DERMATLANTA.COM > GRIFFIN CENTER OF HAIR RESTORATION AND RESEARCH > HAIR REPLACEMENT FOR MEN
Hair Replacement for Men
Your Options For Restoring Lost Hair
The effects of hair loss on a man depend on the person: Some claim "bald is sexy!" and proudly display and "shave and shine" their bald scalps.
Most men, however, feel balding is definitely not desired and want to have more hair. Losing a youthful self-image can inhibit your self-confidence. But this suffering isn't necessary with the many hair replacement options now available. Although it won't restore the same thick locks you had at age sixteen, hair replacement can help restore your hairline while covering the baldness and can bolster your self-esteem.
Surgical Options
Natural Hair Replacement Surgery
Choosing this option gives you permanent growing hair that looks natural and healthy. Why? Because it's your own hair replaced in the most natural way possible: one follicle at a time. Most patients become bald gradually over years. Natural hair replacement surgery gradually counteracts the balding as it progresses. If baldness is already extensive, the natural follicular bundle grafting helps catch up quickly and can cover large areas.
During the initial examination and consultation, Dr. Griffin evaluates the extent of the hair loss, the characteristics of the hair, the thickness of the donor area, and the goals of the patient. Replacement strategy depends on the individual's family history of hair loss, the shape of the scalp and the skin tone, and the age of the patient. The best program of replacement is then presented after reviewing all options, including follicular grafting, scalp reductions, and scalp extenders. Dr. Griffin utilizes the very latest technology of follicular grafting with the microscope. The patient is able to achieve the most natural coverage possible and avoid the artificial looking "corn row" effect associated with the older, larger transplanted plugs, minigrafts, and even some micro-grafts. A private consultation with Dr. Griffin can go a long way in identifying your best alternatives to baldness.
Hair Transplant By Microscope-Assisted Follicular Grafting
The latest innovative method of hair transplantation is microscope-assisted follicular grafting, a technique where skin grafts with hair follicles are moved from a nonbalding area on the scalp to a bald or thinning one. These miniature grafts look very natural and inconspicuous when properly placed and angled correctly.
Over the last two years, Dr. Griffin has helped improve this process with microscopic dissection. Once the strip has been taken (no more plugs), the individual follicular bundles which contain one to four hairs are separated. Along the hairline, only the one and two hair bundles are used; progressing back, the two-haired bundles are intermingled with the threes; the three-haired bundles are mixed with the fours. This allows a more gradual hairline rather than the sharp line of the past. A straight hairline is not created. Delicate, less coarse hairs from over the ears are selected for the hairline. Unfortunately, the newer technique requires double the time and twice the staff, but the results are worth it!
The new follicles consistently begin to grow hair in two to four months from the time of the procedure. The transplanted hair follicles will grow with the same color, texture, and curl as where harvested. The genetic message resides in each hair follicle and will continue to be resistant to the hormone that stimulates hair loss. The final density of the hair depends on the original density of the donor hair as well as the number of hair transplant sessions.
Follicular Hair Transplantation
Who Is A Candidate?
Anyone who has experienced hair loss and has adequate donor hair to be transplanted is a candidate for this safe office procedure. Both men and women who have genetic hair loss are by far the most frequent persons who seek hair transplantation. An increasing number of patients who have loss from other causes (scars from accidents, burns, or cosmetic procedures, especially facelifts) are requesting hair transplantation as a solution to their problem.
What Is Follicular Hair Transplantation?
A natural appearance is the ultimate goal in hair restoration surgery. This goal is achieved using grafts containing one, two, or three hairs. First came the plugs, then microplugs and micrografts, and now follicular grafts, the latest in hair restoration. Gone is the plugged, "doll's hair" appearance. Natural hair follicles grow in groups of one to four hairs per bundle. The highly detailed work of dissecting these grafts must be done with the use of a sophisticated binocular microscope by a skilled physician and his highly trained team. These grafts are dissected from a strip of skin taken from the back of the scalp or over the ears. The grafts are then transplanted into perfectly sized, small incisions in bald or thinning areas of the scalp. These grafts are pre-programmed to grow even in old age. The natural follicular bundles provide a soft, natural look. Bandages may be used overnight to keep the hundreds of grafts secure until the morning when the patient returns to have the bandages removed and the hair shampooed and dried.
Recuperation
The recovery time is minimal for hair transplantation; usually patients return to work within two to four days. In seven days the sutures or staples are removed from the donor site where the tissue was harvested. Some crusting in the grafted areas will usually last seven days. The hairs in the grafts fall out in two to three weeks, and new hair begins to grow back in two to four months. If a patient has been a regular user of Rogaine, less fallout is noted and growth begins even sooner.
Intended Results
The ultimate result is to obtain hair growth in thin, bald, or balding areas. The final density of the hair depends on the original density of the donor hair, the number of hair transplant sessions, and the size of each session. Additional sessions are performed after 6-12 months if needed. In general, the darker the hair the more sessions are needed due to the contrast between the dark hair and the fair-colored skin.
Insurance Guidelines
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment two weeks prior to surgery. Rarely, special circumstances such as an accident from a fire or possibly an automobile collision will allow coverage by insurance.
Possible Risks And Complications
Among the known risks are bruising, scarring, swelling, and bleeding postoperatively. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure will be discussed during the initial consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are extremely rare.
Other Options
Scalp reductions provide a special benefit to patients with extensive balding areas. This procedure surgically removes bald skin, moving it upward and lifting the hair-bearing skin while reducing the amount of bald skin requiring grafts. A scalp extender is a device that may be used with scalp reductions, allowing an even greater reduction in a shorter period of time. Scalp reductions with an extender involve a series of two to three procedures 30 days apart. Patients with tight scalps are less than ideal for this procedure. Dr. Griffin will evaluate and determine the need for this specialized procedure.
Medical/Non-Surgical Options
Finesteride (Proscar/Propecia)
Finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) was recently approved for the treatment of male patterned baldness. Its use has led to a 30-40% regrowth of hair, and a higher percentage of patients experienced decreased fallout due to the normal balding process. It has also exhibited a high safety margin with less than 2% of patients showing signs of side effects, mainly sexual in nature. Propecia's effectiveness is also increased with the combined use of Rogaine solution, especially the 5% formula (sometimes Retin-A is added to topical solutions to increase their potency). Propecia requires at least six months of daily use before any new hair growth is noted.
Rub-On Medications Including Rogaine(R)
Promising headlines about "miracle" hair tonics have enticed a great many people into buying lotions that only lead to disappointment. Despite extravagant claims, these products have been proven time and time again to be useless. However, the first proven effective topical drug, Rogaine(R) (2% minoxidil), and Extra-Strength Rogaine (5% minoxidil) restores some hair growth. Despite initial excitement by those looking for a baldness "cure," many have been disappointed. Many want a quick fix but regrowth is a slow process and takes up to 6-12 months to see. Rogaine(R), approved by the FDA, has found its greatest success with those who are losing their hair: it actually slows down the balding process. Continued regular application is required and can easily be fit into one's daily routine. With almost no side effects, it has become an effective treatment for many patients.
Why Do Anything?
First, you may choose to do nothing, allowing your baldness to progress, and join the more than 20 million other bald American men. Most adjust to baldness in time. Losing hair, however, will result in an older look. There are other choices.
Using A Hairpiece
A hairpiece covers baldness instantly and thickly. A high-quality wig attached to the hair (by clips, weaving, and snaps) or to the scalp (by surgical rings, glue or tape) is a costly commitment in both time and money. But remember, no surgery is as fast, nor as thick, nor as painless as a hairpiece. Improvements in hairpieces over the years have made them a more viable option.
Cosmetics Help
Some people camouflage their hair loss with spray or rub-on dyes or even long lasting tattoos of the scalp. Shampoos can thicken the hair shaft. Styling techniques or hair dyes that color the "peach fuzz" give a fuller look. There is also a powder-like colorant called "The Great Cover-Up" that helps decrease the scalp-to-hair contrast. With proper use of this product surprising and instant results may occur. Usually, the wind will not blow it out and rain won't cause it to run. Both women and men use and enjoy the results of this product.