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‘Hair Transplantation Has Changed, and It’s Going Down a Bad Path’: Dr. Yazdan talks with Spencer Kobren

hair transplant profit

Hair Clinics and Greed

It is no secret that doctors and medical practices across the United States must look after their marketing and sales with studious diligence. We wish that good work and word-of-mouth were enough to get new patients to come in for world-class diagnoses and hair restoration surgery, but sadly it’s not. In our internet age, digital marketing and sprawling sales campaigns are vital mechanisms in spreading the word about one’s practice and expertise.

Here at Modena Hair Institute in Orange County, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, we are vocal proponents of quality professionalism in medical marketing, branding and sales. But as you can already guess, medical practices lacking the proper experience and expertise have found that they can portray themselves as industry leaders using sly marketing ploys and digital sleights of hand. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Facebook are rife with amateur clinics exaggerating their skill and pedigree. Tempted by the prospect of immediate financial gain, they will hire expensive media and sales teams that exaggerate their results, instead of putting in the years of hard work to actually achieve results.

But as Dr. Amir Yazdan explains Spencer Kobren’s show, The Bald Truth, the temptations of greed can also infect highly reputable hair restoration clinics, who will begin to sacrifice quality for quantity. World-class hair transplant doctors who are highly skilled in follicular unit extraction (or FUE), follicular unit transplant (or FUT), scalp micropigmentation and other procedures, are tempted to book more and more appointments, only to sacrifice their attention to detail and careful oversight.

Once a hair restoration practice has reached a certain level of industry popularity, they can leverage that celebrity to promote procedures and programs that are not in the best interest of their clients. A big-name surgeon may start to outsource and hire technicians to perform most of the surgery for them, which results in poorer patient care.

As such, Dr. Amir Yazdan limits himself to one surgery per day so as to have total oversight and command of the hair transplant. He is committed to manual extractions using the smallest possible punch, which allows for maximum versatility, adjustment and natural-looking design.

How do you compete with this greed? You don’t. What ethical and honest businesses need to do is rise above the temptation, knowing that those operating sleazy businesses are really in the minority and that they stand a very good chance of being caught and punished; they are not likely to be happy with themselves and their lives, and are not respected members of the medical community.

Honest and hard-working hair transplant clinics need to cling tightly to their ethics, values and good character. The business model that is based on patient safety and long-term satisfaction – one that sacrifices profit for real and impactful results – is one that will inspire and lead others in the industry.

It’s our job and our duty to earn the trust and admiration of patients and show them how hair transplantation and hair restoration ought to be. At our hair restoration clinics in Orange County, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, we prioritize long term hair restoration results over quick fix procedures. We develop life-long relationships with our patients, many of whom return for advice and friendly consultation once a year, because we care about real life-changing results.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

The Importance of Medical Management of Hair Loss

hair loss prevention
Hair loss prevention is just as important as hair restoration surgery. When prospective patients come to Modena Hair Institute in Orange County, Beverly Hills or Las Vegas, they are primarily concerned with recovering or restoring their lost hair. Usually they’ve began to notice excessive shedding in the shower or thinning on the crown or frontal region when brushing their hair in the mirror. This triggers an anxious autodidactic (self-teaching) journey into the symptoms, causes and remedies of hair loss.
On that note, we always say that any research is good research. Patient review sites like Realself are invaluable guides to accurate vetting of surgeons and their clinics. We also recommend looking through the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS) database for a qualified hair restoration surgeon close to you.
Modena Hair Institute’s own Dr. Amir Yazdan holds strong affiliations with both of the aforementioned institutions.
View his IAHRS profile
View his Realself profile.
Now back to our story. After an initial internet study of pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) and other related hair loss conditions, prospective patients contact us with the singular desire of total restoration. They want to get back the thickness and volume of their 20s and 30s. We want to preach against this reactionary tendency.
While various forms of hair transplant surgery like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) can recreate and reestablish a beautiful hairline, this only tackles half the problem. Even though a hair transplant will place healthy, growing follicles into an area that has been affected by genetic pattern hair loss, it will not prevent the condition from advancing further.
Many fail to consider the equally important program of prevention and hair loss mitigation.

Unlike other common medical issues, hair loss is not a static ailment that can be treated and cured in one fell swoop. It is a progressive and life-long phenomenon that requires diligent oversight and consistent monitoring. Without some form of medical management to prevent further hair loss from occurring around the transplanted region, older hair follicles susceptible to shrinkage and thinning from a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (or DHT) can destroy all the restorative work so far done.
For this reason, all of our patients at Modena Hair Institute are provided a tailored hair loss prevention plan. One which takes into account their medical history, age, skin type, hair type and other essential variables.
Depending on the patient’s medical history, Dr. Yazdan may advise certain concentrations of minoxidil (Rogaine) and/or finasteride in conjunction with GroMD shampoo and Follicle Activator Spray. Such a combination has shown impressive results in hair regrowth and density in many of our patients.
We also employ non-surgical hair restoration techniques. Dr. Yazdan may recommend platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) mixed with stem cells to stimulate growth and promote healing. Other options we may recommend include laser light therapy, microneedling and scalp micropigmentation.
At our hair restoration clinics in Orange County, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, we prioritize long term hair restoration results over quick fix procedures. We develop life-long relationships with our patients, many of whom return for advice and friendly consultation once a year, because we care about real life-changing results.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Eyebrow Enhancement and Restoration

Eyebrows are perhaps the most defining feature on a person’s face. The shape of an eyebrow conveys emotion, feeling and attitude. If you have eyebrows that aren’t as thick or defined as you’d like, then eyebrow restoration may be the perfect option to consider.
At Modena Hair Institute, Dr. Amir Yazdan implements state-of-the-art surgical techniques to restore and enhance not just hair and beard imperfections, but eyebrow flaws as well. Surgical eyebrow restoration is a simple, minimally invasive procedure in which Dr. Yazdan harvests healthy, balding resistant hair follicles from the back of the scalp, chest or back area and plants them in the eyebrows, in the areas of need. The surgery can be used for enhancing existing sparse eyebrow or for recreating eyebrows in individuals who have lost their brows due to trauma, burn or accident.

Eyebrow hair loss is rare, but eyebrows with lackluster volume and faulty shape are all too common. There are many factors which can contribute to eyebrow imperfections. Over-plucking, medication, eczema, alopecia areata, and lupus are some common triggers of eyebrow hair loss. Excessive plucking is probably the most common cause of eyebrow hair loss and this is why most of the eyebrow hair transplant candidates are females. But many men over the last few years have turned to Modena Hair Institute for eyebrow restoration as well.
Many hair restoration clinics, even many good ones, are concerned only with selling hair transplants; we are about the person behind the hair transplant. At Modena we take just as much care considering the person’s aesthetics and proportion as we do the actual hair surgery itself.

If you would like to schedule a complimentary eyebrow restoration consultation, please contact our office today.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Running a Hair Transplant Clinic the Right Way

amir yazdan the bald truth
At Modena Hair Institute, we’ve written extensively on the need for greater consumer literacy and transparency within the hair transplant industry.

We even created and distributed a consumer alert module which details the medical qualifications and professional standards that any potential hair transplant patient should look for in a reputable clinic.

This month at Modena we saw a patient from Austin, Texas for a hair transplant repair procedure. Sadly, he had described an all-too-familiar situation, which involved an unlicensed, uncertified and inexperienced clinic, advertising itself as ‘best in the industry’. His hair transplant procedure left him with less density, transplanted hairs that grew in the opposite direction and a pluggy final look.

Consumer literacy needs to be at the heart of the new revolution in hair transplant efficacy and industry trust. There are thousands of online channels which may offer advice and insight into the hair transplant industry, but most will lack substance and authoritative rigor.

Some of the forums and channels we’ve vetted and found trustworthy are:

International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Realself
The Bald Truth

Dr. Amir Yazdan of Modena Hair Institute recently appeared on The Bald Truth to make further comments on consumer literacy and running a hair restoration clinic the right way.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Important Hair Transplant Questions and Considerations

hair transplant considerations
Although the finished result of a hair transplant is something to get very excited about, there is a lot of thinking that needs to be done beforehand – after all, this is a major aesthetic procedure, and one that should be conducted by a master specialist who shares your vision. Here are some key considerations to know, understand and process before undertaking a hair transplant procedure:
FUE or FUT?
The more original form of hair transplantation is follicular unit transplantation, or FUT, also called the strip method. This involves taking a strip of hair from the donor site and implanting it into the thinning or balding area. The hair follicles or grafts are then microscopically dissected from the strip and placed in the recipient area. The area where the strip was removed is closed using modern trichophytic donor closure techniques. When done properly, the scar is very fine and easily covered by the existing surrounding hair.
The FUE method, or follicular unit extraction, works by excising one hair follicle at a time from the donor area using a very small circular scalpel. These follicles are then transplanted one by one into the recipient area. When done properly and using the proper tools, these incisions are so tiny that once healed cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is why the FUE method of hair transplantation is sometimes called ‘virtually scarless’.
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of a hair transplant varies depending on what the patient desires, the difficulty of the operation, graft extraction numbers, and whether additional treatments are needed. The best way to determine the cost for your hair transplant procedure is to meet with a hair restoration surgeon for a consultation. During the consultation, make sure to estimate a reliable graft and overall price quote.
What If…?
The ‘what if’ question often goes unasked, but it is just as important as all the others. The ‘what if’ question relates to any risks associated with the procedure. Find out what they are, and what the clinic’s policy is regarding what happens if something goes wrong. It is a very rare thing, but every surgery has its risks, and hair transplantation is no different.
What Happens Next?
You must be prepared to carry out an aftercare regime once your initial procedure has been carried out. This is very important, as it will aid in the healing process and optimize your hair restoration goals. Find out all the details and be sure that you can stick to the plan before undergoing surgery.
What Will It Look Like?
If you are considering having a hair transplant, you will most likely have imagined and dreamed of what the final result will look like. Talk these ideas through with your surgeon and find out whether the look you want is achievable. You don’t want to be disappointed when you wake up from surgery, so this is an important discussion to have beforehand.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

A Cautionary Hair Loss Testimonial

modena testimonial
Hello all. This is Stephen, one of Dr. Amir Yazdan’s former patients. I write this letter to anyone who is considering getting a hair transplant – whether you’re hesitant, somewhat sure, or absolutely sure.
If you have stumbled upon my letter you are lucky because when I was in your position, I wish that such a testimonial had been written. One which describes all the errors and mistakes one can run into when trying to recover your sense of confidence. I urge you to read this letter and avoid the mistakes I made. I’m writing this letter because I need to. I know what hair loss can do to people. How it can affect every aspect of their life. How it can make them suffer at work, at home or in their social lives. How it can engender fear and insecurity. How it can change one’s whole attitude and approach to life. I’m here to say you should not spend one more minute letting hair loss rule your emotions and govern your feelings.
Secondly, and more importantly, if reading this letter helps even one person to avoid what I went through then my efforts will be successful. I was defrauded, I was mutilated and I was humiliated. I’m too scared to go public and confront the culprits so this is my way of dealing with what happened to me. I will carry the scars associated with my mistakes for the rest of my life.
In my early 20s I started to lose my hair and felt an agonizing insecurity around my peer group. The problems with my hair dominated my life. I studied all the options online and through people who suffered hair loss, there was not many and I went with what I thought was the best option. This is where my nightmare years began. It’s difficult still to admit but I was fooled by sales campaigns and sweet sounding rhetoric.
My ‘treatments’ spanned nearly ten years and I will just say that I also wasted large amounts of money. I started out by putting artificial hairs into my head. What a bad decision that was. They did not work, they caused regular infections, broke, fell out and looked totally unnatural. Even though I have since had them removed, these procedures have caused permanent damage to my skin.
The next thing I was sold was a bad hair transplant overseas. Although the initial results of my hair transplant looked promising, after almost a year it was clear that my appearance looks pluggy, unnatural and botched. Even more than this, this unnamed hair clinic overseas has left the back and sides of my head in permanent damaged scarring form. Whereas before I only suffered hair loss, now I was sporting a botched front hairline with visible scars on the back and sides of my head.
My story finally gets better when I discover Dr. Yazdan and his excellent hair restoration team. Miraculously he has slowly and artfully restored much of the damage done to my hairline over the past decade. My hairline has been improved on and the damage and the scarring at the back of my head has also been attended to as best as it can be. Dr. Yazdan was honest with me from day one and I appreciated when he told me that he could not do miracles, but assured me that he would do his best. He did not fail me on that promise. What also heartens me is that while there is not much more that can be done, the intimate contact and personal checkups will always be there.
I urge any readers, don’t let yourself be fooled like I was. Hair restoration is an expert’s business and only the absolute experts, like Amir at Modena Hair Institute, should be trusted to work on your hairline.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Hair Transplant or Micropigmentation: Which is Right for Me?

Male pattern baldness
When faced with a choice such as whether to have a full hair transplant or to opt for scalp micropigmentation (SMP) instead, it can take a while to decide. And that’s probably a good thing. Both of these procedures are serious and can take time to recover from, and should not be entered into lightly. It takes time and effort to locate an expert hair restoration practitioner and assess his or her strengths and weaknesses.
Therefore, weighing up the pros and cons of each and taking time to do so can make the decision easier and more informed at the same time.  The best option of the two procedures for you will depend on what you want as the end result – each one will (or can) look very different.
Scalp micro pigmentation is the process of tattooing ink into and onto the scalp in order to give the illusion of a shaved head rather than the reality of a bald one. No hair is required, and so for those who are entirely bald it is a great solution. However, the SMP will not feel like real hair, and it won’t grow either. Due to this, the only style available is that of a shaved head, and if you do have remaining hair you will need to keep this shaved as well so that the look is complete. SMP is useful for those who have lost hair in patches, as it can be used as a ‘filler’.
A hair transplant is a more complicated, more serious procedure. This is for men and women who are experiencing mild to severe hair loss and hairline recession. A successful hair transplant will leave you with a new hairline made up of your own actual hairs. There are no artificial tattoos, plugs or wigs involved. Strong and healthy hair is taken – usually from the back and sides of the head – and implanted into the thinning region of the scalp.
However, the end result will be that of a full head of real hair. This is achieved by using donor hair from elsewhere on the patient’s scalp and moving it to the place where hair is missing. This is therefore only possible if there is hair left on the scalp – a hair transplant cannot be achieved on someone who is completely bald. The hair created in a hair transplant should, all being well, continue to grow, and therefore the styles that can be created are much more varied than with SMP.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Getting Past Taboos – Simple Hair Restoration Options for the Modern Worker

hair restoration options
In a recent nationwide poll on aesthetic surgery, close to 20,000 American respondents named hair loss as one of the most feared aspects of aging. This comes as no surprise that men and women perceive hair loss as an embarrassing and frustrating occurrence. Yet, while there are less social and psychological barriers to going in for lip, hip or butt treatments, for example, many feel uncomfortable going in for a hair restoration procedure.
Yet many are not in need of hair transplant surgery or something similarly invasive but are only looking to curb further hair loss and shedding, and slow or reverse hair follicle shrinkage. Luckily there are a host of excellent, scientifically backed and proven non-surgical hair restoration therapies to profit from.
The first FDA approved medication for hair loss was Minoxidil, better known as Rogaine. Rogaine is a topical treatment now available without a prescription and can be found over the counter. Rogaine combats the dreaded DHT, which is found in both male and females and happens to be the number one culprit in hair loss. DHT shrinks hair follicles, dries out natural proteins and basically chokes hair to death. With Minoxidil’s excellent vasodilation properties, Rogaine combats DHT by swelling the follicles tiny microvascular structures.
Another strong hair restoration treatment, this time in an easy to use prescription medicine form is Propecia, or its generic name, Finasteride. Propecia is probably known as the world’s most effective hair growth product that’s approved by the FDA in treating hair loss. A clinical study showed 66% of men who took Propecia grew thicker or denser hair on the back of the head and 42% of men had a significant increase in the frontal hairline region. Remarkably, nearly all of the respondents announced that they had stopped losing or shedding hair altogether.
How does it work? Propecia inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha reductase in order to decrease DHT production. You may have heard of the not so pleasing side effect of a lowered libido, don’t worry men – this is a rare side effect that’s often exaggerated with only 1.8% of men being affected. At Modena Hair Institute, only about 1 out of every 100 patients report their sexual drive was slightly lowered.
Next, an option much more congenial and easier to mix into one’s routine: hair restoration shampoos such as Nizoral and GroMD – two high quality and high performing products on the market. Their active ingredients and proprietary blend of DHT blockers stop hair loss in its tracks, all while producing thicker, longer and healthier hair.
Finally, there is PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma treatments, which restores hair loss by converting hair follicles in the Telogen (resting) phase back into the Anagen (active growth) phase. ACell can also be added to PRP treatments to boost the effectiveness of the procedure by adding additional growth factors to jump start the healing, repair, and rejuvenating process of hair growth.
The National Institutes of Health have described incredible preliminary results from PRP, reporting that a “significant reduction in hair loss was observed between first and fourth injection. Hair count increased from average number of 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units.” PRP makes a great alternative for women suffering from hair thinning – as this is generally the first sign of their hair loss process. The New York Times also reports of one practitioner that the PRP procedure “gets results in 80 percent of patients, more than half of whom are female.”

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Who is Qualified to Perform Hair Transplantion?

qualified hair transplant surgeon
Due to a lack of sufficient regulation in the hair transplant industry, clients must be very careful. When talking with different clinics, look at the doctors experience, make sure you look at before and after pictures, talk with actual patients and find out about the experience of the technicians that will be assisting the doctor. In fact, on this last point, the importance of an experienced and technically masterful clinical team cannot be understated.
An Expert Hair Transplant Needs an Expert Team
Hair restoration requires a high level of specialized skill on the part of both the surgeon and the assistant team. Recipient-site problems can manifest from either surgeon or assistant error. The surgeon can create an unnatural hairline due to lack of knowledge of natural hair-loss patterns or badly executed recipient sites. He must also be cognizant of how hairs naturally are angled on the scalp to re-create a pattern that appears natural when making recipient sites. Assistants can also greatly contribute to the success or failure of surgery in their task of graft dissection and graft placement.
As hair restoration procedures grow in popularity and accessibility, there has sprung up a dangerous class of doctors and clinics who have no business even approaching a patient’s scalp. These clinics simply hire poorly trained or unlicensed technicians to perform substantial aspects of hair restoration surgery – this is both unethical and dangerous.
Unlike almost any other cosmetic procedure, an excellent hair transplant requires an excellent team. The surgeon is part of the equation, but he or she is not the sole player in the game. The surgeon is part of a dedicated and specialized team. At Modena Hair Institute in Newport Beach, Dr. Amir Yazdan is responsible for hairline design, donor harvesting and closure, and recipient site creation; Dr. Yazdan’s team, however, is responsible for graft dissection and placement. Having an excellent team is mandatory.
Almost any surgeon or physician can claim to do hair restoration, but very few do it well. An expert hair transplant surgeon will know if the client is a proper candidate for such a transplant, he or she will be very discerning about how to do the surgery, what will suit the natural structure of the face, and more. Knowing as much about safety regarding when to transplant and when not to is very important. We believe that good judgment must involve both understanding the medical aspects of hair loss (types of hair loss that you can’t operate on, medical management, etc.) as well as surgical expertise (artistry and technical skills). Finally, ethics is key.
Beware of False Advertising
Too many clinics have hard driving salesmen to push you to do a case that the surgeon might otherwise think is dangerous or inappropriate. Ethical judgment on when not to operate is very important. Some clinics will prop up an eloquent sales campaign and web presence to sell consumers a trap. Over the years we’ve sadly received many patients seeking to repair and correct the damage done by bad hair transplant procedures.
Understanding What You Need
At Modena we recommend being evaluated by a board-certified transplant surgeon like Dr. Yazdan to discuss your medical and family history to better understand the nature of your hair loss and possible treatment options. A careful and experienced hair transplant doctor will scrupulously plan, design and execute on coverage options which you will find most pleasing and attractive.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

How Much Coverage Will a Hair Transplant Give Me?

hair transplant coverage
Perhaps no question comes up more often in our hair transplant discussions and consultations than the question – how much coverage will my hair transplant give me? Will it give me full coverage?
Understandably, when a patient seeks to invest the time and effort into receiving a hair transplant, he or she would like to know just how much of a revival of hair coverage and density they are going to receive.
Hair Transplants Do Not Generate New Hairs
It’s important to remember what the hair transplant procedure involves. Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is the surgical re-placement and redistribution of existing hairs, usually taken from the back or side of the scalp, to areas that are balding or thinning. Those hairs on the scalp that are thickest and most resistant to hormones and hair-threatening enzymes are what will become the brand-new hair a patient receives. There is no such thing as magical creation or generation of new hair follicles in a bald patch or area of thinning – science has yet to reach that frontier!
Hair Harvesting and Coverage
The question of coverage is an impossible one to answer in the abstract because each patient and each scalp will require unique and different treatment answers. A follicular unit, or graft, contains 1-5 hair strands and on average there are 90-120 units, or 100-250 hairs, per square centimeter. It is estimated that around a third of all follicles in the donor area – the back or side of the scalp where hair is most resistant – may be extracted. So there is not an unlimited supply of ready to distribute grafts.
A patient can desire or require the near maximum number of grafts to be transplanted – around 6500 units – or only need to round out his temples or extend his hairline, which may require 1500 to 2500 units. Coverage depends on the patient’s needs, and it is rare for total baldness or thinning on the top of the head to be filled in completely by a hair transplant – the lack of substantial grafts to take from and area needed to be covered are too large.
Understanding What You Need
At Modena Hair Institute in Newport Beach, we recommend being evaluated by a board-certified transplant surgeon like Dr. Yazdan to discuss your medical and family history to better understand the nature of your hair loss and possible treatment options. A careful and experienced hair transplant doctor will scrupulously plan, design and execute on coverage options which you will find most pleasing and attractive.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

I’m in My 20s and I’m Losing Hair, Help!

losing hair in my 20s
First, you should try to find out what is causing the hair loss. Speaking with a board-certified hair restoration specialist is a great place to start. Also, remember that hair and scalp health are determined by three factors: genetics, environment and lifestyle.
Those are not in order of precedence of course. Many out there will say that some are ‘genetically doomed’ to lose their hair. It is true that we inherit our genes from our parents, but more often than not, we can inherit lifestyle tendencies from them too. So starting with an overall healthy lifestyle is key. Eat plenty of fibrous veggies, quality protein (both local when possible) and keep the junk food in moderation. Be active and outside as much as possible. Overall hygiene is important as a clean scalp is best for growing hair. Look for a sulfate and paraben free shampoo. We recommend the groMD shampoo and Follicle Activator Spray to all of our patients.
Wash your hair daily and especially after working up a sweat as DHT build up on your scalp will promote hair loss. The idea that you shouldn’t wash your hair every day comes from using low quality products. Once you have the basics covered then you can look at things that will build off of them.
At Modena, we always recommend early intervention for all people, young and old, who are suffering from hair loss, as the sooner one begins to treat thinning hair, the stronger hair follicles become and the more resistant one becomes to shedding.
It’s very important for patients with hair loss to use a combination of medical therapies, as they all work together in slowing hair loss. At Modena we may recommend PRP injections mixed with stem cells, alongside a multifaceted program to treat hair thinning and loss. Combining over-the-counter minoxidil treatments (Rogaine) with the groMD’s shampoo and Follicle Activator Spray has shown impressive results in hair regrowth and density in many young patients.

GroMD Shampoo, Conditioner, & Follicle Activator Spray

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is a breakthrough minimally invasive procedure that has been known to stimulate cell regrowth, slow hair shedding, and aid during the hair restoration process. Modena Hair Institute’s highly advanced version of PRP therapy includes fat derived stem cells which aggressively stimulates hair growth cycles, and helps with hair loss by increasing hair count, thickness, and growth speed.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

An Exclusive Recognition: Dr. Amir Yazdan Accepted Into the IAHRS

The Doctors TV show
As a long-standing member of the prestigious International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, board-certified physician, Dr. Amir Yazdan of Modena Hair Institute, is excited to be accepted into the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS).
The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons is the only society ever to be recognized by Consumer Reports, Consumer’s Digest and Web M.D. for its commitment to hair transplant patient education and safety.*
As the only IAHRS member in the Orange County and Las Vegas area, acceptance into the society demands practitioners meet high ethical standards, own decades-long experience and a visceral commitment to the art and science of hair transplantation. Its elite membership seeks to represent only the best in the discipline – the true leaders in the field of hair transplant surgery.
As we usher into the 2019 year, it’s important to review the implications of the growing popularity of the hair restoration and hair transplant industry. While new pioneering research and medical innovations have improved the way hair restoration is understood and conducted, many non-specialist clinics have opportunistically sought to seize a growing share of the market.

Accepted IAHRS Hair Transplant Surgeon

A host of clinics are offering FUE and FUT procedures as a menu item alongside breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and other peripheral cosmetic operations. As Joe Tillman of Hair Transplant Mentor warns: “These technicians aren’t even employees of the clinics, as many times they are simply outsourced technicians that come in to do the job and then leave when the job is done.”
This effectively means that patients act as guinea pigs for trainees who are operating machines that can barely execute a decent job. Operations of the aforementioned kind often result in gross, botched, or unnatural-looking hairlines.
Many clinics who have no business even approaching the scalp of troubled patients, are emboldened by the promise of easy money and a new source of revenue. Some even prop up an eloquent sales campaign and web presence to sell consumers a trap. Over the years we have sadly received many patients seeking to repair and correct the damage done by bad hair transplant procedures.
beware hair transplant black market
To prevent patient mistreatment and misinformation, Dr. Yazdan seeks to recommit himself to world-class hair specialization and expertise by affiliation with august institutions and prestigious societies like the IAHRS and ISHRS. Commitment to these societies is crucial to promising medical and surgical prowess of the highest purity.
Dr. Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the groMD hair restoration product line, and passionate advocate for patient care. As director of Modena Hair Institute, Dr. Yazdan has pioneered sophisticated hair transplant methods and instrumentation, specifically with regard to Follicular Unit Extraction. His hair restoration efforts have focused on patient care and post-op success.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

The Aesthetic Benefits of Micropigmentation

scalp micro pigmentation
Before – Thinning crown & After scalp micro pigmentation

There are tremendous aesthetic benefits to micropigmentation, only a few of which we will go over in this blog.
A growing number of working-class professionals are facing hair related problems like a receding hairline, excessive hair fall, thinning hair or pattern baldness. These problems can severely affect a person’s self-confidence. The hair restoration industry has been hard at work developing new and effective techniques to treat hair loss or hair thinning. One of the techniques to camouflage and invigorate a thinning scalp is called Scalp Micropigmentation or SMP.
What may look like a complicated treatment for hair loss, is actually what we can simply call a ‘hair tattoo’. SMP is a cosmetic tattoo that is done on the scalp, to give an illusion of a buzz cut on a bald head or fill in thinning portions of the scalp. It can be used to serve many purposes like camouflaging of scars on the scalp, provide a look of stronger and thicker hair and to create a look of cropped hair on your scalp. SMP also finds use in a number of different scalp conditions like scanty hair loss, alopecia areata, genetic androgenic alopecia, alopecia totalis, autoimmune diseases of scalp, alopecia universalis, lichen planus and some of the other types of scarring alopecias. Burn scars victims may also be great candidates for SMP.
Studies have found that about 42% of males between the age of 18-45 suffer from the problems of hair loss. Though the problem is more likely to grow as you get older, in some cases it can victimize younger people as well. In such cases, for men, the best way to go on is by adopting the ‘ruggedly bald’ or the ‘buzz cut’ look.
If you’re looking to improve your look while suffering from hair loss, then you could opt for Scalp Micropigmentation. SMP is performed by a hair restoration specialist and involves absolutely minimal time and recovery. Moreover, it needs next to no maintenance and you are free as soon as you leave the clinic to go about your normal routine!
Micropigmentation can be a tremendously beneficial and easy aesthetic solution for both men and women. SMP delivers great results in cases of thinning hair, where it provides an illusion of a full head, with thicker and stronger hair. As the picture above shows, thinning or baldness on the parting line or crown can be restored easily to its natural looking thickness!

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

When Hair Transplants Fail: Modena’s Patient Advocacy

why hair transplants fail
Many medical practices – both small and large – are laying claim to the art of hair transplantation. This is happening for a number of not-so-good reasons. Hair transplantation has grown increasingly popular in the last few years and is reliably conjectured to continue booming well into the next decade. As men and women grow more comfortable with the use of aesthetic procedures, especially those involving hair restoration, clinics of all cosmetic and surgical backgrounds are seeking to add hair transplantation to their menu of offerings.
This can spell disaster for would-be patients of those clinics, as well as established hair transplant practitioners who command a dynamic, erudite and prestigious background.
As visceral advocates for patient safety, we would like to highlight the most important points of verification when researching hair transplant doctors. First and foremost, find out the level of skill and expertise of the operating physician, and make sure they are board-certified. Salient features which define top hair transplant practitioners are:

  • Member of distinguished hair transplant societies like the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS) and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS).
  • Board-certified
  • Provides a thorough exposition of the surgical or medical plan. What will the surgery entail? What kind of grafting will take place? How many future sessions or appointments may be needed?
  • Substantial number of successful transplants performed. Willingness to share case studies and provide reliable testimonials.
  • Extremely patient friendly and easy to be around. They should not try to sell or seduce you into a quick and hasty decision.
  • Willingness to provide before-after photographs of the donor and recipient sites, so that you are very sure of the results.
  • Specializes exclusively in hair transplantation and hair restoration.

As director of Modena Hair Institute, Dr. Yazdan has pioneered sophisticated hair transplant methods and instrumentation, specifically with regard to Follicular Unit Extraction. His hair restoration efforts have focused on patient care and post-op success. Schedule a personal consultation with him today.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

How to Know If You’re Balding

going bald
With the average shedding patterns of both men and women being around 100 follicles lost a day, it’s important for everyone, young and old, to know what to look for regarding hair loss. Knowing whether you are losing a little more than 100 follicles a day or a lot more is often difficult to tell.
First things first, many people will overly frustrate their hopes and fears by exaggerating the thinning or shedding they see in the shower or after a look in the mirror. Some hair shedding and thinning (especially with middle aged persons and seniors) of hair density is normal and not indicative of an onset of balding.
The keyword here is some. Clear and visible hair thinning for someone in their 20s and 30s (not uncommon) should be a warning sign and something to be tackled with great proactivity.
For men, they can begin to notice the changes of hair loss in the texture of their hair. Usually it begins to feel finer and perhaps doesn’t seem to be growing as quickly. Many people assume that a receding hairline at the very front of the scalp is the first thing they should look out for when considering hair loss, but this is not always the case. The whirl on their crown and near the back of their scalp can often be the first places on the head which show signs of balding. Check for bald patches on the crown and the back of the head easily with a pocket mirror. Hold it behind your head, scan the area for signs of texture change, density loss or thinning follicles. Run your fingers or a comb through the crown, lifting and pulling to look for parting and lack of thorough diffusion and volume.
The frontal hairline, however, is also the most common area for men to show signs of recession and balding. Hair loss on the frontal hairline takes the form of the classic M shape where the hairline rises significantly at the temples and dips down in the center. Jude Law is a clear example of the M shaped recession line.
For a more extensive guide to male hair loss, click here.
For women, instead of a receding M shape on the front of the hairline as in men, their thinning hairline will begin to appear in the part line, right down the middle or at the curvature of the head. Minimal thinning can be hidden with styling techniques. As hair loss continues, women will notice a decrease in volume and noticeable widening of the mid-line part. Checking for signs of such parting are much easier for women than men because of the dominance and obvious largeness of the diffused thinning.
For a more extensive guide to female hair loss, click here.
How to Combat a Receding Hairline?
High-quality hair restoration products: groMD’s shampoo/conditioner and follicle activator spray is rich in Argan oil (liquid gold) and Biotin to help kickstart the Anagen (growth) phase of the hair life cycle. It also contains a proprietary blend of DHT blockers which helps to strengthen hair and extend the growing phase.
Rogaine and Finasteride: Topical treatments like Rogaine (also known as Minoxidil) help increase and keep the blood supply to the scalps network of capillaries and prescription-only pills like Finasteride (also known as Propecia) work by blocking enzymes that cause conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy: This therapy entails micro injections in the scalp which trigger cell growth and stimulate thinning hair follicles. PRP is loaded with growth factors that promote rapid angiogenesis and localized cell growth. The New York Times reports of one practitioner that the PRP procedure “gets results in 80 percent of patients, more than half of whom are female.”
Hair Transplant: For something more permanent, persons suffering from pattern baldness and great hairline recession can opt for the very successful FUE (follicular unit extraction) procedure which involves extracting follicles (typically from the back or sides of the head) with a micro-punch and then transplanting the uprooted follicles into the recipient site, i.e. wherever hair volume is desired. FUE is the most common hair transplant procedure and is less invasive than FUT or strip procedures, leaving almost no scarring. For an FUE procedure, the hair restoration specialist will consult with the patient to determine an appropriate hairline in order to produce a natural hair pattern and shape.

A Healthier Lifestyle: Stress is one of the most important factors that contribute to hair loss. It is believed that stress can disrupt the normal hair cycle and trigger hairs to enter the telogen or fall-out phase. Thus, when striving for faster hair growth, minimize the stress in your life. Eating a diet rich in protein and vital vitamins and minerals is an essential prerequisite to healthy hair growth. Opt for foods high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium. Argan oil, in particular, is extremely important for making your hair grow faster.
Hair loss continues in a fairly predictable pattern, so you can spot and combat it before ending up with partial or almost complete baldness.
For all matters hair contact one of our offices at 888-717-5273 or visit Modenahair.com.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and an advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Signs of a Bad Hair Transplant Practice

bad-hair-transplants
Hair loss has been a common concern for many individuals, especially those who are victims of a fast paced, hectic and stressful lifestyle. The most common hair loss issues, from thinning of hair shafts to androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) can lead to dramatic changes in appearance, irrespective of gender. Stress, hormonal fluctuations, vitamin and protein deficiency as well as steroidal medicines, are typically encountered to be the leading offenders for increasing evidences of hair fall.
In this regard, dermatologists have suggested many topical applications like Minoxidil, Finasteride, etc. or hair regrowth products like groMD shampoo and follicle activator spray. Others looking for a more permanent solution are more inclined towards a hair transplant procedure, which, if done by an experience hair restoration specialist, has a very high success rate.
However, in defining the success of a hair transplant, a discerning client needs to take into account many things:

  • The physicians technical ability
  • The physician’s artistic ability
  • The physician’s oversight
  • The physician’s track record and testimonials
  • The physician’s pre-op and post-op care/guidance

The success of a hair transplant should be judged by its imitation of nature, alignment, spacing, post-op scalp condition and overall patient satisfaction. Less successful black market-type hair transplants usually demonstrate two consistent elements:
Shallow Expertise
Technical skill can be noted as another decisive factor in determining the success rate of the hair transplant procedure. Hair follicles that have been extracted poorly generally tend to get dried up at a faster speed, which results in a higher chance of follicular death, immediately or after some time post-transplant. A poorly preformed procedure can also initiate a formation of bumps on the transplantation sites. An experienced FUE surgeon will use micro-instrumentation and delicate harvesting techniques to ensure maximum graft survival with virtually no scarring.
Shock Loss
In more than 15% of people who have undergone hair transplant treatment the phenomenon of ‘shock loss’ is being reported. It is generally associated with loss of natural hair as well as grafted follicles, due to limited oxygenated blood supply and nutritional supplement. As a result of which even normal hair as well as follicles can be lost in their telogen phase. But many expert hair restoration specialists know that shock loss most often stems from untrained technicians, overharvesting (either by man or machine) or poor post-op hair management. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is an extremely delicate, precise and intricate procedure which requires the utmost artistic ability and scrupulous eye.
For all matters hair contact one of our offices at 888-717-5273 or visit Modenahair.com.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and an advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

Hair Transplants in 2019

hair transplant 2019
In just the last decade or so, advancements in medical technology and medical management have reached incredible levels. Better prophylactic treatments responding to cancer, diabetes and endometriosis have been accomplished in 2018, for example.
More and more individuals today are also turning to medical aid to maintain their youthful features. Dental implants, vampire facials, botox and hair transplants are growing in effectiveness, safety and popularity. Many of these procedures require little downtime, lack of general anesthesia and offer immense facial aesthetic benefits.
A major study in Reuters explains: “One of the shining examples of [modern medical advancement] is the global market for hair transplant. According to the research report by MRFR (Market Research Future), this market will develop at Godspeed during the forecast period of 2017-2023”.
Barring exceptional cases of the hair transplant black market, the steadily increasing success rate of hair transplants (both FUE and FUT) has contributed to a growing demand for hair restoration services. Clients can effortlessly and confidently obtain sexy beard transplants, thick eyebrow transplants, full hair transplants and more. Embracing medical aids to enhance facial aesthetics is no longer a stigma-bearing activity, rather it is the way of the future. Enhancing facial and body aesthetics is not just an exclusive activity for celebrities anymore, but an integral part of modern self-help.
“According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), there were over 133,000 people who had hair restoration in the U.S. in 2016, and that was a 18% increase over the prior year,” writes the Medical Daily.
Some of the advancements taking place in the art of hair transplantation include:
Methodological Advancement: The ultimate end and aim of hair transplant work is to produce a natural looking hairline. Dr. Yazdan at Modena Hair Institute, for example, has developed and refined an advanced micro-punch device which harvests with minimal scarring and graft wastage. Advanced micro incisions also produce cleaner and faster graft extractions which result in more affordable and effective procedures.
Increased Hair Density: On top of a natural-looking hairline shape and growth pattern due to expert angle and direction determination, modern hair restoration specialists use powerful new tools to accurately understand hair shaft diameter, curl and texture.
Time and Healing: Decreased post-operative pain and a lack of visible scarring has allowed some patients to return to daily activities 1 to 2 days after the procedure.
At Modena Hair Institute our stringent process and careful handling ensures higher graft survival rate and thicker hair density. When grafts are planted between existing hairs, our hair specialists can clearly see the natural angle of hair growth and can perfectly position each graft to match the existing ones. This eliminates the risk of planning grafts too close to existing hair, giving patients a more natural look that lasts.
As the 2018 year comes to a close, we find ourselves very excited for the future of hair transplantation in 2019.
For all matters hair contact one of our offices at 888-717-5273 or visit Modenahair.com.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and an advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.

The Bradley Cooper Effect: Beard Transplants in 2018

bradley-cooper-beard
A nationwide survey in 2017 asked women how much facial hair, if any, looked best on a man. The majority of women answered that heavy stubble was the most attractive and light-stubble or clean-shaven was comparatively less attractive.
Of course sex appeal is not the only motive behind growing out a nice, clean and full beard – a man’s beard gives off many masculine and positive vibes. Confidence. Wisdom. Virility. Courage. Strength. The bottom line is that nothing quite says ‘I’m a man’ like a beard.
Yet up to 45 percent of men report being unable to grow out a full and even beard. If you’re having trouble growing a beard, or if your beard is not as full and as lush as you’d like, it can be frustrating. Patchy or uneven beards are an extremely common problem because the cheek areas have considerably weaker blood flow than the area of the upper lip and chin, causing less nutrients and beard-growth hormones to stimulate the region over time.
While some men try hair growth serums, minoxidil or other creams to counteract facial hair loss, more and more men are turning to the easier, more robust and more permanent option of facial hair transplants.
A facial hair transplant is a minor and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that takes hair from the back of the head and transplants it into the bald or patchy areas of the beard.
Dr. Amir Yazdan, head surgeon at Modena Hair Institute in Newport Beach, California, said he has seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of procedures over the last three years as beards have become more fashionable.
A facial hair transplant is a great option for men who seek a thicker and fuller beard because a client can fill in as much or as little as is needed. Moreover, the transplanted hair can be trimmed, shaved, and groomed just as you would other facial hair. The procedure is safe, fast and extremely effective – just make sure to partner with a proper hair restoration surgeon. More on that below.
A Note of Caution
While facial hair transplants can be an extremely effective and positive experience, partnering with a well-qualified and tenured hair restoration surgeon is very important. The difference between an expertly trained and experienced hair restoration surgeon and one with little expertise and experience will mean the difference between success and failure. Top doctors know well the horror stories of patients who are sold a cheap and sweet-sounding procedure, only to have their facial hair fall off or turn inflamed later.
An experienced surgeon will be tactful in his or her artistry when positioning and directing the transplanted hairs to fit your natural hair growth pattern. When doing research to find the right surgeon, make sure to ask these key questions:

  • Do you specialize in hair transplant surgery?
  • How many years of specialized experience do you have performing FUE and FUT surgeries?
  • How much actual work is done by you during the hair transplanting process?
  • Are you certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgeons?

As you continue on your hair restoration journey, know what to look for and what questions to ask. Your hair, your appearance and your confidence deserve to be in the most capable of surgical hands.
For all matters hair contact one of our offices at 888-717-5273 or visit Modenahair.com.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and an advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.