Tag Archives: GroMD

Can I Grow My Hair Back Without a Hair Transplant?

PRP Procedure

You’ve read the title – it’s a question we get from time to time from potential patients who might have been told miracle stories or are just generally curious. To get straight to the point, there are very effective and scientifically-backed hair restoration products, such as Rogaine, Propecia and GroMD Shampoo and Conditioner – but these admittedly great products are mainly employed to slow hair loss and stimulate slight growth. 

The short answer is no. There aren’t really any non-surgical options to grow your hair back in a comprehensive and thick way. Hair transplantation – meaning the transplantation of hair grafts from places on your scalp that grow plenty of hair to those balding or thinning spots you worry about – is the only effective way you can permanently combat hair loss. 

This fact, however, doesn’t stop a lot of commercial clinics from trying to sell you on non-invasive hair growth treatments. The market has seized upon the fact that hair loss is a highly sensitive reality for both men and women. Promises of ‘hair growth’ are slapped on to everything from coconut oil to dry shampoo brands.

Patients can often spend thousands of dollars on treatments and products that do little or nothing to stimulate hair growth. Here at the Modena Hair Institute we’ve looked into many of these options and even battle tested a few of them. We are in the business of helping our patients achieve a full head of hair and are willing to try anything new that seems promising. And sometimes, new methods come along that are worth trying out. 

This has been the case with using platelet rich plasma injections (PRP). We have seen incredible results in offering PRP to our hair transplant patients. Ultimately we believe nothing compares to a hair transplant performed by an experienced specialist. Most patients who try other options eventually arrive at the same conclusion. Why waste thousands of dollars trying to take what seems to be an ‘easier’ route if it results in greater hardship? It breaks our heart to hear patients tell us how they feel they were misled. How thousands of dollars that were wasted could have been spent on permanent restoration instead.  

Perhaps part of the problem is that the word ‘surgery’ is not quite the right term when it comes to medical hair restoration. It’s not even close to being a surgery in the sense that most people imagine it. There are no hospital gowns, no doctors in scrubs, no scalpels or (visible) scars. Your hair restoration procedure, while lengthy, feels more like a long stay at your hair salon than a medical procedure. You recline, you watch TV, you chat with your surgeon and otherwise pass the time. Every once in a while, you change position depending on what area is being worked on. After all this, you go home and spend a few days watching some more TV, taking care not to disturb your new hair grafts. That’s it. The rest is just a bit of patience until your new hair grows in. 

Your recovery takes one or two days at most, although some people take time off from work for a week to ten days so as not to invite any questions about the small red dots on their scalp. Once these miniature dots scab over and fall off, no one will see that you had anything done. Over the next few months the change will be so gradual that no one will realize what happened. Except that you will start hearing that you look great.

Save yourself the time and money and disappointment of trying to coax your hair into growing with lotions, potions, and other miracle cures. Instead of trying non-surgical hair loss treatments that don’t work, find out if you’re a candidate for hair transplantation and go straight to the solution that works. To get started, see our virtual consultation module.

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 Six Most Common Causes of Hair Loss (and their treatments)

hair loss treatmentMale-pattern baldness – ie. genetics – may be the most talked about and dreaded of hair loss types, but there are many other causes that lead to hair loss.

Board-certified Southern California hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Amir Yazdan, regularly sees patients who suffer from many different types of hair loss, and it’s not uncommon for patients to be surprised at their diagnoses. The internet can be a rich source of opinion and information – but it can never accurately assess and diagnose a unique and personal hair loss situation. To get to the root of one’s hair loss problem, you need the expert eyes and technical prowess of a specialist in person.

The most complained about cause of hair loss is male pattern baldness, also known as hereditary hair loss or androgenic alopecia, as it frequently causes visible signs of loss and impacts about 70 percent of all men in the United States. But there are also five more to watch for if you’re wondering what is causing your hair loss.

  • Androgenic alopecia: This cause is typically identified by its predictable pattern of progression. In men, loss appears as a receding hairline and a bare patch on the back of the head. Women typically experience increasing overall thinning. A hair transplant that gathers healthy grafts from loss-resistant areas of the scalp and fills in areas where too much skin is showing is a common and effective method for combatting this problem.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Major fluctuations in body chemistry can trigger hair loss, and many of them have to do with significant life events, such as getting pregnant, giving birth, or entering menopause. While those are all women-focused hormone shifts, men go through a transition known as andropause. Fortunately, a shift may be due to something as simple as diet. Unfortunately, testosterone, estrogen, and other chemicals may be off-kilter due to any of a variety of medical conditions, including thyroid problems.
  • Medical conditions: Autoimmune diseases like lupus can account for hair loss, making a medical diagnosis particularly important in many cases. Most hair-loss-causing health conditions, such as diabetes, also have other symptoms, so a doctor should consider the patient as a whole when determining the cause of loss.
  • Infections: Ringworm – a fungal infection that doesn’t actually involve worms – can cause hair to fall out if it develops on the scalp, and it’s not the only skin condition that can lead to bald patches. In the case of infections, usually no hair transplant is needed, a good antibiotic will do the trick.
  • Medications: Chemotherapy is the most obvious example in this category. Natural growth typically resumes after the treatments resolve, whether they’re regular doses of chemicals to fight cancer or herbal remedies intended to help with pain.
  • Traction alopecia: Hair that is styled in a harsh way. Most common among African American men and women who tie their hair into tight braids. Men who have hair long enough to put into a ponytail or wear a similarly pulled-back style may lose hair to the act of gathering the hair together and tugging it tight into a band.

Treatments (for each type of hair loss)

For androgenic alopecia, non-invasive therapies may slow the progression of hair loss, but only a hair transplant will provide permanent (ie. decades) coverage and relief. FUE or FUT are the gold standard. In hair transplantation, hair follicles are taken from areas of the scalp that are resistant to androgen and transplanted into areas that are androgen dependent.

Remember (!): The aesthetic effectiveness of the hair transplant varies depending on the expertise, experience and ability of the surgeon.

For hormonal imbalances, infections and medications invasive surgery is usually not needed, as when the imbalance clears up so does the robustness of the hair growth cycle. Instead, topical treatments like Rogaine or orally ingested Propecia are two non-surgical methods of treatment that help slow the rate of hair loss and to promote fuller hair growth. 

For traction alopecia, choosing the right treatment plan will depend on whether or not the damage to the hair follicles is reversible. Upon first noticing the effects of traction alopecia it is necessary to put into practice looser hair styling practices. It is at this stage that we recommend a potent cocktail of Minoxidil and GroMD shampoo and conditioner.  Both of these potent medical therapies serve to block DHT (the hair follicle killer) and enhance blood flow to the scalp.  Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication.

Research has indicated that the majority of men who use the medicine consistently demonstrate a deceleration in hair loss and a re-growth of miniaturized follicles.

GroMD products are also boosted with Saw Palmetto, Stinging Nettle and Licorice Root Extract, all DHT blockers found in nature. This product also contains caffeine and menthol to dilate the blood vessels around each hair follicle for improved circulation. Ultimately this therapeutic program will stimulate dormant follicles and allow vital nutrients to reach every hair strand. 

If hair follicles are permanently damaged, however, they will no longer be able to grow new hair. At this point, hair transplant surgery will be the best way to restore normal coverage.

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.

Dandruff or Dry Scalp?

dandruff or dry scalpLast week a young man with a thick head of hair, aged 23, came into our hair restoration clinic in Orange County desperately seeking clinical help. The problem? Although he had a beautifully full head of hair, it was riddled with white flakes. He said he didn’t know where else to turn. That he is in extremely good physical and mental shape, minds his fruits and vegetables, and always practices good hygiene. His personal and professional life cause him no undue stress and he rarely, if ever, doesn’t get a full nights rest. At first he thought he suffered from a temporary bout of dandruff, but as the weeks turned into months turned into years, the presence of white flakes only grew larger and more numerous. Giving up on styling his hair because it would result in chunks of white flakes clumping up on the top and sides of his head, he turned to wearing baseball caps and beanies almost everyday. 

It’s clear: the problem our young friend suffers from is dry scalp.

While both dandruff and dry scalp display similar symptoms, they are very different in nature, and require different treatments. Dry scalp usually stems from a lack of moisture in the air. Colder and drier climates often cause the scalp to suffer as such. From there, your scalp becomes irritated, causing skin to flake and shed. If your scalp is dry, skin on other areas of your body may be as well. Dandruff, conversely, is caused by excess oil which causes skin cells to build up and, overtime, shed – or flake off.

Combating Dry Scalp with a DHT-Blocking Shampoo

The first and immediate response to combating dry scalp is to wash your hair daily with a gentle, natural and DHT-blocking shampoo/conditioner mix that 

  1. Reduces the oil build up on the scalp
  2. Heals inflammation and redness
  3. Fights follicle miniaturization

The shampoo we stand behind and recommend is GroMD. When using GroMD’s patented DHT-blocking shampoo, the process of washing your hair is a bit different. The powerful ingredients in the shampoo need time to absorb into your hair and scalp, so it is important to let the lather sit for several minutes before you rinse out. In addition, GroMD’s DHT-blocking shampoo also acts as a conditioner. Using a DHT-blocking shampoo and conditioner is one of the best ways to deal with dry scalp, and when combined with minoxidil, pattern hair loss as well.

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.

Is Hair Loss Reversible?

is hair loss reversable
It depends. Certain causes of hair loss such as stress (telogen effluvium) and hormonal changes during pregnancy are reversible and easily treatable.
However, certain genetic conditions like male and female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) are not reversible without surgical intervention. However, if detected early enough, certain medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride, or potent DHT-blocking shampoos like groMD, can help halt the progression of thinning hair.
Non-Reversible Types of Hair Loss: Pattern Baldness
Male and female pattern baldness is an inherited, genetic condition thought to be caused by changes in the levels of hormones, notably androgens, that affect hair growth. While men develop thinning hair around the crown and a receding hairline, women most often notice thinning around the part or near the very top of the scalp.
Though there are ways to treat its effects, hair loss from androgenic alopecia is permanent. For people who want to tackle pattern baldness with a permanent solution, hair transplant surgery is the only real option. During hair transplantation, hair follicles will be grafted or transplanted to thinning areas of the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth.
Reversible Types of Hair Loss
There are several other types of hair loss. Many types of hair loss are reversible in certain situations. In the sections below, we will explore these types of hair loss and how patients can reverse the effects.
Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Related Hair Loss)
This common type of hair loss occurs when the body has a shock response. For example, this condition can be the result of a crash diet, pregnancy, or another physically taxing event. It can also occur during a particularly emotional or stressful time.
Telogen effluvium causes the hair to temporarily stop growing and enter a resting state. When these hairs shed in a few months’ time, the results are typically quite noticeable. Fortunately, this condition can be reversed by eliminating its culprit.
Many women experience mild hair loss following pregnancy. Most people who suffer from this type of hair loss only experience temporary hair loss and their hair will usually resume its normal growth cycle once they alleviate the cause of their stress. Once you have gotten rid of your stress, you should notice significant improvements in your overall health, in addition to your hair growth.
Traction Alopecia (Styling and Tension-Related Hair Loss)
Traction alopecia is a loss of hair caused by repeated tension or stress on the hair and its follicles. This type of hair loss is most often the result of styling one’s hair using tight weaves, cornrows, ponytails and braids.
It’s estimated that that traction alopecia affects roughly one-third of women of African descent.
It is, however, important to note that traction alopecia can happen to anyone regardless of their ethnicity or age. For example, it’s quite common among Caucasian gymnasts and ballet dancers as well as other sports professionals who have to wear tight ponytails or buns for lengthy durations.
Giving your hair a break from any style that might cause tension is the primary treatment for traction alopecia. Individuals should also avoid exposing the affected parts of your scalp and hair to excessive heat and chemicals.
Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)
Individuals with alopecia areata develop hair loss as a symptom of autoimmune disease. In fact, this condition occurs because the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Though treatment can be dependent on the overall health of the individual, many patients see considerable regrowth after PRP therapy or strategic medical management.
Contact Modena Hair Institute Today
No matter what type of hair loss you have, our clinic can help address the problem. We offer a wide range of hair restoration treatments, from medications to surgery. During a consultation at our practice, we can help determine a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment contact us online or give us a call at (949) 374-2563.

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.

Treatments for Traction Alopecia

traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is a relatively common condition, but one that is very avoidable.  Traction alopecia is caused by the hair being repeatedly pulled, usually by wearing tight ponytails, buns or braids. Hair extensions are also a common cause of traction alopecia, as they can tug tightly on the roots of hair follicles.
Ultimately, anything that tugs repeatedly on the hair can damage the root and lead to hair loss. Only you will know how often and how tight you wear your hair. The tighter the hair is styled and the more often it is compacted, the likelier symptoms of traction alopecia will appear.
The condition is particularly common amongst African-American men and woman, given the cultural dominance of weaves, braids and extensions. Traction alopecia is widely reported as the most common form of hair loss in the African-American community.
In the early stages, traction alopecia can appear as small lesions on the scalp. Redness, itching and soreness on the scalp are key signs of the beginning stages of traction alopecia. Eventually, you’ll start to notice broken and missing hair, typically around the hairline. The good news is, if it’s spotted early, traction alopecia can be treated and reversed.
Wear your hair down as much as possible or wear it in a looser hairstyle – keep changing your hairstyle to avoid putting repeated strain on the same area of the scalp. If you use hair extensions make sure its attached in a minimally traumatic way, or try to wear them for shorter periods of time and give your hair a break between wearing them. It can take some time for the hair to grow back, but if you treat your hair as gently as possible during this period, there should be no lasting damage.
However, if there is significant hair loss, or scarring, it’s worth visiting a medical professional.
Treatment for Traction Alopecia

Choosing the right treatment for traction alopecia hair loss will depend on whether or not the damage to the hair follicles is reversible. Upon first noticing the effects of traction alopecia it is necessary to put into practice looser hair styling practices. It is at this stage that we recommend a potent cocktail of Minoxidil and GroMD shampoo and conditioner.
Both of these potent medical therapies serve to block DHT (the hair follicle killer) and enhance blood flow to the scalp.
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication. Research has indicated that the majority of men who use the medicine consistently demonstrate a deceleration in hair loss and a re-growth of miniaturized follicles.
GroMD products are also boosted with Saw Palmetto, Stinging Nettle and Licorice Root Extract, all DHT blockers found in nature. This product also contains caffeine and menthol to dilate the blood vessels around each hair follicle for improved circulation. Ultimately this therapeutic program will stimulate dormant follicles and allow vital nutrients to reach every hair strand.
If hair follicles are permanently damaged, however, they will no longer be able to grow new hair. At this point, hair transplant surgery is one way to restore normal coverage by transplanting healthy follicles to the areas in need of coverage. You can read more about hair transplants here.

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.

Treatment for Early Signs of Balding

early signs of balding
The progressive nature of hair loss causes its sufferers to experience a mounting sense of dread and anxiety over their aesthetic deterioration. Responding to early signs of balding is often performed in panic and haste, but we’re here to advise the contrary. Know that tens of millions of men and women worldwide are experiencing hair thinning and loss right now. And that advances in the hair restoration industry in response to this universal phenomenon have been extremely fruitful.

For example, just in the last few years, platelet-rich plasma treatments for women have shown remarkable clinical results in decelerating hair loss.

Medical therapies like PRP and stem cell therapy – solutions which would have seemed unthinkable a few years ago – are now proving to fight hair loss better than ever possible. There are also strong proactive topical treatments like groMD follicle activator spray and groMD shampoo/conditioner, if mixed with finasteride or minoxidil, that can halt hair loss to a large degree.

Signs of Balding
A conspicuous absence of density near the widows peak and front temple are often the first signs of hair loss among men.

Excessive shedding in the shower or after sleep are also beginning warning signs for both men and women.

Loss of density on the crown and on the top of the head among males can often occur before anywhere else.

Among women, perceived visibility on the scalp where hair is often parted is usually a first sign of pattern baldness.

Study Yourself in the Mirror
Before rushing to search for remedies online or getting in touch with an expert in the hair restoration marketplace, look in the mirror and pull your hair back from your temple areas. Is there clear evidence of follicle miniaturization on the front ‘V’ pattern of your scalp and widows peak? If so, you are very likely experiencing early signs of balding that may lead to major hairline recession if not treated

Still more detailed, place a mirror above your head and towards the back near the crown, can you perceive areas of the scalp covered with little to no hair? If so, you have likely progressed beyond the early stages of hair loss and are advancing on the Norwood scale.

Treatment Options for Early Signs of Balding
Now that you’ve established that a more-than-normal amount of hair loss is occurring, and that a change in lifestyle or diet will likely fail to halt the progression of your hair loss, it’s time to consider the strongest treatment options to fight early signs of hair loss.

Perhaps the most well-known medical treatment to mitigate hair loss is finasteride. Finasteride blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. Taking a daily dose of finasteride, in pill form, sold under the brand names Propecia® and Proscar®, has been clinically proven to re-grow hair in 65% of men and slow hair loss in virtually all patients.

A popular and proven topical treatment to fight hair loss is Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Rogaine®. Minoxidil stimulates inactive follicles and decelerates hair loss and follicle miniaturization. Minoxidil is usually applied via liquid or foam.

While finasteride and minoxidil are powerful treatments in helping to slow hair loss, they are costly, require lifelong commitment, and may have negative side effects. GroMD shampoo and conditioner and groMD follicle activator spray is simple and easy-to-use, free of sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals, so everyone can adopt a light daily regimen that prevents hair loss. GroMD’s fortified and expertly refined DHT-blocking formula is enriched with growth-factor peptides and proteins, as well as anti-inflammatory mediators and anagen growth stimulators. Treatment with the groMD system has led to a significant increase in thickness and hair density in some patients.

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.

Thinning at the Back of the Head – Help!

male hair thinning
Thinning hair at the top or crown of the head is extremely common for men as they age. So common is this reality that 85% of men will experience some kind of thinning as they age.

The good news is that barring certain cases of total baldness, men with a receding hairline or thinning crown have access to numerous medical and surgical solutions.

Is Treatment Likely to Grow My Hair Back?
Based on clinical data and institutional results complied at the Modena Institute of Orange County, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, levels of regrowth vary from significant to moderate, with almost all patients experiencing increased coverage.

At the very least, effective treatment will slow thinning hair down and neutralize the dreaded descent into total baldness. For those experiencing progressive hair loss or follicle miniaturization year after year, even basic hair loss stabilization – which is the minimum to be expected from hair loss treatments – will be seen as a success. Early and immediate action is therefore imperative.

Treatments for Thinning Hair
FUE hair transplantation is the most intimate, effective and permanent solution to hair thinning in males. A minimally invasive procedure, follicular unit extraction (FUE) is virtually painless, undetectable and permanent. The procedure involves the removal of hair follicles, one by one, from hair-rich donor areas which are then transplanted to the thinning parts of the head. We encourage any interested readers to sit down with a board-certified hair restoration specialist who can properly evaluate your hair loss situation, based on factors like your medical profile, hair loss condition, and aesthetic outcomes. Finding a true expert and specialist of the craft can be tricky, so check out our guide to finding an ethical expert in the field.

GroMD’s specially formulated shampoos and conditioners are designed to enrich and maintain any hair type, keeping the scalp in a healthy and vibrant state. We may also prescribe finasteride to help promote hair regrowth, as well as other topical treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine). Such a topical program can restore shrunken hair follicles and encourage them to produce thicker, stronger hairs.

Planning for the Future
When involved in a Modena Hair Institute hair loss regime, it is important to keep in contact with Dr. Yazdan and his California offices so that he can make sure that your thinning hair is being treated as safely and successfully as possible. You will receive routine maintenance calls from Modena to track the progress of your treatment and share timely updates on the status of your growth.

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.

After the Transplant: Taking Care of Your New Hair

As it goes with any major medical procedure, the long-term success of your hair transplant isn’t guaranteed once the doctor successfully completes the task. Hair transplant care is what we’ll be discussing in today’s article.

You see, while their ability to perform the transplant is objectively crucial, the way you treat the transplanted area on your own time will affect the healing and results in many ways.

Whether you’ve received an FUE or FUT procedure, your work starts the night of the surgery. Since you may experience discomfort for the first 24-72 hours after your procedure, we here at Modena recommend our patients take 800 mg Motrin/Advil (over the counter) at home in case of mild pain.

We also recommend patients avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours after the surgery, as well as steering clear of heavy foods during that time, since over consumption may cause nausea. Instead, we recommend you pick up lighter meals & snacks while drinking plenty of water.

Swelling can be caused by any kind of surgery, and while our patients generally do not experience much of it, we recommend icing (either ice packs or frozen corn/peas are acceptable here) your forehead for 24-48 hours to reduce any potential swelling. You can do this 4-6 times per day for 20 minutes each round. To clarify, do not ice the transplanted area.

There also shouldn’t be any crust, significant pain & discomfort, or heat coming from the transplant area, so make sure to contact the clinic that did the procedure if this begins to occur.

As you might have expected, the process of washing your hair will be something to pay close attention to during the two weeks after your surgery. Firstly, you can’t begin shampooing in general until the day after your post-op appointment. You should only use a gentle stream of water at that point, though, and avoid getting the fingernails involved in any way.

You shouldn’t do any aggressive manipulation with your fingers until at least 7 days have passed, and only start shampooing with gentle circular motions, preferably using groMD shampoo, after a full week has gone by since the hair restoration surgery. After 14 days, though, you can feel free to wash your hair as you usually do.

Starting from the day after the procedure is done, we also highly recommend using a follicle activator spray, such as the one offered by groMD, 3-6 times per day for 2 weeks post-operation.

Another suggestion we give our patients is to sleep laying down on their back.  Some doctors recommend laying up, but we don’t think it makes much of a difference.

We recommend your heart rate shouldn’t get above 100 for a full 14 days after the procedure, so even light exercises like lengthy walks should be limited. As for more intense exercises like swimming, running, climbing & others, we strongly suggest waiting around two weeks. Why, you ask? Well, an increased heart rate means increased pressure around your scalp area, and that means the potential of grafts getting dislodged.

For that same reason, you should also avoid bending too far over (keep your head above your heart) for a good 72 hours.

Sometime, patients who have received this procedure at outside clinics complain of many small pimples that pop up on the head in the first couple months.  This is generally uncommon and a sign of a poor hair transplant procedure. Get yourself evaluated immediately if you find you’re experiencing this, as it can create cysts and infection in the long run.

After any hair restoration procedure, there is a very small possibility of temporary thinning afterward known as Shock Loss. This is generally very uncommon in our practice, and when it does happen, it’s usually less than 5-10% of hair loss in the recipient area.  

If a hair transplant is done especially incorrectly, you run the risk of permanent hair loss. This especially occurs when the person doing the procedure uses large incisions to create recipient sites; when they create these large recipient sites, they end up damaging the surrounding follicles, causing irreversible hair loss in turn.

As far as when patients should expect their results to appear, we offer a clear timeline. The hair follicles should begin shedding 1-4 weeks after the transplant takes place. The grafts will start to grow after 3-4 months, and results should start to show after 6 months. Full results can be expected after a year to 18 months.

We know we just gave you a lot of information at once; it won’t all take after you hear it for the first time. We understand that here at Modena. We have offices in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills & Las Vegas where we specialize in FUE and FUT hair restoration  surgery, and we dedicate our time to answering any questions our patients have about the hair transplant process.

When you come in for your procedure at Modena, you can rest assured that you’re in experienced hands. Dr. Yazdan has been performing hair transplants for years, and he’s been featured on popular shows like Dr. Phil & The Doctors to teach people about the science & processes behind these procedures. This expertise, combined with his ability to assist patients after it’s all said & done, means that you can be confident in the health of your new hair for a long, long time.

You can find his offices in Newport & Beverly Hills in California, as well as Las Vegas. Be sure to schedule your consultation today!

Is It Time for a Second Hair Transplant?

second hair transplant
Perhaps the single biggest fear hair transplant patients have is continued hair thinning five, ten or twenty years down the line. We deal closely with hair loss patients in Orange County, Las Vegas and Beverly Hills to tackle this exact problem.
The art and science of hair transplantation has reached such aesthetic and technical success over the last few years, that many may have forgotten to take precautions concerning future follicle miniaturization and loss.
While hair transplants can and do provide excellent restorative results by adding incredible thickness and volume to the scalp, it must be understood that it does not treat the causes of hair loss. Hair loss is not the result of hair disappearing suddenly, rather, it occurs slowly and develops progressively in stages. Hair grows thinner each time a hair sheds and enters the growing phase and with every cycle the hair continues to miniaturize, until finally disappearing.
Most people are unaware that up to 30% of male hair transplant patients end up having a second procedure done. This is because while the transplanted hair from the first procedure remains permanent, men can carry on losing their natural hair, resulting in gaps and prominently thinning areas.
As such, there are situations where a second hair transplant session is both important and necessary.
For many men and women who enjoy the great aesthetic highs of a successful hair transplant, they can be caught off guard by what to do with future hair thinning. Being in close contact with a great hair restoration specialist is very important here. Your doctor will assess the balding parts on the scalp and begin to plan just how to restore your natural hairline and combat those receding areas with skill and far sight.
Others may consider a second hair transplant not because of any great bout of thinning or loss, but because of a desire to add more grafts (density) and cover the thinning areas better. Since there is a logistical limit to just how many donor follicles one may successfully transplant during a first operation, it may be wise to return 10 months later for a follow up procedure.
Finally, hair transplant patients will do well to mind other very strong non-surgical options which can keep their hair strong, retentive and thick. There is medical management of hair loss that may include stimulants to encourage hair growth and topical solutions which can thicken your hair. Hair restoration shampoos like GroMD can help reduce shedding and protect and nourish the scalp. Other options include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a breakthrough non-surgical hair restoration treatment that has been known to stimulate cell regrowth and significantly reduce hair loss patterns.

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.

When Is It Time to See a Hair Loss Doctor?

As is the case with many health issues, most people start on the road of proactive action only after significant symptoms begin to appear. Hair loss is no different. Given the very gradual and subterranean (hidden) nature of hair loss, many men and women who find excessive amounts of hair shedding on their pillow or in the shower simply chalk it up to an abnormal occurrence, and not something indicative of future loss.

Over the last decade at our hair clinics across California and Nevada, we’ve come across thousands of patients who all tell the same story: although I noticed excessive shedding and hair follicle miniaturization, I felt blindsided by the extent of my hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies, high stress levels, unhealthy lifestyle choices, traumatizing hair care regiments and genetic disorders are all common causes of hair loss and pattern baldness. The average hair loss sufferer has little to no background knowledge of the causes and origin of his or her hair loss, and so is helpless in their road to aesthetic restoration.

If you are noticing hair miniaturization at the temples, thinning of the crown or just lots of general shedding, it’s imperative that you correctly answer the question: ‘what is the cause behind my hair loss?’ For the wrong treatment or action taken towards treating hair loss could further the damage or pose unnecessary health risks. As such, if you are noticing signs of abnormal hair loss, you’ll want to contact a board-certified hair restoration surgeon as soon as possible.

Control and Prevent: Medical Management

Once you’ve set up your first consultation with your hair loss doctor, expect to receive a brief biographical and physiological examination. Many think that they have to go straight to a surgical option when choosing a hair loss restoration treatment, but an experienced and reputable hair loss doctor will exhaust all non-surgical options first before recommending more invasive solutions.

Usually if your hair is thinning, the doctor will like to start you on a medical management regiment. Your doctor may recommend taking biotin, iron or other supplements, or massaging 5 percent minoxidil into your scalp once daily. With many younger patients, Dr. Amir Yazdan recommends “combining over-the-counter minoxidil treatments (Rogaine) with GroMD shampoo and Follicle Activator Spray as well as Nizoral shampoo has shown impressive results in hair regrowth and density”.

Hair Transplant

Depending on the severity and extent of your hair loss, going in for a hair transplantation may be the strongest and most effective solution. Medical management of hair loss is important, but it’s objective is to control current hair thinning and prevent further loss, not grant you a new hair line. A hair transplant, on the other hand, can give you that life changing hair line that you desire and restore any ailing confidence. A good hair restoration surgeon, working alongside the patient’s aesthetic goals, will identify the best areas on the scalp for transplantation and touch up. Flawless artistic design is as important as technical precision when it comes to a successful hair transplant, so make sure you ask to see past results or testimonials.

The two types of hair transplant are the follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplant (FUT or Strip Procedure). The former procedure involves the use of a micro-punch circular blade that individually harvests follicles from the donor area and places them into the desired areas. FUE has come to be seen as the gold standard of hair transplantation due to the extreme precision, fragility, complexity involved, and its ability to consistently deliver natural looking results. The latter procedure – FUT – involves the surgical transplantation of a strip of donor hair from the back of the scalp. From the donor strip, naturally occurring follicular units, usually groups of 1-4 hairs, are dissected into natural groupings under a microscope to preserve every follicle and then transplanted into the desired regions.

There are indeed other options to consider as well, such as platelet-rich-plasma therapy, scalp micropigmentation and Low-Level Laser therapy.

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.

A Short Guide to Hair Loss for Men in Their 20s


If you’re in your 20s and your hairline is starting to recede, the most likely culprit is something called androgenic alopecia, better known as male pattern baldness. But don’t panic. You are not alone! Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss and almost 25% of men start seeing symptoms in their 20s.
The bad news is that male pattern baldness is a genetic condition. There is nothing you did to cause it. It’s in your genes. Your family history also affects the age when you begin to lose your hair, how fast you lose hair and, ultimately, the extent of your baldness.
The good news is there have been extensive medical advancements to slow, stop and even reverse the progression of hair loss in certain men. So, if you notice your hair falling out or the early stages of a receding hairline, what should you do?
First things first, we recommend sitting down with a (board certified) hair restoration specialist who can properly evaluate your hair shedding or hair loss situation, based on factors like your medical profile, hair loss condition, and stage of shedding. Finding a true expert and specialist of the craft can be tricky, so check out our guide to finding the right one for you.

PRP Procedure at Modena Hair Institute

The initial consultation will be to see how your hairline and hair density has changed and will change in the next few years. Forecasting how your receding hairline or shedding patterns change will grant you and the physician a better understanding of the effectiveness of different hair restoration treatments, be they surgical or otherwise.
The key to slowing hair loss in your 20s is early intervention. Given the relatively young age of the client, board-certified physician, Dr. Amir Yazdan, may recommend PRP injections mixed with stem cells, alongside a multifaceted program to treat hair thinning and loss. 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.
Moreover, combining over-the-counter minoxidil treatments (Rogaine) with GroMD’s Follicle Activator Spray has shown remarkable results in hair regrowth and density.
GroMD Shampoo, Conditioner, & Follicle Activator Spray

We know intimately the feelings of frustration and defeatism that can stem from early hair loss, many of our patients and colleagues have went through it. But we believe that hair loss is optional.
If hair loss is negatively affecting your quality of life or self-esteem, contact our hair restoration experts at Modena Hair Institute today to learn about your treatment options and take the first step toward restoring your hair and your confidence.
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.