Hair Restoration Blog

Doctor Mohebi,

Q:

I wish to discontinue using both finasteride and minoxidil in the long run after minimizing the chance of shock loss following my hair transplant surgery.  Is this something we can achieve at my current stage or will I need allow further progression then have a second procedure?

A:

Stopping finasteride and minoxidil after the first six month following your hair transplantation will be alright.  However, you need to understand the risks involved, including continued loss on your existing hair.  Whether or not you need a second procedure is something that could be determined by a microscopic evaluation of scalp (miniaturization study).  If you have more than a certain number of miniaturized hair at any area, you will be running the risk of losing hair on those areas.

Stopping finasteride does not affect your transplanted hair, but you are going to run the risk of losing your existing native hair at any time you stop taking the  medications.

The 19th Annual ISHRS meeting for 2011 was held in Anchorage, Alaska. It was my first trip to Alaska and I was looking forward to seeing the beauties of the largest state in America.  Being very busy with many different activities, it made my time for sightseeing nearly impossible. I was required to be available one day prior to the opening day of the conference to get prepared for the many different events which were to come.

Hair Transplant Workshop

Dr. Mohebi and other faculties teach Hair Transplantation Techniques in ISHRS Meeting Anchorage, Alaska

I was one of the faculties for the surgical workshop. There were many new hair transplant surgeons who came from around the world to this annual scientific meeting to learn more about the art and science of hair restoration. The workshops included topics such as hair line design, cutting, placing, anesthesia, and donor harvesting and I was there to teach the latter course. There was great interaction between the faculties and students as they got the chance to learn the hands on techniques of surgical hair restoration.

Latest techniques of Hair Transplantation

The main thrust of the conference was the lecture series which gave a forum to many lecturers covering multiple topics regarding the many different areas of hair restoration. Since hair transplant surgery is still a relatively new field in the medical world, the greatest emphasis was on new technologies in hair transplantation, the latest techniques of hair transplant surgeries, devices, tools and methods of diagnosis and the treatment of hair loss.

ISHRS 19 Meeting: New Hair Transplant Surgical Instruments and Techniques Panel, Drs. Parsa Mohebi, Alan Bauman, Sara Wasserbauer and Kongkiat Laorwong

This year I was the moderator for the Giga-Session Hair Transplantation Panel. The panel included 2011 Golden Follicle Award winner Dr. Jerry Wong and Doctors Sharon Keene, Arthur Tykocinski, and Akaki Tsilosane. The discussions included properly choosing the best candidates for large number of grafts hair transplant surgeries (Giga Session Hair Transplants), planning for surgeries, as well as the full spectrum of Giga-Session Hair Restoration.

The Laxometer II was one of the newest innovative technology devices presented by me. The Laxometer was developed as a response to the need within the hair restoration industry for a measuring device for calculating the scalp laxity or skin mobility before hair transplantation surgeries. The Laxometer precisely measures the mobility of the scalp giving greater accuracy for larger surgeries or if a patient has a tight scalp. This device was introduced to the market for increasing the safety, precision, and efficiency of the hair transplantation.

Another device presented at the 19th Annual ISHRS Scientific Meeting was the upgraded Restoration Robotics, now called ARTAS System. This machine is now FDA approved for use in the United States and several lectures were presented about this new hair transplant technology. ARTAS was developed to help meet the need for increased precision and speed for scoring the follicular grafts in Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplants. This is considered a very new technique in hair transplantation, but the robot currently only assists in one step of hair restoration. That is scoring the follicular grafts.  We still do not have a perfect automated system to extract and transplant the hair grafts. This device will need more time for testing and post-operation, long-term patient results.

Other New Technologies for Hair Restoration

In last few years, we have witnessed emergence of several new tools in hair transplantation that carried the claim to be the latest technologies and ground breaking tools for the field.  A lot of devices claimed they could change the way hair transplantation was done. However, many of those new tools did not deliver on their promise.  This has been a trend which has continued to be repeated for several years now. One of these devices was the NeoGraft that was sold to many non-hair transplant doctors with the promise of the simplicity of use and the minimal need for a surgeon’s involvement. The company has stated that the technicians can run the machine for the most part. One major issue the NeoGraft company forget to point out to these new costumers is the fact that hair transplant surgery requires experience and proper training in order to deliver great result. No machine, especially in the wrong hands, can substitute for lack of experience and expertise.

There were a number of lectures presented regarding the problems involved in hair multiplication, auto-cloning, hair stem cell research, and others important topics. Like years previous, there were several debates about Strip FUT vs. FUE,  manual FUE vs. automated FUE, also sharp vs. blunt punches for Follicular Unit Extractions.

Controversies in Hair Restoration

This year we had many controversial lectures such as lasers for hair restoration and growth factors, as well as mesotherapy and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).  The ISHRS allows for an open forum for hair transplant surgeons to share their innovative ideas, work, and theories that they can be giving constructive criticism and analysis by other experts in the field. This has been effective in keeping members of the society updated with new ideas and methods for hair restoration. It is unanimously agreed by members of ISHRS that hair restoration surgery is a progressing science and art which is rapidly growing into more advanced technologies and cellular level manipulations. It is well accepted that greater research is needed in order to thrust the industry forward in these new innovative areas for the art and science of hair restoration

The modern hair restoration surgery is still a fairly novel procedure in the world of cosmetic surgery even though it helps to retain a youthful appearance. Among the few known hair transplant practices around, there is great competition to appeal to the many patients who come each year to seek advice for their hair thinning and balding. The question in the back of many minds is “who is the best hair transplant company?” Or “how one should find the best hair transplant company?”

Although we at US Hair Restoration take pride in meeting the needs of all our patients, it’s our aspiration to provide the best hair transplant in Los Angeles, as well as to be one of the first choices for hair transplantation in the USA. Yet we want all who inquire about hair restoration to make an informed decision and be satisfied, even if they choose to see a different surgeon.

Reviewing all available information about a Hair Restoration practice is very important in order to make a fully informed decision. The questions to ask oneself should be, what are the doctor’s surgical technique expertise, experience, training, compassion, and results? Do these results show true value for the cost of a hair transplant? Do they place a high standard on honesty and integrity? These are all questions which will help navigate through the different options available to make a satisfied group of patients throughout the process of their hair transplantation.

Giving the fact that hair transplant has been rapidly growing in last few years, it is good to know whether or not the hair transplant surgeon you chose is involved in any studies, innovations and improvement of the field of hair restoration.  Being on the cutting edge of the industry is critical in an evolving scientific field which sets its aim of constantly improving in quality.

Finally you need to meet your doctor and interact with him or her.  Hair transplantation is a long process and it is important that you feel comfortable with the doctor before you proceed.  Make sure you have the proper questions during your consultation and that you don’t leave the doctor’s office before all the questions are answered.  At the end of the day you need to understand the results of a hair transplantation stay with you for the rest of your life. Take your time and find the best hair transplant surgeon for you.

We all agree it is a rough time for most people with the current economic state we are living in. At US Hair Restoration we hear many stories of individuals who greatly need to get a Hair Restoration surgery and want to do it with us, but are worried about Hair Transplant surgery costs. It is funny to tell you I have heard questions like “Doc, what is the hair transplant cheapest scenario?” from some of my young patients who know they need something done but are not sure if it would be affordable for them.  Every practice will have its own individual hair transplant price range, and here we want to emphasize the importance of not trading quality simply to appease the desire to find a cheap hair transplant.

What is the cost of my hair transplant:

Men and women hair transplant costs are the same and determined by the technique used to harvest grafts (FUE vs. Strip FUT) and how many grafts need to be transplanted. This is different for every patient. To give a precise estimation for the patient’s hair transplant costs, it requires a consultation by a hair transplant surgeon.

Quality vs. Affordability?

We believe in quality and patient satisfaction first and cannot provide one of those elements without the other. Even with all the competition in America and elsewhere, finding the most value for hair transplant cost in the USA is critical. We have plans which are catered toward meeting this need by giving an opportunity for financing a hair transplant.

Financing, Discounts, Other affordable rates for hair transplants!

Hair transplant financing is an opportunity we provide to all eligible patients. A patient who qualifies for hair transplant financing can receive a two year, 0% APR deal which makes paying their hair loss transplant cost an available option. Many have, and continue to take advantage of this affordable option for their hair restoration surgery.

Lastly, in our goal to provide an affordable cost of a hair transplant in the USA during this time of economic struggle, we have our stand-by program. We are excited to announce that if a patient is put on the stand-by list, they will get significant discount on total surgery costs.  We might also have special rates for students and group discounts if two or more member of a family or friends want to do their surgery within a month.  These additional offers have been a bridge to many who desire the procedure, in a time when money has been scarce.

Laxometer II

Often times we receive inquiries at US Hair Restoration about the latest hair transplant technology, and we feel obligated to spread the news about the latest hair transplant technology.  We are excited about the new generation of Laxometer, the newest hair transplant device invented by Dr. Parsa Mohebi. The Laxometer II is a handheld device which revolutionizes the art and science of hair restoration. Being in the growing sector of the cosmetic surgery arena, progressive updates on hair transplant new technology is critical.

Applications

The revolutionary Laxometer II increases the number of hair grafts which can safely and precisely be transplanted in one surgery. A hair transplant of more than 3500 hair grafts once upon a time took two or more surgeries to complete, but with this latest technology in hair transplantation, it can be done in only one procedure.

The Laxometer II, the new technology in the hair transplant industry, is basically a measuring device which is used to calculate the laxity of one’s scalp. An accurate measurement of scalp laxity is critical when determining how large the donor strip can be. This latest breakthrough hair transplant technology gives a precise measurement which can be increased as a result of patients actively doing daily scalp exercises. The larger the available strip, the more grafts can be made available for transplantation.

At the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery’s 19th Annual Scientific meeting in Alaska in September 2011, Dr. Mohebi unveiled his new invention for purchase to all hair transplant surgeons. This latest technology in hair transplant surgery was welcomed with anticipation and applause as it will help to continue the industry progressing forward.

Here is a video demostration of the Laxometer work: Laxometer Instructional Video

Dr. Mohebi,

You classified my hair loss as class III.  I agree with the evaluation but given my family background I will be approaching more towards class V or VI.  My miniaturization % is 30 in both Top and Crown areas which means there is a sign of active hair loss.  Do you think we can arrange something to cover up those two areas as well?  Or, is my miniaturization level too low to have any type of procedure in those areas?

A:

You are class III of hair loss and as you said, you might be going toward class V or VI.  However, prescribed finasteride  you might change what is considered your genetic pattern by taking it.  I don’t recommend that we transplant hair in certain areas just in case you get lucky with the hair loss medications, you may never lose that existing hair.  If you progress to lose more hair, you can always have another hair transplant surgery in the future for those existing areas.  Even if you don’t continue hair loss medications, it is hard to predict if you will totally lose hair on the top and crown areas.  Your particular numbers for miniaturization is slightly more than normal.  A good decision today is a good decision tomorrow.

Q:

I’m a 26 year old man and I am not completely bald yet.  Would doing the procedure right now add extra difficulties with the existing balding hairs or transplanted hair?  In other words, when my existing hair eventually fall out, would my hair look like they are thinning again?

A:

Transplanted hair is considered permanent and you won’t lose it.  However, you may need a touch up hair transplantation if you lose your existing hair in balding areas to maintain the maximum density for your hair line and other areas.

Hair loss in men is a very common condition.  However, it may affect a man’s life style, career, self confidence and sex life. It seems a bit shallow, but this is the reality of how many men describe their experience.

Today, modern hair transplantation can help millions of people who have been struggling with hair loss. Many people who suffer from hair loss may hesitate to restore their hair due to hair transplant costs which seem outrageous! Should it really cost an arm and a leg to have a new and improved hair line you ask?

Hair transplantation costs can vary from $3,000 to $18,000.This is solely determined by the extent of hair loss, type of hair restoration procedure, and skill of the hair transplant surgeon. It is important for a hair loss sufferer to educate him or herself regarding the available options for hair restoration – transplant. It is also very important to learn about the procedure and find a knowledgeable hair transplant surgeon to proceed with the process of  hair restoration.

The truth of today is, despite the wide range for the cost of hair transplant surgery, you might find a doctor who offers an affordable hair transplant, who doesn’t charge an arm and a leg, and still maintians a quality standard. The surgery will be cost effective, and the results should last a lifetime!! 

Check our site regarding further information on our affordable rates  for hair transplants with our “standby” list option.

Q:

Hello I do mix martial arts and would like to know, how long will i be out from MMA (wrestling, jujitsu, muay thai, etc…) after strip surgery? also when can I return to regular cardio (running, rowing, sprinting,etc..) and weight lifting?  thank you. I have contacted other doctors too, but they all tell me different answers. the internet says to stay away from MMA at least for 3 months? some doctors tell me I can return to MMA after one month but in wrestling and jujitsu they are always grabbing and pulling down the back of the head in a very fast and hard manner.

A:

It has to do with the technique of hair transplantation.  If you are considering the conventional hair transplant surgery with a strip method, you should not perform any aggressive contact sports for the first month. After that first month, you can resume most of your activities, but you really need to be careful for the first 3 months and avoid some moves such as bending your head forcefully until your donor scar is fully healed, which is 3 months after  your hair transplant.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) has different timelines after hair transplantation.  If receiving a FUE transplant you should be able to resume activities much quicker  because there is not a linear scar on the back of your head and you do not have to avoid bending your head for 3 months after hair transplant.  For more information, you can also read this other blog post in which I have answered another similar question from one of my patients (Physical Activity Limitations After Hair Transplant).

Q:

I was told that a spot has opened up for my hair transplant surgery. I told them to slot me in, but now that I’ve jumped into the deep end I’m a bit nervous. My nerves don’t have to do with what it will look like six months or a year from now, but for the weeks following the surgery.
I need to take the next day to really meditate on this. Although my hair loss does bother me, it’s not as if I’m noticeably bald. So I’m deciding if this is something that makes sense for me.

A:

It is completely normal to have a touch of nervousness prior to this elective surgery. Since it is an elective procedure, it is common to have questions and/or
reservations. We need to remember that it is simply hair and not some life threatening procedure! Many patients have this reluctance and there is never a clear or definitive answer aside from your intuitive feelings.

Your particular situation is for the enhancement and detailing in order to complement what you already currently have. Your hair loss is probably going to progress in the future but again, it depends on when you want to address the issue.

Having experienced seeing many other patients who had similar feelings before their hair restoration procedure, I think you will very happy you did it!! Either way, I support whatever decision you make. US Hair Restoration is always going to be a resource for you with whatever questions or concerns you have regarding hair loss and the treatment options available.

Meditate  on that assurance and clarity will present itself!