If you’ve been researching hair transplants, you’ve likely come across a picture or two of a sparse, plug-like looking hair transplant. When there’s lots of space in between hair follicles, more scalp shows through, creating a balding or thinning appearance to the hair. If you’re looking for a hair transplant, you’re likely looking to resolve balding or thinning as much as possible, not highlight it further by having scarcely place follicles across your scalp.
But just how dense should transplanted hair be?
Well, there isn’t a simple answer to this question.
The density of transplanted hair depends on two factors: the density of the surrounding healthy native hair and the hair transplant surgeon’s technique and ability.
With hair transplants, we strive for natural looking, full hair coverage. Therefore, you’d want the transplanted area to fit in and flow nicely with the surrounding areas, matching the density of the full, healthy-haired areas. This will keep the hair looking natural and keep you from looking like you had a procedure done.
That leads us to our second factor in density: the surgeon’s abilities. If a surgeon’s abilities or experience are lacking, you’re going to get the best hair transplant s/he can give you rather than the best hair transplant for you. This is why experience and techniques are so important when searching for a hair transplant surgeon. The punch size, placing by hand versus robotic assistance, and involvement of the surgeon will directly affect the density of the transplanted hair and the overall hair appearance. Over-sized punches, robotic tools, and the absence of surgeons during procedures are directly correlated to poor results such as a plug-like or thinly covered recipient zone.
Don’t let this happen to you. Ensure your hair transplant looks natural and appropriately-dense. Give us a call for a consultation today.
Tag Archives: balding
Why does body hair grow wild while head hair doesn’t?
We know that increased body hair growth and decreased head hair growth has to do with getting older. But despite popular belief, old age does not cause hair loss. This connection between hair growth and age has to do with the hair growth cycle and a pesky little thing known as DHT.
As we age, the hair growth cycle becomes effected by DHT due to an increased sensitivity. DHT is converted testosterone, which, when comes into contact with hair follicles, can cause hair loss over time.
But if DHT causes hair loss on the scalp, wouldn’t it cause hair loss on other areas of the body too?
Unfortunately, no. DHT has an adverse effect on the rest of the body’s hair follicles. It causes growth spurts throughout surrounding body hair follicles. This explains why our older counterparts have long eyebrows, ear hair, and nose hair.
Scientists do not yet know why DHT effects scalp hair differently than body hair. But research continues. If you suffer from hair loss, consider your options by meeting with a certified hair restoration surgeon.
Future cure for baldness and graying – studying the KROX20 protein
Researchers in the UK stumbled upon a possible cure for baldness and graying during cancer research.
While trying to understand the way tumors form and interact with nerve cells, they discovered a protein called KROX20. The protein is commonly associated with nerve development and is present in skin cells that are programmed to become hair follicles and hair shafts.
These pre-hair follicle cells produce a stem cell factor (SCF) essential for hair growth and pigmentation. In mice studies, deleting this stem cell gene turned mice’ hair white. Deleting the KROX20 protein resulted in an absence of hair growth and eventually, bald mice.
While scientists were aware that KROX20 and SCF were factors in hair growth and pigmentation, they were not fully aware to what extent and the degree of importance.
The newly discovered connections are promising news in the hair loss community, as there is currently no cure for this ailment that effects over 80% of the US men and 50% of US women throughout their lifespan.
Future research will continue and hopefully answer questions regarding the effects of KROX20 and SCF in humans. Further, scientists are hopeful that down the road, the research will offer implications and insight into human aging as a whole.
While the potential KROX20 and SCF cure for baldness and graying is still a ways-away, there are some current scientifically-proven options for those experiencing hair loss. Stem cells have been helpful in reversing recent hair loss and preventing future hair loss through PRP (platelet rich plasma therapy). And laser-light therapy has shown great results in male and female patients alike.
If you’d like to learn more about your up-to-date scientific hair loss options, give us a call for a medical management of hair loss consultation.
Men: here’s the secret to confidence and youthfulness
Self-esteem plays a huge role in our overall happiness and well-being. As we age, we can often feel insecure which brings our confidence down.
While both men and women suffer from self-esteem issues, women seem to have a lot more opportunities to regain their confidence. Whether it’s through clothes, cosmetic procedures, or a new haircut, there’s a huge market aimed towards helping women feel their best as they age.
Men, on the other hand, don’t have a lot of options for maintaining their youth and confidence. But what we do know, is that men’s hair plays a huge role in their view of themselves.
In a survey, the majority of men reported hair loss as a “major concern.” Even noting that they believed their hair loss was a “major concern” for the women in their life as well.
This same study found that men are extremely concerned with losing their hair. They reported it was directly tied to their self-esteem. In fact, the men stated that hair loss was more of a concern for them then losing their sanity.
It seems clear that men’s hair is the key to their confidence. This is not surprise, seeing as how the appearance of our hair drastically changes our appearance. Think: no hair versus a full head of hair, a receding hair line versus a lower one.
The health and fullness of your hair is directly correlated to how youthful you look. Men with more hair and a healthy hair line look younger, whereas lack of hair and a receding hairline instantly age you.
If you’re experiencing hair loss and suffering from lowered self-esteem, give us a call today. We can help you regain your hair, confidence, and youthfulness.
