| Dr. Andrew A. Winkler is a member of International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Hair transplant.
Q. Do you provide free consultation?
Yes
Q. Does hair transplant look Natural?
Absolutely. In past years, hair restoration surgery was performed using "hair plugs," which resulted in an unnatural appearance like that of doll’s hair. Today’s hair restoration surgery uses individual groups of hairs called "follicular units." These groups consist of 1-4 hairs that are left in their natural groups. A thin strip of hair is harvested from the back of the scalp and separated into its individual follicular units. Small slits are made in the scalp into which a follicular unit is placed, yielding an entirely natural result.
Q. How long does it take to recover from hair transplant surgery?
Initially, the hairs that were transplanted will fall out. This occurs over the first 4-6 weeks and is completely normal. However, the stem cells that create the hair are alive and well. The transplanted hairs will start growing normally about 3 months after the procedure.
Q. What are the types of hair transplants you perform?
I perform the follicular unit transplantation. This can be used for restoration of the scalp hair or the eyebrows.
Q. Are the options for combating Hair loss in men different from women?
Yes and no. The pattern and causes of hair loss in women are often different than in men. In those women with hair loss, the pattern may mimic the typical male pattern of baldness or it may be different. Often women will have a "Christmas tree" pattern of hair loss, with the widest loss at the front. Another variant is a general diffuse loss with sparing of the front hairline. Women also are more susceptible to hair loss related to medical disorders, such as hypothyroidism. As well, hair loss can result from certain hair styles more common in women, such as tight braids. This condition is known as "traction alopecia" and frequently affects the temple areas. Although the methods of dealing with the hair loss are the same (follicular unit transplantation), these medical and hair styling issues may need to be addressed simultaneously. Further, Minoxidil is the only medication FDA-approved for the treatment of hair loss in women (whereas men can also use finasteride).
Q. Are there complications or risks in a hair transplant?
Though hair transplant surgery is extremely safe, there is a potential for complications with any procedure. Perhaps the most common complication is poor survival of the follicular units. This can be due to any of a number of causes, but is thankfully a rare problem. Another potential problem is a poor scar formation at the donor site. This is more often a complication in those who have had multiple procedures.
Q. If a client has already had a transplant with another doctor and is disappointed with the results, can it be redone?
Often the hair transplant can be redone to achieve better results, though it depends on what specifically the patient is disappointed with. For example, wide donor site scars and unnatural frontal hairlines may be improved, whereas the appearance of "hair plugs" may only be modestly improved. However, each situation is unique and must be considered individually. |
