March 10th, 2007
Synopsis: In 1998, a group of hair restoration surgeons proposed a classification for follicular unit hair transplantation and mini-micrografting techniques, to improve communication between physicians and their patients. With recent advances in techniques, a number of new terms are being used that do not have clear definitions. This paper expresses the author’s opinions on which of these terms are useful and should be incorporated into the original classification and which are confusing and should be abandoned. The authors also suggest concise definitions for these new terms.
March 10th, 2007
Synopsis: Densitometry and video-microscopy are techniques that analyze the scalp under high-power magnification to give information on hair density, follicular unit composition and degree of miniaturization. They can be used to help evaluate a patient’s candidacy for hair transplantation and help predict future hair loss. The measurements will enable the physician to better estimate the size of the donor strip and anticipate the aesthetic outcome of the hair restoration procedure. This paper describes the value of these techniques in the hair transplant evaluation.
March 9th, 2007
Q: If I’m 20 years old and haven’t lost any hair yet, should I start using a laser comb now?
A: One should not treat hair loss until it actually occurs.
That said, once there is clear evidence that a person is thinning, non-surgical treatments are best started early to prevent further hair loss.
It is important to keep in mind that finasteride (Propecia) is still the most effective treatment for early hair loss and has a good record for at least some long-term effectiveness. It is not clear what additional benefit the laser-comb will have.
March 8th, 2007
Q: If I use the laser comb will I have to have hair transplants too someday?
A: If you are destined to have enough hair loss to require surgical hair restoration, it is unlikely that using any type of laser therapy will make a significant difference.
March 7th, 2007
Q: I want to use a laser comb and have already bought it. How soon after a hair transplant can I use it?
A: For the first ten days following a hair transplant you should not use the teeth on the laser comb, since it can dislodge the grafts. After this time it can be used normally.
Keep in mind, however, that as of now there are no published studies for this use.
March 6th, 2007
Q: What are the long-term results with the laser comb?
A: The study for FDA approval was conducted for only six months, so the answer to this question is not known at this time. It is assumed that periodic treatments will be necessary for the laser treatments to have continued benefit.
March 5th, 2007
Q: Are there any side effects to the laser comb?
A: There can be an early temporary hair shedding in some patients. This is felt to be due to an acceleration of the hair cycle and is probably a mechanism similar to the one that causes early shedding when using Rogaine (Minoxidil) or Propecia (Finasteride).
March 2nd, 2007
Q: The makers of the HairMax LaserComb have claimed that it will “revolutionize the hair growth industry.” What do you think?
A: This claim is obviously overstated.
Since the Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) doesn’t affect the action of DHT on hair follicles, it doesn’t affect the underlying cause of genetic hair loss, and thus would be expected only to have limited effectiveness. The company’s own studies show that this is, indeed, the case.
March 1st, 2007
Q: Can the laser comb grow hair back in bald areas of scalp?
A: The HairMax LaserComb only works in areas where there is still some hair.
It will not bring back hair that has been lost. You need hair transplantation to do this. The laser comb works by thickening fine, miniaturized hair.
February 28th, 2007
Q: Can the laser comb be used with other treatments, such as Minoxidil or Propecia?
A: Yes, it appears so, but there have been no scientific studies examining the interaction or possible synergy between these hair loss treatments.
