Main Office Location:
Cosmetic Hair Replacement Surgery Institute
180 Newport Center Drive Suite 160
Newport Beach
California 92660
949-219-0027
S CA: 1-800-246-8424
One of the most distressing forms of scalp disorders is alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. The symptoms of this genetically predetermined disorder include physical changes in the hair, including loss of normal vigour and elasticity. Eventually, the hair can become thin and brittle and begin to fall out. While this type of baldness is referred to as male pattern baldness, it can occur in either sex. With females, however, the hairline becomes sparse, but does not recede.
For some people, thinning hair or even balding can begin to appear during puberty. It is caused by a change in the hormonal balance, with the main culprit being an overabundance of androgen.
Heredity is the predominant factor in male pattern baldness as it determines which “target follicles” will be susceptible to these powerful androgens. Hair loss in women generally occurs after menopause, reflecting decreased levels in estrogen, and thus comparatively higher levels of androgens in the system.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS CAUSING HAIR LOSS
There are a number of contributing factors causing hair loss which, if treated, are reversible:
Nutritional Imbalance.
A vitamin and protein deficient diet provides inadequate nutrients for the scalp, thus affecting hair growth. For example, crash diets often cause excessive hair loss.
Stress.
Excessive anxiety, a sudden shock or physical stress from surgery or chemotherapy may also cause hair loss. You could include, in this category, a lengthy or severe illness. In the case of a lengthy illness, the general condition of the hair may indicate your overall poor state of health. However, when your health is restored, the hair normally grows back on its own – without any special treatment.
Impaired Scalp Circulation.
If the scalp is very tight, blood circulation to the follicles is reduced and the hair “starves.” There are several factors which contribute to making a scalp tight. They include changes in climate, medication, discontinuing birth control pills, and postpartum hormonal imbalances.
Externally Caused Damage.
Washing your hair with a shampoo that is too strong can gradually strip it of its natural oils and lead to hair loss. In some cases, hair preparations and shampoos can also cause allergic reactions.
NORMAL HAIR LOSS & THE BEGINING STAGES OF BALDIN
Most people lose an average of 40 to 70 hairs per day. For the most part, we are unaware that we are losing those hairs. If your hair is healthy and heredity is on your side, those hairs will be replaced and the hair loss will not be noticeable. The first warning signs of baldness appear when excessive amounts of hair fall out when you brush your hair. You may also find a lot of hairs on your pillow, or even some thinning on the temple or on the crown of your head.
More advanced signs of creeping baldness is a definite recession of the hairline. Even if your genes have predetermined that you will ultimately lose your hair, there still are several steps you can take to slow this process down.
Heredity is the predominant factor in male pattern baldness as it determines which “target follicles” will be susceptible to these powerful androgens. Hair loss in women generally occurs after menopause, reflecting decreased levels in estrogen, and thus comparatively higher levels of androgens in the system.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAIR LOSS AND HAIR BREAKAGE
One point to note here is the difference between hair loss and hair breakage. Hair that is falling out will have a little white bulb on the end. This white bulb is not the hair root – you can’t lose the root. Rather, it is a part of the hair nearest to the root. Since the active hair root doesn’t come out with the hair, there is always the possibility for new growth.
While hair loss is viewed as man’s problem, many women suffer from hair loss sometime during their lives. Sometimes this thinning is temporary but many times it is permanant. In temporary cases,certain factors cause the hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely and prevent the new hairs from replacing the ones that shed.
After diagnosis of the causing factor, by removing or alleviating the inciting factor the hair may regrow after a few months. These temporary factors may include: Alopecia areata, stress, menopause, infections,thyroid disease, certain skin conditions, childbirth, physical stress after major surgery and any other medical conditions.
In many women the hair loss could be permanant and is caused by Female Pattern Baldness. In Female Pattern hair loss, the hairline is perserved and becomes sparsed. It is first noticed at the temples and on top of the head and eventually presents itself as diffuse thinning in a typical U shape pattern. Unfortunately the accurate factor that causes female pattern hair loss is still not clear, therefore therapeutic approaches to women have been less of science and more on experience and tradition.
Finasteride 1 mg, commonly known as Propecia®, is a medication prescribed as a daily oral treatment for men only, for treatment of mild-to-moderate male pattern hair loss. Clinical studies have shown that at 12 months, finasteride 1 mg stopped hair loss in 86% of men who used it and increased hair growth in 65% of men. Further studies of men treated for up to 24 months demonstrated that finasteride stopped hair loss in 83% of cases and that hair growth was experienced by 80% of users.
Finasteride acts by reducing the production of DHT, a hormone related to the development of hair loss in men. In general, daily use for 3 months or more was necessary before improvements were seen. It was generally well tolerated. Side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido occurred in less than 2% of the cases. In the studies, side effects disappeared once the medication was stopped.
PrPropecia® (finasteride) is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. Used under license.
Topical Treatment
Minoxidil, the most common brand known as Rogaine®, comes in the form of a lotion that is massaged into the scalp twice a day. This solution is indicated for use in both men and women.
Although the exact mechanism of action of minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia is not known, minoxidil may stimulate hair growth by working in a variety of ways. For one, it is believed to improve blood circulation around the hair follicles, which may stimulate growth. It may also stimulate the follicles directly — helping the follicles to grow.
Studies have shown that 40% of minoxidil users achieved hair regrowth after 12 months. In general, it takes at least 4 months of twice daily applications before improvements are seen. It is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include local itchiness and dry skin. These side effects occurred during studies in less than 1% of the cases and disappeared once the treatment was stopped.
Rogaine® is a registered trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc.
HairMax Laser Comb
This is a hand held, cold beam low level laser that increases the quality and health of growing hair. It increases blood and lymph circulation to the hair roots, decreases inflammation, and energizes the follicular cells, allowing the hair to grow thicker and fuller
This varies from patient to patient depending on many factors the extent of hair loss, the desired density and the number of follicular unit grafts being performed,. Our minimum session is a 1000 grafts which costs $3500. As the number of grafts increases the price per graft will decrease. We also offer reimbursements for clients who travel more than 100 miles to come to our office.
In what types of baldness is this procedure helpful
Male pattern baldness. The ‘M’ shaped recession of hair, common in men. Baldness from scars as a result of burns, accidents, operations, radiation, etc. Loss of eyebrows.
Can women have hair transplants?
Our method of Ultra Refined Microscopic Follicular Unit Grafting slit is very applicable to many women with Female pattern Hair thining.
How long will the transplanted hair last?
Transplanted hair should LAST A LIFETIME or at least as long as the hair remains in the region from which the transplants were taken.
How is this procedure performed?
The donor area or back of the scalp, is numbed by ‘the use of a local anesthetic similar to that used by a dentist The desired areas are then removed with a special instrument. Next, the bald areas’ are numbed and small slits are made. The hair transplants are properly prepared and carefully placed into the previously prepared’ region over the bald areas. A small bandage is then applied (only overnight).
Is this a painful procedure?
As a number of patients have said “The discomfort is nor more than going to the dentist.” The use of local anesthetic permits painless removal of small hair transplants. Momentarily the local anesthetic procedures a. smarting sensation, but no real discomfort. However, any discomfort that may occur is mild and readily relieved by analgesics.
How has this procedure been accepted by the patients involved?
Acceptance has been excellent especially by those who have pursued hair transplantation extensively. However, to achieve good results, a minimum amount of work is required This minimum varies from patient to patient.
How many visits to the doctor will be necessary?
With todays advance meggasessions our clients can enjoy full head of hair in only one or two sessions. The number of transplants can be reasonably estimated at the initial consultation. The patient’s attitudes as to just how much improvement he desires is most important.
What percentage of transplants “take” or grow?
In our experience to date, we have not had a patient whose transplants did not take or grow, but again, this depends on the individual and the experience and skill of the physician If individual grafts do not grow, (on very rare occasions) the clinic will replace them on our own time.
How long does it take for the transplanted hair to grow?
The transplanted hair is usually shed in four weeks. About ten weeks later new hair begins to grow and continues to grow to a year after the procedure. The transplanted hair grows just like your normal hair at about 1/4 of inch a month.
Should I have a hair cut immediately before the procedure?
NO. The longer the hair in the donor site, the less noticeable will be the area of treatment. The physician will trim the donor area in the office before the procedure which will usually be inconspicuous and cosmetically acceptable.
What should the patient do when he leaves the office?
The patient may usually resume his normal activities in two days unless this involves strenuous physical exertion. Bandages remain in place overnight after which they may be removed. We recommend that our patients wash and style their hair daily.
Can a toupee or hairpiece be worn after the procedure?
Yes This often serves as a protective shield and an excellent cosmetic screen. In extensive cases of baldness, transplanted hair may be used as a frontal hairline to enhance the natural appearance of the hairpiece
What disorders or medical conditions of the patient should the physician know about?
The patient should tell the physician any disorder or physical condition he has: especially heart attacks, anemia, bleeding abnormalities, epilepsy, drug reactions, allergies of any type, and all medications being taken. It is important to realize this is a procedure only for those in GOOD HEALTH.
Are there any complications from this procedure?
In our experience this has been infrequent and minor, but as with any operative procedure, complications are always possible. You will be informed in detail during consultation.
To book a free consultation contact us at (949)219-0027 or get an online consultation, just contact us.
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