Frequently Asked Questions

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.

• How visible is donor site scarring?

  Individual follicular units are harvested from within existing hair follicle groups with the ARTAS® technique, thus there will be minimal scarring at the donor site. Hair can be worn long or short in any style.

• How Many Grafts Will I Need?

  Each case is different, so the amount of grafts needed will depend on the degree of hair loss and density desired.

• Are there non-surgical hair restoration treatments?

  Although there are medicines and treatments that can often slow or stop hair loss, the general consensus is that a hair transplant is really the only way to reverse hair loss.

• Do I have to transplant hair over the entire part of the scalp that has missing hair?

  Each patient is different so our approaches range from the minimum to maximum amount of hair that will improve the patient’s appearance and what they desire. Some patients will be able to fill in the front 1/2 or 2/3 to start, and then fill in the remaining areas with another procedure. Others will fill the area wanted in just one session.

• How long is the hair loss restoration procedure?

  Depending on the size of the session, hair transplant procedures typically take between 4 and 6 hours.

• Will I be awake during a hair loss restoration procedure?

  Yes, all patients are awake and alert during the procedure. The procedure involves the use of a local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on, but patients will be able to watch television, read or sleep if they chose to.

• How much hair loss per day is considered normal?

  On average, people lose between 100-150 hairs per day. This may seem like a lot, but as long as hair follicles are healthy the hair will grow back. A typical head of hair on a man or woman consists of around 150,000 follicles.

• What is a good age for a hair transplant?

  There really isn’t a “go to” age that is the target age to get a hair transplant. At Charles Medical Group there are patients from teen ages up to 90s! However, there can be better candidates for a hair transplant than others. These would be men and women who have realistic expectations for their procedure and for results that can be achieved after a proper consultation and examination of one’s scalp. Having a sufficient donor area is also necessary. Since each patient will be different, only an evaluation with a professional hair restoration surgeon can help decide when a transplant is most appropriate for them.

• Can I perm or color my new hair?

  Absolutely! Since the transplanted hair is your own hair, you will be able to perm, color, cut, curl, and style your hair as you did before. Transplanted hair will grow at about the same rate as the rest of your hair on your head.

• Is there a better time of year to have a hair transplant?

  Seasons or time of year will not have an effect on your hair transplant. But! The sooner you book your consultation with Doctor Charles, the sooner he can help determine what the best plan is for you and your hair loss concerns!

• If I Have Shock Loss After a Hair Transplant, How Long Until Hair Grows Back?

  This hair loss is pretty typical after a hair transplant. The hair that is shed usually grows back together with the newly transplanted hair after about 3-4 months. This hair loss referred to as “shock loss” does not mean permanent damage to hair follicles. This is a normal response to trauma to the scalp cause by the hair restoration procedure. Generally, only the miniaturized hair is shed after a transplant. This is hair that would have been lost in the near future anyway. Preexisting healthy hair is unlikely to shed but if it DOES shed, you can expect it to grow back as the transplanted hair grows in.

• Why Is It Important to Wash My Scalp After a Hair Transplant?

  The reason patients should wash their hair the day after the procedure is to remove scabs and dried blood. Doing this will allow for quicker healing, less inflammation (redness), and a reduced chance of infection. Washing will also shorten the time post-op where the procedure might be detectable. Patients are urged to start gently washing the recipient area the day after the surgery. When showering, patients can clean the transplanted area with a sulfate free shampoo, gentle on grafts. The grafts are made to fit snugly into the recipient sites and will not be dislodged in the shower, as long as the patient washes gently.

• After a Hair Transplant Will Scars Be Visible in the Recipient Area? For how long after a hair transplant will you be able to see redness, marks, or scars on the top of my scalp?

  The small marks and redness from a hair transplant should fade between 7-10 days, although each patient will be different. The recipient sites that we make are very tiny & prevent visible scarring, pitting, or other surface irregularities as a result of the procedure.

• Can Brushing Make Hair Stronger or More Resistant to Hair Loss?

  Actually, excessive hair brushing can cause stress to your hair and make it more susceptible to breakage. Hair is more elastic when it’s wet, and is more likely to break than when hair is dry. Because of this, limiting brushing or combing hair when wet is encouraged.

• Does how you lay while sleeping affect hair loss?

  No, the way you lay while sleeping does not affect the growth of your hair. Follicles are pre-programmed to grow in their own unique way, no matter how you sleep.

• Can towel-drying your head cause hair loss?

  No, towel drying your hair does not cause hair loss, but, rubbing wet hair too hard can cause the hair to break, which can result in hair loss. Due to the normal growth cycle of your hair, it’s typical to lose some hairs each day. But, if your hair doesn’t grow back, it is most likely because of your genetic predisposition, not the towel. That said, though rubbing your hair with a towel doesn’t necessarily CAUSE hair loss, air-drying your hair is your best bet to keep hair healthy and avoid breakage.

• Can You Perform Hair Transplant with Curly Hair?

  Yes, curly hair grows as well as straight hair after a hair transplant surgery.After the hair restoration, the transplanted hair will eventually take on the characteristics of the hair that was originally in the area, so it will blend in with respect to curl and wave.

• Can a Hair Transplant Restore Frontal Hair Loss in Women?

  Similar to the pattern of genetic hair loss seen in men, a frontal pattern of hair loss is seen in less than 10% of females with hair loss. Women with this type pattern of hair loss can often be a good candidate for a hair transplant procedure especially if the donor area has high density and is stable. Being that a hair transplant procedure is the only way to restore frontal pattern genetic hair loss, this would be the best course of action to restore the hair loss in for women with frontal hair loss.

• Can I Use Hair Fibers or Toppik on my hair if I Had a Hair Transplant?

  Yes, you may use a camouflage product after having a transplant, but you should wait 3-5 days after the hair restoration procedure before applying Toppik, Derm Match, Hair Max Fibers, or any other cosmetic products to the transplanted area. Be gentle in washing out the product at the end of each day that the product is used. After 10 days you can go back to shampooing vigorously to wash the fibers out while showering.

• Why Is Hair Loss In Women Harder To Treat With A Hair Transplant Than Hair Loss In Men?

  A majority of women experience diffuse thinning all over rather than patterned hair loss that is seen in most men where the hair loss is localized to specific areas. This type of diffuse thinning present’s two potential problems for a hair transplant candidate.First, the area where the permanent hair is taken from is thinning and will likely continue to thin even after the procedure; therefore, moving hair from one thinning area to another does not yield visible enough results.

  Secondly, the areas that the hair will be transplanted to are thin rather than completely bald; consequently, the existing hair in the area of the hair transplant is at risk of shedding as a result of the procedure, and additional loss can occur.

  However, when women have localized thinning in the front part of the scalp with stable sides and donor hair in the back, they can be an excellent candidate for a procedure. Also, a small percentage of men have diffuse hair thinning and also do not make good candidates for hair restoration procedures as well.

• Can Shock from a Hair Transplant Cause Loss of Healthy Hair?

  For the most part, only the hair that is affected by androgens and that has begun to decrease in diameter (miniaturized hair is shed after a transplant. This hair would already be presupposed to be lost in the near future anyway.Existing healthy hair is unlikely to shed, but if it does shed, you can expect it to grow back.

• Does the Robot Work with Dark, Blonde, Gray, Curly, White, or Ethnic Hair?

  The ARTAS robot is able to perform on dark hair, blonde hair, gray hair, very curly hair, and ethnic hair. With ethnic hair we use a 1.0mm punch instead of a 0.9mm punch. People who have white or light blonde hair need to have their hair dyed before (or we can do it in office) the Robotic FUE procedure in order for the robot to best visualize the hair follicles.

• How Long Should I wait Between Hair Transplant Procedures?

  To see full results of a hair transplant procedure, it typically takes about 12-15 months. We recommend waiting at least that full year before planning your next procedure, as you may not need one!

• How Can I Make a Hair Transplant Less Obvious Post-op?

  Swelling, redness, and scabbing are a few of the factors that may make a hair transplant obvious after a procedure.Swelling is a symptom that can appear in some patients after a hair transplant. If swelling does happen, the process usually takes 2-4 days. Swelling starts around the hairline, moves down to the forehead and finally down around the eyes and bridge of nose before it goes away. A good way to lessen swelling is sleeping with the head elevated15-20 degrees for 3-4 days after the hair transplant procedure and icing the forehead.

  You can cover the redness by simply using ordinary make up. Make up can be applied and carefully cleaned off at the end of the day since the grafts are secure one week post op. Wounds are also well healed at the one week mark so using make up doesn’t increase the chance of infection. The grafts are permanent at 10 days after the transplant and cannot be dislodged.

  Scabbing is usually more of a problem than redness, but can be reduced with thorough post care. Scabbing forms when blood emits from the receiver after the transfer and dries. Frequent gentle washing for a few days after the surgery may help prevent scabs from forming and make the transplant less obvious, but once the scabs form they are hard to remove without removing the grafts. If scabs do form and stick to the scalp, you should wait until they fall out on their own.

• I am an MMA fighter and I am thinking about getting a hair transplant procedure. How long do I have to wait before I can fight again and would the FUT or FUE be the better option?

  It takes 7-10 days for hair transplant grafts to be completely healed and secured in place for any hair transplant. The difference in the FUE & FUT is the restriction of activity attributed to the donor area. With the FUE, the athlete would need to refrain from contact activity for the 10 days it takes for the recipient area to heal. With the FUT, that person would need to stay away from contact sports for at least 3 months to allow the proper healing of donor wound and minimize donor scar.

• How long should I expect to wait before seeing full results of my restoration process?

  Normally it takes 12-15 months to see completed results of a hair transplant procedure. In the 3.5/4 month time growth usually begins & at 6-8 months the hair becomes style-able. During the year after transplant surgery, hair will gain length, fullness, and may even change in character. Hair will, in many cases, become smoother, or even take on a curl, contingent on the patient’s original features. In following procedures, growth and change may be less rapid.

• How long do I need to wait to wash my hair after a hair restoration procedure?

  The grafts are relatively secure 36-48 hours after the procedure. You will want to avoid forceful rubbing so not to extract grafts. Softly washing with a light massaging motion is acceptable. During the first week post-op, the grafts become more settled, and after at least 10 days post op the follicles are secured in place.

• Can a person ever be too old for a hair transplant?

  A person CAN be too young, but as long as the patient is in good health, one can never be too old. Older people usually make the best applicants for hair restoration since they are more realistic in their expectations & the future amount of their hair loss is more foreseeable than in those that are younger.

• If you have a scar on your head that is large, is it possible to do a hair transplant into the scar?

  Hair can grow just fine in a scar area. Because scar tissue commonly has a blood supply that is interrupted, there will need to be modifications to the technique and the results are less predictable.

  If the scar is large, the grafts will first be placed into the outer edge of the scar. This allows new blood vessels to grow and more hair can be added towards the center at a later time. If the scar is slight it can be transplanted as with regular tissue.

• Is it normal for transplanted hair to grow in at different times? How come some of the new hair grows in thicker and other hair is thin & then thickens?

  Transplanted hair sheds and goes into a dormant phase (sleep cycle) after the restoration procedure. Growth begins a few months later as fine, vellus hair that over time thickens. The hair doesn’t typically have its original thickness right away.

  Initially some areas will have less hair than others because the hair grows in waves. The cycles will even out over the course of the first year and the hair will thicken to its final diameter.

• I have a decent amount of hair loss. Can a hair transplant have the capability to make me look exactly the way I did before I lost my hair?

  Typically, the answer is no. All surgical hair restoration procedures don’t create new hair—just move it. Surgical hair procedures take existing hair from the donor area and transplant it to the part of the scalp that has hair loss. It is common that there is not enough hair in the donor area to replace all lost hair. In patients with a large amount of hair loss, the procedure can create a dramatic improvement in his or her appearance.

• 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.

• I am a 29-year-old woman in Boca Raton, Florida experiencing thinning of the frontal area of my hairline. I am looking for the right way to prevent hair loss and restore some hair in the area. What do you recommend?

  While I would need to see you in person to determine the best course of treatment for you, there are several options available. Hair restoration procedures have grown in popularity with women over the past few years. For nonsurgical options there are PRP or platelet rich plasma, the lasercap or other forms of topical/supplemental treatments we can discuss. Please call my office for a free consultation.

• I am a 25-year-old guy in West Palm Beach. My dad has a lot of hair loss and is almost bald. I am nervous I will end up just like him. What can I do to prevent hair loss?

  Many young men these days are looking to their fathers, grandfathers and uncles to see what their hair loss pattern may be like in the future. While there is no totally accurate guess to determine one’s future hair loss pattern, there are several things that can be done to prevent hair loss or slow down and stop your loss. Things like Propecia/finasteride, Rogaine/minoxidil, and the newer and one of my preferred method, the lasercap, have proven to be very good at addressing these concerns. Please call my office for a complimentary consultation to determine what is right for you.

• I am a 65-year-old male living in Palm Beach, Florida who has had hair transplants years ago. I am nervous that the procedure is similar to the old hair plugs that were performed before. Has anything changed in the transplant procedure?

  You are not alone! Many men and women are hesitant to undergo a hair transplant based on their idea of what hair transplant surgery is. The days of hair plugs are long gone. We now use a follicular unit method where we move hair around based on the way it naturally occurs. Undetectability is key as well as ensuring a natural result for all of our patients. Please call my office in Boca Raton for a complimentary consultation and to determine which hair restoration method may be right for you.

• I am a 32-year-old man in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and just looking to fill in some hair loss around my temples. It seems I have some receding of my hairline. Is there a method available for hair transplantation that does not leave me with a long scar in the back? I wear my hair very short and this is a concern for me.

  Many young men are asking the same question. With short haircuts trending these days it is an understandable concern. This is why we are so excited about the new or ARTAS robotic hair restoration method. This method allows us to individually extract thousands of hair follicular units from the back of your head and fill in those temporal recessions that are causing your receding hairline without leaving a linear scar. You should maintain the ability to wear your hair just as short as you are now without anyone ever knowing you had anything done to restore your hair. Please feel free to set up a complimentary consultation with my office.

• I am a male to female transgender patient in Boca Raton, Florida and am trying to make my hairline look more feminine. I would like to round out the corners. What is the recovery time for a hair transplant procedure like this? I really don’t want to take off too much time for work.

  Transgender hairline surgery is a fairly common procedure. Your recovery time for any hair transplant surgery is approximately 7 to 10 days. For the first week you will have tiny scabs where we have placed all the grafts. Those should all be gone around day seven. You will have some stitches in your donor area that will be covered by your longer hair in the back. Those are removed between day seven and day 10. After that your appearance will resume as it was before. That transplanted hair starts to slowly regrow between month 3 to 4 and will be fully grown in between month 10 to 12 please call my office for a complementary consultation.

• Can I participate in full contact sports, like hockey, after having an FUE procedure?

  After ten days it was found that the grafts that have been transplanted are secure and become a permanent part of the body. No amount of combing, rubbing, or scrubbing can dislodge them at this point. While the general rule is that there are not many limitations on strenuous exercise after an FUE procedure, we recommend waiting at least ten days before playing contact sports like hockey, football, and rugby as the grafts may become dislodged if rubbed vigorously.

• I have heard that weight lifting increases testosterone levels. I have hair loss in the frontal areas and maybe a little hair loss in the vertex area as well. I enjoy weight lifting but use no enhancement drugs. My question is, if I work out and lift weights extensively, does this help contribute to my hair loss? Is there a relationship between the two?

  Yes, you are correct. Weight lifting does increase testosterone, which in turn increases DHT. This can accelerate hair loss, however the effect is generally very minimal.

  Rather than modify your exercise regiment, you may want to consider taking Finasteride (Propecia). This medication is by prescription only and can be written by a doctor. Which will decrease the conversion from testosterone to DHT.

• Why do you recommend FUT procedures for some people and FUE procedures for others?

  Both procedures, FUT & FUE are equally excellent, which is why I perform both types of procedures. My recommendations are always determined by the individual patient and their particular situation. Their age, if they desire to wear their hair cut very short, if they are involved in athletic activities, their donor density and miniaturization, the extent of hair loss, and potential future hair loss are all important aspects in the decision process for what type of procedure is chosen. Some patients are better candidates for one or the other. While often some are good candidates for the either procedure.

• I heard that the FUE type of procedure is a scarless surgery. Is this true using any of the current FUE methods available (ARTAS® robot, Neograft, manual FUE)?

  All hair transplant procedures, no matter the type, do leave scars. FUT produces a thin linear scar at theback of the scalp that can be visible if you keep your hair really short, but will not be visible if the hair is kept a little longer. FUE, on the other hand, leaves small tiny dot scars at the back of the scalp that are NOT visible if you keep your hair short, this type of scarring will result no matter which type of FUE procedure you have done, ARTAS® robot, Neograft, or manual FUE. There is always some type of scarring associated with all FUE methods and the scarring increases with the number of grafts that are harvested.

• Can a hair transplant help me look exactly like I did before I lost my hair?I do have a significant amount of hair loss, so is this at all possible?

  The answer is no in most cases. Surgical restoration procedures move hair from one place to another. Hair transplant procedures require taking existing hair from what is called, the donor area, and then moves those hairs, the transplants, to the part of the scalp that has hair loss. Most of the time there is not enough hair in the donor area to replace all of the hair that has been lost over time. However, people with extensive hair loss can have dramatic and very satisfying improvement in one’s appearance, and hair restoration procedures are a positive solution to hair loss.

• During an FUT HT procedure you apparently receive sutures. How long so your sutures have to remain in?

  In a traditional strip (Follicular Unit Transplant, FUT) procedure, the surgeon removes a thin strip of the scalp from the patient’s donor area in the back of the head. This strip supplies the grafts for the hair transplant. After the strip is removed we use sutures (stitches) to close the wound. These sutures remain in for duration of 7 to 14 days depending on the amount of transplants previously received and the laxity of the scalp. The recommendation for length of time will be determined on an individual basis by the doctor.

• I know Dr.Charles is one of the top hair restoration surgeons in the country but I was wondering how experienced are the hair restoration technicians that help him during the procedure?

  My technicians are full time employees, and most of them have worked alongside me for many years; in fact, many of them have been with me for 10 years plus. They all have extensive experience in the hair restoration field.

  All of my technicians are experienced and highly skilled at dissection and graft placement. Even with Robotic FUE, being highly skilled and experienced is very important since every graft that the robot harvests is examined, counted, and, when necessary, trimmed to ensure they are of the highest quality before being implanted into the scalp.

• From an old injury I have a scar on the top of my head about the size of a quarter. I would like to have hair transplanted into the bald spot. Will a hair transplant be able to re-grow hair on the spot and cause me not have any scar on my head anymore?

  Hair generally grows quite well in scar tissue as long as the scar is not thickened (hypertrophic). Traumatic scars can readily be treated with follicular unit hair transplantation. More than one session is sometimes required. However, the hair restoration can make a bald area unnoticeable and nearly undetectable, but the underlying scar tissue will still be there.

• Can you have transplanted hair put into scar tissue?

  Yes, you can have hair transplanted into scar tissue. Although hair does grow in scar tissue, it generally does not grow quite as well as it does in normal tissue. The blood supply in scar tissue may be less than it is in normal tissue, so the scar area should not be transplanted as densely, which may require more than one session.Finally, grafts do not grow well in highly thickened scars. Cortisone injections can be used to try and thin the scar, which may help improve the chances that the transplanted hair will grow in the scar.

• Can taking Finasteride or Minoxidil make a hair transplant possible for me even if my donor area is very thin?

  Unfortunately, the Finasteride and Minoxidil will not affect the donor area. Therefore, because of the state of your donor hair having such low density, you may very well not be a good candidate for a hair transplant.

• Can I achieve my Original Hair Fullness with a hair transplant?

  Although the aesthetic look can be dramatic, a hair transplant can only move hair from the donor area to the recipient sites. The hair restoration procedure is limited by the amount of hair from the donor area that is transplanted to the front and top of the scalp. Therefore, it is possible that you may never truly achieve the original fullness you had when you were younger before losing any hair.

  To achieve desired density in the front part of the scalp it generally takes two sessions, and is the goal of most hair restoration procedures.

  Check out photos examples in our gallery and pay attention to the graft counts and number of procedures the patient had to see examples of density.

• How Painful Is A Hair Transplant and What Kind of Anesthesia do You Use?

  We use long-acting, local anesthesiato perform our hair transplant procedures. You will receive a fewinitial injections, and then the doctor will continue to numb the donor and recipient areas. However, the patient generally doesn’t experience much pain or discomfort after those initial injections.

  The local anesthesia (a combination of Lidocaine and Marcaine) lasts about 4-5 hours. However, patient comfort and care are a priority at our office and our staff will ask the patient throughout the day if the patient is comfortable, and if not, the doctor will administer more anesthesia to comfort the patient until the surgery is completed.

  Before we start the local anesthesia, we give most patients Diazepam (also known as Valium). This medication is a fast acting sedative that is very relaxing and can cause the patient to feel as if they have had a couple of glasses of wine. This can sometimes help the patient relax and sleep throughout the procedure. This sedative is very different, however from the deep sleep produced by a general anesthesia.

• My first hair transplant was so easy and I was pleasantly surprised. Will a second procedure be any different than the first procedure?

  First, the second transplant procedure should be very similar to the first as far as how the procedure is actually performed. As far as the results of the procedure, generally there is less shock loss from a second procedure as the second procedure is most likely used to increase density in an area of previously transplanted hair. The weak miniaturized hair has often been lost in the first session, and so this session will likely cause less shedding since the previously transplanted hair is generally more resistant to shedding.

  Note that for those who had extensive hair loss, the second hair restoration results are sometimes less dramatic than the first since the second is used for fine tuning and density rather than taking the person from not having hair in an area to having hair.

• Greetings, I am a 54 year old male and I would like to know if Propecia will work for me because of my age. I started losing some of my hair only a few years ago. My crown and mid scalp are thinning out. Will using Propecia help or is it too late for me?

  Propecia (Finasteride 1 mg) can potentially hold on to hair no matter what age you are, but it does work best to promote re-growth and health of hair in those more recently starting to lose hair. We have had patients using Propecia (Finasteride 1 mg) who have significantly slowed down hair loss at all ages.

• I’ve heard that it is a good idea to use Propecia and Rogaine after having a hair transplant procedure. Is this true? Is it mandatory?

  Finasteride (brand name: Propecia) nor Minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine) will have any effect on your newly transplanted hair. That being said, although they do not protect your transplanted hair in any way, but you may likely have original hair among the newly transplanted hair. Those original hairs are most likely weak and vulnerable and could benefit from these products. The vulnerable hair can be protected by taking Finasteride because it has been shown to reduce future hair loss significantly; in addition, the Minoxidil can help as well with future hair loss.

  Please note, with Propecia, you need to commit to long-term use of this product as it can take up to an entire year to see a full effect of this medication. With Rogaine, you need to also commit to using it regularly and continually, and it should not be stopped and started.

• I am 22 years old and have just starting thinning and losing some hair in my corners. I was told by one doctor that it was too early for me to consider having a transplant. The donor area in the back of my head and on the sides is very thick and full. Why should I not have a hair transplant now so that I do not have to experience significant hair loss? Advice please…

  The most essential criteria in determining who is a good candidate for having a hair transplant is the amount of sufficient donor hair. When you lose hair early, it is sometimes difficult for the doctor to determine how much hair you will loose and if you have enough donor hair to supply coverage not only at this time, but in the future, as the donor area can experience thinning as well. This cannot fully be determined until the front and/or top of the scalp has experienced significant thinning that the donor area typically shows thinning as well. Therefore, it is only at this time that the stability of the donor area can adequately be assessed. However, realistic expectations and severity of hair loss can be considered and a determination on whether to move forward with hair transplants can be determined by you and your doctor despite your young age.

• Is It Necessary to do scalp exercises before a procedure?

  Scalp exercises are not necessary for the majority of patients.

  The donor area portion of the scalp has a fair amount of elasticity. It should close easily with a properly planned hair transplant. If however, the patient has a scalp that is particularly tight, or if a larger amount of grafts is planned for the procedure, scalp exercises are useful in increasing laxity.

  There are advantages to stretching the scalp before surgery. It allows the physician to remove a slightly wider strip from the donor area and that can actually decrease tension on the closure, which enables a potentially “pencil thin line” type of scar.

  Scalp exercises are generally recommended if a patient has had a prior hair transplant.

• I underwent a hair transplant a few days ago and I am wondering when I can start massaging my scalp? It is feeling tight and is itching?

  At 10 days post-op you can gently massage your scalp. At that time, the grafts are firmly in place, but it is not recommended to scratch the area for the first two weeks post-op.

• I have heard with the FUT procedure there are sutures. After my hair transplant how long is it until I can have the stitches removed?

  In a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), the doctor removes a thin strip of scalp from the patient’s donor area that supplies the follicular unit grafts for the hair transplant. Once the strip is removed, to close the wound a two layer trichophytic closure procedure is performed using sutures. The sutures can be removed in 7-10 days if it is your first procedure and 10-12 days if it is your second or a multiple procedure. The exact date will be determined by the doctor taking into account the scalp laxity.

• Does Multiple Hair Transplant Procedures harm the Scalp?

  The issue with multiple hair transplant procedures is that the donor density decreases as well as the scalps laxity. If too much hair is harvested from the donor area it can begin to appear too thin. This can happen with either type of procedure; But in most cases if the patient has multiple FUT hair transplants the donor area can appear unchanged, where as a patient who has multiple FUE hair transplants will start to appear thin in the donor region.

• Does Laser Therapy (LLLT) Grow your Hair?

  The actual mechanism by which Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) stimulates hair growth (i.e., increases the anagen phase of the hair cycle) is unknown, but the following are contending possibilities that are benefits to the therapy:

  1. Dilating the blood vessels around the follicles in the treated area.
  2. Stimulating the production of various growth factors (insulin-GF, vascular endothelial-GF, fibroblast-GF)
  3. Increasing the production of ATP (molecular energy) in the cells through its effects on mitochondria.

  Although this type of laser therapy can help with the health and vitality of your hair, no device on the market can actually grow hair.

• It is about 1 month after my hair transplant procedure and I am anxiously waiting to see something happen. When can I expect to see some growth?

  Transplanted hair typically begins to grow about 12-16 weeks after a procedure, although each person is different, most seem to really notice visible growth around 4-6 months, but this time frame can be different for everyone. From 6 to twelve months more noticeable results will transpire. Most will not see a full result from a hair transplant procedure for 12-15 months.

• It is my understanding that seeing the result of a hair transplant can be a long process – what should I expect?

  Growth usually begins around the 3-4 month mark and at 6-8 months the hair transplant start to become visible. However, it generally takes an entire year to see the full results from having a hair transplant. In some cases even up to 15 months.

  Keep in mind that over the course of the year following a transplant the hair will gain volume as the transplanted hair grows in and becomes longer. Throughout this time the hair may become less kinky, take on wave or even be silkier depending on the original characteristics of the patient’s hair.

• During the past few months I have been extremely stressed. I have noticed that my hair has been thinning and falling out and I have experienced a lot of frontal area hair loss. I thought that stress making your hair fall out was a myth?

  Stress appears to increase the rate of hair loss in those who have the gene for genetic hair loss. Hair loss or thinning caused by stress in individuals that do not have the gene for genetic hair loss would be temporary in nature.

• I am resolved to the fact that I am most likely going to be bald because my father is bald and I am loosing hair just like he did. What actually causes this kind of hair loss?

  Most people with hair loss suffer from what is referred to as “androgenic alopecia” or “patterned hair loss”. However, there are many different causes for hair loss.

  In men, it is mostly due to a hormone called DHT, which is a by-product of testosterone produced by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme can be inhibited by the DHT-blocker medication Propecia, which helps stabilize the crown area for most men.In women, the mechanism is a little bit more complex as another enzyme, aromatase, is involved in the metabolic pathway.The actual genes causing hair loss in men and women have not yet been identified to date. We know that the inheritance of hair loss can come from both the mother’s and father’s side. Statistically, inheritance from the maternal side appears to be a bit stronger, but the reason for this is unknown.

• How many grafts would be in a 15cm by 1cm donor strip, on average using the FUT procedure?

  For someone with average donor density there are approximately 100 follicular units per square centimeter. A 15cm long strip would have slightly less than 1500 grafts due to the tapering of the strip ends.

  Therefore, for a 1500 follicular unit graft procedure, one should take out a 17 cm x 1cm strip.

• I look about 5-10 years younger than I am, and have a baby face which I can’t stand. I really can’t seem to grow any facial hair, and if I do, after about a week, it looks all patchy and just scruffy. I can’t grow a beard or even a goatee, which would make me feel better about my appearance and myself. Is there anything than can help me grow facial hair?

  Unfortunately this is a very difficult area to treat and is often genetic considering facial hair patterns can be specific to races and families. You may consider having your hormones evaluated to see if there is anything going on in that area. However, a hair transplant procedure may be your only option for a fuller beard or goatee.

• How Long After A Hair Transplant Procedure Can One Comfortably go out in Public?

  How long before going in public is a choice of the patients, and if you choose to conceal the procedure or not. However, healing time also depends on which type of procedure you have done. If you opt for an ARTAS FUE procedure, the back of your head will be shaved, but will be with almost no visible marks in a week. With the strip method, you will not shave back of head but will be left with a pencil thin scar running across back of your head. The donor site can be hidden well with longer hair – perhaps immediately following the procedure. However, in about 7 to 10 days the scabs at recipient sites should be gone, so depending on the type of procedure performed healing time can range from about a week to 14 days.

• What should I do if I have pimples after my hair transplant?

  It is common, in some patients, to see pimple like sores after a hair transplant procedure. This is called folliculitis. They may last a few months and usually occur a couple weeks after the procedure. They do not disturb the growth of the hair follicles and typically open up on their own and don’t need treatment. If the appearance is concerning, or if they are painful, you should consult your doctor and they can drain them through an incision in their office or give home instructions on how to deal with this situation.

• Does height & weight affect the dose of finasteride or Propecia a person should take? And does taking a bigger dosage enhance results?

  Regardless of a person’s weight or height, the finasteride dosage is the same (1mg). Another option is to be prescribed 5mg dosage but broken into 1.25mg per day. It is recommended to take the dosage prescribed and no more, as there is no proof that taking a higher dosage can enhance ones results.

• Is exercise a good way to help to stop hair loss?

  Insufficient blood supply to the scalp may cause hair loss due to the closing and reduction of hair follicles. Exercise is a great way to make sure there is regular blood flow to the scalp. People should try to fit in 20-30 minutes of exercise per day for good hair health and good general health.

• Can hair loss be caused by hair dye?

  Although dyeing the hair won’t affect every person the same, some people can experience some hair loss. One reason for this is over dyeing. This may weaken some hair follicles which will cause hair to become damaged and fall out. There are also cases when there is loss due to an allergic reaction to the hair dye.

• Does washing your hair too much cause hair loss?

  When you wash your hair, it removes the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and strong. Artificial blends and severe detergents found in a lot of shampoos can damage hair follicles, which may lead to hair loss. Washing your hair only 2-3 times per week with lighter shampoos made with oils instead of detergents should help keep hair clean and help with growth.

• What is female androgenetic alopecia?

  Female androgenetic alopecia (usually referred to as female pattern hair loss) is the loss of hair follicles. Affecting about 1/3 of the female population, this is the most common type of hair loss in women. Basically, it is the thinning of hair over the front and top of the scalp without recession. Some signs to look for are gradual shortening & thinning of separate hair follicles, as oppose to their complete loss. The condition tends to be progressive, but seldom leads to total baldness.

• Can Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Work on Women?

  Although we don’t know the exact long term effects on actual hair growth from using LLLT, it is known to dilate blood vessels, increase circulation, and stimulate follicles. This will give the hair the appearance of being fuller after being used for at least 6 months. Because the LLLT is used to thicken fine, diminished follicles, laser treatment is usually a great option for many women, as most of their hair concerns have a diffuse pattern (which is thinning of the hair as oppose to complete baldness in areas). Women can’t take propecia, and most women are less likely to be a candidate for transplant surgery, so the idea of the laser therapy in females is an alternative option to consider.

• Will a Hair Transplant Bring Back my Hairs Original Fullness?

  Even though the cosmetic results can be dramatic, a hair transplant only transfers hair, rather than grow “new” hair. There is only so much hair that can be relocated from the donor area to the new location at a time in a hair transplant procedure. Each case is different, but patients with large amounts of hair loss in the front part of the scalp often request a second hair transplant since, as stated before, only a certain amount of grafts can be transferred at a time. Typically, patients with larger amounts of hair loss have two sessions and usually regain about 1/3-1/2 of the patient’s original density.

• When can patients go in the sun after a hair transplant?

  After a hair transplant procedure, patients should try to keep their scalp out of the sun for a month. This doesn’t mean that the patient needs to stay completely indoors, it just means that one should make sure to wear a hat and/or strong sunscreen while outside.

• How long do you recommend I wait before I can scrub the scabs from my scalp?

  We recommend that you allow the hair to fall out naturally, and not scrubbed too early. If there are scabs on the scalp that are aesthetically annoying, they can be delicately washed off in the shower after 10 days with smaller transplant sites. It is suggested a patient wait a little longer if bigger sites were used. To be on the safe side, a patient should wait a full 2 weeks to be positive that grafts are secure.

• What Causes Common Hair Loss or Baldness?

  “Patterned hair loss” or “androgenetic alopecia” is the type of hair loss that most people suffer from. However, there are many different causes for hair loss. In men, “male patterned baldness” is associated with the hormone called DHT, which is a by-product of testosterone produced by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. We know that genetic inheritance of hair loss may come from either the father’s or mother’s side. Statistically, inheritance from the maternal side appears to be a bit stronger, but the reason for this is unknown.

• What Problems Can Arise from Transplanting the Crown Too Early?

  Issues that can arise from transplanting the crown area too early are expansion of hair loss in that area, leaving an isolated patch of hair. A hair transplant surgeon can perform an additional transplant to the crown area in an effort to connect the fringe to the transplanted area if there is sufficient donor hair available to do so. With that being said, it is impossible to determine when a patient is young if they will have adequate donor supply to accommodate enough additional procedures. It is important for the doctor to use a conservative approach in the younger patient, creating a long term game plan that accounts for the possibility of future hair loss. Consequently, the front and top of the scalp are determined first priority as they are more impactful to one’s appearance.

  There are exceptions considered for an individual if he has a family history of baldness limited to the crown area. Even if the person is advanced in age, he still needs to be assessed and his pattern of hair loss considered. Only then can early consideration for treatment of the crown be determined for that specific individual.

• I’m going on vacation after surgery. Are swimming pools, the ocean, hot tubs, and saunas safe one week after a hair transplant?

  Even if you do not submerge you head in the pool or hot tub, it is not advised to subject your scalp to extreme swings in temperature, as your body will experience the drastic changes and the blood supply that runs to the scalp will increase with your body temperature. You may however, swim in the ocean, head submerged, for a brief period of time, due to the salt content because it can potentially facilitate the healing of wounds. Sitting in a cool pool would also be fine without getting the scalp wet as well. Just be advised to stay away from dramatic body temperature changes.

• Can dieting affect the outcome of my hair transplant?

  The only way that dieting could affect your hair transplant is if you were dieting so extremely that you became nutrient deficient. Most healthy diets and weight loss plans maintain a goal of nutrition and should not post a threat to the health of your hair. Taking a daily multi-vitamin and eating regular amounts of protein and “good fats” are elements that would be advisable to maintain your overall health, which in turn, can affect the positive health of your hair. (Biotin, Zinc, and Selenium are all good supplements to tale for good hair health)

• Is it safe to scrub my hair after the Hair Transplant surgery?

  I advise to wait 7-10 days post-op (depending on if this is your first hair transplant or more) to scrub the grafts vigorously so that the grafts are no longer at risk of being dislodged. Using a gentle hand the first several days, along with the cup washing method following a hair transplant procedure can ensure that the grafts stay in-tact, and will give the transplant the best chance for success. However, the donor area, containing sutures, can be scrubbed progressively more aggressively with each day to ensure the area remains clean to make for an easy suture removal in 7-10 days following your surgery. Once the sutures are out and your doctor has given the “all clear” you can go back to normal showering, allowing the water to fall on the head, as well as normal hair washing.

• Can Braids and Extensions Cause Hair Loss?

  Hair loss on the top and on sides of the scalp caused by the constant tension from tight braids and/or hair extensions is referred to as traction alopecia. Rarely does the hair grow back if this has been an issue for a long period of time, even if the braiding has stopped, and a hair transplant could possibly be recommended.

• Can I Wear A Hairpiece After a Hair Transplant?

  Yes, wearing a “hairpiece” after a transplant procedure is okay (a piece that is attached to the scalp with clips or tape). It needs to be able to be taken off each night. However, a hair system that is woven or glued to the scalp is not recommended.

  We suggest waiting at least a week before wearing a hairpiece. After a week post op, there are minimal restrictions in regards as to how long a patient can wear their hairpiece, as long as it is taken off at night and the scalp is shampooed diligently once a day. Be sure to keep the hairpiece clean, and if possible, have a spare.

• Can hair be transplanted from one person to another?

  The only way people could transfer hair to another person, is if the people were identical twins, since they are genetically the same.

  In other cases, including siblings, transplanted hair will most likely be rejected. Skin is antigenic and is the first line of defense against foreign organisms. Hair follicles from one human will not be accepted on another human, as the body will not recognize them and think they are foreign objects.

• Is it Okay to Chemically Straighten my Hair a Couple Weeks After a Hair Transplant Procedure?

  Immediately after a hair transplant, you will want to be cautious when using dyes or straighteners (chemical or physical). You don’t want to damage the hair or skin and risk getting a poor result. After the hair has fully matured, it will be safe to treat transplanted hair. At 6 months the transplant could be ready to straighten. However, each case is different, and everyone’s hair grows at a different pace, so it is just a matter of how quick the transplanted hair grows. Hair should be as strong and resilient as native hair. Young transplanted hair looks thinner & finer than fully mature hair. Check with your hair restoration doctor if you are unsure or have any questions.

• 2 Weeks or so After a Hair Transplant, is it Normal to Experience Shedding and Does it Mean I’m Losing Grafts?

  Once a patient gets to the 10 day point post op, the transferred follicles are firmly secured in the scalp. Beginning the 2^nd week after a procedure, some shedding from the hair follicle is completely normal and should not be a concern. This shedding does not represent any loss of grafts. When you see this “shedding” it is not the growth part of the follicle, it is the root casing with the hair shaft that looks like a little blub. 2 weeks after a hair transplant procedure patients are free to shampoo the scalp as they normally would without any threat of losing grafts.

• Can I Have a Hair Transplant Procedure if I Have Fine Hair?

  Having thin hair does not keep a person from getting a hair transplant procedure. Having fine hair will give a thinner look than having thick hair, but it will look completely natural. As long as the donor area’s density and scalp laxity are suitable there shouldn’t be an issue. Often, patients with thinner/finer hair need more grafts of hair per sq 1 cm to obtain a fuller look. These things can be measured by your doctor at your consultation.

• If a Patient Has a Hair Transplant and the Hair From the Back of the Head is dark (and the top/sides are gray) will the Top Look Darker after the Hair Restoration?

  During a hair transplant procedure, hair is taken from the back & sides of the head. The follicular units are then separated from the donor area, and then implanted arbitrarily into the recipient area. Since the hair is put in at randomly, the color of the newly growing hair will be mixed and should blend in with existing hair. It is common that the hair on top of the head is lighter than the back because of the sun. When you transplant hair from the back and sides to the top, it should lighten up and match the surrounding hair.

• Can a Hair Transplant Prevent Hair Loss?

  No, a hair transplant procedure does not slow down or prevent hair loss. This procedure is just as it says: a transplant. We take hair from one area (the donor area in the back of the scalp that has a high density) and transfer it to an area where the hair is thinning or the hair has been lost. To slow down or prevent further hair loss a person would need to consult with a hair loss physician to discuss taking a hair loss medication like finasteride or minoxidil.

• How Come After Two Months after Hair Transplant Surgery I don’t see any Results?

  At 2 months post op, it is far too early to see results. Most of the hair will have fallen out and the follicles will be in a resting phase. When you get to month 3-4 post op a few follicles will start growing. This process will slowly continue, hair growing little by little, through months 5 & 8. Patients should wait until 12-15 months to see final results, as some of the hair follicles may showed delayed growth and not begin growing until months 10-12 and will need a couple of months to attain length and mature.

• How Many Hairs are In a Follicular Unit Graft and Will it Affect the Density of My Transplant?

  Follicular unit grafts are groups of hair that naturally occur in the scalp. Each graft contains hair in groups of 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s. Each hair transplant patient is different regarding the # of hairs in a follicular unit graft, however 2.2 hairs per graft is considered average. Your hair transplant doctor will provide detailed hair counts and hair count breakdowns so that you can fully understand what you are receiving.

  Example: There are 2 patients. Patient 1receives 3000 follicular unit grafts containing 6000 hairs. Patient 2 receives 2000 follicular unit grafts with 5900 hairs. Though patient one has a greater number of grafts, the hair count is pretty similar.

  The number of transplanted hairs isn’t the only thing that can establish a look of density. Other important hair characteristics are: hair color, hair caliper (Fine vs. coarse) and straight vs curly/wavy. Your hair restoration doctor will fully explain all of these details.

• Are hair transplant results permanent?

  Yes. Hair transplant procedures are in most cases permanent. The hair from the lower back of the scalp and sides (the donor area) are resistant to the male hormone (DHT) which causes balding. So, when hair is harvested from the donor area correctly, the results are permanent. This harvested hair maintains its genetic characteristics after relocation so it will keep growing for the rest of your life.

• Will I be awake during surgery?

  During your procedure, you may choose to stay awake or sleep. You can listen to music or watch a movie, as there are tv’s in each operating room. Other patients chose to just sit back, relax, and even take a nap.

• When can I shower?

  You may shower immediately after a hair transplant procedure but do not place your head directly under the shower head. You may use the cup method 48 hours post op and continue that method until sutures are removed. Once sutures are removed, you may begin washing hair a little more methodically. Be sure to keep the donor area (in the lower back area) clean, cleaning scrubbing a little more vigorously, while being very delicate when dealing with the newly grafted area on the top of the scalp.

• Can Resistance Training Accelerate Hair Loss?

  Anything that raises androgen levels in your body could hypothetically accelerate hair loss. Effects should be minimal as long as you aren’t taking drugs to enhance your workout.

• Does Propecia Work in Older Patients?

  While propecia (finasteride 1mg) can hold onto hair at any age, it works best to slow down the progression of hair loss in younger patients. Finasteride can potentially rewind miniaturization (the shortening and thinning of hairs due to DHT). Typically, younger patients with early hair loss have more hair in the early stages of miniaturization where changes are more readily reversible. Older patients usually have more progressed miniaturization or areas are already totally bald and will thus not regrow with medical therapy.

• Is it true that smoking can harm a hair transplant and why?

  Trying to avoid smoking in general is always recommended for general health reasons. But, in regards to hair transplants, smoking causes constriction of blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the scalp, largely due to its nicotine content. Carbon monoxide in smoke also decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.

  Both of these contribute to slower healing after a hair transplant and can increase the chance of an infection and scarring of a wound, as well as poor hair growth. Although all patients’ situations are different as to how long one should avoid smoking before and after a transplant, a typical recommendation is to refrain from smoking from 1 week before surgery to 2 weeks after the procedure, hopefully giving the patient a good head start for quitting permanently.

• Will people know I had a hair transplant?

  Immediately post-op a patient’s recipient area is usually pink with tiny scabs forming around the micro incisions. Typically, the tiny incisions will heal within 7-10 days. During the first couple of day post op, a patient’s hair transplant may be noticeable if there is no hair to hide these short-term scabs. Most patients feel comfortable going in public with wearing a loose fitting hat. After the first week, most patients feel fine being out and about without covering their head. Once the transplanted hair begins to grow out, results should look completely natural.

• What is a Hair Transplantation?

  During a hair transplant, Dr. Charles takes hair grafts from the lower/back of the scalp, referred to as the donor area, and relocates them to the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. There are two different methods used to collect the hairs used in a transplant. There’s the strip method, “FUT”, where the doctor makes a linear incision in the donor area which is then sewn up with sutures. Then there is the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) technique, which uses the ARTAS® Robotic System that individually extracts each graft. For more information regarding either of these methods, please visit that section in our website.

  www.CharlesMedicalGroup.com
  www.ARTASHairTransplant.org

• I Am Starting to Thin, Should I Have A Hair Transplant Or Try Medication First?

  Typically, patients that are thinning, but not completely bald, should begin by trying with combined medical therapy (finasteride and minoxidil) for at least a year prior to considering surgery. Some patients can’t tolerate finasteride or choose not to take it due to concern about potential side effects. Here at Charles Medical Group, we offer complimentary consultations to sit and speak with our patient coordinator and directly to Dr. Charles, so you can get the most direct answers regarding your hair restoration options.

• How long after a hair transplant will you be able to see redness, marks, or scars on the top of my scalp?

  After a hair transplant, the redness and marks should fade in about 7-10 days. However, this greatly varies from patient to patient; each case is different. The tiny recipient sites that are made prevent visible scarring, pitting, or other surface irregularities as a result of the procedure.

• Is PRP Safe for Older People with Hair Loss?

  PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is safe for a person of any age. As long as the candidate has enough miniaturized hair, PRP can be helpful. PRP will not work on an area of the scalp that is totally bald.

• Does the hair restoration procedure hurt?

  When patients come to Charles Medical, they are given a local anesthesia in the donor and recipient areas. This is when most patients find little (if any) discomfort. Once the anesthesia is given almost all patients feel no pain or discomfort during the surgery. Typically, once the anesthesia begins to wear off, patients may feel some mild discomfort experiencing numbness or soreness. They are prescribed a pain medication that some chose to take to ease any discomfort. For the most part, patients are very pleased with how minimal the discomfort from the procedure is.

• Do lifestyle and eating habits effect hair loss?

  Many people, whether already experiencing hair loss or not, want to know if there are certain foods that can make hair healthier or anything they can do to prevent hair loss? Well, it really depends on the person’s diet and hair loss causes. Sometimes hair loss is caused due to lack of certain vitamins and minerals. There are foods high in omega 3 fatty acids (like eggs and fish) that are helpful in follicle growth and health. Then, there is hair loss caused by genetics, healthy hair diet will not make lost hair return but, it can keep present hair healthy! And, yes, lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking and undergoing high amounts of stress can also stimulate hair thinning.

• Home remedies for hair loss: do natural hair growth remedies ever work?

  It’s always recommended to keep a healthy diet high in vitamin rich foods is one of the best home remedies to keeping hair healthy! If at all possible, avoid things like smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and high stress as these factors will intensify hair thinning and loss. If the hair loss you are experiencing is genetic, it is highly unlikely that a home remedy will regrow your hair. You will have more luck with tactics like LLLT (lower level laser therapy), medications (such as finasteride), and even hair transplant surgery. For information regarding your hair loss questions reach us @ 561.395.5544

• What is Telogen Effluvium?

  There is a cycle of growth that hair goes through. When large numbers of follicles enter the “resting” phase at the same time you may experience thinning and an overload of shedding. This is quite common after child birth, undergoing anesthesia, or even a high fever. This type of hair loss is generally temporary. It should get better over the course of time.

• How Common is Hair Loss in Men & Women?

  Hair loss (due to androgenetic alopecia) is quite common for both men and women! Typically, by the time adults reach age 50, 30% of women, and 50% of men begin noticing hair loss. Although women DO experience thinning, they preserve more of their hairline and have what is called general pattern (thinning on top of the scalp) so their hair loss can be camouflaged for many years. Men on the other hand, lose their hairline which is not so easy to hide.

• Is experiencing tingling in the scalp related to hair loss or thinning?

  Yes, if you think your hair is thinning, and you’re experiencing some tenderness or tingling in the scalp these can be traits related to early hair loss.

• Is a hair transplant an option if I have a naturally large forehead and want a lower hair line?

  Yes, as long there is a sufficient amount of donor hair available, a hair transplant is a great way to create a lower hairline. Also, keep in mind that the hair line must be designed to look natural. The shape of the head and facial features need to be considered.

• Which part of the body is the hair taken from to be transplanted?

  Typically, the traditional donor area is the back of the head. The hair is simply moved from one area to another, like moving a tree from your back yard to your front yard. It does not regrow in both places – only where it has been placed.

• Does getting a tattoo affect an FUE hair transplant?

  At around two months post-op you should be fully healed from your hair transplant procedure. A tattoo session should not cause harm to the grafts. I generally recommend the patient wait 6-8 months so the tattoo artist can see the new hair growing and can work around them.

• As a 46-year-old man in Delray Beach, Florida who has just gotten divorced I think it is time to address my hair loss. As I go back to the dating pool I would like to feel more confident and look younger. About how much does a hair transplant procedure using the artas robotic FUE cost?

  Many clinics as does ours, price per graft. In order to determine how many follicular unit grafts you do need we would need to see you face to face for a complimentary live consultation. Remember, the least expensive clinic does not always translate into the best work. This is a permanent investment in yourself. Make sure you do your due diligence and choose wisely. When done correctly, the ARTAS Follicular Unit Excision robotic procedure can be a wonderful hair restoration method.

• I had an ARTAS procedure yesterday and am nervous over every little thing I do. Would a sneeze dislodge a transplant? My scalp feels tight and a little sore and I can feel the sneezes in my scalp.

  It is unlikely that a sneeze would dislodge or affect any grafts placed yesterday. In the coming few weeks you may notice some shedding which is completely normal – not to worry. Also, a day after an ARTAS procedure it is normal to feel a bit of discomfort or tightness. This can last a week or two.

• Following ARTAS® hair transplantation, when can I expect to see the hair begin to grow?

  As with any hair transplant surgery, the implanted hair grafts need time to develop their own blood supply and will naturally grow in long phases. New hair will continue to grow over a year’s time; however, new hair is not initially noticeable until approximately three months following the ARTAS® surgery.A noticeable improvement will be visible at about six months and the final results achieved after one year.

• After an ARTAS® robotic hair transplant procedure, how will the transplanted hairs appear?

  Extremely natural-appearing hair growth follows an ARTAS® hair transplantation with minimal donor site scarring. Any length or style of hair can be chosen with confidence and improved self esteem.

• How long will the ARTAS® transplanted hair follicles last?

  Hairs are typically taken from the back of the head and placed in the sparse, thinning areas of the scalp. These transplanted hairs are permanent as they are not susceptible to male pattern baldness, being taken from the back of the head.Transplanted hairs will continue to grow and look natural for a lifetime!

• How does the ARTAS® technique differ from hair plugs?

  During hair transplantation by the out-dated hair plug technique, large patches of hair follicles were harvested. This method resulted in a very unattractive and unnatural look to the areas where the hair plugs were placed.When Dr. Charles utilizes the ARTAS® methodology, the computer-assisted robotic arm as well as the digital mapping will pinpoint individual follicles from the donor site for dissection.

  This technique provides Dr. Charles precision and control, allowing him to design and achieve hair growth patterns that are natural in appearance as well as providing optimal growth with robust grafts.

• How long will healing from an ARTAS® procedure take?

  Following ARTAS® surgery, recovery time is brief and you can resume your routine daily activities after a day or two, which is much shorter than following most cosmetic surgeries.Dr. Charles will advise you regarding follow-up appointments and will schedule a visit the following morning to examine your scalp and instruct you in the care of the transplanted hair follicles.

  In approximately three days, growth cells will be transferred to the scalp from the follicles. The implants will begin to scab as they heal, and once healed the scabs are able to be rubbed gently off the scalp and you will have a natural-looking scalp.

• Is a hair restoration procedure with ARTAS® noticeable?

  When Dr. Charles utilizes the ARTAS® technique, it is virtually undetectable with any scarring minimal. During the course of a year, hair grows in naturally and gradually.

• Prior to ARTAS® robotic hair transplantation, do I need to have my hair cut?

  When a patient’s hair is trimmed in the donor area prior to the procedure, the ARTAS® System is able to more accurately track, visualize and harvest each follicular unit. Additionally, hair is able to be harvested from a more expansive area, providing Dr. Charles with more transplantable units per procedure.Individuals requiring coverage of a smaller recipient site can trim a smaller harvest or donor site area.

  In either scenario, following excision of the required units for hair transplantation, the donor site area hair will grow in at a normal rate.

• What is the cost of utilizing the ARTAS® System for a hair restoration procedure?

  Cost will depend on the extent of treatment required, the end-results you would like to achieve, can vary from area to area and also from doctor to doctor.Dr. Glenn Charles will provide your best possible option and can also offer suggestions regarding financing plans.

• How does the ARTAS Robotic Procedure work?

  The ARTAS Robotic Procedure is a minimally invasive hair restoration solution that uses digital imaging and precision robotics to gather healthy grafts for transplantation. Different from the previous methods of hair restoration, surgical removal of tissue from the back of the head is no longer necessary. The benefits include no linear scar left after surgery, no need for stitches or staples, a quick recovery time, and the ability to get back to work and normal day to day activities quicker!

• Is the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant procedure painful?

  The ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant requires only a local anesthetic. The patient feels almost no pain. Post-procedure some patients can feel minor discomfort and inflammation which will diminish in 2-3 days.

• After the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant, how will my hair look?

  Because the ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant provides exceptionally natural results, you will have the freedom to wear any hair style you wish with assurance!

• Are ARTAS results permanent?

  Yes, the results are permanent. The ARTAS uses your own permanent hair from the back of your head, and then places this hair to the thinning areas of your scalp. Transplanted hair will last a lifetime since this hair is not prone to the characteristics that cause male pattern baldness.

• How long is the recovery time?

  With the ARTAS procedure, there are no incisions made or stitches necessary so recovery time is shorter than most cosmetic surgeries. Typically, patients can go back to day to day activities including work within a couple of days.

• When will new hair start to grow?

  New hairs are seen about three-four months after the procedure naturally and slowly. You will continue to see growth over the duration of the year. After about six months, you will view more noticeable results and after a full year, you will experience full results!

• Should I cut my hair before the procedure?

  Yes, having your hair cut before the procedure is highly recommended so the haircut is even in the back & it allows the ARTAS to precisely visualize, track and gather each grouping of hairs. Patients will get instructions on having your hair cut shorter to prepare for their procedure.

• Will people be able to tell that I’ve have had a hair transplant?

  Scarring (if any) is minimal and is almost invisible with the ARTAS procedure. Your new hair will grow in slowly so people will not notice the change right away. The results from the ARTAS transplant are elusive and natural so friends & family will probably comment that you look better, but the change will happen slowly over time.

• Will you be able to see scarring in the donor area?

  There is minimal scarring in the donor area since the ARTAS specifically gathers individual hair groupings instead of a large area of scalp which requires stiches. Patients will have more options as to hair style after the ARTAS procedure than the regular strip procedure where more scarring may need to be covered.

• How long does the ARTAS Procedure take?

  The procedure usually takes between four to eight hours. You are seated comfortably throughout the process. Both the doctor and staff are there for the duration of the procedure to make sure your entire experience is as comfortable as possible.

• Will the ARTAS robot result in a lower cost for an FUE hair transplant?

  No, unfortunately the ARTAS Robotic FUE generally may cost slightly more per graft than a typical manual FUE procedure due to the greater expense of this new technology. Dr. Glenn Charles uses the ARTAS Robotic System for all of his Follicular Unit Excision.

  (FUE) procedures, with the exception of extremely small procedures.

• How does the doctor or the ARTAS robot control the depth of the incisions in Robotic FUE?

  The ARTAS robot automatically adjusts to the precise depth needed for the non-traumatic excision of the grafts. The system is equipped with advanced sensors that determine the precise depth needed for the instruments used in both in the graft harvesting step and for recipient site creation. The tip of the punching mechanism contains depth markings so that the physician can visually override the punch when he wants to fine-tune its action. While monitoring the procedure in real time, if it is observed that the punches are too superficial or too deep, punch depth can be modified by the physician using the robot’s computer system via remote control.