil promotes hair growth remains unknown.
Treatment with minoxidil makes weak hair thicker and strong.
Local minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp at a dosage of 1 ml twice a day.
Double blind clinical trials with placebos have proven the effectiveness of local 2% minoxidil solution among men and women alike.
The effectiveness of minoxidil is linked solely to the extent of the androgenic alopecia and presence of hair.
Local minoxidil is less effective around the temples.
A stronger and faster influence was observed with local 5% minoxidil solution.
Severe androgenic alopecia
Finasteride and minoxidil are not effective in men with advanced androgenic alopecia.
Depending on the indications, the following are optional treatments: Hair systems, partial wigs or surgical treatments – such as: Transplants, scalp reduction, follicle transplants and cosmetic options.
Mesotherapy
A new treatment for hair loss and hair growth. This refers to the subcutaneous injection into the scalp of a low concentration of minoxidil biotin and pentanol. The injection is performed with a special device that does not allow the physician to inject the needle (especially small) more than 1 mm into the skin. Treatment is given once every two weeks along with local minoxidil.
Results can be seen after ten treatments. If there is growth, injections continue once a month for a one-year period. If no improvement is seen, the treatment is stopped.
After five treatments, patients generally report that hair loss has stopped and that hair has a better appearance. After ten treatments, growth is found in 50% of patients.
Toppik
Toppik is a simple and quick treatment for people suffering from thinning hair.
Toppik is made of organic fibers (keratin and protein) that are identical to hair on the head. They spread and intertwine with your own hair as they are charged with static electricity, immediately covering the thinning area.
This treatment has no side effects and can be used immediately after a hair transplant to cover the scabs and in any situation of thinning hair.
Toppik comes in different shades and is adjusted to the shade of hair. The treatment is recommended by dermatologists.
Toppik can be purchased at select hair salons or on the Internet: www.toppik.co.il.
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