An estimated 35 million men in the United States are affected by hair loss. Regardless of whether hair is just starting to fall out or it is has been gone for a while, hair loss can take a negative toll on a person's lifestyle and confidence. Most people do not notice thinning of hair until 50% or greater loss occurs in any one area. This may vary with different hair characteristics. Fortunately, there are multiple options available to both stop hair loss and replace the hair that has already fallen out. Glenn M. Charles, D.O. specializes exclusively in the practice of hair restoration surgery.

Below is a listing of Frequently Asked Questions we've compiled to help better educate you on your hair restoration options.



What are the different hair growth cycles?
The average adult scalp contains 90,000-130,000 terminal (pigmented hairs) and probably many more vellus (non-pigmented hairs). At any given times about 90% of the terminal scalp hairs are in the anagen (growing) phase which lasts approximately 1000 days. The other 10% are in the catagen (regression/ intermediate) phase or the telogen (resting phase) which generally lasts 3-5 months.

What is a Follicular Unit?
Hair follicles are arranged in small groups of 1-4 follicular units or follicular family units. These occur randomly and are probably like that for a reason, it is because of this that special dissection is performed at Dr. Charles clinic to preserve the naturally growing follicular groups, they are separated carefully and placed into the recipient sites accordingly. (1 hair follicular unit along the hairline and 3 or 4 hair follicular units placed more centrally).

Are there any benefits in taking Propecia?
Propecia (finasteride) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 1997 to slow the progression of male pattern baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia). Finasteride (Propecia) blocks the conversion of Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone. It is the rising levels of DHT in certain individuals that causes male pattern baldness. By stopping the production of DHT hair loss may be stopped and in some cases where recent hair loss has occurred, new growth may be seen. Long term studies by Merck Pharmaceuticals has shown a high percentage (up to 80%) of the participants had stopped further hair loss and up to 6% had some regrowth. In almost all cases the results were only seen in the vertex (top of head) and crown regions. Dr. Charles believes that it is worth while to try Propecia to potentially get control of your hair loss situation.

Can I lose more hair by having surgery?
There can be a 10-20% post-operative loss due to shock. Obviously some people have more shock loss than others. In most cases this loss is temporary and the follicles which are in their resting phase (Telogen) will begin to grow again in 2-4 months.

What causes hair loss?
In some individuals the hair follicles in the frontal vertex or crown regions are genetically programmed to stop growing when certain levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) (a male hormone) are reached in that person. These genes can be transferred from the mother, father, or both. The hair in the donor sites are usually not affected because there are different follicle receptor sites which do not bind to the DHT.

What is the success rate of hair transplants?
Generally there is a 96-98% success rate if great care is taken with the donor tissue and it is reinserted into the recipient sites with in a 3-4 hour time period.

Is the procedure painful?
The only discomfort during the entire procedure is during the first five minutes when the local anesthesia is applied to the upper forehead and back of head (donor areas). Many have compared this to Novocain shots at the dentist, there will be some post-operative soreness in the donor region for 2-4 days.

How long will the surgery take?
Surgeries here at Charles Hair normally take 4-7 hours depending on how many grafts are being placed.