The genetic predisposition in both men and women for male pattern baldness or hair loss is medically known as androgenetic alopecia, and is the cause of more than 95% of hair loss. Hair loss can be due to hereditary genes, excess stress, and any number of physiological problems or as in this case after cosmetic surgery. Restoration can by performed by hair transplantation.
Hair from areas where the hair is thick can be transplanted or grafted – hairgrafting – to bald areas. These grafts preferably, follicular units and micrografts, retain the character of the donor site hair.
In this case over a thousand grafts have been placed for male pattern baldness and the patient has only had one hairgrafting session.
Single hair micrografts were placed, in the same patient, in a random pattern to reconstitute a natural frontal hairline and follicular units were placed behind this initial row of micrografts.
In this case the patient lost hair around the incisions of a facelift, hair loss after surgery, performed by another surgeon. The normal appearing hairline behind the ear and improved temple hair density was achieved in one hairgrafting session.
Hair grafting surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Realistic expectations are important to be happy with any surgery. As each patient is an individual, different results can be expected in each patient.
Alternatives
The alternatives to hair grafting are wig, scalp expansion, scalp reduction, scalp rotation flaps and spray on hair coloring. The expansion, reduction and flaps distort the hair line edges and leave long visible scars. The coloring washes off and stains anything it touches. Wig weaves cause traction hair loss.
Risks
Numbness of the scalp and forehead can occur and is usually temporary but can be permanent. Itching of the scalp or forehead is also common. It is possible to lose from lack of blood supply (necrosis) small areas of the scalp and have the wounds heal over a period of weeks. If a donor strip method is used there can be temporary or permanent loss of some hair along the incision line on the back of the scalp and the scar may widen. The risk is minimizing by taking a vertically narrow donor strip and cutting the scalp parallel to the hair follicles.
Infection is possible resulting in the loss of some or all of the hairgrafts with some minor scarring and pigmentation changes. Increased pigmentation of skin transferred along with grafted hair and/or uneven skin surface can occur as a result of or in the absence of infection.
The original hair pattern and thickness initially present cannot be duplicated. The remaining hair is merely redistributed to give a more aesthetic look.
Benefits
The benefits for male pattern baldness are a more youthful appearance. The benefits for hair loss after surgery or trauma are the ability to wear different hair styles without the scalp showing or being self conscious of visible scalp. The advantages over wigs and sprays are you can swim, shower and cut the hair without inconvenience, shame or high costs.
Recovery
Immediately after surgery a dressing is placed around the head. Do not put your fingers or anything else under the head dressing as the hair grafts can be dislodged. You return the day after surgery for removal of the dressing, replacement of dislodged grafts, a shampoo and instructions on how to shampoo the grafts without dislodging them. After this visit the hair can be combed. If a graft bleeds simply compress the area with gauze for 3 to 5 minutes.
You will wash with a neutral pH shampoo as instructed, daily beginning on the 4th day after surgery. Use cool water & test it by hand first. PAT DRY WITH A TOWEL DO NOT RUB. After 15 days you can use any shampoo you wish. DO NOT PICK AT ANY SCALP CRUSTS THAT APPEAR as this could dislodge grafts.
No sex or alcohol until 8 days after surgery.
For the first 2 weeks the head is kept elevated (no lying flat or head down position) and no vigorous or strenuous physical activity or hairdryer use is allowed. Even jogging or bending over to tie your shoe laces at 1 week can cause a problem.
Normal activities & work may be resumed within 2 to 3 weeks.
It may take up to 6 months for grafted hair to begin growing and reveal the expected hair pattern. A second repeat procedure can be performed no sooner than 4 to 6 months after the first if needed to thicken the hair. Usually for the scalp only two procedures one year apart are needed. However, this is dependent on your desires, the area to be covered and the number of grafts that survive. If hair loss has not stabilized before the first procedure later further grafting may be needed as hair loss progresses. No guarantee can be made of the number of procedures required
Do not sunbathe without a hat for 1 year.
Dr. Aaron Stone
Call today for a consultation!
9700 Venice BlvdCulver City, Los Angeles,CA 90232
Many people who are interested in Plastic Surgery decide not to seek treatment because of the prices associated with cosmetic plastic surgery. What they may not know is that financing plans can help manage the costs and bring cosmetic surgery within the reach of nearly every budget.Many patients choose their cosmetic surgeon based on prices for plastic surgery rather than credentials. It is important to thoroughly research your doctor to ensure that he or she has the requisite training, experience, and facility. Making sure you get the results you desire the first time around could mean lower cosmetic surgery costs in the long run. Choosing an inexperienced surgeon could jeopardize your safety and result in health problems or the need for follow-up surgeries.Dr. Stone offers patients a range of payment options to help cover plastic surgery costs, including cash, check, and credit cards. In addition, he offers plastic surgery financing plans to help patients set up an affordable payment schedule by breaking up the costs of Plastic Surgery treatment into affordable monthly payments through
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Please remember not to choose your cosmetic surgeon based solely on prices for plastic surgery rather than credentials. It is important to thoroughly research your doctor to ensure that he or she has the requisite training, experience, and facility. In addition you should feel comfortable with the Plastic Surgeon you choose. This is important because should any problems arise after surgery you need to feel you can easily call and speak with your surgeon to treat any such problems as quickly as possible. Having a good surgeon that intimidates you or that you feel uncomfortable speaking with does not help the situation. Making sure you get the results you desire the first time around could mean lower cosmetic surgery costs in the long run. Choosing an inexperienced surgeon could jeopardize your safety and result in health problems or the need for follow-up surgeries.
