Determining Donor Density Via Photos
Posted February 03, 2010 3:11 PM in A Procedure Step by Step
The density of your donor hairs is the key factor for many patients- especially females- for determining the number of grafts I can transplant, as well as predicting the degree of improvement you can expect from a transplant. The best photos you can send are those of the back of your head, with you parting your hair along a horizontal line along the line of the top of your ears and holding up that hair which is above the part line. That will allow me to better assess the quality of your donor hairs.
In addition, a live webcam consultation, such as by Skype, can be quite valuable.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
Scalp Sensation Post Procedure and Chosing the Right Hair Transplant Surgeon
Posted January 03, 2010 4:11 PM in A Procedure Step by Step
I want to first start out by saying how I appreciate blogs like this on this website. To take this further, I've recently made one of the worst decisions ever by having a hair procedure done in one of those hair transplant franchise companies (in California). The biggest problem has been their lack of customer service and communication. I am very disappointed by the lack of care they would provide. I had the procedure done 2 months ago and I still feel confused with many of the processes that have happened and what to expect in the near future. I am in no way affiliated with these doctors here but already, I highly recommend them. As proof from the blogs and other actions, they seem to be more concerned and helpful to the patients, which I find highly valuable during the recovery of the procedure. I'm thankful there are good doctors like these around
As I'm currently lost in many things about my recent procedure, one of the things that have gotten me nervous is this sensation I feel on my scalp. I've been going through some shock loss, particularly in the frontal part of the scalp. Sometimes, whenever I move that particular frontal area of the scalp (such as, when I yawn or look up) I would feel this tightness. Actually, it feels like I'm being poked by those grafts that are placed. My hunch is that this sensation is felt because the grafts have been densely packed and my scalp is just recovering from all those grafts being placed in there. I hope this symptom is normal and will go away soon. Is anyone aware of this?
It is far too early to even begin to assess your final results Charles, and the sensations you describe are likely to improve with time.
Your experience highlights why it is so critical for prospective patients to do a lot of homework before choosing a surgeon. This includes not just determining if the doctor is recommended by a legitimate hair site such as baldtruthtalk.com, but also seeing a lot of before and after photos and even meeting with patients who have had the procedure.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
Pimples After a Hair Transplant
Posted January 03, 2010 3:41 PM in A Procedure Step by Step
Should there be any concerns if pimples occur some time after a hair transplant?
Typically if pimples are going to occur, it will be at around 3 to 5 months post procedure, as the hairs start to regrow. For most patients this is usually several pimples at a time, which are best treated with topical antibiotic ointment, heat pads, and if they are stubborn, a short course of an oral antibiotic.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
Hair Transplants Can Yield Very Natural Results
Posted December 28, 2009 12:34 PM in A Procedure Step by Step
I also under went hair transplants and you won't believe that now i have beautiful hairs. I suffered hair loss since i was 20. I have taken medicines and other treatments. But nothing was helpful so finally i decided to go for hair transplant. Now i enjoy others compliment for such nice hairs.
That is wonderful news to hear. Hair transplants, when performed properly, can create impressive results.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
Can You Have a Hair Transplant While Taking Doxil?
Posted November 10, 2009 11:25 AM in A Procedure Step by Step
Suffering from male pattern baldness and chemo for breast CA is a little hard to take. Since the doctors say I'll be around long time I'd just as soon do it with hair.
I'll be on Doxil long-term. Infusion is once every four weeks. Drug supposedly stays in the body for three weeks. So, 1) is it possible to have hair restoration surgery during the week the Doxil is supposed to be out of my system; or, 2) if there was a break in treatment, how long a period would be required for surgery to take place, given recovery times.
My oncologist is totally unfamiliar with hair transplantation, he's still in the old "plug" days.
Thank you.
You’re welcome Nancy.
Any chemotherapy drug can induce hair loss, and may occasionally impair the regrowth of transplanted hairs. However, if having a transplant is a major priority, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a transplant procedure, as long as you understand the less reliable rate of growth.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
How Long After a Procedure Do You Have to Wait to Have Direct Sun Exposure Without a Hat?
Posted October 21, 2009 6:36 PM in A Procedure Step by Step
I am trying to schedule a hair transplant during my vacation time toward the end of the year and I was wondering how long after the hair transplant do I have to wait to go out in the sun without my head being covered? Would it be more than two weeks?
I get this question several times a week. Probably because I live and practice medicine in Florida. In the past I have always told patients not to allow any direct sun exposure to the scalp until they can look in the mirror and not see any redness or discoloration from the procedure. Any time you expose already abnormally pigmented skin to direct sunlight you taking a risk that permanent changes will occur. Meaning there is a chance that there could be some degree of permanent redness. However, I now suggest to patients that they wait an additional 1-2 months to insure that the pigment of the skin immediately surrounding the newly grafted tissue will respond in a similar fashion to the adjacent tissue.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
Hair Loss After Significant Weight Loss
Posted October 21, 2009 3:01 PM in A Procedure Step by Step
Am from India.... i have lost my hair( infront side of head) due to sudden hair fall. The backround is like i have not taken the proper foods 8months back to reduce my weight. I had reduced my body weight but i have lost my hair... Hence please let me know what is prodcedure for the hair transplant.
I usually recommend that after sudden hair loss due to some type of shock to the system i.e weight loss or dietary changes that the patient wait a good 12 months before undergoing any type of hair transplant procedure. During this time, it is best to take nutritional supplements like biotin, use minoxidil, and consider laser light therapy.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
Is Low Level Laser Light Therapy Effective
Posted October 21, 2009 2:24 PM in A Procedure Step by Step
How effective is low level laser light therapy?
Over the past several years, studies have confirmed the efficacy of LLLT, especially as provided with a multi-diode hood device (such as the Revage system). Anecdotally as well, we have a number of patients, both men and women, who have reported very positive outcomes from the LLLT, including thickening of existing hair and decrease of hair loss. For this reason, we do recommend LLLT as a stand-alone treatment for most women and some men with diffuse pattern thinning, as well as adjunctive with a transplant procedure to help accelerate healing and the regrowth of transplanted hairs
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink
Rhinoplasty
