Frequently Asked Questions | Hair Restoration Programs

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Are all grafts the same size?

A graft is tissue that contains one or more follicular units, a natural grouping of hairs. These groupings are dissected according to a physician's preference for cosmetic outcome. The best quality is a single follicular unit graft. These are the only grafts we use in our clinic.

Is Hair Transplant Permanent?

Yes. The hair from the donor hair is genetically different from the hair on top of your head.The hair that is transplanted is permanent and will not fall out. Although a small fraction of the population may experience different types of diseases and total body hair loss, this is not the usual outcome.

What is DHT?

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is the hormone that binds to a hair follicle receptor and causes hair loss through a process of miniaturization. It's sort of like a balloon loosing air slowly over time; similarly, the follicle practically disappears.

What are Plugs?

Plugs are composed of multiple follicular units in one graft. These do not provide a natural look and tend to produce pitting or irregular scarring of the skin. Some feel that you can get away with putting them towards the back and then disguising them with smaller grafts towards the front. WE DO NOT DO THIS. Implanting bigger grafts in the back still causes scarring and does not create a natural-looking hair transplant.

What causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss occurs for a variety of reasons including but not limited to any of the following factors:

Androgenetic alopecia (often referred to as "pattern baldness"). This can occur in both males and females and is charactarized by the shortening of the growth cycle of the hair follicle. Each times the hair follicle grows a new hair during the growth cycle, the hair becomes weaker and finer.

Cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia)- When inflammation occurs and causes scarring to the hair follicle, the hair follicle can not produce a new hair since it can not recover. The hair loss caused by this condition is permanant.

Heredity- It is quite possible that your genes have a significant part to play in whether you will experience hair loss or pattern baldness as you age. Generally, the "hair loss gene" has been shown to be passed down through your mother's side through he x-chromosome. Other factors are at play as well.

Alopecia areata- This type of hair loss is categorized as being an autoimmune disease. Although the cause for alopecia areata is unknown, it may be linked to family history of alopecia areata or an external trigger or virus. Some people may experience hair regrowth, but this situation is fragile since transplanted hair can be damaged by the disease process.

Traction alopecia- Often caused by extreme hairstyles that apply traction on the hair, constantly plucking and ultimately damaging and scarring hair roots. Traction alopecia starts out as temporary hair loss; However, when scarring occurs and damages the root of the hair the loss becomes permanent.

Telogen effluvium- This type of hair loss is categorized as temporary and is generally caused by sudden emotional distress or other factors such as restrictive diets or nutritional deficits. Stress causes the hair follicle to go into a resting phase and hair may fall out at this time. Once the hair follicles come back into the active stage again (this may take several months,) they will generate new hair.

Medications- Some drugs can cause hair loss including medications to treat high blood pressure, arthritis or depression.

What is the ABHRS and ISHRS?

The ABHRS American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery is a highly respected non-profit organization that has been established in order to set the criteria and high standards for hair transplantation. The diplomates of this organization have gone through extensive training and must successfully complete a vigorous oral and written examination. The members of the ABHRS are committed to providing exceptional patient care and remaining current on industry practices.

The ISHRS Internation Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is a non-profit organization that provides continuing education for hair transplant physicians.