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Waller’s Second Hair Transplant (Case Study)

hair transplant colorado

Native Colorado resident Waller shows off the results of his hair transplant procedure at Modena Hair Institute and says: “I feel 10 years younger.”  Waller is owner of a large welding company in the Southwest had 2,100 hair grafts transplanted into his balding crown. 

It was Waller’s (40 yrs old) second hair transplant in the last five years after he started losing his hair when he was just 18. Waller said: “I am so pleased with the results and I do feel 10 years younger. I had significant baldness around my crown and this new procedure has filled in all those gaps.”

“My first procedure was around the front of my scalp and hairline. I started losing my hair at a very early age and would be as bald as my dad now, if I had not received this help.”

“As a professional investor and welder, I am acutely aware of the importance of having great hair and looking good and I’m so pleased that the expertise is there to make a real difference to the lives of men who are losing their hair. It can be heart-breaking and shatter your self-esteem.” 

Waller had his most recent procedure at Modena Hair Institute in Las Vegas with our double board certified doctor Dr. Amir Yazdan. He had the same follicular unit extraction (FUE) method used by previous celebrities where grafts are removed individually from the back of the scalp and transplanted into the balding area.  

Waller had his first hair transplant procedure five years ago – 2,500 grafts in the front of his scalp.  

After finding success and fame, he decided to have a second procedure just prior to his 40th birthday – this time focusing further back, around his crown and mid-scalp area. 

He explains: “It was fun wearing toupees for a time because they looked amazing but they are not a long-term solution. You damage your hair glueing them on and they can have embarrassing consequences and come off at the wrong times! I can remember one man almost getting the surprise of his life when it almost came off in his hand. I realized the only long-term solution to my problem was a hair transplant. I was really pleased with my first procedure, and decided soon after that I wanted a second procedure.

I chose Dr. Amir Yazdan because he had done such an amazing job with other colleagues of mine who left with gorgeously restored hairlines.

The truth is that I’ve had a hair transplant and I’m very happy to make that clear. I have posed up now for pictures because all the lovely new hair has grown back.

Dr. Amir Yazdan treats lots of celebrities at Modena Hair Institute – many of whom prefer not to go public. Dr. Yazdan said: “Hair transplants have never been more popular – particularly amongst celebrities who need to look good to stay in the public eye. You can completely change your appearance for the same cost as upgrading your car. Waller was a joy to work with and has had a great result around his crown. He still has a good covering of donor hair and could possibly benefit from a further procedure down the line if likes.”

Hairline Transplant – 35 Yr. Male

Diagnosis: FUE Transplant – Age: 35 – Follicles: 1,560 – Sex: Male

Case study of a 35 year old male with Norwood 3 male pattern baldness. After a detailed dive into their hair loss history and proper examination of their scalp, patient was advised regarding a hair transplant of approx. 1500 grafts using the FUE technique. Photos below are 7 months apart.

hairline transplant

Global Hair Loss Summit 2020

Despite the heavy public and professional restrictions caused by the Covid-19 virus, research in aesthetic surgery has not slowed down. Distinguished surgeons, professors and research scientists working in the field of hair restoration have gathered this month for the Global Hair Loss Summit to communicate findings and discuss technical and scientific revelations. The gathering was held virtually – with practitioners from over a dozen countries tuning in.

The goal of the Global Hair Loss Summit is to bring together the best of the best in the world of surgical hair restoration. The summit seeks to contribute to the education and improvement of physicians and other practitioners who currently work in surgical hair transplantation or are seeking to.

global hair loss summit

As part of the founding faculty of the Global Hair Loss Summit, Dr. Yazdan was invited to deliver a lecture on Botched FUE and Robotic Device Repair (as seen above). The purpose of the lecture is to educate doctors on the technical details and processes involved in what is considered to be the gold standard of modern surgical hair transplantation – to clarify misconceptions and codify best practices.

Moreover, robotic device repair is a topic that our institute has covered a number of times in the recent past, as it continues to be one of the most pressing controversies in the field of contemporary hair transplantation. Over harvesting, unnatural-looking results, permanent damage to the scalp or donor area – these devastating outcomes happen more often than people assume. The two major drivers behind the robotic FUE hair transplant boom, we believe, is the great financial incentive that it can bring to an aesthetic clinic and the lack of experience needed to operate the machinery.

Surgical hair transplantation, as with any kind of serious and invasive surgery, requires years of training and experience to master. And even with many years of experience, not every FUE specialist can rise to the highest caliber of precision and artistry necessary – that demands complete devotion and technical study married to consistent results and a deep understanding.

The ultimate end and aim of a hair transplant is a natural looking hairline. When it comes to graft extraction and placement, the operating surgeon must accurately reproduce what nature produces. Robotic devices are not yet capable of reproducing nature in the way a human hand is. Such devices are often used in ‘assembly line’ clinics that simply do not meet the personalized gold standard of FUE and FUT procedures. The highest levels of FUE surgery demand keen handwork and true artistry, requiring a type of subtly that a robotic mechanism is inherently incapable of producing. 

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.

How to Choose a Hair Transplant Clinic

You’ve made the decision to get a hair transplant, congratulations! In no time at all your dreams of having immaculately restored youthful locks will become reality. But wait… you need to pick a hair clinic first…
It’s important to note right off the bat that this article concerns how to choose a clinic and not just a hair transplant doctor. As the old adage goes, ‘no man is an island’ and even the most spectacularly gifted hair transplant doctor on the planet cannot provide effective treatment without his or her experienced staff and a well-equipped, state of the art facility.
Let the buyer beware!
An unfortunate fact that must be noted is that the field of hair transplant surgery is rife with inexperienced doctors. Certain practitioners advertise hair transplant surgery solely with an eye toward adding another potential billable service to their practices and are in no way specialized hair restoration surgeons. The widespread incompetence and shoddy workmanship of these types in the past led to hair transplants being looked upon as the stuff of comedy through the 1960s to the 1980s.
It was only in the late 80s that highly dedicated hair transplant clinics arose and hair restoration procedures began to attain the finesse and consistency which have led to their general acceptance as one of today’s most highly effective and aesthetically satisfying cosmetic procedures.
When searching for a qualified hair transplant surgeon one simple question can save you a world of trouble:
“Are hair transplants all you do?” If the answer is ‘no’, walk away; or better yet, run for it.
If you’re still there, a good follow up question would be: “Is your clinic solely dedicated to hair transplants?”. If it isn’t then that’s another red flag and you ought to high-tail it out of there just as fast. Naturally, the finest results come from clinics that are dedicated solely to hair transplants. Unfortunately most facilities are not dedicated to hair transplants as a specialty and instead perform them as a sideline to scrounge up a bit of extra cash. Surgeons who only dip their toes in the hair transplant pool can hardly be expected to deliver the sort of consistent results that a discerning patient would rightly demand.
Still there? Now ask your potential doctor if their staff work full-time for you as hair transplant technicians. Be careful of noncommittal answers. You want a professional surgeon AND a professional surgical team operating on you. The doctor can’t do everything. His or her assistants are invaluable assets in performing a seamless procedure. Keep in mind that there is currently NO government regulation regarding the training and experience of staff members assisting in a hair transplant procedure, so it certainly pays to inquire into the matter on your own.
Next, ask to see NUMEROUS successful examples of your prospective surgeons work. If you are only shown one or two examples then you should probably not trust them to operate on you; such a low number of examples indicates either a lack of experience or presentable results. Practitioners who can easily furnish you with 100s of before/after photos of their work have likely refined their technique to that effortless precision and finesse that is the hallmark of great craftsmanship, care, and maturity. You deserve only the best – accept no substitutes.
Some final remarks. Hair transplantation can not and should not be performed by just anybody with a medical degree. Seek out an experienced team led by an experienced doctor housed in a specially designated clinic. Research the background of any clinic you are considering; try to find one that’s been in business for more than five years and offers extensive examples of their finished product. Dedication and specialization are the key qualities to look for in a potential hair transplant doctor; his or her office should be sizable, solely perform hair transplants and have a full time, professionally trained staff of at least five individuals if not more. And lastly, don’t be afraid to speak up! Ask hard questions, challenge your doctor, settle for nothing but the best; it’s your hair after all and your hair deserves nothing less.
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. Our specialists are 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.

How We Design Your Restored Hairline

When somebody looks you straight in the face your hairline is one of the first things they’re bound to see. We all know that first impressions often exert a significant influence on subsequent interactions. Now unfortunately, given its prominence, the hairline is often one of the first regions of the scalp where thinning is observed in men with genetically patterned hair loss. For these reasons, surgically rebuilding the hairline is a matter of special attention and importance for our hair transplant specialists.
Given its central importance for the overall aesthetic effectiveness of the hair transplant procedure new patients are almost universally inclined to ask what their restored hairline will look like. Some of them haven’t had a hairline to speak of for years and the questions of shape and symmetry are important. Hairlines can be flat and well defined, symmetrical, asymmetrical, staggered, feathered, and may or may not involve a widow’s peak. The truth is that, in the face of such bewildering options, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to restored hairlines. Aesthetics are highly individual and what looks good on one patient may not flatter the facial features of another. The treatment that would be called for in the case of a young patient with progressive and uncertain loss would often not be the same as that required by an older patient with more stable and limited hair loss. To put it briefly, hairlines must be carefully considered, designed and customized for every patient individually.
Now, let’s talk about some of the specific ways Dr. Amir Yazdan goes about restoring our patients hairlines. The ancient Greeks were fond of saying that beauty lies in harmony and proportion. Therefore, in designing the curve and overall shape of your hairline our specialists will carefully take account of the general 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; therefore, 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. Here at Modena Hair Institute Dr. Yazdan implements the latest digital imaging software to determine the ideal position of your restored hairline.
Besides a general consideration of facial aesthetics Dr. Yazdan can work from any older photos you may have to recreate a hairline very much like the one you used to have. We find that consulting photos of a patient before balding to be an invaluable point of reference 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.
Doing the exact same hairline on two different patients almost never happens. Hair transplants are carefully personalized procedures and the way one patient’s hairline ‘ought to look’ is always unique and highly individual. This is because transplanted hairlines must be customized. Patients must be careful to select clinics who are able to showcase a wide variety of hairlines; not a single stock hairline that gets slapped, assembly line style, onto the head of every patient who comes through the door.
Your surgeon must take all the relevant aspects into account and, after careful deliberation, craft a plan that fits your individual case as precisely as possible. A carefully personalized hairline can only turn out one way: natural and flattering. When considering clinics, be sure to ask the doctor what he or she plans to do for your specific hairline, their reasoning for recommending such an approach, and ask to see examples of other similar hairlines if available. Otherwise, you may end up in the awkward situation of asking a second doctor what your hairline should have looked like, and whether or not they can possibly salvage it with a further procedure.
For more information about restoring your hairline 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. We are 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.

Hair Transplant Limitations: Is 5,000 Grafts Too Much?

Great stoic philosophers like Seneca liked to point out that moderation was the key to attaining harmony in the self – ‘a sound mind in a sound body.’ This tidbit of ancient Roman wisdom also holds true for hair transplants. One of the more common questions that our patients tend to ask during consultations is: “Doctor, can we do more?”
We understand you completely. Hair transplants are a big deal for our patients, most of whom (very understandably) want to do as much as possible in a single session, obtain optimal results, and then never have to undergo another surgery again. So back to the question: is more better? Would a massive single transplant of, for example, upwards of 5,000 grafts ever be a good idea? Does having more grafts indicate a better quality transplant? Would using more grafts than recommended and packing them closer together produce thicker, more aesthetically pleasing results? The answer to these closely related questions is- not necessarily. As often happens in medicine, and in life, the answer isn’t always that simple.
Technically speaking, most patients simply don’t need 5,000+ grafts in one go. To give you some perspective, it would take about 5,000 – 6,000 grafts to cover every inch of an entirely bald scalp with adequate density. Most patients end up in our clinic far before that level of hair loss has set in. Most common cases of hair loss involve isolated thinning restricted to certain portions of the scalp. The standard recommended treatment of such cases tends to call for around 2,500 grafts to 3,000 grafts.
Consider this, if it takes 5,000 grafts to cover the entire scalp, we shouldn’t need more than 2,500 or 3,000 to treat thinning of the frontal scalp. Anything more would be simply unnecessary. In fact, it would be very undesirable to force in twice as many grafts as required into a given area; just as it would be highly medically inadvisable to take such grafts from the donor area and then not use them. The donor area only possesses a limited number of grafts and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Hair transplants only address areas of the scalp that are currently thinning or balding. The grafted hair, under normal circumstances, will remain in place for the rest of your life; however, hair transplants do not prevent hair loss in untreated areas of the scalp. Therefore, you may very well want to save some of those extra potential grafts for later.
But what if yours is a case of advanced hair loss calling for around 5,000 to 6,000 grafts to treat? Can we do 5,000 in one sitting then? It depends on several factors. If such a large number of grafts can be safely harvested in one sitting, then certainly. There are some important caveats here though. Firstly, most clinics are simply not equipped to perform a surgery of this magnitude. Secondly, only the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) procedure would be appropriate for such large cases. FUT also known as the ‘strip’ procedure is somewhat invasive and should only be attempted by highly qualified surgeons in a state of the art clinic. Attempting this level of FUT at a clinic which lacks the adequate experience and resources can only lead to disastrous results. Scarring, destruction of the donor area and of the highly sensitive harvested grafts, risk of infection and/or poor final results are all serious risks involved when practitioners and clinics are pushed past the limits of their facilities and expertise.
Moreover, when considering a massive transplant many factors also depend on the individual patient. The average patient is not physiologically capable of safely rendering 5,000+ grafts in one sitting. The laxity (that is, the potential for movement or the ‘stretch capacity’) of the typical human scalp and/or the donor area density often prevents this. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous clinics will go ahead with a 5,000+ graft transplant anyway. As mentioned above, more often than not the results aren’t pretty.
Certain rare patients do possess a broad donor area and excellent laxity. We can safely harvest a reasonably sized strip from them for use in large grafting procedures. The scalps of most patients, however, can only safely provide between 2,500 – 3,000 grafts at one time. Patients in need of 5,000 – 6,000 grafts to cover the whole scalp would simply need to undergo two procedures instead of one. For advanced hair loss, this eliminates the unpleasantness and many of the complications associated with massive grafting procedures and is how the vast majority of such hair restoration procedures are carried out. Anything else would be an exception, highly qualified by individual factors, and most certainly not the norm.
It is also important to let the scalp heal and not to push too much surgery on it at one go. Scalp laxity tends to return within 12 months of surgical recovery by which point it is perfectly safe to undergo a second procedure. As an added perk, due to our highly specialized grafting technique you will still only ever have one incision scar no matter how many times we harvest from the donor area.
Finally, to address the last question: ‘does putting in more grafts than required produce thicker and more aesthetically pleasing results?’ The short answer is a definite no. There are serious and potentially detrimental consequences associated with purposeful  excessive grafting. Here at Modena Hair institute we practice dense graft packing to achieve a full and healthy restoration; however our highly trained and specialized professionals understand that the grafts can only be placed so close.
More grafts do not necessarily produce a better appearance and, furthermore, a region of the scalp subject to excessive incisions will suffer inevitable and irreversible tissue damage. In fact, such tissue damage can even lead to necrosis and infection killing the new grafts and leaving the unfortunate patient with some very nasty scars. There is also no guarantee that badly damaged tissue will be receptive to future grafting. So to go back to our Roman philosophers- moderation is key. A smaller number of judiciously placed and safely harvested grafts, in the hands of our experienced surgeons, will always yield better results than an ill-conceived and equally ill-advised ‘mega graft.’
Want to know how many grafts you may need or may be able to do in one sitting?
For more information about hair loss and cutting edge surgical treatments contact our hair restoration surgery center today. Here at Modena Hair Institute we always strive to provide our patients with the highest standard of custom hair restoration treatment available, directly tailored to their individual needs. Our specialists are 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.

How Long Will My Hair Transplant Last?

A hair transplant will give you a beautifully restored head of hair, but does it last? Here at Modena Hair Institute we occasionally hear from concerned prospective patients who, while admiring the fine results of our finished hair transplants, are nonetheless concerned that, given enough time, their newly restored hair will eventually thin and fall out. The good news for you is that this is absolutely not the case. Transplanted hair follicles are harvested from a region of the scalp (called the ‘permanent zone’) that is genetically resistant to hair loss; therefore, most patients can expect their newly implanted hair to last forever.
The two most commonly employed hair restoration procedures — Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) are intended as lifelong solutions to hair loss. The two methods work like this:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – In FUE individual hair follicles are removed from a donor area of the scalp and are transplanted to the area in need.  No stitches or sutures are required for this minimally invasive procedure.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) – In FUT a strip of scalp tissue is removed from the donor area. The scalp tissue is then separated into individual grafts for the needed areas of the scalp.
The transplant should grow as hair normally. In both the FUE and FUT procedure transplanted hair is harvested from the permanent zones— also known as the donor area — on the back and sides of the scalp and skillfully transferred to the thinning and balding areas of the front, top, and crown.
It is, however, important to remember that hair transplants (like any other surgical procedure) are not without certain caveats. The results furnished by a hair transplant may vary depending on a number of factors and limitations. Although  the vast majority of  hair restorations do provide natural-looking and healthy results, some limiting factors to consider include:
Choice of clinic: Techniques employed for hair restoration procedures have improved dramatically over the years and it is essential to find a clinic whose practitioners are well informed regarding all of the latest developments in the field. Top-rated clinics consistently achieve a large graft to growth success rate. Unfortunately, many sub-standard clinics exist. Moreover many so-called ‘bargain’ hair transplants, especially those performed overseas or by underqualified practitioners, can be downright dangerous and leave patients with severe scarring. Doing your own research, exercising good judgement and reading written testimonials of former patients is essential. Many surgeons consistently deliver effective and beautiful results; do your due diligence to ensure that you are in good hands before you go under the knife.
Biological Factors: We must accept that hair transplants do not work for everyone, nor are they a miracle cure. Advanced hair loss, for example, can be particularly difficult to address; patients whose hair follicles have remained dormant for two to seven years and/or those with particularly thin hair in the donor area will often experience less satisfactory results. Of course, this doesn’t mean that dramatic cosmetic results are impossible to achieve, just that initial expectations should be set lower. In most cases some well placed transplant hairs produce a far more pleasing, vigorous and youthful aesthetic effect than no hair at all.
Continuing Hair Loss: While the transplant itself should keep growing forever, the same can not necessarily be said about the rest of your hair. While hair transplants do not prevent future hair loss in regions of the scalp not covered by a transplant, they do help cover them. Effective treatments for continuous hair loss exist and our specialists are always happy to discuss any concerns or anxieties you may have regarding our treatment options.
Adequate Donor Area Capacity: The size of the permanent zones vary according to individual genetic factors. A larger donor area allows for more grafts to be harvested and furnishes our practitioners with a greater number of hairs to work with for the transplant. Patients with relatively small permanent zones should modify their  expectations in regards to the amount of coverage that can be achieved. However, as mentioned previously, truly skilled transplant surgeons can still often produce impressive results even when confronted with sparse material to work with.
Shock Loss: Transplant hair may fall out due to shock shortly after surgery. This is a normal and expected physiological response and nothing to be alarmed by. The new follicles remain and you should expect to see significant growth within the course of a few months.
Both FUE and FUT are permanent procedures. The donor area of the scalp, from which hair follicles are harvested, isn’t called the ‘permanent zone’ for no reason. Hair harvested from this region of the scalp is genetically programmed to never fall out. However, while some patients who receive a hair transplant will later opt for another due to further thinning of non-treated areas, you can rest content knowing that, under normal circumstances, the direct results provided by FUE or FUT are there to stay forever.
For more information about FUE and FUT or to discuss any questions you may have regarding our 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. Our specialists are 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.

Hair Transplants for a Thinning Crown

crown hair transplant
The crown region – sometimes referred to as the ‘bald spot’ – is located on the back portion of the scalp and is an area commonly affected by male pattern baldness. In fact, most men begin looking into hair transplants for the first time after noticing balding in this region. First time clients often tell us: “I hate the bald spot on the back of my head, it makes me look so much older than I am!”
So, what’s the matter? Aren’t all types of male pattern baldness equally treatable? Here at Modena Hair Institute we are experts in every type of hair transplant procedure, so is a hair transplant for the crown any different?
Simply put: yes. There are a number of things a patient with a balding crown must consider and talk to with their doctor, such as:
Prioritizing Frontal Hairlines First

While the crown features prominently on the scalp, it’s usually less cosmetically significant than more visible regions like the hairline and frontal scalp. Balding in the crown, because it’s at the back of the head, can be hidden more easily. Most men find it less discomforting than frontal hair loss, which is why we advise working from the front to the back when it comes to hair restoration.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning on the frontal area of the scalp, it’s highly advisable to tackle this area first, before attempting to restore the crown.
Even if you’re seeking to tackle both areas of thinning at once, it’s still usually better to start in the front and work back to the crown. That way if you do run out of grafts, the hairline, frontal scalp, and mid-scalp regions – which are more visible – are restored first. But why does this matter? Is running out of grafts an actual concern? Yes, you and your doctor will need to discuss:
Considering the Health and Strength of the Donor Area

The donor region – the area on the sides and back of the scalp where follicles are harvested for use in a hair transplantation – is limited. This means that a patient may not have enough life-time grafts available to cover the entire scalp if progressive hair loss occurs.
Both FUE and FUT/Strip methods of hair transplant surgery rely on a healthy and sufficient donor area to extract grafts for transplantation. If your donor area does not contain enough healthy, strong follicles to extract, it might result in a limited number of possible hair transplant operations.
When considering a hair transplant for the crown region, you must assess whether there is enough viable donor hairs to cover the frontal hairline in the future. If you fill out the crown area and begin to thin in the front, what will the result look like?
In most cases, the result would look unnatural. No man would like to have a full and thick crown, accompanied by a thin and empty frontal hairline. The opposite, however – men with fuller fronts and thinner crowns – is more natural and therefore more aesthetically desirable. So if you are faced with a limited donor supply, it is better to consider first what can be transplanted to the frontal hairline. An experienced hair transplant specialist should know how to approach splitting up the grafts, and will guide you through the process during the consultation phase.
Now, there are situations where men only thin in the crown and not the front. In this case, donor regions should be assessed differently and strategically. Certainty about how the hair loss will progress is impossible, but the closest approximation should be made. It is always wise to make sure there is adequate donor hair for the front first, as addressing the front first is almost always the safest and most strategic move.
So, should you have a hair transplant in the crown? Well, review your answers to the questions above and see how you feel. If you understand the need for a long-term approach and the idiosyncrasies of crown transplantation, you may be a good candidate. Consult with a clinic experienced with transplants in this region (make sure they can show you multiple examples of crown transplants) and make an informed decision with the above in mind.
Here is an example of a patient who met the criteria above and was able to restore his crown. Maybe you will be next!
crown hair transplant

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.

Hair Transplant Specialist or Non-Specialist Cosmetic Surgeon? How to Spot the Difference

hair transplant experts
With more and more self-proclaimed hair transplant ‘experts’ joining the industry, the process of weeding out the bad from the good is getting tougher. Selecting an experienced and reputable hair transplant specialist is becoming harder to do based on internet research alone.
As such, we highly advise a more thorough and in-depth investigation of your doctor’s resume, experience and skill. The only guarantee of achieving effective and permanent results is to go with a doctor whose entire career is devoted to hair restoration. The following are a few factors to look for in finding a real expert and specialist in the field of hair transplantation:
They DO NOT Offer Various Cosmetic Services 
If a doctor offers rhinoplasty, face-lifts, liposuction and hair restoration, then they are not a hair restoration specialist. He or she is merely seeking to capitalize on marketplace demand and pick up extra business on the side. Go elsewhere and search for a hair specialist whose sole practice is based on hair restoration.
Doctor’s Resume
If you read through your surgeon’s resume, and he or she doesn’t have a great deal of training, industry associations or years of experience exclusively in the hair restoration industry, then chances are they are not a specialist.
Before and After Pictures
If you’re considering going with a certain hair transplant doctor and they don’t have an extensive catalogue of previous patient before/after photos, it’s a bad sign and highly unlikely they exclusively specialize in hair. One thing to look for are pictures that are loaned out to doctors using a specific Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) equipment. If you read the small writing under the picture, it will say it actually belongs to that company instead of the results being of patients from the doctor you’re considering.
Ask Difficult Questions
During your consultation, ask the hard questions and study your doctor’s responses. Who will be harvesting my donor area? Who makes the recipient sites for my grafts? Dr. Yazdan of Modena Hair Institute performs every major part of the hair transplant procedure, employing assistants only for very peripheral tasks.
Is your doctor an actual attending member of ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery)? The ISHRS is a global non-profit medical association where the world’s leading experts in treating hair loss gather to share their most up to date research, techniques, and diagnostic approaches. Dr. Yazdan is a long-standing ISHRS member with deep academic and experimental ties to the organization.
Many doctors pay for membership but never actually attend meetings and lose out on continued education in hair restoration.
If you use the above guideline in your decision-making process, you will assure yourself of choosing the right hair restoration surgeon and assuring yourself of great 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.

Southern California Hair Transplant Clinics – Feat. Spencer Kobren

“I’ll tell you what I like about Dr. Yazdan. He’s able to perform FUE surgery to state-of-the-art standards and is doing it himself, which is a rarity. Here in Southern California, there are so many pop-up turn-key hair transplant clinics doing FUE surgery with very little expertise or experience. Which is shocking considering Southern California is the mecca of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.”
Spencer Kobren

Last year Dr. Yazdan was listed as one of the top 20 hair transplant surgeons in the world. At Modena Hair Institute, quality of care, rigorous technical finesse and patient advocacy are the foundation of our work. Our Southern California clinic specializes in state-of-the-art medical and surgical treatments of hair loss for men and women including, but not limited to: receding temples, crowns, overall thinning, balding, sideburns, beards, mustaches and eyebrows.
Hair transplantation is an immensely exacting and technically demanding operation where thousands of microscopic incisions are created and thousands of hair grafts – full of sensitive tissue – are extracted, dissected and transplanted.
We believe that an FUE procedure from a skilled hair surgeon is the most effective, safe and aesthetically mature hair restoration option for patients suffering from pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss. The great caveat to this statement, however, is that the surgeon’s skill, expertise and clinical team must be operating at the highest technical and artistic level to achieve the right outcome. When it works, it results in stunningly beautiful hair growth and is one of the only methods to permanently combat baldness. When an operation is performed badly, the hair will grow in an unnatural direction and there’s a high risk for skin infection and scarring.
An aesthetically and technically successful hair transplant requires extreme hand-eye coordination, artistic finesse, calculated endurance and years of specialized experience.
At Modena Hair Institute in Southern California, Dr. Yazdan utilizes an extremely fine 0.7mm punch for all extractions. This not only reduces the risk for scarring, but reduces the risk of shock loss in surrounding follicles. Once the follicular units have been isolated and the incision made, the extracted hair is inspected closely and prepared for placement, utilizing only the healthiest and most optimal hairs.

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.

Botched Hair Transplant Repair – Featuring Spex


For the past few weeks, we’ve had the privilege of enjoying the company of Spencer ‘Spex’ Stevenson, who is visiting Southern California to consult with current and potential hair transplant patients on their hair loss experiences.
During one of his many visits to our Newport Beach hair transplant clinic, Spex and his team filmed Dr. Yazdan repairing and revising a patient’s poorly executed hair transplant, clearly performed at a non-specialist practice. The patient under consideration came into our office with a very dispersed and pluggy looking hairline, as a result of excessively large grafts being placed too far apart. The patient’s transplanted area showed gaps and little hair volume.
The patient also displayed numerous instances of ‘pitting’ in the frontal region of the scalp – resulting from grafts which were planted too deep.
Dr. Yazdan’s job was threefold:

  • Add density to the front of the scalp all the way through to the crown
  • Add volume through careful and artistic donor extraction
  • Mask the instances of ‘pitting’ on the frontal region of the scalp

Importance of Choosing the Right Hair Surgeon
The root cause of bad hair transplants is almost always inexperience and non-specialization on the part of the hair transplant surgeon. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is an extremely delicate procedure that requires a tremendous amount of finesse, dexterity, experience and skill. It is imperative to research and choose a surgeon who only specializes in hair transplantation, and someone who is verified by and affiliated with prestigious hair transplant organizations like the IAHRS and AHLA.
Dr. Yazdan is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS) and is the only such member practicing in the Orange County and Las Vegas areas.
Remember that repairing and revising a botched hair transplant is a far more difficult process to undergo than a first-time hair transplant.

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.

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

spex hair loss
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.
dr. amir yazdan spex
“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.

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

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.