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Understanding Alopecia Areata

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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!

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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What can I do about Alopecia?

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Alopecia is an umbrella term for hair loss of any type.

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is a type of hair loss due mostly to hormones, and is the most common form of hair loss. 

Although androgenetic alopecia is called male pattern hair loss, it affects 45% of women. 

Alopecia is divided into two sub-classes such as scarring alopecia and non-scarring alopecia. Alopecia, which leaves a scar on the skin, is of a rarer type.

Androgenetic Alopecia: It is the most common type of alopecia. It occurs due to genetic predisposition and hormones. Androgenetic alopecia, which is observed in men in their twenties, is mostly observed in women in their forties. While men typically start to lose their hair from the front and sides, women are typical for a Christmas tree-like shedding.

  • Alopecia Areata: Loss of hair in any part of the body and in a specific area. It can affect the scalp as well as other areas such as arms, legs and eyebrows. Although the cause is not fully understood, it is thought to occur when the body defends against its own cells (autoimmune disease). For this reason, it is common to apply local steroids to the areas where it is observed.
  • Traumatic alopecia: It occurs when the hair is pulled strongly and exposed to trauma. It is common in performers of various kinds. The shedding seen in trichotillomania disease, in which people constantly pull their hair, is also considered within this type.
  • Telogen effluvium: Our hair maintains their lives in a cycle. The growth phase is called anagen, the stagnation phase is called katagen, and the resting phase is termed telogen. In a normal person, 80% of the hair is in anagen phase, 2% in katagen phase and 18% in telogen phase. If the percentage of hair in the anagen phase decreases while the percentage of telogen phase increases, it is called as telogen effluvium. Thyroid dysfunction, an iron-deficient diet, not taking essential vitamins and minerals and some medications can cause telogen effluvium.
  • Traction (pulling) style alopecia: It occurs when women tightly tie their hair. It is more common in African-American women. Typically manifested by thinning on the front line and sides.
  • Chemotherapy induced alopecia: This is also called anagen effluvium. In most of the cases, the hair returns to normal after the treatment is over.

In the most common type of alopecia, hair follicles first become thinner and then baldness occurs. Although testosterone is known as a male hormone, it plays a large role in female hair loss as well.

70% of men and 45% of women are affected by this type of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Testosterone is converted into a hormone called dihydrotestosterone.

In a significant part, hormone levels are completely normal. This is because a large part of dihydrotestosterone is produced in the hair follicles and very little passes into the systemic circulation from there.

Dihydrotestosterone binds to receptors in hair cells and sends signals inside the cell. It increases hair loss on the scalp and increases hair growth in other body parts.

Treatments for all kinds of alopecia can be found here!

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Rogaine: Uses and Limitations

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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!

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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The Ins & Outs of Laser Hair Therapy

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Millions of people around the world are trying to fight back hair loss, and many of the methods they choose end up taking a lot of time and money while giving nothing in return. That doesn’t mean effective solutions aren’t out there, though. In fact, we’ve found one that could very well be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Allow us to introduce you to laser hair therapy.

While it might sound intense on the face, low level laser therapy, often shortened to LLLT, is anything but. As the name suggests, LLLT involves lasers tuned to a specific low frequency. Dispersed across the area of the scalp, these lasers go off in regular intervals that allow them to nourish the cells that hair follicles need to tap into for oxygen & nutrients. Cell metabolism sees major improvement as a result, and the devastating effects of DHT (a hormone strongly connected to hair loss) are weakened in turn. We can understand if you’re initially skeptical about having lasers surround your scalp, but rest assured that this is a completely safe process with no known side effects, even in the case of those using other hair loss products & medications.

This sort of therapy is often done for people who’ve recently completed a FUE or FUT (a.k.a. “strip”) hair transplant & want to speed up post-op recovery. That being said, anyone qualified to receive medical treatment for hair loss would be considered a candidate for low level laser therapy.

“Wow, that sounds fantastic! But I don’t want to have to go to appointments to get it done.”  We understand that better than anyone, and that’s why we’re excited to tell you that starting laser hair treatment on your own terms is as simple as putting on a hat. No, really. Companies like Capillus have come out with laser therapy devices that fit like any old cap, even allowing you to put your favorite cap on over it without any discomfort.

Now, like we said, there are quite a few companies out there making LLLT products like these, but in our opinion, Capillus stands out as the most effective option. They have three different models you can pick up yourself: there’s the Capillus82, which has 82 lasers dispersed around the scalp area, the Capillus202 that has, well, 202, and lastly the CapillusPro, which has 272. They all work to some degree, but it could take you a long time before you start seeing real results. Then there’s the CapillusRX.

What’s different about it, you ask? Well, instead of stopping at 272, the CapillusRX boasts 312 laser diodes distributed around all parts of the scalp. And even though it’s comparatively packed with diodes, it’s just as easy to wear & use as the other three. By putting on for just six minutes a day, you can experience a world of benefits within months of starting treatment. Besides reversing the process of hair loss in general, this laser therapy cap even works if your hair loss is due to hereditary issues. Whether you’re thinning or balding, or dealing with damaged hair, your mane can end up looking fuller & nourished faster than it would with any other device.

If you’re wondering why we didn’t mention it in the previous list, you should note that those are just the models you can get on your own. In case the “RX” in the product name didn’t clue you in, you can only find this particular laser therapy cap though a physician, especially one at a hair restoration clinic. 

Everything that comes with the CapillusRX package.

Well, it just so happens that you can find one of those at Modena Hair Institute in Las Vegas, Newport & Beverly Hills! Dr. Yazdan, a board-certified physician & hair restoration surgeon, has recommended the CapillusRX to many of his patients, and he’s seen nothing but ideal results with regular use. Sure, you can get the standard options sent to your door without dealing with anyone, but that convenience won’t be worth much if you don’t get the best possible results.

Find out if you’re qualified for LLLT & the CapillusRX by reaching out for a consultation today, and be sure to visit our website to learn more about the many ways we can help you restore your hair. 

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Your Main Donor Areas for a Hair Transplant

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If you’ve done your fair share of research into hair transplants, you’ve probably heard the phrase “donor area” mentioned here & there. Essentially, this refers to the part of your body where follicles are removed from during the transplant process, so that they may be placed in their new location, whether its your head, beard, eyebrows or chest.

As you begin to plan with the hair transplant expert of your choice, there will be due consideration of where they’ll find the follicles to be donated & relocated. There are a few options available, and it’s important for you to know what happens when each of these spots are selected to be the donor area.

Back of the Scalp

Think of someone you know who’s almost completely bald. Not all the way, but they’re getting there. Where do you see them still having hair? Is it along the sides & back of the head, by any chance?

You making that assumption is no coincidence; the part of your head known as the posterior scalp is usually the last to succumb to baldness. For this reason, that’s the area most commonly selected as the donor area.

Pictured: A properly healed FUE donor area.

The reasoning behind this boils down to three letters: DHT. This is the acronym used to describe a certain hormone in the body that’s widely known to cause hair loss & baldness. For reasons still unknown to experts in the field, the hair on the top of our heads is especially vulnerable to it, and thus becomes the first area of the head to begin on the road to baldness.

The hairs along the posterior scalp, however, are essentially resistant. There also tends to be dense crowds of follicles in those areas as well, especially the back of the scalp. Since they’re extremely similar to the hairs that were growing on top, they can be harvested & placed in the transplant area with no incident.

Beard, Neck, Chest Underarms, Back, and Groin

Even though the back of your head is typically the best donor area, there are a few reasons as to why this might not be the case. For those who have had multiple transplants beforehand, that area might be over harvested & can’t reasonably be exploited again.

In this case, though, it’s entirely possible for someone to have their beard, or other parts of their body such as their chest or groin, used to donate follicles.

If you’re wondering whether these hairs will blend well, the answer depends on how good your doctor is. When Dr. Yazdan performs his hair restoration procedures at Modena’s Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, & Las Vegas offices, he takes his time to understand how different types of hair should be integrated into the scalp, and his placement methods make any differences almost impossible to notice.

When the doctor isn’t properly trained however, the results are unnatural at best & devastating at worst. The rising popularity of hair replacement means that a swarm of amateurs have come onto the scene, willing to curtail attention to detail in order to get your cash in their pocket quicker.

When selecting your hair transplant doctor, make sure that they take due time to closely consider your specific case, making a note of any factors that might come into play.

Here at Modena Hair Institute, we do exactly that. When you consult with Dr. Yazdan, he’ll examine every possible detail of your potential donor areas, and make sure you understand every part of the hair restoration procedure.

Scarring is minimal to non-existent with the specialized, precise tools that Dr. Yazdan uses for his procedures. Regardless of the donor area selected for the procedure, the healing process is far quicker than it would be after a transplant done at a run-of-the-mill discount clinic.

Learn more about post-op care for the donor area by checking out our recent blog post. Reach out today to learn more about our clinic & what we can do to help restore your hair!

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Why You Should Visit a Hair Restoration Clinic

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hair restoration clinic
If you’ve thought about or are experiencing hair loss, perhaps you’ve wondered how best to proceed. The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS) is a perfect place to begin your search to find the most qualified hair restoration doctors in your area. The IAHRS does not offer open membership, rather the organization selectively screens skilled and ethical hair transplant surgeons.
But you may be wondering, what can a specialist in hair restoration really help with?
Locate the Source of the Problem
While going to your local hair transplant surgeon to combat your hair loss is a good way to begin treating your symptoms, it may take a while to truly pinpoint what is causing the problem. At Modena Hair Institute, for example, we know which tests can best help show the cause of your hair loss and can personalize your care more quickly.
A Variety of Treatment Options
Another big benefit of going to a hair restoration clinic – instead of a regular dermatologist – is that there are more effective treatment options to choose from. Many suppose that they have to go straight to a surgical option when choosing hair loss restoration treatment. Our Modena offices in Orange County, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options to provide the best outcomes possible for our patients. We will discuss every option in detail – will you need medical management, PRP therapy, laser therapy, hair transplantation, or something else?
A Small Team of Skilled Specialists
Our clinic is made up of highly skilled and technically savvy hair restoration practitioners. Many larger hair restoration clinics outsource for medical technicians, which usually results in higher turnover rates. At Modena, we limit our staff size in order to maximize skill and technique.
Dr. Amir Yazdan is certified by the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons, which is one of the only institutions that carefully screens and qualifies surgeons in the field. Call Modena Hair Institute today to schedule a consultation. During your visit, we will discuss your symptoms, any family history of hair loss, and suggest next steps for treatment. Call us today and learn how we can help you achieve 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.

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

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hair transplant profit

Hair Clinics and Greed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Importance of Medical Management of Hair Loss

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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.

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Running a Hair Transplant Clinic the Right Way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Important Hair Transplant Questions and Considerations

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

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

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A Cautionary Hair Loss Testimonial

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

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

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Hair Transplant or Micropigmentation: Which is Right for Me?

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

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

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

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

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

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Who is Qualified to Perform Hair Transplantion?

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

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

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

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

GroMD Shampoo, Conditioner, & Follicle Activator Spray

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

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

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Signs of a Bad Hair Transplant Practice

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

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

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

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

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Hair Transplants in 2019

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

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

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The Greatest New Treatment for Thinning Hair in Women: PRP Therapy

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The New York Times recently shared the story of Lina Telford, a graphic artist, who, after years of failed laser therapies, supplements and hair regrowth snake oils, gave up trying to hide her receding hairline and shaved her head. The sheer emotional distress and social embarrassment of hair loss was overwhelming for Ms. Telford.
Ms. Telford, however, is not a one-off special case, as many women today have opted for expensive wigs or buzzed hairstyles in an attempt to combat hair loss.
Take heart reader, a long-time friend and fellow hair loss sufferer advised Ms. Telford to go in for a hair restoration treatment that has been achieving excellent results for women suffering from temple recession and other hair loss conditions for years – Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
The PRP procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient’s body and processing it in a centrifuge in order to extract a rich plasma serum. This serum is then injected into the recipient site on the top of the scalp of the patient.
PRP is loaded with growth factors that promote rapid angiogenesis, localized cell growth, decrease inflammation and decrease healing time. Quick healing time is important because it allows patients to return to work and their daily activities in a very short period of time.
Board-certified physician, Dr. Amir Yazdan, explains that “with the employment of PRP and added nutrients like Acell, I have seen accelerated healing, reduced swelling and stimulation of thinning hair. I like to use this in every hair restoration surgery because it often gives patients the absolute best results.”
The New York Times reports of one practitioner that the PRP procedure “gets results in 80 percent of patients, more than half of whom are female.”
Since women are traditionally less ideal candidates than men for full hair transplant surgery, given their scattered hair shedding patterns, PRP therapy has become one of the safest, most effective and sought after hair-loss treatments on the market.
The National Institutes of Health have described incredible preliminary results from PRP, reporting that a “significant reduction in hair loss was observed between first and fourth injection. Hair count increased from average number of 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units.”
Ms. Telford is happily “planning to return for follow-up treatments every six months, and has high hopes of ditching wigs and wearing her hair in a pixie.”
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.