February 11th, 2009
Q: I have read that you can get pimples/ingrown hairs after 3-5 months post op. Is it ok if you pop or scratch these areas?
A: It is common to get small pimples that begin to erupt 2-3 months post-op. These are due to newly growing hairs trying to work their way through the skin. The pimples are transient and should be left to resolve on their own.
If they persist, you should see your doctor. Persistent inflamed pimples can be treated with antibiotics and may occasionally need to be drained.
Topic: Post-op Care
Tags: Ingrown Hair / Pimples / Post-op Care
Posted by
Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at
9:54 am
February 3rd, 2009
Q: I’ve been losing my hair just around the front of my scalp for years, but now it’s bad enough that I need to wear a wig to hide the top and back. Do you transplant women?
A: If you have thinning in such a broad area, most likely your donor area is also thin and you would not be a good candidate for surgery.
An examination can determine this and also determine if there is some other cause of your hair loss other than genetics.
Topic: Women
Tags: Donor Area / Donor Area Thinning / Front of Scalp / Frontal Hair Loss / Genetic Hair Loss / Hair Loss Evaluation / Hair Loss in Women / Hair Thinning / Hair Transplant in Women
Posted by
Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at
4:32 am
January 27th, 2009
Q: I had a facelift about a year ago and the skin on the sides by my temples is really bare. It makes the scar a little obvious too. Can you transplant hair just at the temples to cover the scar?
A: Hair loss in the temple area following a facelift is relatively common and can be treated with a hair transplant. If there is scar tissue, the hair restoration will generally require more than one session.
Topic: Hair Transplant
Tags: Facelift / Hair Loss in the Temples / Hair Transplant to Camouflage Scar / Multiple Hair Transplant Sessions
Posted by
Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at
4:38 am
January 23rd, 2009
Q: I am a 47 year old woman with thinning on the top of my scalp for three years. I think I want to go for a comprehensive evaluation for hair loss and know that the doctor may want to take blood tests to help find out the cause of my hair loss. I am not sure if I need to fast before I come in?
A: Fasting is not necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.
The comprehensive diagnosis may include hair pull tests, hair pluck, hair density measurements, anagen telogen ratios, scalp biopsies and laboratory (blood) tests but no pre-test fasting or other preparation is necessary.
Topic: Consultation
Tags: Anagen-Telogen Ratio / Blood Test / Diet / Donor Hair Density / Hair Loss Evaluation / Hair Pluck / Hair Pull Test / Scalp Biopsy
Posted by
Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at
4:36 am
January 20th, 2009
Q: I am having hair thinning and retreating from the front part of the scalp. According to Norwood’s classification I rank a category III. From what I see on the Rogaine pack it is used in hereditary hair loss on the (vertex) on top of the scalp. Any recommendations?
A: Minoxidil does work on the front of the scalp to prevent the progression of hair loss and may thicken areas of early thinning, although it won’t re-grow hair in areas that are bald.
I would also consider using finasteride (the active ingredient in the hair loss medication Propecia) as this will also work on the front of the scalp to prevent further hair loss and to increase areas of thinning – and it is more effective than minoxidil.
Topic: Drugs & Medications
Tags: Crown / Finasteride / Genetic Hair Loss / Hair Loss Medication / Hair Loss Treatment / Hair Thinning / Hairline / Hairline Retreat / Minoxidil / Norwood Class 3 Hair Loss / Norwood Hair Loss Classification / Propecia / Rogaine
Posted by
Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at
4:34 am