Bernstein Medical Blog

This page contains all posts in our News, Answers, Video, and Research sections.

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What is Hair Transplant Graft Depth and How Long After Transplant can Grafts be Dislodged?

February 27th, 2009

Q: How far into the scalp are the grafts placed and is the follicle far enough into the scalp that it will not be damaged? I have heard that the critical time to not touch your scalp is the first 2-3 weeks after the procedure. — M.G., Hillsborough, C.A.

A: The growth part of the follicle is 3-4mm into the scalp. Grafts can be dislodged the first 10 days, so you need to be careful not to scrub your scalp during this period. After that, the grafts are permanent. At 2-3 weeks they can’t be dislodged, even by vigorous scrubbing.

What are the Most Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women?

February 24th, 2009

Q: What are the most common causes of hair loss in women other than genes?

A: The most common causes for localized hair loss in women are traction (due to tight braiding) and alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that produces smooth round patches of hair loss).

Other than genetic (hereditary) thinning; generalized hair loss is most commonly caused by medications, anemia, and thyroid disease.

Is Female Pattern Hair Loss Common?

February 22nd, 2009

Q: How common is female pattern hair loss?

A: It is very common. It affects about 40% of women.

After Hair Transplant, When Can I Resume Physical Training Or Exercise Regimen?

February 18th, 2009

Q: When can patients resume physical training? — T.M., Mineola, N.Y.

A: Moderate exercise may be resumed two days after the hair transplant.

The main limitation is to avoid putting direct pressure on the donor area and to avoid stretching the back of the scalp (neck flexion) as this will increase the chance of stretching the donor scar after a strip procedure.

There is no such limitation with follicular unit extraction (FUE). However, in general, contact sports should be avoided for at least 10 days with FUE and a month after a strip procedure.

Why Do You Shed Hair in First Months of Treatment with Rogaine?

February 17th, 2009

Q: I started thinning and saw more hair in the tub. I began Rogaine and stopped shampooing every night and is seems that there is now more coming out every time I shower. What is going on? — E.U., Short Hills, NJ

A: Rogaine can cause shedding at the beginning of treatment (i.e. in the first 3 months) but this is expected as it causes some hair to begin a new cycle of shedding and re-growth. This means the medication is working.

Another reason for your apparent shedding is that the less you wash your hair, the more will be lost each time. Go back to shampooing every day and see what happens.

After Hair Transplant, How Long Until I Can Wash My Hair?

February 12th, 2009

Q: When can I wash my hair after a hair restoration procedure?

A: If a follicular unit hair transplant is performed so that there is a “snug fit” between the graft and the incision into which it is placed, the grafts are reasonably secure the day after the procedure.

At this time, gently washing with lightly flowing water and a patting (rather than rubbing) motion is permitted. Vigorous rubbing, however, will dislodge the grafts.

Over the course of the week the grafts become more secure, and at 10 days post-op they are permanent. At this time, normal scrubbing of the scalp is permitted.

After Hair Transplant, is it OK to Pop or Scratch Pimples on Scalp?

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? — T.V., Los Angeles, C.A.

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.

How Do You Treat General Thinning in Women ?

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.

Can a Hair Transplant at the Temples Cover a Facelift Scar?

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? — L.H., Scarsdale, N.Y.

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.

Before a Hair Loss Evaluation, Should I Fast or Change My Diet?

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? — R.B., West University Place, TX

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.

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