Tag Archives: Hair Loss

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Understanding Alopecia Areata

April 11, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, causing unpredictable hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. While alopecia areata is not life-threatening, it can have a significant impact on self-esteem and quality of life. In this post, we’ll explore the key aspects of alopecia areata, including its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, to help individuals better understand and manage this condition. Our Offices and Dr. Yazdan specialize in treating patients who suffer from Alopecia Areata and similar auto immune diseases using advanced protocols developed by world renown hair restoration surgeon Dr. Yazdan.

Alopecia areata occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and hair loss. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is not fully understood, but genetic factors, environmental triggers, and immune system dysfunction are believed to play a role. Individuals with a family history of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes, may have an increased risk of developing alopecia areata.

The hallmark symptom of alopecia areata is the sudden onset of round or oval-shaped bald patches on the scalp, typically measuring a few centimeters in diameter. These patches may appear overnight or gradually over a period of weeks to months. In some cases, hair loss may also occur on other areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard. While the affected skin is usually smooth and without any other signs of inflammation, some individuals may experience itching, tingling, or discomfort in the affected areas.

While there is no cure for alopecia areata, several treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and promote hair regrowth. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and individual preferences. Common treatment options for alopecia areata include:

Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections are often the first-line treatment for alopecia areata, as they can help suppress inflammation and stimulate hair regrowth in affected areas. These injections are typically administered directly into the bald patches Dr. Yazdan has a full treatment protocol for individuals suffering from alopecia areata which includes steroid injections and should be performed immediately. Local patients can always contact our Newport Beach or Las Vegas locations for treatments.

Topical Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth in mild cases of alopecia areata. These medications are applied directly to the affected skin and may be used in combination with other treatments for optimal results.

Alopecia areata is a complex autoimmune condition that can present unique challenges for individuals experiencing hair loss. While there is currently no cure for alopecia areata, various treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and promote hair regrowth Such as PRP treatments with ACell offered by Dr. Yazdan at Modena Hair Institute in Newport Beach.

If you want to explore a hair loss solution or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the merits of different hair loss treatments, please contact us at Modena Hair Institute today for more information. At Modena Hair Institute we pride ourselves on consistently providing our patients with the highest standard of custom hair restoration treatment available, directly tailored to their individual needs. Dr. Yazdan is eagerly awaiting your visit or digital consultation. Contact us today!

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My Hair Transplant Results After 1 Year

October 15, 2022 Amir Yazdan Leave a comment

It’s now been 12 months since I had my hair transplant at Modena Hair Institute and Dr. Yazdan and his team kindly asked me if I could detail my thoughts and feelings about the entire process. I happily said yes. If I help just one person feel understood and comfortable with going in for hair restoration I will have succeeded.

First let’s go over cost.

The number of grafts I had done was around 1,500. The price I paid was close to $8,000. This is alot of money, but if you know anything about hair transplantation, you get what you pay for. I had done plenty of research (believe me, it was a headache) before I chose to go with Dr. Yazdan. My hairline had been thinning and receding for years, and it was going quickly, I knew if I wanted to keep my hair and not go bald, I had to get a procedure that was no-nonsense and highly specialized.

Second, let’s look at the results!

Many people ask me, “Ray, are you happy with it? Are you happy with the results after a year?” My answer immediately is, “Yes! Just look at it.” I tell them. Compared to what my hair was like before, the 1,500 or so grafts that Dr. Yazdan spread across the crown and hairline practically revived my masculine look. Compared to what my hairline was like before (see ‘before’ picture below) it wasn’t looking good – it was almost impossible to style and my widows peak was so deep that I couldn’t hide it behind any comb style I could try.

As for the new hair transplant, the only downside I would site is it took close to 8 months for my hairline to look like it’s most natural and grown-in self. The results are not instant, but this is hardly a downside considering the results are permanent and gorgeous. You do have to be patient – the truly beautiful results won’t show themselves for 6-9 months afterwards (results may vary).
Let’s talk follicles. Going in I had no idea about the importance of what’s called ‘follicular units’. A follicular unit can contain up to five strands of hair. At the lowest count, however, one follicular unit can contain one strand of hair.

Part of the job of Dr. Yazdan during the surgery was so survey which units or grafts had the best and most numerous strands, and how they would best suit my new hairline. I had the impression that FUE hair transplantation was simply taking one unit from the back and placing it in the front. Dr. Yazdan would take the richest follicular units and place them aesthetically and strategically to form the new crown. This is another instance where you get what you pay for. Clinics usually charge per graft, and therefore come to the same rate, but the outcome depends entirely on the strategy, eye and expertise of the surgeon.

During my post-surgery consultation, when I asked Dr. Yazdan about the potential for more hair transplants in the future, he assured me that I was safely prepared to have more if I wanted to, because there were plenty of good grafts remaining at my donor site for future harvesting.

Let’s talk about styling

Choosing a hairstyle that adds more volume to your hair is always best if you are thinning or bald in any area of your scalp. A common hair style after a hair transplant is combing the hair forward (if you have a large widows peak) or backwards (if the crown is thinning).
The longer your hair grows, the more coverage you will have. When hair is combed backward, it can be helpful in covering the thin areas behind the transplanted hairline. Using gel or wax to hold your hair in place is a good choice. Also, finding a hairstyle that involves blow drying your hair is a great way to make it seem like you have more hair than you do.
A great way to add more to your hair thickness is scalp micro pigmentation. I will be returning to Modena Hair Institute next year for a full scalp micro pigmentation session to add the appearance of thickness! (It also alot cheaper than a hair transplant, and requires no recovery time, so I’m excited for the quick tune up).

Finally I want to emphasize: do your research!

Make absolutely sure that you’ve gone through both online and offline records for the clinic, their credentials, reviews and look at case studies done by the surgeon who would be treating you.
I started by talking about why the high price tag for the procedure (in my eyes) was worth it. I am so happy with the results and with the level of detail and expertise Dr. Yazdan provided. I can’t believe I will feel confident with my hair for another decade to come.

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Health Health: What is your Hair Telling You?

February 22, 2021 admin Leave a comment

Your hair is an important indicator of both external and internal health issues. Whether external skin issues or internal hormonal imbalances, hair thinning or hair loss is a direct sign that something is going on.

You should pay attention to how your hair feels, look and how easy it is to style. Often when hair symptoms point to larger and more prominent problems you shouldn’t avoid or ignore the possibility.

There is good news, these symptoms often can provide you with an easy view into what’s happening within your body early on which gives you the chance to take action before it gets worse.

One of the signs that something could be wrong is a change in the amount of hair you have. While thinning hair is not uncommon as most people lose from 50 to 100 strands each day, if you should notice your hair is thinning, it may be a good time to examine what may be causing it.

Hair restoration specialists know that one common reason for thinning hair as a symptom may be the presence of a hormone imbalance or autoimmune conditions. When the hormones in your body are not regulated it can affect the growth of your hair and how much hair you shed. Autoimmune diseases occur when your body’s own immune system begins to fight off its own cells. If your hair is thinning or shedding rapidly, it may be due to these key areas of concern.

Your hairs strength is also a good indicator of your health. If your hair is breaking or thinning or perhaps just not growing health strands then that is an indicator that there is an underlying problem. Breakage and thinning occurs when the hair follicles are not getting the nutrients they need to grow properly. The hair you get is less strong and prone to breakage. Why is this happening? There can be several reasons for it. The most common is the nutritional deficiency. What you eat really does have an impact on the way your hair looks and feels. Certain types of nutrients help your hair grow strong and healthy. Vitamins like D and B are necessarily for healthy hair and not getting enough of them can cause your hair to thin.

Finally, there are times that your hair may be communicating to you that there are very serious health problems going on. Hair loss that is significant can be an indication of high levels of stress, especially if you are losing hair in patches around your scalp. Hair thinning can be an indication of psychological stressors as well. Hair falling out in patches on the scalp may be an indicator for alopecia areata. Take a close look at any changes that occurred over the last couple of weeks or months and see if there is any correlation with things you have changed about your lifestyle, diet or living habits. If so, seeking out advice from a hair loss professional on treatments and therapies for hair loss prevention should be a top priority.

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.

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Rogaine: Uses and Limitations

October 6, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Your hair is falling out and you want to stop it. What should you do? Many men in this position turn to drugs like Rogaine for hair restoration. However, does Rogaine actually work? What is to be gained from Rogaine?

Rogaine is the trade name of the drug Minoxidil which was developed in 1963 by the Upjohn Company as a vasodilator. One of its side effects was discovered to be hair growth. Hair growth was a side effect of Minoxidil, but not in all cases. A recent study in the ‘American Pharmacist’ has shown that Rogaine only works in about half of all cases. Moreover, any hair regrowth affected through the use of Rogaine is often swiftly lost again if the drug is discontinued.

As nice as it would be to simply be able to rub some foam onto your scalp and then suddenly regrow a full and youthful head of hair – Rogaine has proved to be ineffective for treating hair loss in isolation, without supplementary restoration aids.

Technically speaking – Rogaine’s properties as an anagen agonist may increase the rate and thickness at which new hairs grow back, however increased DHT circulation to the scalp due to the drug’s vasodilation properties, quite often results in men losing more of their hair than the drug is capable of restoring.

The use of various inactive ingredients such as preservatives, binding agents, texturisers, colors and scents also lead to many of Rogaine’s unfortunate side effects such as itchy scalp, irritation, and aggravated hair loss to name some of the most common.

Rogaine and other Minoxidil derivatives can be more effective when taken alongside other vitamin rich and DHT blocking formulas. A premier hair growth shampoo like groMD regenerates hair growth with a special formula containing rich vitamins, oils, minerals and fats. The use of hair growth shampoo on hair helps to reduce protein loss in both damaged as well as undamaged hair. GroMD is rich in lauric acid and has a high affinity for hair protein and easily penetrates inside the hair shaft, which is due to its low molecular weight.

Moreover, if true hair restoration is sought, Rogaine simply can not match the effectiveness, comprehensiveness and permanency of a hair transplant. A hair transplant may seem more intimidating than the ease of treatment offered by Rogaine, but, as the old adage goes – you get what you pay for. Investment in a quality hair transplant is never wasted and the results are yours for life.

If you want to explore a hair loss solution with a near 100% effectiveness rate or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the merits of different hair loss treatments, please contact us at Modena Hair Institute today for more information. At Modena Hair Institute we pride ourselves on consistently providing our patients with the highest standard of custom hair restoration treatment available, directly tailored to their individual needs. Dr. Yazdan is eagerly awaiting your visit or digital consultation. Contact us today!

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Traction Alopecia: The Basics

October 6, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Hair loss is preventable. While male pattern baldness is genetically predetermined traction alopecia is not. But what is traction alopecia? Quite simply, traction alopecia is hair loss caused by excessive pulling or traction on the hair follicle and, if caught early, is fully reversible. Aggravated traction alopecia, however, can lead to irreversibly damaged hair follicles and permanent balding.

Who is at risk for traction alopecia? The simple truth is: anybody with hair. When hair is pulled in the same way for a long time the resulting stress may cause damage to the underlying follicles. Repeated pulling and strain on hair follicles will damage then and cause strands of hair to fall out. Typically, receding receding hair begins around the forehead, temples, or nape of the neck. Early signs include a widening of the hair parting and patches of thin or broken hair in places where the hair has been under strain and abrasive patches of scarred skin in more advanced cases along with redness, itching, ulcers and/or infections.

Anyone who wears their hair pulled back tightly, in a ponytail, in braids, dreadlocks, cornrows ect. is at risk. Hair extensions, which are glued or tightly tied to the base of the hair, may cause tension at the hair roots and consequent traction hair loss. Moreover, traction alopecia can also occur when tight headwear or sports helmets are used on a daily basis. Occasionally wearing tight hairstyles should not prove problematic. A certain degree of daily hair loss is normal – between 50 and 100 hairs in a 24 hour period, which are usually replaced by new hair growth in healthy individuals.

Unlike other forms of hair loss traction alopecia is not caused by genetic or immune factors. It is a common condition among ballet dancers and sports professionals who wear tight buns or ponytails for long periods of time and may affect both children and adults. However, it is more common in older individuals whose hair follicles have naturally weakened over time.

The good news is that, if caught early enough, treatment for traction alopecia can be as simple as changing your hairstyle. Avoid tight hairstyles whenever possible.

Avoid or limit harsh chemical products which may further weaken hair follicles.

If hair has not regrown after a few months of reduced strain, the hair follicles may be damaged. If there is substantial scarring visible, the hair may be permanently damaged and unable to grow back. In severe cases, hair transplants are the only option.

If you fear that you may be suffering from traction alopecia or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the nature of your hair loss, please contact us at Modena Hair Institute today for more information. about restoring your hairline or to discuss any questions you may have regarding our available procedures. At Modena Hair Institute we pride ourselves on consistently providing our patients with the highest standard of custom hair restoration treatment available, directly tailored to their individual needs. We are open for in person or digital consultations. Contact us today!

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Hair Restoration Surgery for Younger Patients

July 31, 2020 admin Leave a comment

What can a young man do about hair loss? This is a question our clinic has heard before from several distressed individuals. Unfortunately hair loss doesn’t have an age limit and symptoms of male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) can begin to manifest as early as the teenage years. It can certainly appear jarring and feel distressing when a young individual suffers from a condition commonly, but wrongly, associated with the elderly. College and workplace stress is often a contributing factor that leads to many young patients noticing the first signs of hair loss. However, it is important to note that while stress itself does not necessarily cause hair loss, it can activate and accelerate the underlying genetic factors which govern male pattern hair loss. Patients who suffer from thinning hair during the course of their college years are often quite eager to restore their hairline before entering the career world.
As psychologically distressing as hair loss can be at a young age the situation is by no means bleak. Young patients are often in their physical prime and as such make excellent candidates for hair transplant surgery. Young patients can expect to heal quickly and to grow thick, healthy and natural looking transplant hair with very little fuss or risk of complications. However, we must note here that young patients, and doctors, ought to approach hair transplant surgery in a somewhat different manner than is typical. It is essential to understand that androgenic alopecia is a progressive condition and that hair transplantation, by its nature, is a static solution. Hair transplant surgery can easily replace hair that has already been lost, but it does not prevent further hair loss in untreated regions of the scalp.
The secret to winning at chess is to try and think three, four, five, or even more, moves ahead of your opponent. For a variety of reasons hair transplant surgery in young patients must be approached with careful judgement and a certain sensibility of long-term strategic thinking- very much like a chess game. Consider that all patients have a finite amount of donor hair available for surgical harvesting; also that the results of a hair transplant are permanent. Therefore, a hairline designed for a 20 something must be done in such a way as to still appear natural when the patient reaches their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. A conservative approach to hairline recreation is therefore essential.
A low, flat hairline, characteristic of youth, may sound like a good idea for a young person in need of a hair transplant; however, such a hairline is unlikely to age well and may also call for the use of more grafts than is feasible to maintain. Having exhausted most of the available donor regions on the front of the scalp the patient will be left in the awkward situation of being unable to restore the middle and crown regions in the highly likely eventuality that such should become necessary. Considerations of this nature mandate that young patients and their consulting doctor make wise use of the donor area’s finite capacity.
Moreover, young patients should accept that multiple surgeries likely will be required to maintain a full head of hair over the course of a lifetime. This is not as daunting as it may seem at first. The initial procedure will likely be the largest while subsequent ‘touch up’ FUE procedures may be required later; also the results of a hair transplant are permanent and will provide excellent coverage for as long as further balding in untreated areas does not occur.
Regarding the subject of preventive hair loss medications like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil) which many young patients have used to treat their hair loss it must be stated that medications and surgery are not mutually exclusive. Many patients take medications before, during and after hair restoration surgery. Such an approach helps to slow the progression of hair loss and to maintain the integrity of actively thinning regions of the scalp. Remember, however, that the usefulness of medications is limited and that results vary widely from patient to patient. Also medications are unable to fully stop hair loss or to regrow previously lost hair, some medications also come with unpleasant side effects; surgery is the only 100% effective solution for restoring one’s scalp to it’s full and former glory.
For more information about restoring your hairline at any age or to discuss any questions you may have regarding our available procedures, be sure to contact our hair restoration center today. At Modena Hair Institute we pride ourselves on consistently providing our patients with the highest standard of custom hair restoration treatment available, directly tailored to their individual needs. Dr. Yazdan and his team of specialists are eagerly awaiting your visit or digital consultation. Contact us today!

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Hair Loss in Teenage Girls

May 10, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Our confidence and self-esteem are often deeply entwined with our personal appearance. This is true for all of us and provides an important motive for carefully monitoring and attending to our health. However, teenage girls in particular often find that hair loss can be a particularly emotionally devastating experience. Hair loss, therefore, at such a critical and formative period of life should be handled promptly and with the utmost seriousness.
It is important to understand that a certain amount of hair loss is entirely natural. It is normal and healthy to shed between 50 to 100 strands per day as your hair goes through an ongoing cycle of growth and rest. New hairs grow back in the same follicle replacing and renewing older hair which are lost.

There are several potential causes that may underlie excessive hair loss in teenage girls. Here at Modena Hair Institute our specialists are well prepared to provide you or your loved ones with a variety of personalized hair loss treatments. After carefully considering the causes of the problem we will be sure to provide an individually tailored course of therapy addressing your specific needs.
Thankfully, hair loss in teens is usually temporary and the hair can be expected to grow back once the underlying causes are addressed. However, in cases of serious hair loss, patients may suffer from thinning, bald patches and clumps of hair falling out; an undoubtedly distressing and uncomfortable experience for the young.
Let’s take a moment to discuss some of the most common causes of hair loss in teenage girls.
Vitamin deficiencies can be particularly detrimental to one’s health. If our bodies lack the essential vitamins and nutrients needed to feed and restore our cells hair loss and related complications are likely to occur. Some of the most important vitamins for maintaining healthy hair are B1, B2, C and Iron; a teenager deficient in one or more of these vitamins has an increased likelihood of suffering from hair loss.
The teenage years are a time of change. Puberty in particular is accompanied by hormonal fluctuations. Since the operation of hair follicles is regulated by hormones such fluctuations may affect hair growth. While any hormonal imbalance can be damaging an imbalance of the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is particularly related to hair loss. However, the good news is that, with proper treatment, hair should begin to grow again once the hormones are balanced out.
If a hormone imbalance has been ruled out it is important to understand that a patient’s hair loss may signal a border medical issue. In particular, diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, and polycystic ovary syndrome can affect the body’s natural hair production cycle. Teenagers with such conditions are at a much higher risk of developing hair loss. Moreover, high fevers, the recovery period following surgery and PTSD have all been noted to occasionally cause temporary, but significant, hair loss.

Chemotherapy drugs are well known to often carry this unfortunate side effect. Consult with your physician before changing any medications if you feel they might be related to your hair loss or that of your child.
Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia as well as extreme or poorly thought out diets can cause significant hair loss. Good nutrition is vital to hair health and the body, deprived of protein, vitamins, and minerals and other important nutrients, will struggle to support and sustain proper hair growth.
Another unfortunate cause of hair loss is the psychological condition of trichotillomania involves a compulsion to pull out one’s own hair. Trichotillomania often leaves sufferers with large bald patches; seeking help from a medical professional is imperative for those struggling with this condition.
Another common cause of loss is often easy to overlook. Styling, straightening, braiding and coloring are fun of course, but all of us must be careful not to damage our hair in the process.
Excessive heat from blow dryers and hot irons as well as the harsh chemical products involved in dying, bleaching, perming and straightening hair can all cause serious damage. Even certain hairstyles like braids and tight ponytails can contribute to hair loss. Excessive force and tension applied to the hair follicles can result in traction alopecia, a serious condition which may cause permanent damage.
Thankfully, there are many easy ways in which teenage girls can prevent or combat hair loss.
Some important guidelines to keep in mind are:

Eating a nutrient rich diet high in protein and essential vitamins, to avoid extreme diets and unscientific dieting trends and to stay hydrated.
Limit the use of harsh chemical hair styling products and dyes. Put the blow dryer away, let your hair air dry instead; brush your hair gently and avoid styling it when wet.
Have yourself checked for vitamin deficiencies and hormone imbalances, do your best to reduce stress and give yourself frequent, but gentle, scalp massages.

Hair loss in teenage girls can have a profound impact on their self-image and general well being. If you or your loved ones experience hair loss, please contact us for a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan.

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Hairline Design: How Hair Restoration Specialists Acheive Amazing Results

April 20, 2020 admin Leave a comment

We all agree that first impressions matter. Your hairline, in a very real way, makes your hair’s ‘first impression’ to the world and has a profound effect on your facial appearance. As such, the Modena Hair Institute’s team has extensive experience helping patients to conquer hair loss with the latest cutting-edge surgical treatments. As always, individual factors will play a role in determining the course of your treatment. Age, gender, facial shape, racial and/or ethnic background, and the extent of the hairloss are all factors which Dr. Amir Yazdan at Modena Hair Institute will take into careful consideration when planning your individualized course of treatment. With a little consideration anyone can achieve remarkable, natural-looking results through surgical restoration and recreation of their original hairline.
How Hair Restoration Specialists Acheive Amazing Results
There are many ways in which hair transplant surgeons may design and recreate a patient’s thinning hairline. Consulting past photos of patients before their balding is an invaluable reference point for achieving optimal results. These old photos will be studied to achieve a better idea of what your hairline was like. Consulting reference photos are a great help in producing natural results and in convincingly recreating your appearance.
Proper hair density also must be taken into account. As your hairline is your hair’s ‘first impression’, specialists may focus first on the density of your frontal hairline rather than on the crown of your head to achieve ideal results. The hair grafts must be staggered too, rather than distributed evenly, for natural and aesthetically pleasing results.
Finding your restored hairline’s ideal position is also important and there are many key decisions to be made. A hairline placed too high or too low on the forehead will lead to unappealing results. Individual hairlines are also seldom perfectly straight and our specialists have found that often angling the restored hairline up or down is necessary for achieving the most natural looking results.

In designing the curve and overall shape of your hairline, specialists will also take into account the shape of your face. For example, people with wider faces tend to have better results with a wider arching hairline. Conversely those whose facial features are more narrow often find that ideal results are achieved by designing a narrower curve for the hairline. The most natural looking results occur when the hairline compliments the natural shape of a patient’s face and our specialists are here to help you find the ideal aesthetic proportions of your restored hairline.
The angle of the individual hair grafts can make all the difference when it comes to natural looking results. If the hair grafts are poorly placed, the hair may seem to sprout in all directions. Carefully considering the angle of the hair in a given part of the scalp can help improve the overall results of the restoration procedure and make the hairline look totally natural.
Along with designing the ideal shape of your restored hairline comes the proper placement of the individual grafts. Proper placement of hair grafts is one of the most important factors in achieving natural looking results. Poorly placed hair grafts will seem to grow in all directions. Consequently, at Modena Hair Institute in Southern California and Las Vegas, we take the angle of hair into careful consideration when working on your hairline to ensure that the results look completely natural, healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
Experience Matters
Hair restoration is a science and an art. With the many factors and considerations that come into play, it’s vital that you work with the best hair restoration specialists In pursuing the course of your treatment. Years of experience in the aesthetic process of hair restoration will help our team of specialists to design the best restored hairline for you. Their equally extensive experience in the particular and practical aspects of hair restoration surgery will then easily make that design, and your hair restoration dream, a reality.
Contact an experienced hair restoration specialist today for more information about hair restoration surgery and how it can help you and your hair achieve their best look for your best life. The team here at Modena Hair Institute looks forward to your visit and to discussing these issues with you in a personalized consultation session.

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Monthly Hair Growth Rate of Following Hair Transplantation

April 13, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Hair transplants are one of the most effective options available for those pursuing surgical hair loss treatment. Here is some important information to consider should you embark upon this course of treatment. While many patients are well pleased by the excellent results yielded by hair transplants, it is still good to keep in mind that the treatment’s full results will take several months to become noticeable.
Knowledge is power and knowing what to expect, especially after a surgical procedure, can help remove any worries you may have. Patience pays off, and most doctors and patients agree- the results are well worth the wait. With this in mind, let’s have a look at the monthly growth of hair transplants after surgery.
This information pertains on a general level to the monthly growth cycle of both follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedures.
In the initial weeks you may experience some temporary hair loss of the newly transplanted hair following surgery, but don’t be alarmed! This is very typical, and no cause for concern and the hair follicles will begin a new growth phase in the coming months.
Generally speaking, patients should expect to notice new hair growth about three months after the procedure. Every case is unique, so some individual’s growth may occur sooner than three months following treatment while, for others, initial growth may occur slightly later.
The thinner density and lighter color of the new hair growth as compared to your donor sample is a natural part of the restoration process. This, quite simply, means that the new transplanted follicles are healthy. Color, thickness and quality of the hair will continue to increase in the coming months.
Around the six or seven month mark after surgery, you should notice a clear improvement in follicle strength and quality, as well as steady hair growth in the transplant area.
At around eight months after surgery some patients may even achieve their final results, others may require a few more months. However, all patients should expect a steady improvement in hair quality throughout the coming months.
Final results should be apparent about one year after surgery as transplanted hair should achieve it’s full and final density. This is the moment you have been waiting for! Telogen effluvium and density related issues and any other side effects should all be resolved by this point.
So in summary:
Stage 1: The Initial Phase of Telogen Effluvium – After the first two months upon a successful operation, patients will experience a temporary hair fall, a condition called Telogen Effluvium.
Stage 2: Steady hair growth (2 – 5 months) – Beginnings of new hair growth! These hairs are very soft and look like new baby hair. Patients should not weary as it is a natural process of growth, which will invariably become thick in subsequent months.
Stage 3: Consistent Hair Growth phase (6 – 7 months) – At this phase, there is a noticeable consistent hair growth with a better texture. It is not the final stage; however, patients will still experience an improvement in the growth and texture of their hair.
Stage 4: Phase of Remarkable Density (8 – 9 months) – After 8 months, patients will experience a drastic improvement in the growth and quality of their hair. Some can get the ultimate growth at this phase, even without the assistance of their physician.
Stage 5: Full follicle growth achievement (10 – 12 months)
Dr. Yazdan’s unparalleled skill and experience in hair restoration procedures has helped many of our patients achieve the full head of hair they desire.
We invite you to contact Modena Hair Institute to Learn More.
If you are interested in learning more about your hair restoration options, schedule a consultation at our practice. Dr. Yazdan can design a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and concerns.

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Is Hair Loss Reversible?

March 9, 2020 admin Leave a comment

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.

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How Much Density Will a Hair Transplant Give Me?

December 16, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Perhaps the most pressing concern for potential hair transplant patients, besides the safety and permanence of their procedure, is the amount of density they can achieve. Most men and women want to return to the density they had when they were in their late teens or early 20s. While this is usually an impossible ideal, an experienced and highly skilled hair transplant surgeon can add a great amount of density to give a strikingly full appearance.
When considering the question of density, the amount a surgeon can transplant is determined by many factors. Including the hair thickness and quality, donor density, age and family history of hair loss. A conservative approach to follicle extraction is always best as one should preserve the donor site for future sessions as one ages.
The color of the hair is also important in contrast to the color of the scalp. The more contrast, the more hair is required to achieve optical density. Dark hair on a Caucasian scalp is going to appear thinner or sparser than lighter color hair such as blonde, gray, or white. The same is true of lighter color hair on an African-American or darker pigmented scalp. The quality of the hair is also important for determining density. Hair that is curly or wavy appears to achieve more optical density since it camouflages the skin to a greater extent than straight hair. In the 1970s men would perm their thinning hair to reduce the visual contrast between hair and scalp.
The texture of the hair is one of the most important factors influencing the number of grafts required for a specified area of the scalp. Hair shafts can either be very fine, fine, medium, medium-coarse, or coarse. The difference is in the width of the hair; the wider or thicker the hair, the more optical surface density will be visualized. As follicular unit grafts heal, as in any skin graft, the skin contracts or shrinks to its center. The result of this contraction leads to small gaps between each graft which can be improved during a second surgery to fill in these spaces.
Techniques for density creation vary from surgeon to surgeon. At Modena Hair Institute, Dr. Yazdan utilizes an extremely fine 0.7mm punch and implantation technique that allows for density optimization and a natural looking hairline. This not only reduces the risk for scarring, but reduces the risk of shock loss in surrounding follicles.
Patient Warning
Find a board-certified hair transplant specialist who is highly experienced in adding the kind of density you desire. It is of the utmost importance to conduct thorough research and find an experienced and technically advanced hair restoration specialist to diagnose and treat your specific hair loss situation. A veteran hair transplant physician or surgeon will be able to accurately assess and evaluate your individual hair loss needs and provide the best surgical outcome for you.

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I Got a Hair Transplant at 29 – Here’s What to Expect When Getting a New Hairline

November 7, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Story of Jake Gerkalm. Written by Omar F. Najjarine. Note: This article contains images of a surgical procedure being performed.
I was always told I had masculine features. Not to sound vain, but I was always proud of my fit and rugged look. I loved my jawline, nose, eyebrows and the general symmetry of my face. All of this began to change, however, when I began to notice hairline recession at 25. At first I thought I was having a bad week or a bad month caused by poor sleeping habits and unhealthy eating choices. I also had heard that temporary hair loss can be caused from stress. But as the months went by and the hairs around my widows peak began to shrink and fall out in ever growing numbers, I knew further hair loss was inevitable.
My new receding hairline began to really take shape at around the age of 27 and I was devastated. I could no longer hide the fact with comb overs and styling tricks. After my morning showers, I’d catch myself staring at the profile in the mirror with uncomfortable consternation. Whenever I’d meet someone new, I’d fidget sideways or tilt my head upwards so they couldn’t glimpse the full extent of my hair loss. On my 29^th birthday, after two years of living like a shell of my old self, I began researching hair transplantation.

I had recently moved to Southern California for work and began to look up hair transplant clinics in the area. I met with Amir Yazdan, a well-known hair transplant surgeon in Orange County, and immediately felt listed-to and understood. I respected his delicate, conservative approach and appreciated how he spent real time listening to my story and making sure I felt comfortable and properly educated. As Amir explained the basics of the procedure, we began to discuss personal goals and reasonable expectations. He was extremely honest and transparent about what could and could not be done, and what could be done was aesthetically transformative and most importantly, permanent.
Once I firmly made the decision to move ahead with the hair transplant surgery, I told my family. When I told my father the news, he revealed for the first time that he also experienced crippling confidence issues in his late 20s when he began to experience hair loss. He admired my determination and willingness to go through with the procedure and I thanked him for sharing his piece of emotional history with me.
The Consultation
My consultation with Dr. Yazdan set me at ease. We started out talking casually about my hairline – what I liked and disliked about it, any relevant medical concerns, and other usual questions. Then he did an evaluation to see if I’d be a good candidate for a hair transplantation. He conducted clinical tests and analyses to see if I suffered from pattern baldness. He examined the quantity and condition of my donor hair, to see if my healthy hair follicles could be successfully transplanted – they were as strong as they could be.
Then he took a bunch of pictures from different angles and stepped out to review them. A few minutes later, we sat down in his office to go over the images. He showed me three distinct perspectives: front, profile, and from behind. With each photo, he presented a revised image of what my hairline could look like after the procedure – and, wow, what a rush of happiness! It was honestly everything I was hoping for: fuller, wider and thicker.

Dr. Yazdan then laid out his surgical plan for me: He’d perform a follicular unit extraction, or FUE, removing hair follicles one-by-one from the back of my head (called the donor site), as these were the strongest and most DHT-resistant strands, before transplanting each hair into the thinning areas of my scalp. The other surgical option is called follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or the strip method. With the FUT procedure a thin strip of scalp is removed from the back of the head containing those earlier mentioned DHT-resistant follicles. These follicles are then transplanted hair-by-hair into the balding area. This method leaves a very fine linear scar at the back of the head which may be rendered non-visible once the hair grows back.
Dr. Yazdan told me he often prefers the FUE method over the FUT or strip method because the former leaves no visible scar and can result in a finer and more natural-looking hairline.

I began to get excited and wrongly assumed that he could recreate the hairline I had when I was 18 or 22. If it was only a matter of picking hairs from the non-balding parts of my head – for which there was plenty – and placing them into the balding areas, I believed a complete density restoration was possible. Dr. Yazdan corrected my error by informing me that quantity and donor strength is only a part of the solution – I needed to consider future thinning and a conservative, mature-looking hairline. A hairline ‘stuffed’ with news hairs with no regard for angle growth, design and future thinning will look catastrophic.
Before I left his office, Dr. Yazdan took me through some before-and-after shots of some of his hair transplant patients. Many of them had hairlines similar to mine, and their “after” pictures were much like the ones Dr. Yazdan had generated for me. He told me that of all the hair transplants he’d done in his career, not once did he have to return to a patient for a second procedure due to flawed execution or poor design. That clinched it for me: I knew I was in good hands and that my hairline would look sharp and handsome, but not ‘overdone’.

Once we set a date for surgery, Dr. Yazdan advised me to stop any blood thinners and cease all alcohol consumption. There would be very minimal swelling and bruising, he said, and most patients resume normal activity in a day or two. After three months, I’d begin to see my new hair, but the majority of my new hairline wouldn’t be in full bloom until month eight or nine.
The Surgery
The morning of surgery, I was definitely feeling nervous, as the anticipation and buildup of the prior weeks had gotten me pretty anxious. I was mostly nervous about getting everything together and making sure I was as prepared as possible for the recovery and the acceptance of my new self. My biggest worry was not being able to go back. Am I rejecting the real me by going through with a new hairline? How would I look and feel? How would others react to seeing me? Do I really need this? Is this actually going to make me happier and more self-confident?
I took a few deep breaths and remembered everything – all of the anguish and self-loathing at my loss of confidence, my draining masculinity, all of it. I knew if I decided, last minute, to pull the plug on the operation, I’d regret it, because I’d still be unhappy with my hairline – and that realization outweighed all of my fears.
I was on my way to the doctor’s office. After a few final checks, Dr. Yazdan took some more pictures, marked my head with light indicators and told me to lay down in the chair as the procedure was about to commence.

He began applying the anesthesia and in a few minutes the procedure was underway. I felt Dr. Yazdan extracting the follicles from my donor zone, one at a time, in a highly meticulous and systematic fashion. The longer the extracted grafts remain outside the scalp, the greater likelihood of its being damaged or ruined, so quick processing time is essential. To ensure 100% graft survival rate, Dr. Yazdan had a dedicated team of 3-5 assistants to quickly process every extracted graft. Within two hours the extraction was complete, and it was on to the next phase. Dr. Yazdan began preparing apertures for the extracted grafts to be implanted into the recipient zone. Like clockwork, the same meticulous process occurred during graft implantation. I was amazed at how little bleeding occurred during all of this.

The Recovery
When I got home that afternoon, I felt completely fine physically and mentally. With a fully wrapped and bandaged head I needed to exert very little energy and generally take it easy. I talked with my brothers for a bit and watched some TV, then I took a short nap. The procedure had taken a total of six hours and I needed to recharge my batteries after such an intense day. Post-op recovery instructions were plain and simple according to Dr. Yazdan. Do not scratch or pick at your scalp and wait a full 48 hours before showering. The same instructions given to me pre-op applied post-op with regard to alcohol and blood-thinners – stay away from them.

With each passing day, I felt more and more excited. My surgery was on a Monday, and by Wednesday afternoon I was back to work interacting with coworkers and writing emails. On Friday night, I went to see a movie, and it felt so exciting to be out with my transformed look. Even though no new hair was growing, the comfort of knowing that it was there was indescribable joy.
Three Months Post-Procedure
I see my new hairline growing in, if ever so slightly, and I’m so grateful and happy. I think about the days when one glance in the mirror would turn into an entire internal monologue berating the passage of time and the follicular genes I was so ashamed of. The days when I would simply try to survive a night out without dates or friends who would stare at my patchy and balding hairline.
This experience has been life-changing. My new hairline is absolute perfection, and I haven’t experienced a tinge of regret. I’ve felt so completely taken care of by Dr. Yazdan and his team, and have received so much support from my friends and family. My father and brother continue to ask for before and after pictures, as they can’t believe the transformation I’ve underwent.

When you’re in the thick of waiting for your new hair to come in, it seems like you’re going to look and feel that way forever. But honestly, I moved through it so quickly. Each day that went by, I looked considerably different from the day before, which is strange – you really can’t get too attached to any one image in the mirror because you know it’s still evolving.
Before surgery, friends and family would say they didn’t see anything wrong with my hairline, but to have something that’s so personal and integral to you feel so wrong, it’s exhausting and disheartening. Today I not only feel more confident and handsome, but also much more comfortable in my own skin, and that is truly priceless.

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Can I Reverse Hair Loss Caused by Hormone Imbalance?

October 9, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Name: Morgan
Question: I recently went in for a checkup and my doctor’s tests indicated hormonal changes in my body which has led to fluctuating thyroid levels. I found out that low thyroid can cause hair thinning and loss in certain women. I’m very worried I won’t be able to reverse the damage done to my hair by this hormonal imbalance.
Answer: Hormones and hormonal changes are often the cause behind hair loss in women. Whether or not your thinning hair is recoverable depends on the nature of your thyroid and other hormonal imbalances. From a genetic predisposition to birth control pills to menopause, there are natural causes of hormone imbalance and preventable ones.
It also may not be the case that your hormonal fluctuations are the only cause of your hair loss – stress or genetics may be playing a factor as well. Women who have excess testosterone (the male hormone) can develop male-pattern type hair loss (as well as other symptoms like deepening of the voice or hair growth on the chin and face).
Consult a board-certified hair restoration specialist if you have hair loss as there are many potential causes and treatments. Blood tests run at our Modena Hair Institute can easily check levels of male and female hormones. Hormonal hair loss can sometimes be treated with spironolactone in women and finasteride in men. These both have potential side effects and should be used only under the supervision of your doctor. Minoxidil (Rogaine) does not address the hormonal causes of hair loss, but may still be useful is stopping hair loss or regrowing hair.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is also a very popular and effective solution to slowing down hair loss, decelerating hair thinning, or in some cases, causing hair follicles to return.

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Separating Fact from Fiction: The Real Causes Behind Hair Loss

September 27, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Prime Culprit: Hormones
The premier cause behind hair loss in both men and women is hormonal. Hormonal changes, deficiencies and excesses are the main cause behind pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia. The male-sex hormone behind pattern baldness in men is DHT. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a by-product of testosterone, which can stimulate the receptors in your hair follicles, causing them to shrink, weaken and eventually stop producing hair altogether. At present there is no final cure for male pattern baldness, but hair loss medications like Propecia and Minoxidil can help arrest further hair loss, and hair transplants offer a permanent solution to the problem. Non-surgical and non-medical hair restoration shampoos like groMD and Nizoral are also known to lessen DHT levels in the scalp and strengthen hair overall.
Father Time
Not every person will lose their hair – even if your close relatives have gone bald, there are no guarantees that you will too. However, with age usually does come some degree of hair loss or thinner quality hair. By the age of 60, around two-thirds of men will have some hair loss, and around 70 per cent of women will experience hair loss around the age of 70. Depending on the cause of the hair loss, it may be treatable, so if you have any concerns, get in touch with our Modena Hair Institute team.
Stress
You might not have known or even believed this, but high stress, even in short episodes, can directly cause hair loss in individuals with no previous hair loss experience. Telogen effluvium – trauma or stress-induced hair loss – is a result of your fluctuating hormones sending the hair growth cycle into a state of shock, forcing the hair to go into a resting phase. Many follicles can be affected at the same time, which is why it may seem like you’re losing a significant amount of hair. As with post-natal hair loss, it’s usually only temporary, so focus on maintaining good habits with sleep, exercise and diet to keep your stress levels down in the meantime.
Harsh Weather and Excessive Sun Exposure
A change in weather can bring a change to your hair condition – and hydration is usually the culprit. Hot summer days or harsh winter nights are not always your hair’s best friend, as harsh weather exposure can damage your hair, making it dry and brittle. The UV radiation of the sun can damage the proteins that the hair is made from, so if you know you’ll be spending a lot of time outside, invest in a good hair follicle spray like groMD. Thankfully, if you do get sunburned on your scalp, although you may lose a few hairs if your scalp peels, the chances are it will grow back.

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The Problem with ‘Hims’ and ‘Keeps’ Hair Loss Solutions

September 23, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Whether on social media or on billboards downtown, you’ve likely come across the now famous beige logo of Hims or the nation-wide ad campaigns of Keeps. Both brands boast of easy and effortless hair restoration solutions, ‘prescribed’ by a certified physician online.
Targeting millennials with sweet-sounding wellness rhetoric and youthful philosophy jargon, many hair loss sufferers think they’ve struck follicular gold.
Nothing could be farther from the truth, as all of the products and items aggressively sold to you by these companies have been on the market for decades. Seductively packaged in hair loss ‘kits’ and hair restoration ‘bundles’, the finasteride, minoxidil, biotin supplements and other items traditionally prescribed in-person by hair restoration specialists, are branded as revolutionary new solutions.
What consumers of such advertisements are unaware of is that Hims and Keeps are bypassing perhaps the most important element of a person’s hair loss experience – the conversations one has with their board-certified hair restoration doctor.
Medical solutions like minoxidil and finasteride have important side effects that must be discussed with a doctor who has conducted a formal evaluation and analysis of a patient’s hair loss history, patterns and physiology.
Such hair loss medications have always been prescribed based on a patient’s particular needs and medical history. Board-certified physicians will often combine such medications with other hair loss modalities in order to maximize the effectiveness of treatment. Online prescriptions deprive patients of the essential component of hair loss reversal and restoration.
An expert specialist will build a thorough understanding of your needs and options, and recommend treatments based on specific variables – things which an online service can never capture.

This relationship between a patient and doctor is an invaluable part of the hair loss treatment process, and one that you will not receive through online medical treatments. If you would like more information about the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss, an excellent resource is www.modenahair.com

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Achieving the Right Density During your Hair Transplant

August 21, 2019 admin Leave a comment

hair density modena hair institute — Modena Hair Transplant Before/After

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), of men who’ve had hair transplants, 64% were disappointed with their hair density after their procedure.
Bad hair transplant results can stem from a number of things – lackluster expertise being at the top of the list. A hair transplant surgeon should not be a cosmetic jack-of-all-trades, rather he or she ought to own many years of refined and artistic specialized mastery.
Hair loss can be a frightening experience, taking a toll on one’s confidence and pubic presentation. A board-certified hair transplant surgeon will be able to determine the sufficient density according to the type of hair that is being transplanted. Many lesser trained cosmetic surgeons will simply offer the potential patient more grafts without regard for follicle survival rate or natural growth patterns, resulting in poor growth rates.
The follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure – the gold standard of hair transplantation – involves the extraction of hair follicles one by one from genetically resistant donor areas (back and sides of the scalp). These extracted follicles are then transplanted onto the bald areas of the scalp where they will resume growing into natural looking hair.
When discussing hair density and FUE with you surgeon, it is important to understand that the level of hair density you will receive from the surgery depends on a number of factors such as your age, severity of hair loss, and the reason for hair loss.
As noted above, during the formal consultation the surgeon will determine the extent of your baldness as well as the number of hair follicles that will be required to cover the bald areas of your scalp. That is why it is important to undergo any procedure only at the best hair transplant clinic in order to get the maximum hair density without compromising quality control.
As the only IAHRS member in the Orange County and Las Vegas area, Dr. Yazdan of Modena Hair Institute has practiced hair transplantation with exceptional artistic and surgical prowess for over a decade. Potential hair transplant patients are entitled to a provider who is experienced, ethical and knowledgeable – someone who makes them feel safe and comfortable. The search for such a qualified surgeon, however, can be both challenging and time-consuming. The hair transplant marketplace is notoriously riddled with hair restoration generalists (i.e. non-specialists) and unqualified technicians seeking to exploit consumer ignorance and insecurity.

While many patients feel that transplanting excess hair onto the bald areas can help them get a head full of hair, it is important to remember that transplanting excess hair follicles can affect the blood supply to the surrounding hair, resulting in shock. Therefore, the number of hair follicles transplanted by the best hair transplant surgeons will always be less than a patient’s natural hair density.
At the end of the day, every person’s hair is different. Therefore, the hair density after an FUE hair transplant of one patient can be different from another.

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What is Causing My Hair Loss?

August 10, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Hair loss can happen at any age. At Modena Hair Institute we’ve designed topical and medical hair loss programs for patients in their early 20s, as well as those in their late 50s. While hair loss is universal, its causes and origins may be summarized into three general categories.

Very few lay people understand that hair loss is not a single, simple diagnosis, but that it is actually a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of different conditions. This is one of the reasons why finding the correct diagnosis and treatment for hair loss can be difficult, and why Dr. Amir Yazdan at Modena Hair Institute continue to study every possible underlying cause and treatment option.

By far the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is Androgenic Alopecia (AGA). Otherwise known as genetic pattern baldness, AGA occurs when the hair follicles have inherited an increased sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (or DHT). This hormone is a natural by-product of the breakdown of testosterone in the body and is present, in varying degrees, in both men and women. When sensitive hair follicles are exposed to DHT they begin to shrink and their growth cycle shortens. Over time, they produce gradually thinner and thinner hair strands until, eventually, they stop producing hair altogether.

A second general type of cause behind hair loss may be termed external influence. While genetic pattern baldness is an internal and physiological concern, things like stress, menopause, environmental disturbances and diet may cause hair loss through external disturbance.

Individual hair follicles on the scalp do not continuously produce hair, but instead go through distinct cycles of growth and shedding. However, a variety of external factors can potentially disrupt these cycles, causing a condition called telogen effluvium where large amounts of hair are shed at once. Anything that causes a physiological shock to the body can potentially cause telogen effluvium, including physical trauma, major surgery, or even crash dieting that starves the body of necessary proteins. In some cases, emotional trauma and stress can prompt changes in eating or sleep patterns that can also result in similar symptoms.

A third general type of cause behind hair loss is auto-immune disease. There are several different auto-immune symptoms that can potentially result in hair loss, but the most common is alopecia areata, a condition similar to rheumatoid arthritis where the body’s immune system attacks the rapidly growing cells at the base of the hair follicles. The inflammation that results interrupts the natural cycle of hair growth and causes hair to shed in small, round, smooth patches on the scalp. In some rare and extreme cases, alopecia areata (AA) may progress to the point that all of the scalp hair is lost, a condition called alopecia totalis, or even to alopecia universalis, the complete loss of all body hair.

As is apparent, diagnosing hair loss can be complicated and there is really no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment. That’s why, at Modena Hair Institute in California and Nevada, we spend so much time and effort determining the specific underlying cause of a patient’s hair loss. That is the only way we can formulate a personalized hair restoration treatment program that addresses patient’s individual needs.

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World Renowned Hair Transplant Advisor – Spex – Joins Modena as Patient Advisor

August 4, 2019 admin Leave a comment

The hair transplant industry has a guardian angel and his name is Spencer ‘Spex’ Stevenson.

As a dedicated hair transplant advisor known for his extraordinary patient care, Spex has spent his life helping clinics and practitioners, and educating the public about hair loss.

Potential hair transplant patients are entitled to a provider who is experienced, ethical and knowledgeable – someone who makes them feel safe and comfortable.

The search for such a qualified surgeon, however, can be both challenging and time-consuming. The hair transplant marketplace is notoriously riddled with hair restoration generalists (i.e. non-specialists) and unqualified technicians seeking to exploit consumer ignorance and insecurity.

Spex himself cautions: “Be warned, the hair loss industry preys on your vulnerability and isolation. I fell prey to the hands of this brutal place and my own journey was unfortunately very long, emotional and tremendously tiresome.”

Both Spex and Modena Hair Institute have been at the forefront of patient advocacy and hair transplant excellency. That is why we are grateful and enthusiastic to have Spex join our team as a patient advisor.

“Spencer is a true pioneer – a talented and tireless advisor, a dedicated and inspiring educator, and a friend and mentor to everyone he meets. He never sought to be a leader, but became one naturally through his brilliance, compassion, patience and selflessness,” said Dr. Amir Yazdan, director at Modena Hair Institute.

Guiding potential patients to the very best practitioners in the hair transplant industry, Spex only partners with the most distinguished surgeons and hair loss specialists. As the only IAHRS member in the Orange County and Las Vegas regions, Dr. Yazdan has consistently upheld the highest ethical and technical standards. Dr. Yazdan is committed to the continual advancement of the art and science of hair transplantation, and has pioneered sophisticated hair transplant instruments and methods, specifically with regard to the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure.

We look forward to a very bright and fruitful companionship with Spex.