Want to participate in no shave November, but have to keep it professional for work? We understand the struggle. It used to be that beards weren’t professional and weren’t allowed as employees at nicer firms, restaurants, or businesses. But in 2017, a lot has changed, and there’s a lot more freedom now when it comes to personal expression in the workplace.
That’s why we’ve created some tips to help you keep your beard prim and proper, so you can keep your professionalism.
Trimming doesn’t count as shaving. While we’re all for indulging in no shave November, trimming is an exception. Trimming your beard will allow you to keep your beard looking nice and tidy, and in turn more professional. There’s just no way to make scraggly hair look professional.
Keep your lines tidy by trimming edges around the cheek and neckline. Keeping these lines straight will keep your beard looking purposeful.
Treat your beard like you treat your hair. If you’re going to be growing your beard as long as (or longer than) your hair, then you should be treating it with the same care. Shampooing, conditioning, moisturizing, and even styling isn’t just for your scalp hair. If you want your beard to look nice then treat it nice. Cleanliness and moisturizing will keep your beard hair look soft and healthy (rather than old and dingy).
Keep your scalp hair neat. Life is about balance and so is the art of no shave November. Don’t over-do it by growing your head hair out as well as your beard hair. Tidiness in your head hair will help you to maintain a professional appearance.
Tag Archives: hair transplant
Is hair transplantation a cure for hair loss?
We get this question a lot – is hair transplantation a cure for hair loss or a treatment? The difference between treatments and cures can get a little confusing so let’s break it down.
Treatments
Treatments are medications, therapies, or surgeries that help address the issue at hand. In this case, treatments like Finasteride, minoxidil, laser therapy, and PRP therapy address hair loss in individuals. These treatments may help prevent hair loss, slow its progression, or address an immediate concern (scalp buildup, infection, promotion of healing or growth factors, etc.).
Cures
Cures solves the problem at hand. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for hair loss at this time. There is some promising research, and scientists believe they’re close to curing baldness, but at the present time, the aforementioned treatments will have to suffice for those suffering from hair loss.
So which is hair transplantation – a treatment or a cure?
This is where it gets tricky. Despite what many believe, hair transplants don’t cure hair loss. They may solve the immediate problem at hand (filling in an area of baldness), but the root of the problem is not solved. In other words, your hair loss will progress through your native (non-transplanted) hair as you age despite getting a hair transplant. While you can rest assured the transplanted hair is here to stay (not effected by hair loss progression), if you only rely on hair transplantation to solve your hair loss woes, you’ll be playing a costly game of catch up for the rest of your life.
This is why we recommend a multi-method approach to addressing hair loss. Choosing an effective treatment to work alongside hair transplantation will extend the life of your hair and buy you more time before your next hair transplant.
If you’d like to find out more about hair transplantation and if you’re a candidate for this procedure, give us a call today.
Should you consider an eyebrow hair transplant?
Hair transplants aren’t just for your scalp. Many individuals get hair transplants for facial hair help as well. Mustache, beard, and eyebrow hair transplants have increased dramatically over the past ten years, also doubling in occurrence.
Facial hair transplants are very similar to scalp hair transplants. Hair follicles are extracted from a healthy donor area (often times the back of the scalp) and placed in an area lacking hair.
While both men and women get eyebrow hair transplants, the majority of patients are women. This is likely due to beauty trends placing a high amount of emphasis on brows. Women have been seeking ways to give themselves full, shapely brows in a more permanent way than temporary and smear-prone make up.
Eyebrow hair transplants are a great, permanent option for those seeking to have natural, full, shapely brows. While there are other options for eyebrows available, they have their downfalls.
Permanent eyebrow tattoos often look black. Once they heal, they turn a gray-green color and lack the natural feel of eyebrow hairs. Eyebrow tattoos have been becoming decreasingly popular due to the unimpressive results both short and long term.
Microblading involves pigment applied to the skin in ‘hair-like’ strokes. While they look natural and shapely, they are not permanent and will need to be redone yearly.
Eyebrow transplants are not only permanent but are your actual hairs being transplanted. But, eyebrow transplants are not without their downfalls. If done improperly by an unskilled surgeon, you can end up with some pretty whacky brows. Eyebrows must follow a distinct angle in which they grow in, as well as a particular face-fitting shape and density. If the angle, shape, or density is messed up, you could be left with permanent undesirable brows.
Here at Modena, we stress the importance of researching thoroughly prior to picking a surgeon. If you’d like to find out more about this procedure, give us a call today!
Case Study – FUE Receding Hairline Restoration Transplant
Patient presented with severe receded hairline hair loss, at just age 25. He began noticing the hairline receding at age 16 and noted his father and both grandfathers also have a receded hairline. The severity of his receding aged him and took a toll on his self confidence.
The patient’s hair goals were to restore the hairline with minimal scarring. Upon consultation and comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Yazdan and the patient decided on the FUE method of hair transplantation. FUE transplants produce minimal scarring and supply a sufficient amount of grafts for a hairline restoration procedure.
Hairline restoration cases like these can take anywhere from 500-2500 grafts depending on the severity of the hair loss and the goals of the patient. Dr. Yazdan worked with the patient to design a hairline that look natural, age-appropriate, and mimicked his hairline prior to the hair loss. Pictures show the patient immediately after the FUE hair transplant procedure. Approximately 1800 grafts were used for this procedure.
Hairline restoration surgery
A receding hairline is one of the most common types of hair loss, especially for men. A receding hairline can be very alarming and disappointing for many, as unlike other types of hair loss (crown balding, diffuse thinning), a receding hairline is extremely noticeable.
A receding hairline is usually one of the first signs of hair loss. To make matters worse, it can prematurely age you. One major factor in a youthful appearance is a full, healthy, natural looking hairline. And while many hair-care products tote claims of restoring hair to its previous glory, they are typically not strong enough to make any real difference.
One viable and effective options for those suffering from a receding hairline is hairline restoration surgery. Hairline restoration is a type of hair transplant surgery that involves extracting grafts from a quality donor area (usually the back of the scalp) and placing them in a natural formation in the hairline.
Hairline restoration surgery restores the appearance of the hairline in a natural way. Unlike hair plugs, which have an abrupt, thick, dense start, and give a noticeable appearance of fake hair, hairline restoration grafts are placed in such a way that mimics the natural growth of your hairline. Hair follicles come in different sizes (containing 1 hair, 2, 3, or 4). Our natural hairline has 1’s in the forefront, followed by 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s. Because hair transplantation involves your own hair being hand selected and placed, the surgeon is able to give you a natural hairline restoration that no one will notice you had a procedure done. You’ll have your old hairline back!
If you are experiencing a receding hairline and would like to explore your surgical options, give us a call today!
Is my donor area sufficient for hair transplantation?
This is a common question we receive from patients on the message boards. In hair transplantation, we extract grafts (hair follicles) from one location and transplant them in another. The area where grafts are extracted is known as the donor area. Individuals seeking hair transplantation are often concerned about their donor area and if it’s sufficient enough to support a hair surgery.
Upon evaluation for hair transplantation, we assess the donor area for quality, density, and health. This evaluation takes into consideration traits such as levels of density, thickness versus fineness, and strength of the hair follicle.
If the hairs in the donor area lack density and are weak or programmed for hair loss soon, they will not sustain a hair transplant extraction. If the hair transplant was done despite the lack of quality of donor area, the patient could see increased permanent hair loss.
So, if your donor area isn’t sufficient for hair transplantation, does that mean you aren’t a candidate for hair transplantation?
Not necessarily. Luckily, hair transplant science has advanced in recent years. We now have multiple areas in which we can use for donor sites. The beard, chest, and back can be used as potential donor sites for men who do not have sufficient scalp donor area.
The best way to determine the quality of your donor area as well as your candidacy for hair transplantation, you should meet with an experienced hair restoration surgeon. Give us a call today.
Should you see a doctor for your hair loss?
Most individuals see hair loss as a naturally occurring condition that many individuals experience. Additionally, many believe that there is nothing they can do about it except to accept their fate.
While hair loss is extremely common and occurs in many individuals due to genetics, medical conditions, or other influencing factors, it isn’t always naturally or normally occurring.
Many do not consider hair loss to be a medical condition, but in fact, it is. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of sources, including but not limited to, genetics, thyroid disease, hormone imbalances, and side effects of medications.
As a result, it can be beneficial to see a doctor if you’re experiencing hair loss. The doctor will be able to diagnose the hair loss (also known as alopecia) and order any lab diagnostics that may help determine the cause. Determining the cause can help rule out any underlying diseases and set you on the right track for treatment. For example, if you’re hair loss is caused by a medication, changing brands or adjusting doses may help resolve the hair loss.
In addition to determining a cause of hair loss, your doctor can help prescribe a treatment. Contrary to popular belief, hair loss isn’t something that you just have to live with. There are treatment options available that may help prevent and slow hair loss, such as finasteride, propecia, minoxidil, or biotin. While some of these medications are available over the counter, it’s always a good idea to get your physician’s opinion and approval before starting any new treatments.
If you don’t have a primary care doctor, or don’t feel comfortable seeing them for hair loss related issues, you can always schedule a consultation with a hair restoration doctor. Hair restoration doctors are physicians who specialize in hair loss. They can order labs, diagnose, and help you come up with a treatment plan. If you’re ready to find out what’s causing your hair loss and find a treatment, give us call today.
Hair shedding – what is normal and what should have you calling your doctor
Everyone experiences some degree of hair shedding. In general, hair shedding is considered normal. But what exactly is normal and what should have you calling your doctor?
According to experts, shedding anywhere from 1-100 hairs a day is in the normal range. That being said, 100 hairs may be a lot for one individual, while not a lot for another. What it really comes down to is what each individual’s ‘normal’ is.
If you normally shed 50 hairs a day, then all of a sudden seeing a spike in shedding of 100 hairs a day for a continued period of time, should be alarming. This is outside the normal range for you, at double the amount of shedding you typically see.
This could be a clear sign of something wrong. While it may be the result of a change in diet, habits, stress, or a new medication, it could be a sign of hair loss. Regardless of the cause, you should call your doctor and try to get to the bottom of it.
The benefit of detecting early hair-loss related causes, is stopping hair loss in its tracks. It is much easier to stop hair loss from progressing when you catch it early on, than to resolve it later on. This is because once a hair follicle dies, it is gone forever. If you can catch a hair follicle before it dies, you have a chance to keep that hair.
If you are experiencing hair shedding that is outside the normal range for you, give your doctor a call. This shedding may lead to hair loss that you can stop before it progresses. If you’d rather meet with a hair loss specialist to evaluate the causes and your options, give us a call today.
Should you be concerned with complications from hair transplant surgery?
Hair transplants are a common medical procedure sought out by those seeking an aesthetic improvement to their balding hair.
In a hair transplant surgery, your own natural hair is transplanted from a place of fullness to a place of balding. Hair transplants are a great tool for those who are seeking a natural-looking solution to balding and hair loss.
In general, hair transplants are safe and effective. But like any medical procedure there are possible risks and complications.
In hair transplant procedures, possible complications include infection, bruising, swelling, scarring, scabbing, inflammation, and hair loss.
How common are these complications and when you should you be concerned with them?
Anytime you’re undergoing a medical procedure you should always make yourself informed of the risks and possible complications. This is good practice as a patient and will help you make informed decisions.
The occurrence of these complications in hair transplants depends on a few key factors: experience of the hair transplant surgeon, location of the surgery, and good aftercare by the patient.
Surgeon experience
The risk of complications such as scarring, infection, bruising, and hair loss can be greatly reduced if a skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeon is conducting the procedure. There are modern techniques and tools which minimize potential risks.
Location of the procedure
There is a trend among those seeking cosmetic procedures to go abroad for their surgeries in an effort to save money. This trend is dangerous and can have unfortunate consequences. The risk of all complications of hair transplantation increase dramatically when you leave the US to get the surgery done. This is because medical doctors in other countries such as Turkey (a popular hair transplant destination) are not held to the same high standard doctors are in the US. A large majority of patients who seek restorative hair transplants are victim of foreign botched hair transplants. We see a high rate of shock hair loss, scarring, and infection, all of which can have permanent, irreversible repercussions.
Patient aftercare
It is very important to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Keeping the areas clean, avoiding certain medications, incorporating ice, and taking it easy so your body can heal all play a role in post-hair transplant complications.
If you’d like to learn more about hair transplants and if you are a good candidate, give us a call today.
How dense should transplanted hair be?
If you’ve been researching hair transplants, you’ve likely come across a picture or two of a sparse, plug-like looking hair transplant. When there’s lots of space in between hair follicles, more scalp shows through, creating a balding or thinning appearance to the hair. If you’re looking for a hair transplant, you’re likely looking to resolve balding or thinning as much as possible, not highlight it further by having scarcely place follicles across your scalp.
But just how dense should transplanted hair be?
Well, there isn’t a simple answer to this question.
The density of transplanted hair depends on two factors: the density of the surrounding healthy native hair and the hair transplant surgeon’s technique and ability.
With hair transplants, we strive for natural looking, full hair coverage. Therefore, you’d want the transplanted area to fit in and flow nicely with the surrounding areas, matching the density of the full, healthy-haired areas. This will keep the hair looking natural and keep you from looking like you had a procedure done.
That leads us to our second factor in density: the surgeon’s abilities. If a surgeon’s abilities or experience are lacking, you’re going to get the best hair transplant s/he can give you rather than the best hair transplant for you. This is why experience and techniques are so important when searching for a hair transplant surgeon. The punch size, placing by hand versus robotic assistance, and involvement of the surgeon will directly affect the density of the transplanted hair and the overall hair appearance. Over-sized punches, robotic tools, and the absence of surgeons during procedures are directly correlated to poor results such as a plug-like or thinly covered recipient zone.
Don’t let this happen to you. Ensure your hair transplant looks natural and appropriately-dense. Give us a call for a consultation today.
The importance of graft placement in hair transplant surgery
Hair transplant procedures are a great way for those experiencing hair loss to reclaim their hair. Hair transplants allow you to have your own natural hair restored in areas that have been balding for years.
When done properly, your friends and family will never know you had a procedure done. It looks that natural – because it is. Unfortunately, not all hair transplants are done properly.
Some surgeons, whether because of laziness or inexperience, cut corners in hair transplant surgery which can cost patients the results of their procedure, leaving them with what we call a botched hair transplant surgery.
One of the ways in which surgeons can greatly effect the outcome of hair transplant surgery is with graft placement.
In order for the hair transplant to look like naturally growing, young, healthy hair, the grafts must be placed in a natural formation. This way, the transplanted grafts will blend right in with the surrounding native hairs, leaving no one the wiser that you’ve had a restorative procedure done.
Natural-looking graft placement takes time and expertise. It can be quite tolling on the surgeon, as they often have to put strain on their back, put in long hours without breaks, have steady hands, and a meticulous eye.
Inexperienced or lazy hair transplant surgeons rely on the use of machines or technicians to perform the bulk of the surgery and ease the difficultly and strain of high-quality hair transplants. This, unfortunately, causes an increase of risks such as scarring, plug-like looking grafts, damage to hair follicles, and low graft survival rate.
Your prospective hair restoration surgeon shouldn’t cut corners, and neither should you. Make sure that your hair transplant and investment will yield great results by thoroughly researching and asking questions.
Schedule a consultation today to see what your hair transplant could look like.
*Individual results vary.*
Post-hair transplant surgery shock hair loss
Sometimes, after a hair transplant surgery, a condition known as shock loss occurs. Shock loss is when your natural pre-existing (aka native) hairs fall out. This can occur in the recipient as well as the donor zones. This hair loss causes new areas of baldness that were not there previous to the hair transplant.
Shock loss occurs due to the stress of surgery and the body’s response to that stress. Anytime we have a surgical procedure, we are putting the body through a type of stress. Stress responses differ from person to person.
In hair transplant surgeries, we sometimes see shock loss as a stress response. This happens because the surrounding follicles near the extracted or implanted grafts because traumatized or “shocked” by the procedure.
The good news is that shock loss is often a temporary condition. The hairs usually return during the next hair growth cycle (2-6 months). In cases where the hair loss is permanent, the hairs that were effected by shock loss were likely weak follicles. This means that they were on their way to dying off and becoming bald areas soon.
There are ways to avoid shock loss prior to and during hair transplant surgery. Avoiding mega-sessions, being informed about the hair loss and growth process, and choosing a surgeon that utilizes a precise hand technique as opposed to robotic all play a role in shock loss.
Post-surgery shock loss and graft-shedding are sometimes mistaken for each other. To clarify, shock loss refers to your native hairs falling out near where grafts were extracted or placed. Shedding refers to the newly transplanted grafts cycling through the natural hair growth cycle. Graft-shedding is natural part of the hair transplant process.
If you would like to learn more about hair transplant surgery and what it entails, give us a call for consultation.
Is a hair transplant surgery the right choice for you?
Hair loss effects over 80% of men and 50% of women over the course of their lifetime. This extremely common condition leaves many searching for a solution.
While medical management offers great methods to restore hair, such as PRP therapy, laser therapy, prescription medication, specialized shampoos, and even over the counter medications, these recourses are only effective for the right candidates.
If you’ve been experiencing hair loss for some time, have progressed hair loss, or didn’t have any luck with medical management, you may be wondering what your next option is.
Hair transplant surgery is an ideal option for those with progressed hair loss. This medical procedure involves taking hair follicles from other areas of your scalp or body and transplanting them into the areas of hair loss.
Modern hair transplant surgery is much different than plugs, wigs, or hair pieces that have been methods used by balding people in the past. Hair transplant surgery is your own natural hair that grows in on its own where it’s needed.
Due to the natural, organic nature of hair transplant surgery, patients are able to regain their youth and hair without it ever looking like they were bald or sought a medical recourse.
In order to determine if you are an ideal candidate for hair transplant surgery, you should meet with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon. After a scalp and hair loss evaluation, you and your doctor can determine the right amount of grafts needed to meet your hair goals.
If you’d like to learn more about hair transplant surgery, and figure out if it’s the right option for you, give us a call today.
How safe is hair transplant surgery?
With any medical procedure, there is some degree of risk and safety concern involved.
In general, when done in the U.S. by experienced and qualified hair restoration surgeons, hair transplants are safe and effective.
The danger and risk comes into play when regulation, skill, technique, certification, and cleanliness are lacking. While these risks are more common abroad, it’s possible to run into these issues in the U.S. as well.
Some potential issues that could jeopardize the safety and effectiveness of your hair transplant are a botched surgery due to lack of experience and skill, excessive scarring due to punch technique, infection due to unsanitary conditions, and further hair loss due to trauma.
To ensure you have a safe and effective hair transplant surgery, research thoroughly. Below is a list of some things to keep in mind as you’re meeting with hair restoration surgeons and deciding on which facility you’ll go with.
Before and after pictures. Peruse your potential surgeons before and after pictures of other patients. This will be your best indication of their skill and ability level.
Certified by the ISHRS. Make sure your hair restoration surgeon is certified by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons. This is one way you’ll know your surgeon is knowledgeable in the field of hair transplants.
U.S. medical doctor in a U.S. facility. Make sure your surgery will be conducted in a clean and sanitary environment. Don’t risk getting your surgery done abroad. Other country’s doctors and facilities are not held to the same high standards as here in the U.S.
Follow all instructions. Heed all after-care instructions carefully. Keeping the area clean will reduce your risk of infections and complications.
Are you a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Hair loss effects over 80% of men over their lifetime and over 50% of women over their lifetime. This common ailment used to have no recourse of solution.
But, thanks to modern advancements in medicine and science, hair transplants are helping men and women all around the world regain their hair.
This life-changing procedure involves extracting grafts from a ‘donor’ area (such as the back of the scalp) and transplanting the grafts into the ‘recipient’ area (aka area of hair loss).
While this procedure has helped so many not only get their hair back, but their confidence and youthfulness as well, unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for hair transplantation.
So, how do you know if you’re a candidate for hair transplant surgery or not?
Many factors play a role in determining your candidacy for hair transplantation. Below, are a few of the most prevalent reasons individuals are not ideal candidates for hair transplantation.
- Gender – while this factor isn’t exclusive (we’ve done many successful female hair transplants), in general, most women are not ideal hair transplant candidates. This is due to the type of hair loss that most women experience. Most women experience diffuse thinning hair loss. While hair transplants can still be successful on patients with diffuse thinning hair loss, it can be more difficult on women due to the length and coverage of the hair.
- Early stages of hair loss – if you are in the very early stages of hair loss, it may not be best for you to get a hair transplant just yet. Hair transplants don’t treat hair loss. That means you’re your hair loss will continue as you age. You will most likely need another hair transplant to make up for new hair loss. There are many ways to medically manage hair loss and even reverse it in the early stages. Right now, you may be a better candidate for laser therapy or PRP. You can save hair transplantation for later on down the road.
- A weak donor area – hair transplants require a healthy, full donor area to extract grafts from. If your donor area is weak, this may cause you to not be a good candidate for surgery. The good news is, there are other donor areas besides the back of the scalp that grafts can be extracted from. We have conducted many successful body hair transplants for those with a weak scalp donor area.
Please keep in mind that to determine your actual candidacy for hair transplantation, you should meet with a qualified and experienced hair transplant surgeon. If you are not a candidate for surgery at this time, but are experiencing hair loss, make sure to schedule a medical management consultation so you can maintain your hair and ward off hair loss as long as possible.
Case Study – Amazing Results Using FUT Method of Hair Transplant Surgery
There are many factors that go into determining your candidacy for hair transplant surgery. For example, the density of the donor area, the strength of the surrounding hair, the involvement and efficacy of medical management, and the severity of the hair loss, just to name a few.
When all of these factors work together in a patients favor, we see great results like these.
This patient presented with severe receding and balding of the crown. Although the degree of his hair loss may make this patient appear much older, he was only his late 20’s at the date this picture was taken. Utilizing approximately 3600 grafts, Dr. Yazdan was able to restore this patients hair line and fill in the crown.
Results are shown after 1 year post-surgery. The patient now has an appropriate hair line with good density throughout the crown.
The patient now looks like a new man.
How soon after a hair transplant can you wear a hat?
For many individuals who decide on hair transplant surgery, their least favorite part about the process is the appearance of their hair immediately following surgery. For the first couple of weeks post-op, there may be redness, swelling, and scabs in the recipient and donor areas of the scalp. Some describe the process as having your hair look worse for a small amount of time to look better for the long-term.
It is many individuals’ inclination to cover and hide their hair during this initial post-op period. Many patients desire to wear a hat or hood to shield the appearance of their hair.
Unfortunately, this is not a recommended option for patients so soon after surgery. You may be wondering why not? What harm could a hat cause?
Well, while hats are a great tool to conceal the hair, they happen to rest on the head where thousands of grafts have just been carefully excised and transplanted. Particularly, the band of the hat often sits right on the donor and recipient areas. This is harmful to the grafts, as they are extremely fragile and sensitive during this initial period. Any unintended rubbing or pressure could cause them to fall out, risking all the hours of hard work you and your doctor put in to give you a nice, full head of hair.
We typically suggest patients avoid hats for the first week post-op. While we realize this may be inconvenient appearance wise, it is the best way to ensure the results of your hair transplant surgery.
For whatever the reason, if you wish to have a discreet hair transplant surgery, not allowing people to see or know you had a recent hair transplant, we suggest scheduling your surgery during a slow period where you will be able to take off a few days to yourself.
Here at Modena, we offer flexible scheduling so you can plan your surgery around your busy work and life schedule. If you’d like to learn more about the services we offer, give us a call.
Is your hair a lost cause?
What’s next for those who are not candidates for hair transplant surgery or medical management?
Losing hair and balding can take a toll on even the most confident man’s self-esteem. Not only does it cause some to have embarrassment, it can also age you tremendously. Hair restoration surgery allows us to regain the confidence and youth we lost some years ago with our hair. And medical management can be a great tool to stop and reverse recent hair loss.
Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for medical management or even hair transplant surgery. Whether it’s due a poor donor area, a potential complication with the surgery, or hair loss that’s progressed too far. This can be heart-breaking news to anyone searching to solve their hair loss problems.
Fortunately, there is an option for those non-candidates to take back control of their scalp. Laser hair removal for the scalp has been a great tool for those who are balding. While it may be hard for some to part with what hair they have left, others find liberation and confidence in a polished look.
Laser hair removal is fast, effective, and affordable. If you’d like to learn more about laser hair removal for the scalp, give us a call today for a free consultation.
