Today it is a very refined outpatient procedure that can produce full and natural looking results, even after only one hair transplant session.
When performed correctly not even a hair stylist will detect that a person has had a hair transplant.
However, to achieve such natural results it is critical that the hair transplant procedure be "performed correctly". To do so requires a hair restoration clinic that can perform a follicular unit hair transplant at the highest levels of skill, experience, and dedication.
A great hair transplant is the result of using a state of the art surgical procedure and performing it with great skill and artistry. Today the acknowledged "gold standard" in hair transplant surgery is called "Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation".
This relatively new hair transplant procedure enables a patient to achieve extremely natural results because it recreates and mimics the way a person's hair grows naturally, hair for hair.
To understand this procedure you must first understand how hair grows naturally.
If you look closely at naturally growing hair using magnification you will see that hair actually grows in groupings of one, two, three, and four hairs.
These naturally occurring hair groupings grow in irregular patterns on the scalp similar to trees growing in the forest. These groupings are technically referred to as "follicular units".
By relocating these carefully prepared and isolated follicular units, physicians doing "follicular unit hair transplantation" recreate a natural pattern of hair in the balding areas.
To do this properly is a very time consuming process. It requires a team of skilled and meticulous medical technicians working closely with the lead physician.
All our physician members perform this hair transplant procedure with excellent results. They are granted membership in the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians strictly based on their proven high level of experience, ethics, and skill in successfully performing this patient friendly procedure.
While the follicular unit procedure is more demanding upon the medical staff, it produces dramatic and life long advantages for the patient such as undetectable naturalness, rapid healing, and optimal use of their limited donor hair.
Only a minority of hair transplant surgeons are committed to doing the follicular unit procedure properly. Many physicians continue to dissect grafts without regard to the integrity of the follicular units. Follicular units are often transected and damaged as donor tissue is cut to conform to the size of the recipient holes rather than to maintain the integrity of the follicular units.
Such common standard hair transplant procedures are quicker and simpler to perform than follicular unit hair transplantation from the hair transplant surgeon's perspective. The standard hair transplant procedure is also often more profitable for the clinic since it requires less staff time, training, resources, and skill. However, the results are generally suboptimal for the patient.
Each follicular unit is surrounded by small glands, blood vessels, nerves, and a connective tissue sac making it a tiny self contained unit.
If these follicular units are damaged during removal or dissection, the hair may grow poorly.
Therefore it is important to cut only in the loose tissue between the follicular units to keep each follicular unit intact and avoid damaging it.
The Ultimate in fullness and naturalness in one surgery session.
We’ve all seen the “pluggy” hair transplants of the past. But we don’t see today’s state of the art hair transplants because they go unnoticed.
Plugs Mini Micros Follicular Units
Surgical hair restoration has dramatically evolved from the big round “plug” grafts of the 1960 ’s and 70’s, to the “mini micrografts” of the 80’s and early 90’s, to modern hair transplant procedures using entirely follicular unit grafts .
Now hair restoration surgery is going through another important evolution that is improving both the naturalness and fullness that can be achieved from any one surgical hair transplant session.
Today ’s micro surgical blades, like the size of hair grafts, have become ever smaller and now enable hair transplant surgeons to safely make more tiny graft incisions in a given area then ever before. Surgeons are then able to “dense pack” select areas with as many as 40 to 60 follicular unit grafts per square centimeter. This graft density is as much as twice that of the standard follicular unit hair transplant procedure.
Such high densities of transplanted hair typically produce the appearance of fullness even after only one surgical session. Patients also experience rapid healing and no visible skin distortions due to the tiny size of these incisions.
Ultra refined follicular unit grafting raises the bar for physicians and their staff. This delicate and demanding hair transplant procedure requires more skill and careful attention to be performed properly. The smaller and more tightly packed incisions require more closely dissected follicular unit grafts that are carefully trimmed under microscopes. These small and densely packed incisions are also more difficult to place the grafts into.
This procedure also requires more careful patient selection, as “dense packing” of grafts is not appropriate for all patients.
In the hands of a highly skilled physician and staff the Ultra refined follicular unit hair transplant procedure can achieve excellent new hair growth that is so natural that it is undetectable even under close scrutiny.
While the standard micro “follicular unit” hair transplant does produce natural looking results, its ability to achieve high density in only one surgical session is limited. Thus patients may have to do subsequent surgical sessions in a transplanted area to achieve a full look.
The many patient benefits of this new procedure are significant and include:
All members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physiciansare required to perform ultra refined grafting with excellent results. Learn more about the membership standards.
Nettle root extract can be found in a number of popular hair loss treatments, such as Provillus and Procerin, and at your local health food store as a standalone product. Conjectured to effectively inhibit the production of DHT, below we examine whether or not nettles are as effective as Propecia (finasteride) in blocking DHT and stopping the progression of male or female pattern hair loss.
“Nettles” is the common name for Urtica Dioica, an herbal plant also known as the Stinging Nettle. This perennial herb is often eaten in many parts of the world and is often added to soups, salads or cooked as greens, though less frequently. Nettle leaves are long and pointy, but only the shoots and top of the plant are eaten. Nettle plants have dark green leaves and typically grow about 2 or 3 feet tall and its flowers are covered with tiny stinging hairs that contain an irritant. Allergic reactions are common if they come in contact with human skin.
Nettle root extract was found to partially block 2 enzymes by researchers such as R. Hartmann. The first is 5-alpha-reductase that when combined with testosterone, produces DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the hormone responsible for androgenic alopecia hair loss. The second enzyme is aromatase, which makes estrogen. Combining nettle root extract with another herbal agent pygeum has been found to inhibit these two enzymes more effectively than either one alon It was shown that nettle root extract had to be used at high dosages in order to effective whereas lower doses of pygeum worked well. Prostatonin, the combination product of nettles and pygeum have been used to treat BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy).
Studies by researchers JJ Lichius and others have shown a reduction in prostate growth in mice when large doses of nettle extract were taken orally. Combining nettle root extracts with saw palmetto berries in BPH patients reduced the amount of testosterone and estrogen. Conversely, it has been conjectured that nettles can block testosterone from binding to the sex hormone globulin, a carrier protein that binds testosterone and limits its bioavailability in the body. As a result, nettles have been called an aphrodisiac since it may help maintain testosterone levels.
Other uses of Nettles include treatment for arthritis, asthma, kidney, urinary tract infections, and last but not least, baldness.
Nettle Root as a Hair Loss TreatmentLike many other herbal supplements with some clinical evidence suggesting efficacy in treating enlarged prostates (BPH), some have claimed that nettle root extract may stop hair loss and maybe even aid hair regrowth. Because Propecia (finasteride) works to stop the progression of male pattern baldness by inhibiting the production of DHT, it is conjectured that nettle root extract may be of similar benefit.
Nettle root is a popular ingredient taken orally in a couple big name hair loss products such as Provillus and Procerin. Some have also conjectured that applying nettle root extract topically to the scalp may also facilitate new hair growth. Because many topical irritant type products are used to treat alopecia areata hair loss, some suggest nettle root extract applied topically may be effective in treating it. Those who conjecture its efficacy to treat baldness recommend doses of 500mg or more daily.
Though some have declared that nettle root extract may be an effective hair loss treatment, no clinical controlled studies have been performed proving its efficacy for androgenic alopecia (genetic female hair loss and male pattern baldness) or alopecia areata.
Despite claims made that “all natural” herbal supplements are free from side effects, nettle root has its share of warnings. When topically applied, irritation of the scalp or an allergic reaction can occur. When taken orally, it can cause upset stomach, burning, difficulty with urination, bloating and edema. Nettle root extract should not be used in patients with heart or kidney problems, due to fluid retention properties.
Those who want to try nettle root extract as a hair loss treatment should proceed with caution and consult their doctor before using it.
Many cases of female hair lossare caused by hormonal fluctuations or changes in the body including those who have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), birth control pillside effects, a recent pregnancy,postmenopausal trauma, or menopause. Women with hair loss experience varying balding patterns These patterns can help determine the type of alopecia you have along with a thorough examination by a physician.
Because of an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone due to declining estrogen levels, thinning hair and accelerated hair loss is common in women during menopause. Hair on certain areas of the head that is more sensitive to androgen hormones like DHT(associated with male pattern baldness) may thin or fall out. Similarly, declining estrogen levels may result in unwanted facial hair growth.
In some cases, polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS), may accompany menopause and hair loss.
Be sure to speak with your doctor on the most effective ways to cope with menopause and minimize hair loss during this transitional time.
We know that and rogenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is by far the most common cause of hair loss, accounting for 95% of hair loss in men and women. But there are a variety of other causes for hair loss in men and women. These include disease, aging, improper hair care, poor nutrition, and stress.
It's a proven fact that medical conditions, as well as treatments and procedures, may lead to hair loss. Many people have experienced sudden and large amounts of hair loss about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery. Fortunately, this hair loss is usually temporary, and is related to the stress of the illness.
Hair loss may also signal a previously hidden disease,including lupus, thyroid disease or diabetes. Because hair loss may be an early sign, it's a good idea to identify the problem and begin treating it at this time.
Psychological disorders such as Trichotillomaniamay be responsible for self-inflicted hair loss Men and women suffering from this condition pull their own hair out by the roots.
Hair loss may stem from taking certain medicines, but this normally stops once the medication is no longer taken.
Another cause of medical hair loss is hormonal problems. Essentially, having an overactive or under active thyroid gland may cause your hair to fall out. Treating the thyroid disease will usually help this hair loss. Hormones can also cause hair loss if male hormones (androgens), or female hormones (estrogens), are out of balance. However, if the hormone imbalance is corrected, the hair loss should stop.
Did you know that 40% of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35, and 65% by age 60?
Aging is one of the factors necessary for and rogenetic alopecia to occur, along with a genetic predisposition and the presence of hair loss-inducing hormones. Hair loss is dependent on exposing the vulnerable hair follicles to the proper hormones over time.
Isn't it frustrating to see people with thick, full heads of hair treat it so badly? Dyes, bleaching, pigtails -- it all takes its toll on hair.
The chemicals used for dying, tinting, bleaching, straightening or any other hair-altering procedures can lead to hair becoming strained or damaged. Eventually, this hair may even break off.
But it's not any better in the hair salon, as excessive styling that pulls the hair too tightly may also lead to a type of hair loss, called "traction alopecia." As long as this pulling is stopped before the scalp scars, the hair will grow back normally. But be warned, scarring can cause permanent hair loss.
It's also not a good idea to subject your hair to hot oil treatments or the chemicals used in permanents. These may cause inflammation of the hair follicle. This too, may lead to scarring and hair loss.
Researchers have found that some hair loss may be due to insufficient protein or iron in your diet, as well as malnutrition, in general. As effective as "miracle" or "fad" diets sound, they may cause damage. Vitamin deficiencies, as well as certain illnesses related to eating, such as bowel disease or eating disorders, can also cause poor nutrition. These may all cause hair loss.
Stress can be harmful to the entire body, and the hair on our heads is no exception. Regardless of the cause - illness, a traumatic experience, nutritional deficiency - our rate of hair loss may increase.
However, it should be noted that stress-induced hair loss is not a cause of male-pattern baldness. Rather, this type of balding is known as "telogen effluvium." Telogen effluvium is caused when the body senses a problem and diverts its energies there. This results in hair being shed, although it's usually reversible.
Stress affects the hair of men and women differently. It's been foundthat women's hair is more sensitive to stress' effects than men's hair. One possibility is that stress (along with DHT and other things) may facilitate hair loss for women who are genetically predisposed towards it While the cause of genetic female hair lossis a bit of a mystery, women experiencing hair loss are advised to consult a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist to determine its cause Many causes of thinning hair in females are non-genetic and hair loss is often reversible by treating whatever condition is promoting it.
Our physician members perform a very refined hair transplant procedure called "Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation". Today there are two methods for doing this procedure. They differ only in the methods used to harvest and prepare the grafts.
Follicular Unit Extraction Video is provided courtesy of Dr. Alan Bauman.
How the follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant procedure is different than standard strip excision hair transplant surgery.
How the minimally invasive hair transplant procedure known as Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE is performed.
How follicular unit grafts are created under microscopic dissection and then placed into tiny incisions in the balding areas.
ElectroTrichoGenesis (ETG), also known as Cosmetic TrichoGenesis (CTG), is a little known hair loss treatment that makes some very lofty hair growth claims. How does ETG work and is it really clinically proven to treat androgenic alopecia(genetic balding)?
ETG is promoted as a safe, painless and non-intrusive. Treatment is administered via an “ergonomically shaped couch with a semi spherical hood” manufactured by Current Technology Corporation in Vancouver, Canada.
The patient reclines on the chair and the hood (with disposable liner) is placed over the head but does not make contact with the scalp. This special hood contains electrodes that deliver “specified pulsed electrostatic energy” delivered passively to the scalp by the low-level electric field generated within it.
ETG is believed to stimulate the regrowth of hair through the positive influence of the pulsed electrostatic field it generates. This field is said to stimulate “changes within the hair bulge and the follicle, stabilizing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth”. Patients receive a single 12 minute session weekly.
The following three studies on the efficacy of ElectroTrichoGenesis (ETG) as a treatment for thinning hair have been published in peer-reviewed journals:
Maddin, W. Stuart; Bell, Peter W.; James, John H. M. (1990).
"The Biological Effects of a Pulsed Electrostatic Field with Specific Reference to Hair Electrotrichogenesis". International Journal of Dermatology29(6): 446–450.Benjamin, Benji; Ziginskas, Danute; Harman, John; Meakin, Timothy (2002).
"Pulsed electrostatic fields (ETG) to reduce hair loss in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast carcinoma: A pilot study". Psycho-Oncology11(3): 244–248Maddin, WS; Amara, I; Sollecito, WA (1992).
"Electrotrichogenesis: further evidence of efficacy and safety on extended use". International Journal of Dermatology31(12): 878–80
According to the 36-week comparative, controlled study conducted on male subjects at the University of British Columbia and published in The International Journal of Dermatology, 96.7% of those treated experienced cessation of hair loss and/or hair regrowth. Decreased hair loss was seen as early as 4 to 6 weeks but many patients required more time for results.
The pilot study conducted on women undergoing chemotherapy for breast carcinoma and published in Psycho-Oncology,showed that twelve out of 13 participants had good hair retention throughout the chemotherapy period and afterwards with no reported side effects.
As with the clinically proven medical hair loss treatments Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride), ETG is said to be most effective in the early stages of balding.
Although the data put forth in this article seems to paint ETG as a clinically proven and highly effective hair loss treatment, it’s important to note that the procedure is not new. The studies referenced above were published more than 13 years ago. If ETG truly works to stimulate hair growth and suppress the advancement of hair loss, why has it not become a fixture in the world’s leading hair restoration clinics? Where are all the glowing, unbiased reviews?
With no reported side effects, there may be no harm in giving ETG a try if there is a provider in your area and the fees are reasonable. However, balding men and women are encouraged to consult with an experienced and reputable hair restoration physicianin order to diagnose the cause of their thinning hair and learn about the outstanding medical and surgical options available today.
Most hair loss sufferers can benefit from hair transplants. However, some are better candidates than others and will achieve more dramatic results.
Different Patients Achieve Different End Results
It is important to have realistic expectations and to find a hair transplant surgeon who can meet or exceed your expectations.
The look you can and will achieve with hair transplants is determined by several factors. But the most critical factor is really a question of "supply and demand".
The supply of hair is how much viable bald resistant donor hair you have. The demand is how much bald area you want to cover and to what degree of thickness.
For virtually all hair loss sufferers, even those with severe baldness, there is typically hair that grows for life on the sides and back of the head. This is because the hair in this "donor area" is genetically different from the hair on the top of the head in people who go bald.
The hair follicles in the "donor area" are genetically resistant to the effects of such baldness causing hormones as (DHT) dihydrotestosterone. That's why they continue to grow, while the hair on the top (in the male pattern baldness area) thins and goes bald over time.
How much viable donor hair you have will largely determine how much you can accomplish with hair transplants. Most people have enough viable donor hair to do at least one or two hair transplant procedures.