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General Information
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| How can I contact a representative at HairRestorationBuzz.com? |
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| Simply fill out the quick form of our Contact Us page and a HairRestorationBuzz.com Representative will contact you right away. |
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| One of the first questions -- What causes hair loss?
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Answer:
Hair loss can be broken down into several different types, including alopecia areata (temporary hair loss in a coin-shaped patch), telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss secondary to a stressor on the system), and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss). For the purposes of our discussion, we will focus on male-pattern hair loss. It generally shows itself in the 20s or early 30s by gradual loss of hair, chiefly on the top of the head and in the angles at the frontal hairline. There are several different patterns to this hair loss, but male-pattern hair loss is the most frequently encountered type. The exact mechanisms are still unknown. We have no doubt, however, that inherited factors and the effect of androgens (male hormones) on the hair are most responsible.
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| Can hair loss occur in young adults?
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Answer:
Male-pattern hair loss can occur as early as 15, although it typically begins anywhere from the 20s and early 30s. Familial history may help determine if this is going to occur, as parents with a history of early-onset male-pattern hair loss may increase the risk for this to occur in descendants. Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, two other forms of temporary hair loss, can occur in children as young as one year of age. Other precipitating factors may also be involved.
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| How does minoxidil work?
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Answer:
Minoxidil(Rogaine) is a slightly oily solution that is rubbed into the scalp twice a day, or as recommended by your dermatologist. In its oral or intravenous form, it is a potent anti-hypertensive medicine, used in emergencies to lower critical blood pressures. It was during this use that hair growth was noted in patients with hair loss. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown; most experts feel that it causes dilation of the blood vessels in the scalp and increased exposure of the hair follicle to this flow. It has been shown to work best on the top of the head and less well at the angles. Its predominant effect is to decrease loss and maintain existing growth.
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| What's the best hair loss treatment?
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Answer:
There is no simple answer to this. No one treatment is spectacular for the average individual. However, there are a few treatments that yield decent results for a majority of people. (Decent is defined here as cessation of further hair thinning and perhaps some regrowth, ranging from a little to moderate). Some people do respond unusually well--but then some don't respond at all. Most fall somewhere in between.
Since there are multiple factors in pattern loss, it is wisest to approach the problem from several angles to maximize results, as some treatments are complementary and address different underlying causes. A common fundamental approach is to use an "antiandrogen" of some kind, whether systemic (such as finasteride) or topical (such as Spironolactone or azelaic acid), and a growth stimulant such as minoxidil. To this basic program many add a topical SOD. Other options include therapeutic shampoos, such as the antimicrobial and growth stimulant shampoos. Still other approaches that may help include dietary and nutritional considerations and even lifestyle modifications. There are many adherents to such a "kitchen sink" approach.
You can also start with a single treatment, though due to the long lag time before you can actually verify efficacy, this can be very hit and miss and may bring less than optimal results by only addressing one aspect of a larger problem.
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| Will my hair ever grow back? |
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Answer:
There is every chance that your hair will regrow, but it may also fall out again. No one can predict when it might regrow or fall out. The course of the disease varies from person to person. Some people lose just a few patches of hair, then the hair regrows, and the condition never recurs. Other people continue to lose and regrow hair for many years. A few lose all the hair on their head; some lose all the hair on their head, face, and body. Even in those who lose all their hair, the possibility for full regrowth remains.
In some, the initial hair regrowth is white, with a gradual return of the original hair color. In most, the regrown hair is ultimately the same color and texture as the original hair. |
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| Do hair transplants really work?
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Answer:
Yes. The transplanted hair is removed from one area of the body (donor site) and transferred to another (recipient site). The transferred tissue is not "rejected" as it is not foreign tissue. The transplanted hair maintains it's own characteristics; color, texture, growth rate, and curl, after transplantation and regrowth. The vitality of the grafted follicle is maintained by the rich blood supply to the scalp. Originally, large circular grafts containing 15-20 hairs were transplanted resulting in noticeable and unnatural results. Over years, instruments and techniques have been developed that allow doctors to achieve truly natural results by transplanting small grafts very close together. They have found that hair grows from the scalp in groups of one, two, and three hair follicles. They transfer these groups of follicles after eliminating the excess surrounding fatty tissue. This allows the grafts to be placed closer together resulting in a denser and more natural result.
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| Are hair transplants painful?
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Answer:
Most people are surprised at how little pain there is during the procedure. Some discomfort is to be expected as the anesthetic is injected into the scalp. Once the skin is anesthetized, there is no pain. If the numbing medicine wears off during the course of the procedure, more is injected to re-anesthetize the area.
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| What will it look like after the procedure?
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Answer:
The grafts form small scabs in the days after the procedure. If one has enough surrounding hair, these scabs can be camouflaged with creative styling. If not, the small scabs may be visible but do not attract much attention. By keeping the scalp moist, the scabs usually come off in about a week or so.
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| Am I a candidate for a hair transplant? |
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Answer:
A doctor will need to educate you on the causes of hair loss and available treatment options. After your evaluation by the doctor, a final determination will be made as to whether you are a candidate for a hair transplant procedure. They will analyze your individual hair loss, discuss expectations and outline your options. Factors that determine candidacy for the procedure include the number of hair grafts that are necessary to produce the results your desire, availability and density of donor hair, hair color, skin color, hair texture, and potential future hair loss. |
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