Hair Loss Information & Solutions

What are the Reasons for Hair Loss?
Normally, hair loss is caused by heredity, hormones and age. Genetic makeup determines if hair follicles are sensitive to the DHT hormone (dihydrotestosterone), causing them to shrink.

This "shrinkage" results in overall thinning hair with time. In addition, the aging process can weaken the hair follicle and consequently the hair shaft. This causes thinning hair and balding - permanent hair loss.

Normal Hair Shedding Versus Permanent Hair Loss
Hair loss is a natural daily occurrence. Every hair on your head adheres to a genetically programmed schedule that includes hair growth, resting and hair shedding. On the average, 50 to 150 hairs are lost each day, but because the hair follicle remains most hair regrows. Baldness occurs when shedding exceeds hair growth.

Genetic Origins of Hereditary Hair Loss
In 95% of hair loss patients, hair loss is inherited. Specifically, it's the genetic coding that hair follicles receive during formation in the womb. These hair loss genes make certain hair follicles sensitive to the DHT hormone, or dihydrotestosterone. When this link is made, the hair follicle begins to shrink. It's first noticed as thinning hair, since the hair follicle begins producing only a very thin, short hair. Eventually the hair follicle dies and permanent baldness and hair loss occurs.

Stress and Other Factors in Hair Loss
High levels of stress has been known to cause some hair loss, but it is usually temporary. Autoimmune disease, the use of certain drugs, illness and severe nutritional deficiency may also cause hair loss or promote early male pattern baldness. Trauma to the head accompanied by scarring can cause permanent damage to hair follicles. Even tight hairdos like braids can create tension that can inflame hair follicles, destroying them and stopping hair growth. But 95% of the time hair loss and baldness is genetic.

What Stage of Hair Loss are You? The medical term for inherited baldness is "androgenetic alopecia." In men, it is called "male pattern baldness" and usually progresses to the familiar horseshoe-shaped fringe of hair. Female hair loss usually takes the form of thinning hair over the entire top, or crown, of the head.

Norwood Classification Everyone's hair loss is unique and different, but doctors have classified baldness categories and have accepted a scale that graphically represents different patterns of baldness. It's called the Norwood Classification.


Norwood Class 2 - Receding Hairline: A hairline is the most important aesthetic portion of a hair transplant. Follicular unit grafts and micro-grafts are utilized with precise angles and direction to create a natural, realistic hairline. All other classes of hair transplantation build on artistic hairline.


Norwood Class 3 - Generalized Frontal Thinning: Adding folicular unit grafts and micro-grafts to thinning hair maximizes coverage without waiting for complete baldness to occur.


Norwood Class 4 - Frontal Area & Crown Balding: Moderate hair loss is countered with follicular unit grafts and micro-grafts for both density and an aesthetic result.


Norwood Class 5 - Top of Scalp & Crown Balding: Extensive hair loss is addressed by using follicular unit grafts and micro-grafts. Density is moderate while donor area is used efficiently.


Norwood Class 6 - Extensive Hair Loss With Limited, Yet Viable Donor Area: Extensive hair loss is addressed through utilization of follicular unit grafts and micro-grafts with emphasis on aesthetic framing of the face and conservation of donor hair. A strategic surgical plan can produce satisfactory results for this classification. Frontal forelock is often used.


Norwood Class 7 - Severe Hair Loss, Only Rim of Hair Remains: A strategic surgical plan can produce satisfactory results for this classification. Frontal forelock is often used.

* Over 80 million men and women suffer from hair loss.

* Half of men age 50 tend to suffer from male pattern baldness.

* 40% of women will suffer from female hair loss by the time they reach menopause.

* The average person has 100,000 hairs on their head.

* The average person loses 100 hairs a day.

* Men's hair grows faster than women's hair.

* Cutting your hair does not influence hair growth.

HAIR TRANSPLANTS
Hair transplants have been successfully performed for more than 40 years and are the only permanent method of hair restoration. Major advances in the use of follicular unit hair grafts have dramatically improved the results. Gone are the days of "plug-style" transplantation. One of the exciting and unique benefits of hair transplants is that the transplanted hair will continue to grow for the rest of your life.

The goal of MHR's hair transplant procedure is to provide the patient with a very natural look, maintaining virtually undetectable results and optimal density without compromising the donor area.

MHR's experienced surgical team achieves aesthetic, natural looking hairlines through customized follicular unit grafting and micro-grafting. Using a crosshatching technique that was developed by Dr. Matt Leavitt and the MHR surgeons, grafts are artistically placed at varied angles and directions so that the hairline closely resembles naturally growing hair. And since no two hair transplants are alike, every single treatment plan is personalized to meet each patient's individual needs.

HOW DOES TRANSPLANTATION WORK?
When performed by MHR physicians, hair transplants are easy on the patient. MHR surgeons exhibit refined artistic skill and extraordinary attention to detail.

The process begins with an evaluation of the donor area. This is the area on the back and sides of the head where hair follicles are genetically programmed not to shed. Sufficient donor hair is needed for successful transplantation.

A small section of tissue is removed from the donor area and thoroughly examined under magnification. It is then dissected into individual hair follicular units and micro-grafts. After the hair grafts are carefully prepared, they are strategically placed into bald or thinning hair areas. Single-hair follicular units are placed at precise but varied angles in the frontal hair zone to create a soft, natural looking hairline. More follicular units and micro-grafts are placed behind the hairline, providing density and volume to cover the larger balding areas. Placement of our grafts is designed to resemble naturally growing hair.

GRAFTCYTE® HEALING SYSTEM, FROM PROCYTE
The GraftCyte® System-which includes copper peptide spray, moist dressings, and post-surgical shampoo and conditioner-has been developed to provide hair transplant patients with the benefit of our years of commitment to the science of wound, skin and hair biology. The GraftCyte® line of products coupled with our physician's expert knowledge provide the patient with optimal post-operative wound care, meaning you'll be back on your feet and on top of your game in no time.

FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE

HEALED SUTURE LINE
A hair transplant procedure is completed on an outpatient basis. The length of the procedure depends on how much hair is being transplanted. Patients leave the office wearing a bandana since iti s important to protect the new grafts. As in nature, the hair grows slowly. The hair begins to grow at three months and will continue to grow at the same rate as your natural hair. Results are usually complete in 10 to 12 months. The transplanted hair will grow forever and does not require special maintenance.

RECOVERY AND HEALING
The scalp is very vascular, so immediately after the follicular unit hair grafts and micro-grafts are transplanted, the surrounding tissue begins feeding the transplant follicle and healing begins. A slight scab forms on the exterior of the scalp, which usually falls off after a week. The hair shaft may also shed, but the hair follicles remain and often go into a resting phase. Medical Hair Restoration was involved in research to speed healing of transplanted hair and reduce the hair loss in the transplant graft, and as a result offer GraftCyte products. Medical Hair Restoration reports hair graft survival rates of near 100%.

THE RESULTS
In one to three months our patients begin to notice their new hair growing. Normal growth rate is half an inch a month. There's no special care needed- cut it and style it any way you want. Gone are the days when you had to worry about which way the wind blew or your head getting wet. It's your hair- it's just been moved from where you have it to where you don't!

Transplanted hair keeps right on growing. Amazingly, the hair follicle keeps its original genetic coding, so it doesn't attract DHT (Dihydrotestoserone - the cause of male-patterned baldness). Despite being moved into a formerly bald area, it continues to behave like donor area hair.

How much hair is restored depends on the patient's degree of hair loss and their desired result. Some needs are met in one hair transplant procedure while the goals of others may be best achieved over multiple hair transplant surgeries.

We invite you to view our patient testimonial videos or take a look at our patients' before and after photos. You can also play with our interactive Head-to-Head tool and really see how a hair transplant can dramatically change your look.

WOMEN'S HAIR LOSS INFORMATION
As a female, when we're young we quickly learn that our hair is an extension of our personality. It says we're pretty. It says we're soft. But it's also an indicator or health and state of mind. Hair is one of the wonders of being a woman. And if the eyes represent the windows to the soul, then our hair represents the grand facade.

One thing you should know is that you're not alone. Millions of women suffer from many varieties of hair loss. The great news is that thousands are taking control, taking their lives back, and growing to love themselves again through the life-changing results of surgical hair transplants -- the only permanent hair loss solution.

These very same women have professed to spending countless years, and countless tears, on miracle hair creams, hormone therapy, holistic medicine, even hair wigs, and have finally realized that a hair transplant was the best result all along. MHR board certified physicians have spent years studying female hair loss. We know how to tailor a plan specifically to your medical needs. Our proven treatment methods will solidify you place as a leading lady.

FEMALE HAIR LOSS CLASSIFICATIONS
The pattern of hair loss must be determined before a hair replacement treatment plan is formed. The Ludwig classification system for hair loss is shown. Since female balding patterns vary, the common classifications are listed in a range from slight hair loss (Type 1) to severe hair loss (Type 5). Your degree of thinning or breaking hair can change over time. MHR uses hair grafts of one, two, or three hairs, which are transferred as follicular units or micro-grafts.

WOMEN'S LUDWIG SCALE
The pattern of hair loss must be determined before a hair replacement treatment plan is formed. The Ludwig classification system for hair loss is shown. Since female balding patterns vary, the common classifications are listed in a range from slight hair loss (Type 1) to severe hair loss (Type 5).


TYPE 1 Generalized thinning with discrete areas of alopecia in the frontal crown and vertex area.


TYPE 2 Global diffuse thinning without discrete areas of alopecia.


TYPE 3 Frontal temporal recession typically seen in male pattern baldness.


TYPE 4 Scarring alopecia.


TYPE 5 Medical and hormonal causes (usually not surgically treated)

WOMEN'S HAIR LOSS FACTS

1. What are the reasons for female hair loss?
Normally, heredity, hormones and age cause hair loss. Genetic makeup determines if hair follicles are sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and other hormones, causing them to shrink. This "shrinkage" results in overall thinning with time. In addition, the aging process can weaken the hair follicle and consequently the hair shaft. This causes thinning hair and balding - permanent hair loss.

2. Is Rogaine® effective?
The hormone DHT and other hormones are the cause of hair loss in genetically susceptible women. Minoxidil, which is marketed under the name Rogaine®, was the first FDA-approved treatment for slowing hair loss in women. This over-the-counter, topical solution must be applied directly to balding areas.

Although it is used to combat hair loss in its early stages, Rogaine® is sometimes used during the hair transplant process to enhance initial, new hair growth.

3. Is it common for women to get hair transplantation to cover face-lift and other cosmetic scarring?
Yes. Hair transplants can be quite effective at concealing visible scars that result from a number of different procedures including face-lifts, brow-lifts, and even scars resulting from major surgery of the head.

Modern micro-grafting techniques allow the surgeon to place grafts in front of, behind, and even within the substance of the scar itself.

4. Can MHR perform eyebrow transplantation?
Yes. Finer hairs from the scalp can be transplanted to the eyebrow area to correct cosmetic defects associated with absent or thin eyebrows, prior facial injuries, and other conditions affecting the eyebrows. The transplanted hairs will grow faster than normal.

5. Should I see my doctor prior to seeking hair transplantation?
Because hair loss in women can be caused by a number of factors other than androgenetic alopecia, which can ultimately affect the new grafted hair, it is recommended to see your physician for a complete diagnosis before seeking a hair transplant.

It is very important to seek out a dermatologist or hair replacement surgeon who is sensitive to this need for a clear diagnosis, as this is important to the development of a proper treatment plan.

WOMEN'S HAIR LOSS QUESTIONS
1. What are hair follicular unit grafts and micro-grafts?
A follicular unit is a group of hair as it naturally occurs. Individual follicular units are very small and grow in an irregular pattern. With MHR's technique, follicular units are usually preserved in their natural composition. This is important because it maximizes the supply of donor hair and contributes to the finest, most natural looking result.

A micro-graft is a graft with 1, 2 or 3 hairs. The goal of any hair transplant procedure is to provide the patient with a very natural look, maintaining virtually undetectable results and optimal density without compromising the donor area. Multiple techniques can be effective but it is the responsibility of the surgeon to select the best method for obtaining a patient's specific goal.

2. Am I a candidate for a hair transplant?
An MHR consultant can educate you on the causes of hair loss and available treatment options. After your evaluation by an MHR doctor, a final determination will be made as to whether you are a candidate for a hair transplant procedure. They will analyze your individual hair loss, discuss expectations and outline your options.

Factors that determine candidacy for the procedure include the number of hair grafts that are necessary to produce the results your desire, availability and density of donor hair, hair color, skin color, hair texture, and potential future hair loss.

3. Have hair transplants been proven to work?
Hair transplants have been successfully performed for over 40 years. Recent advances in the use of follicular unit hair grafts have dramatically improved the results of hair replacement surgery.

Transplanted hair looks as natural as the rest of your hair because it is your naturally growing hair. One of the exciting and unique benefits of hair transplants is that the transplanted hair it will grow for the rest of your life.

4. If I am unhappy with a hair transplant performed by another doctor, can MHR correct the problem?
Performing an average of 40 to 60 cases of corrective hair replacement surgeries each month, MHR has developed methods by which a poor hair transplant can be modified into a desirable result. Dr. Matt Leavitt has even authored a chapter on corrective surgery in hair transplantation for a medical textbook.

5. Can I afford a hair transplant?
Hair replacement is more affordable today than ever. After a thorough examination of your hair loss and discussion of your expectations, we will be able to provide a realistic estimate of the time and expense necessary to achieve your goal.

The fees charged by many hair transplant surgeons may cause a great deal of confusion. Some surgeons charge by the graft, others by the hair, and still others by the session. The important consideration for any patient is to receive the natural coverage and density desired within the budget allowed.

MHR patients report their results are unparalleled and claim, "It was the best money I ever spent." A hair transplant is of value only if it satisfies the patient. Although expense is an important consideration, it should not be the only consideration.

Unlike other methods of hair loss treatment, the cost of each surgical procedure is a one-time expense. We tailor the procedure and payment to each individual's circumstances and budget. MHR accepts most major credit cards and can direct you to available financing plans.

6. What makes MHR different from other practices?
MHR surgeons continue to pioneer surgical techniques and instruments in hair replacement. Our experienced surgical team achieves aesthetic, natural looking hairlines through customized follicular unit grafting and micro-grafting.

Using a crosshatching technique that was developed by Dr. Leavitt and the MHR surgeons, grafts are artistically placed at varied angles and directions so that the hairline closely resembles naturally growing hair.

Each treatment plan is personalized to the individual's needs - no two hair transplants are alike. Because hair transplants are permanent, your decision will be one that lasts a lifetime. Choose a top-notch, caring surgery group that stands behind their work and will be with you every step of the way.

Get a free personalized hair/scalp analysis, free educational DVD package and information on how you can re-grow your hair for as little as $150 per month.

Why live with your hair loss any longer? Take the first step and contact MHR today.