The Hair Transplant and hair treatment cost

The cost of hair transplant

Is the cost of hair transplant really important? why should people be worried about the hair cost if one really wants to make that change in the hair. As many people would go miles to get a hair transplant, the cost are always something secondary as compared to the hair transplant which is going to take place.

People need to get expert knowledge about how to get the hair transplant, who is to carry the procedure and if someone is really capable and qualified enough to carry out such a hair transplant procedure on your head.

Remember its your heard whee the transplant is going to take place and its your money which is going to food the transplant as well. Whys should you gamble with your life and your money if your are not prepared to carry out this hair treatment plan if you have not fully decided to go for it.

people geerally know that there are many hair loss related problems and each hair loss comes both at a physical loss and a financial loss. 

As far as the general information about hair transplant procedures and cost are concerened, people should be aware that the cost the hair transplant depends mostly on how many grafts one intends to have and what is the extend as to how the hair is danmaged or the level wehre the hair has receeded and this will also involve the number of procedures to be carried out as well as how many sessions you require.

In different parts of the world where hair is an important part of life, there are many hair clinics which perform hair restoration procedures. The best hair restoration and hair transplant can be very tiresome in terms of the underlining cost.  

Hair transplant costs vary, which is why it is imperative that you consult a variety of surgeons before choosing one. The price of a hair graft, for example, typically ranges from $3.00 a graft to $10.00 a graft. Other expenses to keep in mind when calculating a hair transplant cost is the price of medication, blood tests, anesthesia and facility fees.

People who want to have any kind of hair restoration should not assume that the most expensive doctor is necessarily the best doctor. This has always been the case in many partsof the world where sometimes money talks and money also can bring changes which you would not want to be the cause of your hair fall.

Surgery and Hair loss replacement is it really necessary

Hair replacement surgery

Hair loss is mainly caused by a combination of aging, some major things like a family history of baldness and a change in hormones. Despite all ages, the earlier hair loss begins you get that  the more severe the baldness will become. Is there a cause for alarm or people with such unforeseen hair loss problem should opt for help. Is there a way of knowing or realizing that this is just a minor hair loss problem. Are people really aware of this onset of their lifetime. Well many do not know when such activities around their body kick in due to the fact that its not only that hair loss can also be caused by burns or trauma, in which case hair replacement surgery is considered a reconstructive treatment, and may be covered by health insurance.

The truth about hair loss

Baldness is often blamed on poor circulation to the scalp, vitamin deficiencies, dandruff, and even excessive hat-wearing. All of these theories have been disproved. It's also untrue that hair loss can be determined by looking at your maternal grandfather, or that 40-year-old men who haven't lost their hair will never lose it.

If you and your doctor have determined that hair transplants are the best option for you, you can feel comfortable knowing that board-certified plastic surgeons have been successfully performing this type of procedure for more than thirty years.

The best candidates for hair replacement

Hair replacement surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but the results won't necessarily match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

It's important to understand that all hair replacement techniques use your existing hair. The goal of surgery is to find the most efficient uses for existing hair.

Hair replacement candidates must have healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as donor areas. Donor areas are the places on the head from which grafts and flaps are taken. Other factors, such as hair color, texture and waviness or curliness may also affect the cosmetic result. There are a number of techniques used in hair replacement surgery. Sometimes, two or more techniques are used to achieve the best results.

With many hair clinics and hospitals, there are many hair loss treatment and hair loss transplant techniques, such as  mini-grafts, micro-grafts, slit grafts, punch grafts,  and strip grafts. With little known by the person suffering the grave hair loss problem, this hair loss transplant technique is mostly done on patients who have had hair loss experiences and the loss of hair has made them realize that something needs to be done and its just by that some step which could change their lives and a better life with more elegant hair. How would one be able to restore such good hair back to its roots, well hair experts all over the world with all their yardstick use flaps, tissue-expansion and scalp-reduction.

These expensive state of the art hair restoration techniques and procedures are performed to give you that better look and to restore your hair without even thinking what to do next. For those who have very little hair on their heads, is there anything bad with that. Well you can easily guess that those with already undergoing hair loss problems or thinning of hair have no chance of restoring their hair or getting the hair restoration surgery due to the fact that they have little hair on their heads. If wishes were horses, I guess every one would have hair on their heads as well. For a second thought, not  that many people like or want to maintain long or hair in their head. I guess we all need hair in one form or another.  

Hair loss and Normal variation.

Hair loss and Normal variation.
A hair's natural cycle is for it to grow for several years, then fall out and be replaced. This means that at any given time, some hairs are always in the process of falling out while others are starting to grow in. Thus, it is completely normal to notice hair coming out with combing, brushing, shampooing, toweling or otherwise rubbing the scalp, as long as it is not in an alarming rate or quantity. Sometimes this natural hair loss may temporarily exceed new growth, which may cause undue alarm about possible baldness. One of the first questions we ask our clients to ask themselves about hair loss is whether their hair is truly getting thinner, or are they just noticing more normal shedding than usual. The latter situation may not require any treatment at all.

Hair loss and Scalp inflammation.

Hair loss and Scalp inflammation 
Several inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, seborrhea, and psoriasis, cause patches of hair loss with red and scaly skin underneath. Fungal scalp infections (also called ringworm) and bacterial infections of the hair roots (folliculitis) can also cause similar problems. Patches of hair loss without underlying redness may be due to an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata

Hair loss and Medications

Hair loss and Medications
Several medications can contribute to hair loss. Steroids and chemotherapy are among the most common culprits. Some diuretics (like sprinolactone) decrease levels of testosterone, and can reduce body hair, but usually don't have much effect on scalp hair.

Hair loss and Genetics Runing in the family

Hair loss and Genetics  Runing in the family

You can inherit the genes that cause hair loss. There is not much you can do about it. However, it’s not said that you actually will inherit these bad genes. You may end up being lucky and see your brother or sister lose hair while it doesn’t happen to you. It may even skip a generation and show up again with your children. If your father and grandfather and grandfather's father experienced hair loss, chances are you will too. In most cases, hair loss is hereditary, passed down the genes from either side parentage.

Hair loss and Health Problems

Hair loss and Health Problems

Illness can cause hair loss. The following are examples of illnesses which caused hair loss; thyroid disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, some autoimmune disorders, psoriasis of the scalp, lupus, kidney or liver disease, cancer and Crushing's disease. Generally hair regrows by itself if the illness goes away, but if the illness does not go away, chances are you'll need to regrow your hair using a safe product like Herbal-H.

Hair loss as a result of Strong Shampoos & Hair Styling Products

Hair loss  as a result of Strong Shampoos & Hair Styling Products

Strong shampoos, gel, hair spray, dying and bleaching your hair can cause hair loss. The following drugs used in some shampoo products are a big cause of hair loss: Clofibrate (Atromis-S) and Gemfibrozil (Lopid), cholestero - fighting drugs, all have been known to be a cause of hair loss. Non-natural hair growing products using chemicals may cause reactions to the scalp and actually cause hair loss. Use Herbal-H the safest most effective hair growth treatment.

Hair loss and Hormonal abnormalities.

Hair loss and Hormonal abnormalities.
A variety of hormonal problems are known to contribute to hair loss. Too much or too little thyroid hormone is a common cause of generalized thinning or loss of scalp hair. This is usually easily diagnosed with a simple blood test. Elevated testosterone tends to cause loss of scalp hair and promote growth of facial and body hair. High levels of insulin, often found in people with diabetes, can also cause hair loss. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, there are elevations of both testosterone and insulin

Hair loss and Trauma.

Hair loss and Trauma.
Tight hair bands or cornrows can cause thinning simply by breaking off the hairs at their base. Some chemical hair treatments damage the follicles or the hair itself. Insects that attack the hair (like lice or scabies) can cause hair loss either by directly breaking the hair or by causing the person to scratch, which in turn damages the hair. Trichotillomania is a psychological condition in which people compulsively pull out or twirl their hair around a finger, sometimes

Hair loss and Psychological factors.

Psychological factors. Stress, anxiety, and depression are surprisingly common causes of thinning scalp hair, and can be especially difficult to recognize and treat. Many people don't realize how much stress or anxiety they are actually experiencing, and so will tend to minimize their level of stress when considering possible causes of hair loss. The anxiety is then compounded by the hair loss itself, so the problem becomes even worse. Some people develop an escalating cycle of anxiety, worsening thinning of the hair, and increasing worry about hair loss

Hair loss and Age Imbalanced Nutrition

Hair loss and Age Imbalanced Nutrition 

People who have severe abnormal eating habits or are on low protein diet may develop protein malnutrition. At this stage your body moves growing hair into a resting phase in order to help the body from losing protein. When this happens large amount of hair loss can occur.

Hair loss and Stress

Hair loss and Stress

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.

Hair loss and Age

Hair loss and Age
The presence of the necessary genes and hormones is not alone sufficient to cause baldness. Even after a person has reached puberty, susceptible hair follicles must continually be exposed to the hormone over a period of time for hair loss to occur. The age at which these effects finally manifest themselves varies from one individual to another and is related to a person’s genetic composition and to the levels of testosterone in the bloodstream.

There is another time factor that is poorly understood. Male hair loss does not occur all at once nor in a steady, straight-line progression. Hair loss is characteristically cyclical. People who are losing their hair experience alternating periods of slow and rapid hair loss and even stability. Many of the reasons that hair loss rates speed up and speed down are unknown, but we do know that with age, a person’s total hair volume will decrease.

Even when there is no predisposition to genetic balding, as a patient ages, some hairs randomly begin to miniaturize (shrink in length and width) in each follicular unit. As a result, each group will contain both of full terminal hairs and miniaturized hairs (similar to the very fine hairs that occur on the rest of the body and are clinically insignificant) making the area look less full. Eventually, the miniaturized hairs are lost, and the actual follicular units are reduced in number. In all adult patients, the entire scalp undergoes this aging process so that even the donor zone is not truly permanent, but will gradually thin, to some degree, over time. Fortunately, in most people, the donor zone retains enough permanent hair that hair transplantation is a viable male hair restoration procedure even for a patient well into his 70′s.

Hair loss and Hormones

Hair loss and Hormones

Hormones are biochemical substances that are made in various glands throughout the body. These glands secrete their products directly into the bloodstream so that the chemical they make is spread throughout the body. These chemicals are very powerful so that only minute amounts of them have profound effects upon the body.

The major male sex hormone is called testosterone. Testosterone and other related hormones that have masculinizing effects are made primarily in the testicles; therefore, the hormonal levels that are seen in adults do not reached significant levels until the testicles develop and enlarge during puberty. In fact, these same hormones are the cause of many of the changes that occur in puberty; growth of phallus and scrotum, sperm production, development of a sex drive, change in the voice, growth of axillary and pubic hair, development of an adult aroma in the sweat, increase in bone and muscle mass, and change in the basic body shape.

These same hormones that cause acne and beard growth can also signal the beginning of baldness. The presence of androgens; testosterone, and its related hormone DHT, cause some follicles to regress and die. In addition to the testicles, the adrenal glands located above each of our kidneys, produce androgenic hormones, and this would be similar in both sexes. In females, the ovaries are an additional source of hormones that can affect hair.

The specific relationship between testosterone and hormonally induced hair loss in men was discovered by a psychiatrist early in this century. At that time, castration was commonly performed on patients with certain types of mental illness as it seemed to have a calming effect upon many patients and castration reduced the sex drive of patients who had no outlet for their desires. The doctor noted that the identical twin brother of one patient was bald while the mentally ill (castrated) twin had a full head of hair. The doctor decided to determine the effect of treating his patient with testosterone, which had recently become available in a purified form. He injected the hairy twin with testosterone to see what would happen. Within weeks, the hairy twin began to lose all but his wreath of permanent hair, just like his normal twin. The doctor, then, stopped giving the testosterone to see whether the process would be reversed, but the balding process continued and his patient never regained his full head of hair. It was apparent to him that eliminating testosterone will slow, or stop, further hair loss once it has begun, but it will not revive any dead follicles.

The hormone felt to be directly involved in androgenetic alopecia is actually dihydrotestosterone (DHT) rather than testosterone. DHT is formed by the action of the enzyme 5-a reductase on testosterone. DHT acts by binding to special receptor sites on the cells of the hair follicles to cause the specific changes associated with balding.

In men, 5-a reductase activity is higher in the balding area. This helps to explain the reason for the patterned alopecia that males experience. The enzyme 5-a reductase is inhibited by the hair loss medication finasteride (Propecia).

DHT decreases the length of the anagen (growing) cycle, and increases the telogen (resting) phase, so that with each new cycle the hair shaft becomes progressively smaller. In addition, DHT causes the bitemporal reshaping of hairline seen as adolescents enter adulthood, as well as patterned baldness (androgenetic alopecia). DHT also causes prostate enlargement in older men and adolescent and adult acne.

It is interesting that testosterone effects axillary and pubic hair, whereas DHT effects beard growth, hair on trunk and limbs, patterned baldness and the appearance of hair in the nose and ears (something that older men experience). Scalp hair growth, however, is not androgen dependent, only scalp hair loss depends on androgens.

Hair loss and Genes

Hair loss and Geness
Common baldness cannot occur without the presence of specific inherited genes. These genes can be passed on by either parent. A gene is a single bit of chemically encoded hereditary instruction that is located on a chromosome and actually represents a tiny segment of DNA. Chromosomes occur in pairs (humans have 23 pairs), and every individual gets one set of chromosomes from each parent. Hair loss in men is now felt to involve more than one gene. When several genes govern a trait, it is called polygenic.

Genes that are located on the X or Y-chromosomes are call sex-linked. Genes on the other 22 pairs of chromosomes are called autosomal. It is felt that the genes governing common baldness are autosomal (not sex linked). This means that the baldness trait can be inherited from the mother’s side of the family or the father’s side with equal frequency. The commonly held notion that baldness comes only from the mother’s side of the family is incorrect, although for reasons not fully understood, the predisposition inherited from an affected mother is of slightly greater importance than that inherited from an affected father.

The term, “dominant” means that only one gene of a pair is needed for the trait to show up in the individual. A “recessive” gene means that both genes need to be present in order for the trait to be expressed. The genes involved in balding from androgenetic alopecia are felt to be dominant.

Just because one has the genes for baldness, it doesn’t mean the trait will manifest itself. The ability of a gene to affect one’s characteristics, i.e. be visible in a particular individual, is called “expressivity”. Gene expression is related to a number of factors, the major ones being hormones and age, although stress and other factors can be reasons for hair loss and balding in some individuals.

It is of interest that, although genes for some types of male hair loss have been mapped, none of the genes for male pattern baldness have yet been identified. This suggests that any kind of genetic engineering to prevent common baldness is still many years away.

Hair loss Other types

 Hair loss Other types

A few different other types of hair loss that have not been discussed in other sections.

Syphilitic Alopecia

Syphilitic Alopecia is usually a manifestation or secondary syphilis. The hair loss that occurs is patchy and often described as moth eaten. Diagnosis is made by either blood test or microscopic examination and penicillin is often used to treat the condition.

Scleroderma

Sclerodema is a disease that causes fibrosis (hardening and tightening) of the skin. The hardening is caused by excessive collagen production, which causes hardening of the skin and when it appears on the scalp interferes with the normal functioning of the hair follicles and growth of the hair. The manifestation of Scleroderma can range from mild localized Scleroderma where just a few patches may appear on the skin or it can be severe and affect the internal organs as well. This type of Scleroderma is known as Systematic Scleroderma. Sclerodema is much more common in women with the onset usually occurring between the ages of 40-60.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis is another name for ringworm, which appears on the scalp. Tinea Capitis is highly contagious and may spread throughout an entire family, school or kindergarten. It can also be passed from animals to humans as well as between people. The main symptoms or signs of Tinea Capitis is scaling and redness in a round or uneven area of hair loss. This is where the Tinea is digesting the keratin of the hair. These patches of hair loss slowly expand as the Tinea spreads. The most commonly used treatment for ringworm is an anti fungal agent which is taken once a day for a period of between four and twelve weeks. Nizoral Shampoo (Ketaconazole 2%) may occasionally be prescribed in addition to oral treatment to reduce the surface.

Drugs Prescribed that can cause hair loss

Prescribed Drugs that can cause hair loss

Some drugs have been reported as causing hair loss in some individuals. While not everyone will experience hair loss some drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others.

The following is list of some drugs that have been reported to have a side effect of hair loss:

Alloppurinol ( for the treatment of Gout)

Heparin ( blood thinner)

Coumarin (blood thinner)

Clofibrate (Cholesterol lowering drug)

Gemfibrozil (Cholesterol lowering drug)

The above drugs are only a few of the drugs that have been reported as contributing towards hair loss. If you suspect that prescription drugs that you are taking are causing hair loss you should discuss this with your doctor.

Hair loss which is Self Induced

Hair loss which is Self Induced

Some damage to the hair is self inflicted sometimes consciously or unconsciously the two main types of self induced hair loss are Trichotillomania and Traction Alopecia.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is self induced hair loss which results from the continuous pulling or plucking of the hair. It occurs most commonly among young children, adolescents and women and effects twice as many females as males. The hair is often pulled out in distinct patches on the scalp however some individuals also pull out eyebrows and eyelashes.

The treatment for Trichotillomania often involves counseling or psychiatric help, however in some cases an antidepressant may be prescribed.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is usually caused by continuous and excessive pulling on the hair due to various types of hairstyling. Ponytails, buns, braiding and cornrows often result in a continuous pulling on the hair. This traction gradually results in hair loss. If this type of traction and hair loss continues for an excessively long period of time then the hair loss may become permanent. Generally however a change in hairstyle that reduces the traction on the hair and hair follicle is all that is required in the treatment of Traction Alopecia.

Telogen Effluvium

Sudden stress relate hairs loss which appears as thinning throughout the whole scalp.

Telogen Effluvium occurs when sudden or severe stress causes an increase in the shedding of the hair. In Telogen effluvium a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. The hair will then stay in the resting phase for about 3 months after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. Often the person involved will have recovered from the event before the hair loss occurs. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair soon recovers. However in some cases the hair loss continues until the underlying cause is fixed.

Cancer Treatment Hair Loss:: Anagen Effluvium

Cancer Treatment Hair Loss:: Anagen Effluvium

Anagen Effluvium is the sudden hair loss which occurs as a result of chemicals or radiation, such as the hair loss that results during certain types of Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatment.

In Anagen Effluvium the hair does not enter a resting stage as is does with Telogen Effluvium. The hair loss is usually sudden occurring 1 to 3 weeks after expose to the chemicals or radiation has occurred. Cancer treatments such as Chemotherapy and Radiation Treatments are the most common causes of Anagen Effluvium. However exposure to toxic chemicals such as Thallium and Arsenic may also produce a sudden loss of hair.

Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer to destroy the cancer cells which divide rapidly within the body. One side effect of this cancer treatment however is that it can also stop the growth of the hair and may cause the shedding of hair. In some cases up to 90% of the hair may be affected and often the remaining 10% was already in the resting phase before the treatment was started. Some hair follicles do not shed the hair but produce a narrower weaker hair which breaks off easily.

Anagen Effluvium caused by Chemotherapy is only a temporary condition and in most cases hair growth will return to normal once treatment is finished. Many people even claim that their hair grows back healthier and thicker than before. Sometimes when the hair grows back the texture can be different. Some people who have had curly hair have claimed that their hair has grown back straight and sometimes even the color can become different. The important thing to remember is that this hair loss is not permanent and once treatment is stopped the hair follicles will recover and the hair will grow back.

Hair Loss Causes and Risk Factors

Hair Loss Causes and Risk Factors

A number of causes might be identified. These include:

Childbirth. When a woman is pregnant, her hair continues to grow. The usual 50 to 100 hairs per day are not shed. However, after she delivers her baby, many hairs enter the resting stage of the hair cycle at once. Within two to three months after delivery, these hairs may all fall out together and be seen as large amounts of hair coming out in their brushes and combs.

High fever, severe infection, major surgery, significant life stressor. From four weeks to three months after a person has a high fever, severe infection, major surgery, or significant life stressor such as death in the family, he or she may be shocked to see a lot of hair falling out. This condition usually corrects itself but may require treatment.

Thyroid disease. Both an overactive and underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. The hair loss associated with thyroid disease can be reversed with proper treatment.

Inadequate protein in diet. Some vegetarians, people who go on crash diets that exclude protein, and those with severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. When this happens, a person's body will help to save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled out by the roots. This condition can be reversed by eating the proper amount of protein.

Medications. Prescription drugs can cause temporary hair shedding in a small percentage of people. Examples of such drugs are blood thinners, some drugs used to treat gout and arthritis, acne, or psoriasis, and some medications for heart problems.

Cancer treatment drugs. Most drugs used in chemotherapy will cause hair cells to stop dividing. Hair shafts become thin and break off as they exit the scalp. This can occur one to three weeks after beginning chemotherapy. The patient may lose all of his hair, but this will usually re-grow after treatment ends.

Birth control pills. Women who lose their hair when taking birth control pills usually have an inherited tendency towards hair thinning.

Low serum iron. Iron deficiency sometimes produces hair loss. Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and corrected with iron pills.

Alopecia areata. In this type of hair loss, hair usually falls out, resulting in totally smooth, round patches about the size of a coin or larger. This disease may affect children, women or men of any age.

Androgenic alopecia. This is the most common type of hair loss and is often called "male- or female-pattern baldness". The hair usually thins out first in the front of the scalp and moves progressively to the back and top of the head. It tends to be progressive. This type of hair loss also runs in families.

Infections. Ringworm, or tinea capitus, is a common fungal infection in children. Patches of hair may be lost and replaced with pink scaly skin.

See a doctor if you experience hair loss at the same time as you experience the following symptoms: skin problems, breathing problems, poor appetite or unexplained weight loss, vomiting, fever, pain, constipation or diarrhea.

 

Definition of Hair Loss

Hair Loss Definition of

Each hair grows in cycles it grows, rests, and then falls out. Usually, this cycle repeats approximately yearly. At any time, about ninety percent of a person's scalp hair is growing, a phase that lasts between two and six years. Ten percent of the scalp hair is in a resting phase that lasts between two and three months. At the end of its resting stage, the hair goes through a shedding phase.

Shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is considered normal. When a hair is shed, it is replaced by a new hair from the same follicle located just beneath the skin surface. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month.

Hair is made up of a form of protein, the same material that is found in fingernails and toenails. Everyone, regardless of age, should eat an adequate amount of protein to maintain normal hair production. Protein is found in meat, chicken, fish, eggs, some cheese, dried beans, tofu, grains, and nuts.

Abnormal hair loss can be due to many different causes, but about 50 percent of the population experience normal hair loss by the time they reach 50. People who notice their hair shedding in large amounts after combing or brushing, or whose hair becomes thinner or falls out should consult a dermatologist.

Hair Loss Restoration procedure

 Hair transplant for hair Loss Restoration procedure

At an initial consultation, the surgeon analyzes the patient's scalp, discusses his preferences and expectations, and advises him/her on the best approach (e.g. single vs. multiple sessions) and what results might reasonably be expected.

For several days prior to surgery the patient refrains from using any medicines which might result in intraoperative bleeding and resultant poor "take" of the grafts. Alcohol and smoking can contribute to poor graft survival. Post operative antibiotics are commonly prescribed to prevent wound or graft infections.

SurgeryTransplant operations are performed on an outpatient basis, with mild sedation (optional) and injected local anesthesia, which typically last about six hours. The scalp is shampooed and then treated with an antibacterial agent prior to the donor scalp being harvested.

In the usual follicular unit procedure, the surgeon harvests a strip of skin from the posterior scalp, in an area of good hair growth. The excised strip is about 1–1.5 x 15–30 cm in size. While closing the resulting wound, assistants begin to dissect individual follicular unit grafts from the strip. Working with binocular Stereo-microscopes, they carefully remove excess fibrous and fatty tissue while trying to avoid damage to the follicular cells that will be used for grafting. The latest method of closure is called 'Trichophytic closure' which results in much finer scars at the donor area.

FUE harvesting negates the need for large areas of scalp tissue to be harvested and can give very natural results with little or no scarring.

The surgeon then uses very small micro blades or fine needles to puncture the sites for receiving the grafts, placing them in a predetermined density and pattern, and angling the wounds in a consistent fashion to promote a realistic hair pattern. The technicians generally do the final part of the procedure, inserting the individual grafts in place.

Post-operative careAdvances in wound care allow for semi-permeable dressings, which allow seepage of blood and tissue fluid, to be applied and changed at least daily. The vulnerable recipient area must be shielded from the sun, and shampooing is started two days after the surgery. Some surgeons will have the patient shampoo the day after surgery. Shampooing is important to prevent scabs from occurring around the hair shaft. Scabs adhere to the hair shaft and increase the risk of losing newly transplanted hair follicles during the first 7 to 10 days post-op.

During the first ten days, virtually all of the transplanted hairs, inevitably traumatized by their relocation, will fall out ("shock loss"). After two to three months new hair will begin to grow from the moved follicles. The patient's hair will grow normally, and continue to thicken through the next six to nine months. Any subsequent hair loss is likely to be only from untreated areas. Some patients elect to use medications to retard such loss, while others plan a subsequent transplant procedure to deal with this eventuality.

Modern techniquesThere are several different techniques available for the harvesting of hair follicles, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of which donor harvesting technique is employed, proper extraction of the hair follicle is paramount to ensure the viability of the transplanted hair and avoid transection, the cutting of the hair shaft from the hair follicle. Hair follicles grow at a slight angle to the skin's surface, which means that regardless of technique transplant tissue must be removed with a corresponding angle and not perpendicular to the surface.

There are two main ways in which donor grafts are extracted today: strip excision harvesting and follicular unit extraction.

Strip harvesting is the most common technique for removing hair and follicles from a donor site, most commonly the area at the back and sides of the scalp. A single-, double-, or triple-bladed scalpel is used to remove strips of hair-bearing tissue from the donor site. Each incision is planned so that intact hair follicles are removed. Once removed, the strip is dissected into follicular units, which are small, naturally formed groupings of hair follicles.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) takes place in a single long session or multiple small sessions. FUE is considered to be more time consuming, depending on the operator's skill, and there are restrictions on patient candidacy. The advantages of this technique over the conventional strip harvest are that it does not leave a linear scar, and the procedure produces little or no postoperative pain and discomfort. There are some disadvantages such as increased surgical times and higher cost to the patient. Clients are selected for FUE based on a fox test. There is however some debate about the usefulness of this in screening clients for FUE.

Common Types of Hair Loss

Alopecia universalis: Have you ever wondered how life would be for you if you were born without hair. Not just the hair on your scalp,  no hair in your nose which is to protect you from dirt and hair in your ears which is also for your protection and part of your hearing aid, no eyebrows to prevent dust and eyelashes for the enhancement of your beautiful eyes or all of a sudden all your hair vanishes or is vaporized in this air.  The act of just having this feeling will send some chills along your spine. There are many people living with this Alopecia universalis stigma. Some have managed to cope with it while some are still on the verge of getting the support they need through support groups, their beloved family and friends while some it’s just a dilemma with so many unending questions with very little solutions which are forth coming. Thanks be to God for the technological wonder where you can Google for Alopecia Universalis and all the hair restoration, hair surgeries and hair treatment. But the big questions till remains what if you don’t have the hair to begin with. Having a good family support system around you with all the help and support with Alopecia comlecation is all what you need.

A person with Alopecia universalis is born without eyelashes, eyebrows, hair on the head and as the person grows up well for some people having hair under the armpits would have been a bonus point. How about all those who would have cherished to have their signs of puberty just after that glimpse of pubic hair? This once in a lifetime natural phenomenon would just be a thing of the past.

 As a matter of fact the lack of hair comes from inheritance and very little is there to be done to rectify this kind of hair loss situation. Alopecia universalis is found in both men and women and cuts across all races. Although there re a few cases whereby some hair can come back, it is now known or predicated when the hair falling will start or when there will be a hair regrowth. The only copping skills are for people to put on hoods, caps, hair wigs, bandannas.

Just as Sterling Winthrop went through a lot of pain to discover penadol, there  a lot of people who have contributed happily in terms of making sure that cosmetic hair products are available for those who are in need of them. artificial eyebrows, artificial eyelashes, artificial wigs with human hair, eye pencils, artificial eyebrows stencils, fake eyelashes, eyebrows tattoo procedures are there in plenty to improvise. It only depends on ones pocket otherwise all the products ate there in plenty and for the many who have already managed to cope up with the hair loss situation is to take the bull by the horns and accept that that’s the beauty you are or you were born with.

The moment one finds how special he or she is then the rest we are just like any other next door neighbor and live with Alopecia universalis till the end of time. Its all about having tools at your fingertips and being in control of something which we have no control of and making them work for your benefit to solve the hair loss problem a disease which has no cure as of yet.

Hair Restoration and hair transplantation

Hair restoration and hair transplantation

basically hair restoration and hair transplantation is a surgical technique that involves moving individual hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to bald or balding parts (the recipient site). It is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. It this case, grafts containing hair follicles that are genetically resistant to balding are transplanted to bald scalp. Likewise, it is also used to restore eyelashes, eyebrows, beard hair, chest hair, and pubic hair and to fill in scars caused by accidents or surgery such as face-lifts and previous hair transplants. Hair transplantation differs from skin grafting in that grafts contain almost all of the epidermis and dermis surrounding the hair follicle, and many tiny grafts are transplanted rather than a single strip of skin.

While hair naturally grows in follicles that contain groupings of 1 to 4 hairs, today’s most advanced techniques transplant these naturally occurring 1–4 hair "follicular units" in their natural groupings. Thus modern hair transplantation can achieve a natural appearance by mimicking nature hair for hair. This hair transplant procedure is called Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Donor hair can be harvested in two very different ways;

Hair transplantation Aand hair restoration Strip Harvesting - a strip of scalp is removed under local anesthesia, the wound is then sutured back together and this piece of scalp tissue is then cut in to small pieces of tissue called grafts which are then transplanted back in to the thinning area of the patient's head. This method will leave a linear scar in the donor area, which should be covered by a patient's hair (if long). The recovery period is around 2 weeks and will require the stitches to be removed by medical personnel.

Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE Harvesting - individual follicles of hair are removed under local anesthesia; this micro removal uses tiny punches of between 0.6mm and 1.25mm in diameter. Each follicle is then reinserted back in to the scalp in the thinning area using a micro blade. Because individual follicles are removed, only small, punctate scars remain and any post-surgical pain is minimized. As no suture removal is required, recovery from FUE is within 7 days.

 

Hair Loss Replacement causes and the main benefits

The main benefits of hair restoration surgery

Hair loss is a serious issue for both men and women. Losing one's hair can have a profound impact, affecting self-confidence as well as personal and professional relationships. Recent hair restoration treatments--both surgical and non-surgical--have been developed that can slow the progression of hair loss and, in many cases, replace lost hair.

The important hair loss hair restoration clinically approved non-surgical treatments include the drugs Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and Minoxidil (Rogaine). Although these drugs have been proven clinically successful to different degrees, many individuals turn to hair restoration surgery in order to achieve greater results.

Hair surgery restoration benefits

Hair restoration is not about vanity, but about improving quality of life. There are several reasons people opt for surgical hair restoration, including the following:

Hair loss ways of increased confidence. When you begin to suffer hair loss, you may also suffer from a lack of confidence. When looking in the mirror, you may see yourself differently. This  may lead you to think others see you differently as well. A blow to your self-esteem can be difficult to handle, but hair restoration can restore the confidence you need.

Less worry. Hair loss can also lead to worries about your health, especially if you begin losing hair at a young age. A visit to a hair restoration specialist can help you understand the reasons for your hair loss and rule out any underlying causes, thus easing your concerns about your health.

Hair loss and hair restoration for youthful appearance. Many people believe the younger they look, the more opportunities they can find, both in their personal and professional life. Hair restoration surgery can produce results that put you back on the path toward personal and professional success.

What to expect from surgical hair restoration

Traditionally, the safest and most effective hair transplant surgery involves taking grafts (hair follicles, skin and tissue) from donor sites on the patient's head and transplanting them to the balding region. Typically conducted on an outpatient basis, professional hair transplants may require several sessions to meet the patient's goals.

Hair loss and hair restoration unlike other surgeries, hair restoration surgery--in many cases--can provide immediate results. Surgical hair restoration also differs from other transplant operations because the hair follicles traditionally come from the patient's donor sites, not from someone else. Therefore, there are no anti-rejection drugs needed. Although there are other hair restoration procedures available such as hair flaps, scalp reductions or line grafts, most of them are considered outdated and are not recommended by the American Hair Loss Association.

Hair loss treatment

Treatment of Hair Loss

If hair loss is caused by a temporary situation such as medication, stress or insufficient iron, however, however, the hair loss will stop when its cause ends. Hair loss due to infection may require oral antibiotics or antifungals. Alopecia areata can be treated with injections of steroids such as triamcinolone into the area. For all of the causes, early treatment works the best.

For hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia, there is no cure, although many treatments are available. Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription hair loss treatment that is prescribed for men only. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is rubbed directly onto the scalp and works for both men and women. It usually works best for hair loss at top and back of the scalp, where there is still some remaining hair. This is available over the counter at most pharmacies.

Well chosen hairstyles can often hide hair loss effectively. Partial hairpieces or wigs are recommended if hair loss is severe.

Finally, hair transplantation has improved dramatically over the last several years. During a hair transplant, healthy hairs are harvested from an area of the scalp with normal hair growth. Individual hairs are then placed into areas of hair loss. When done well, the result is extremely natural appearing.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Hair Loss

What is causing the hair loss?

Is this due to a temporary cause that will correct itself?

Is it related to any medication I currently take?

How can the problem be corrected?

Is it diet related?

If so, what needs to be changed in the diet?

How can the hair damage be repaired?

Should I consider taking medication?

3. Hair loss for Children

2. Hair loss for Women

Hair Loss for Men

Causes of Hair Loss in Men

Causes of Hair Loss in Men

By far the most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as “male pattern” or “common” baldness. It is caused by the effects of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible scalp hair follicles. This sensitivity to DHT is present mainly in hair follicles that reside in the front, top, and crown of the scalp (rather than the back and sides) producing a characteristic and easily identifiable pattern described by Norwood (see Norwood Classification).

It is frequently stated that “hair loss comes from the mother’s side of the family.” The truth is that baldness can be inherited from either parent. However, recent research suggests that the reasons for hair loss and balding may be a bit more complex than originally thought. Factors on the x-chromosome have been shown to influence hair loss, making the inheritance from the maternal side of the family slightly more important than the paternal one (Markus Nothen, 2005).

The identification of an androgen receptor gene (AR) on the x-chromosome helps to explain why the hair loss pattern of a man resembles his maternal grandfather more often than his father. However, this is clearly not the whole story since a direct inheritance of baldness from the father is observed as well. An autosomal (non-sex) linked gene would explain this type of transmission – but this gene has not yet been found.

DHT is formed by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase on testosterone, the hormone that causes sex characteristics in men. DHT causes male hair loss by shortening the growth, or anagen, phase of the hair cycle, causing miniaturization (decreased size) of the follicles, and producing progressively shorter, finer hairs. Eventually these hairs totally disappear.

In the patient below, we see a close-up of the side of his scalp where the hair is not affected by DHT. We see mostly groups of full thickness hairs (called terminal hairs) and a few scattered fine, vellus hairs. This is normal.

In the area of thinning most of the hair has been miniaturized, although all of the hair is still present.

In the region that is balding  there is extensive miniaturization and some, but not all of the hair has disappeared.

What this shows is that the initial appearance of balding is due to the progressive decrease in hair shaft size, rather than the actual loss of hair – in early hair loss, all the hair is still present. This is the reason why hair loss medications, such as finasteride (Propecia) work in early hair loss (since they are able to partly reverse the miniaturization process) but don’t work in areas that are totally bald. It is also the reason why men’s hair restoration surgery, if not planned properly, can result in hair loss due to the shedding of surrounding miniaturized hair.