Bernstein Medical Blog

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

Page 56 of 91
<
1
...
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
...
91
>

How Can I Tell if Hair Transplant Doctor is Trustworthy if They Charge by the Graft?

July 3rd, 2008

Q: I had a follicular unit hair transplant performed by another doctor that was scheduled for 2,500 grafts and I ended up paying for exactly that amount. I was supposed to be paying per graft, so it seems strange that it came out to be exactly 2,500? How do I know what I really got? — J.R., Westport, C.T.

A: This is a question that should be addressed to the doctor that operated on you.

If a doctor is charging by the graft, then you should know exactly how many grafts you are receiving. It is possible that he/she hit the number (2500) exactly on the head, but statistically that is extremely unlikely.

After an FUT Hair Transplant, When Do Staples Come Out?

July 1st, 2008

Q: How soon after the hair transplant procedure do I have to get the staples taken out? — T.J., Fort Lee, NJ

A: We remove every other staple at 10 days post-op. The remaining staples are generally removed at 20 days post-op. This varies based upon the patients scalp laxity and the width of the donor strip.

Can I Pay for a Hair Transplant With My Health Savings Account?

June 23rd, 2008

Q: Can health savings account dollars be used for a hair transplant procedure? — V.B., Chelsea, N.Y.

A: Generally yes, but I would check with your individual state and personal plan.

Study: Graft Anchoring After Follicular Unit Hair Transplant

June 19th, 2008

This study determined exactly how long it takes after a hair transplant for the follicular unit grafts to be securely anchored in the recipient area, so that they cannot be dislodged. This is important information for patients in managing the post-op care after a hair restoration procedure.

After Hair Transplant, When Can I Resume Laser Therapy Treatment?

June 16th, 2008

Q: I am currently using the Hair Max Laser Comb. I am starting on my third week and am scheduled for a hair transplant in one week. My question is: how long do I have to wait to restart the laser comb after my hair restoration procedure? This is not my first procedure and I understand the grafts are delicate for the first couple of weeks. If I keep the teeth away from the scalp and just let the light hit the grafts will this promote faster growth?

A: You can start using the laser comb again right after the surgery, as long as it doesn’t touch the scalp.

At 10 days after the hair transplant you can use it normally, as the grafts are permanent and there is no risk of dislodging them.

Strategies for Follicular Cell Implantation

June 10th, 2008

Follicular cell implantation (FCI) is based on the ability of the dermal papilla (DP) cells, found at the bottom of hair follicles, to stimulate new hairs to form. DP cells can be grown and multiplied in culture, so that a very small number of cells can produce enough follicles to cover an entire bald scalp.

In order to produce new follicles, two types of cells must be present. The first are Keratinocytes, the major cell type in the hair follicle, and the second are dermal papillae cells (DP) which lie in the upper part of the dermis, just below the hair follicle. It appears that the DP cells can induce the overlying keratinocytes to form hair follicles. There are a number of proposed techniques for hair regeneration that use combinations of cells that are implanted in the skin. The two major techniques involve either transplanting dermal papillae cells by themselves into the skin, or implanting them with keratinocytes.

What Medications are Used During a Hair Transplant and are they Safe During Pregnancy?

June 2nd, 2008

Q: Is it necessary to take medications before, during, or after the hair transplant? Will these medications affect pregnancy? — V.M., Fairfield, C.T.

A: It is not necessary to take any medication for a hair transplant other than the local anesthesia used during the procedure.

Although I would not have a hair transplant during pregnancy, the procedure will have no effect on future ones.

Does Hair Transplant Cost Include State Taxes?

May 19th, 2008

Q: Are state taxes applicable for hair restoration procedures? — N.S., Glendale, N.Y.

A: There are no taxes on cosmetic procedures performed in New York State.

Some states do have taxes. In New Jersey, for example, there is a cosmetic surgery tax of 6%, but not in NY.

What Hair Loss Medications are Effective DHT Blockers and are they Sold Over the Counter?

April 21st, 2008

Q: Are there DHT blockers that are sold in the pharmacy over the counter? — C.C., — Fairfield County, Connecticut

A: The only effective DHT blockers are finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart).

These medications require a doctor’s prescription and are not sold OTC. Nizoral is a topical shampoo for seborrhea (a type of dandruff) that is sold over the counter, but it is not effective in treating hair loss.

Does Amount of Body Hair Indicate Future Hair Loss?

April 14th, 2008

Q: I have a quite a bit of hair on my chest, back and legs. Is that an indicator of future baldness? — S.C., Short Hills, NJ

A: Although bald people joke around that they wish the hair on their body (and ears) was on their head, body hair is not an early sign of baldness.

Page 56 of 91
<
1
...
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
...
91
>