| Dr. R. Lee England is a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Hair transplant.
Q. What is Hair Transplant and who would be a good candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Hair transplantation is a permanent form of hair replacement where hair is surgically moved from hair-bearing areas of the head (donor sites) to bald or thinning areas (recipient sites). Most men with male pattern baldness or hair loss due to injury are potential candidates for hair transplantation. Hair transplants can also help women with balding or thinning hair to improve their appearance.
Q. How does hair transplantation work?
Unlike the hair transplant methods of the past where large grafts often yielded hair that grew in clumps or at unpredictable angles, Follicular Unit Transplantation is a very sophisticated and precise procedure. Small groups of hair follicles, called "follicular units," are taken from hair-bearing donor sites and individually transplanted into the recipient sites. Using follicular units instead of larger grafts allows us to carefully place the transplants so that they grow in the proper angle and direction while successfully restoring a natural-appearing hairline and increasing density in bald or thinning spots.
Q. What are the new hair restoration treatments available for men and women?
As I mentioned above currently follicular unit transplantation is the preferred method of hair transplantation. The alternative for someone not wishing to undergo a hair restoration procedure would be to wear a hair prosthesis (ie: wig)
Q. Do you provide free consultation and do the clients need to bring any information with them?
Our initial consultations are free of charge. The only information we would like to have would be any previous biopsy results from scalp procedures that may have been performed.
Q. Should medications be taken after hair transplant surgery?
We place patients on an antibiotic and oral steroid for approximately 5 days after the procedure. We also provide pain medication for the first few days after surgery. For most men we will start Propecia prior to surgery and continue it indefinitely.
Q. Do the clients need to use a bandage after the surgery?
We place a small bandage on the donor site for 24 hrs after the procedure. There is no dressing on the recipient site and the patient can shower after 24 hours.
Q. When can clients expect to see results?
Hair transplant patients should not be alarmed if the transplanted hairs fall out 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. After 3 to 6 months, these hair follicles will enter a new anagen phase and begin to actively grow. The new growth appears initially as fine, light-colored hairs that gradually increase in length and diameter. Progressive cosmetic improvement continues for up to 12 to 15 months. Thereafter, the new hair will grow at a normal rate of 1/2 inch per month for the rest of your life. |
