HAIR LOSS AND REPLACEMENT FOR MEN

MEN – PERMANENT HAIR LOSS Even though they don’t like it – men generally expect to lose their hair if there is a family history of permanent hair loss.  It is estimated that there are 35 million men in the United States who are affected by male pattern baldness.

ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA  - male pattern baldness
Andro refers to the androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) necessary to produce male-pattern hair loss.  Genetic refers to the inherited gene necessary in order for hair loss to occur.  Male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) is an inherited condition that occurs when androgens are present in normal amounts.  The gene can be inherited from the mother’s or the father’s side of the family, and the time of onset, the rate and the severity of hair loss are unpredictable.  The severity of hair loss, however, does increase with age – progressively and relentlessly.  It is a given that when hair loss begins in the 20’s – it will be the most severe. Hair loss in men is likely to occur primarily between the late teen-age years and ages 40-50 and develop into recognizable “male-pattern” baldness.  Hair loss can be reversed today.   

FACTS ABOUT ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

• Male pattern baldness is an inherited condition known as Androgenetic Alopecia.
• Male pattern baldness is first noticeable in the temporal areas as seen in 96% of mature Caucasian males – including those not destined to progress to further hair loss.
• In Male pattern baldness the density of hair in a given pattern diminishes with age – with no way of predicting what pattern of hair loss will eventually be evident.
  
• Androgens (as defined above) must be present for male pattern baldness to occur.
• The amount of androgens does not need to be greater than normal for male pattern baldness to develop.
• The hair shafts become “miniaturized” (smaller in diameter and length) as the pigment production also is terminated.
• The gene needed for male pattern baldness to occur can be inherited from either the mother’s or the father’s side of the family.

HAIR REPLACMENT: MEDICAL (NONSURGICAL) TREATMENTS

• Topical treatment – such as minoxidil can halt the progression of hair loss.
• Light –based (laser) therapy can also be effective to improve blood flow and the function of the hair cell.

FOLLICULAR UNIT MICROGRAFTING
This is a two to five hour surgical procedure that is performed under mild, oral sedation and local anesthesia.  A thin strip of donor hair is trimmed and removed from an androgen sensitive area at the back of your head. The incision is then meticulously closed and will result in a small scar that is well hidden in your hair.  The strip of donor hair is sectioned into small units, under a microscope, down to individual follicular units.  These units may have from 1-4 hairs per unit. 

RECOVERY FROM HAIR TRANSPLANTATION
What to expect after your surgery:

• Some swelling and discomfort is normal and to be expected – this resolves quickly
• You may wash your hair gently 24 hours after your surgery
• You may resume light activity during the first week after your surgery
• Shedding of the grafts is normal and to be expected within 2-3 weeks post-operatively
  
• New growth occurs within 3 months after surgery – and is permanent
  
• Your results will look totally natural and more youthful!

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR HAIR TRANSPLANTATION SURGERY?
The ideal candidate for hair restoration surgery is any man who desires to restore his lost hair and who is in good health.  He must also have a donor site with a sufficient amount of donor hair.