Hair loss, or Alopecia, can have many different causes and requires a detailed history to determine the most likely cause. Some hair loss can be linked to stress, common baldness, emotional disorders or fungal infection. Most cases will respond to medical treatment.
What Causes It?
A physical examination is helpful in making an accurate diagnosis. Several different factors include: childbirth, high fever, severe infections, flu, thyroid disease, inadequate protein in diet, certain medications, cancer treatments, low serum iron, major surgery, chronic illness, hormone imbalances, fungus infections, emotional stress, and improper grooming. Hereditary balding or thinning is the most common cause of thinning hair or hair loss. It is often necessary to obtain blood tests to determine the underlying cause.
What Can Be Done?
There are many treatments for hair loss. Topical steroids and steroid injections into the scalp can help by promoting new hair growth. Certain oral medications are available for men with hereditary hair loss which may slow the progression of the loss and increase hair count. Neograft, new hair transplantation technology, is also an option. Dr. Gold or his staff in Nashville will review the best options for you.
What is NeoGraft™?
NeoGraft™ is a new device which facilitates the harvesting of follicles during an Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant, dramatically improving the accuracy and speed over previously used manual extraction instruments.
What is an “FUE” hair transplant?
“F.U.E.” or “Follicular-Unit Extraction” is an advanced, minimally-invasive hair transplant method which allows for the harvesting of individual follicles from the donor area without a scalpel incision or the necessary stitches, and therefore leaves no linear scar.
To learn more about Follicular-Unit Extraction, visit Wikipedia.com.
What are the main benefits of FUE over the “strip” surgery?
It is well accepted that FUE transplants heal faster and more comfortably than linear incision harvest techniques using a scalpel and requiring stitches. With FUE, once healing is complete, the patient has the option of wearing a very short haircut without the worry of a tell-tale linear scar. Without the need for stitches, downtime is shorter with fewer activity restrictions immediately after the procedure.
What are some benefits of NeoGraft™ over manual FUE techniques?
The highly ergonomic mechanical NeoGraft™ device works as a natural extension of the surgeons’ hand, allowing for faster and more accurate harvesting of hair follicles. NeoGraft™ patients now reach their goal with less time in the procedure room or fewer FUE procedures altogether.
Who is a good candidate for FUE using NeoGraft™?
Patients who would like the option of wearing a very short haircut in the back or sides of their scalp, or those who want the least amount of activity restriction (e.g. athletes) after their hair transplant procedure, may be good candidates for FUE. The NeoGraft FUE System can also be used for ‘scar camouflage’ procedures for patients who have had prior linear harvests, as well as for body hair transplants.
What are the major cost differences between FUE and the “strip” hair transplant procedures?
The fee structure for FUE hair transplant procedures reflect the more detailed and intricate nature of those procedures compared to those performed with a “strip” linear harvest surgery.
Are the final transplanted ‘results’ any different with FUE/NeoGraft™ than those achieved with the “strip” surgery?
Results are similar. FUE procedures, by default, yield grafts that contain mainly one, two, three, or four follicles called “follicular units. “Strip” harvests, which are microscopically dissected by a team into grafts of one, two or three follicles, would also yield similar ‘follicular-unit’ grafts. Provided that in each case the grafts are implanted with care, artistry and precision into the recipient area, the final transplanted results with FUE would be similar, if not identical, to those of an accomplished surgeon performing the “strip” harvest. The difference is not in the area of hair growth, but how the donor area is harvested either by a strip of scalp or by small individual graft extractions.
Is FUE/NeoGraft™ suitable for both men and women?
Yes. Because FUE/NeoGraft™ is a minimally-invasive procedure, it is a viable option for both men and women looking to restore their own living and growing hair with transplantation.
Do I have to get a total ‘buzz cut’ to have an FUE/NeoGraft procedure?
No, not if your wear your hair long. If your donor hair is long enough, harvesting using the FUE/NeoGraft can be done by shaving small areas which can be covered by your other, existing hair. If you wear your hair short, it helps to shave it close for maximum yield. It looks more natural sooner as the transplanted grafts are short as well.
Am I a good candidate for a procedure using FUE/NeoGraft?
The best way to determine whether you are a candidate for hair transplant using FUE/NeoGraft is a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gold at the Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville.
Next, read about Excess Hair.
