You went thru with your surgery, Now what?

Congratulations! You went thru with it, you finally had your hair transplant.  Now what? Is the first question in your head? Why is the care after so important?

First things first, you leaving the office after you procedure; you do want to cover your head, and it is ok to were a hat BUT make sure it’s clean!  Either buy a new hat or just wash it before you come in, you can even put it in the dishwasher to remove any bacteria in the hat.  Because think about it you don’t want fungus growing on your head right?

Top 5 things patients do to destroy there procedure:

1.  “I want to be gentle”

–         The first 5 days is ok to be gentle, but after that you need to scrub it good, you need to wash it in a circular motion to get the dead skin and blood off.  You do not want to walk around with dead skin nesting on top of your head.

2. “I just knocked my head getting in my car”

–         Be careful especially these first few days after surgery.  You can easily dislodge your grafts.  Be careful on knocking your head or bending down or any strenuous exercise because your blood can rush to your head and can pop off a graft.

 

 

1. 3.    “I’m going on my vacation and tanning on the beach”

–         Remember you just had a lot of sights or incisions on top of your head.  You do not want it to scar permanently.

–         Remember the skin is very sensitive and it is open for UV damage for at least the next 3 months.

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1. 4.    “My head Itches”

–          Don’t scratch it; you can scratch off a graft.

 

 

1. 5.    “I want to put ointment on it so it can heal better”

–         That’s a No No that’s does not Go Go.  Applying ointment or gauze on top of your grafts can just promote build up.  Just keep using the postoperative kit, especially the follicle spray.

All of these ideas are a guaranteed to ruin a good surgery!

 

But your next question after your recovery might be “why does it take so long to see growth?

Stay tune for our next blog……

 

 

 

Gene Therapy

Image via Wikipedia

Gene therapy, of all sorts, are still in the trial phase. None have been used as treatment outside the trial phases.
Basically gene therapy is using a viral vector (a vehicle) that infects your cells and damages your DNA by splicing in a new gene. This works because we already know the genes that cause specific diseases. Unfortunately, we are not close to determine what specific gene is causing male or female pattern baldness yet.  There are some indications that it may be multiple genes. Without an identifiable targeted gene, we are only in the beginnings of this process. With so little research money dedicated to hair loss (since it is not considered a genetic disease) we probably will not see gene therapy for hair loss in the next ten, or more likely twenty years.

Hair Transplant Success Story

Patrick is a real hair transplant patient of Dr Magalin and wanted to share about his experience:  

Patrick After his Hair Transplant

 

“I started losing my hair when I was 21. I wore a hair piece for 17 years and always felt like people were looking at my head. I am in the sales industry so appearance is important to me and I had a lot of hair loss so I knew I wanted to do something about it. and I liked Dr Magdalin the moment I met him. Besides an accomplished transplant doctor, he is an artist, and a sculptor. I really thought that was important for me in choosing the doctor who would do my hair. I really believe in my heart that Dr Magdalin is the best of the best. And what I mean by that is that when I went in for my consultation I felt I could trust him as an honest doctor looking out for me.

“Because the donor hair at the back of your head is genetically coded to never fall out, your transplanted hair is permanent. You’re in and out on the same day and I’m so glad I made the decision to have my hair transplanted with Dr Magdalin. I feel so much more confident and I really could not be happier.

“I want to tell everyone how good I feel and that Dr Magdalin delivers the highest quality results. I could not have chosen a more significant and effective way to take control of my appearance and gain all my old confidence back. Dr Magdalin gave me 20 years back and that, to me, is priceless.”

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Hair Cloning as a Solution to Hair Loss?

There is one question that I have been asked frequently over the last few years and that is, “So Doc, what do you think about hair cloning? Have they gotten anywhere with that?” I am hesitant to be too optimistic about any advances that have been made recently or will be made in the years to come. There are many obstacles that scientists have not been able to overcome and they are not even close to testing this process on humans. Hair follicles that are grown in Petri dishes look like mold and I would not believe that they are safe to transplant.

Cloning hair has been in the works for decades.  In the 1970’s hair follicles were cloned on mice whiskers, but the biggest problem and potential hazard of cloning thus far is that the process is tumorigenic and malignant. In the lab and specifically with these mice studies, the outcomes show tumor formation at the test site.

One of the major obstacles of hair cloning is that the hair follicle cannot form into a real follicle because the stem cells require an infrastructure to grow on called a “basement membrane.”  Some synthetic infrastructures are available and tested, but no reports have been published–many are still waiting for something to come out of these studies.

My prediction of when cloning technology will be available is 20-30 years from now. Besides my opinion and knowledge of the specifics of the studies being done and their obstacles, there is very little grant money available for this. Most hair transplant doctors do not have research expertise. Lastly, FDA approval for cloning takes time. As exciting as the prospect is, cloning hair to solve hair loss is going to take some time.

Laser Combs for Hair Loss?

Laser hair combs, and specifically the MEP-90, are FDA approved. So they must work … right?

Let’s take a look at what this approval actually means, though. Laser comb manufacturers are advertising their product as “FDA approved”.  This may appear that the product is registered with the FDA and has FDA approval, like a prescribed medication.  Let me explain why this may be misleading.

First of all, when laser combs claim to be “FDA approved,” what they really mean is “FDA approved for marketing.” Just because the FDA gives the “ok” to market laser combs, they are not saying that the product will work. In other words, the FDA is not going to design, perform or monitor a clinical study to determine the long-term results.

In order for a manufacturer to be able to market their product, they need to have the FDA clear that the product is ok to market. A form called a 510(k) is part of the application process to have marketing approval by the FDA.  Part of the 510(k) application process is to show that the product being submitted is similar to other products. This is so the manufacturers do not have the burden of showing that the product is efficacious (medical term meaning that the drug/device will do what it claims to do).

So, if the manufacturer can show the FDA that other similar or “equivalent” devices exist and they are “substantially equivalent” then the manufacturer does not have the burden of proving the actual effectiveness of the product.

So, what are these “substantially equivalent” devices that have been cited for the FDA  approval for marketing laser combs? Take a look at these products below. You will get a kick out of it. However, the humor is immediately negated when we realize that patients and consumers alike are paying hundreds and even thousands of dollars on these laser combs trusting that their results will “come in time” after multiple sessions and countless hours under a blinking light. Even more outrageous is the daring boldness of those who sell, suggest and prescribe these laser combs.

To the right we have the Robi Combi. This device is used to remove head lice. The FDA finds this as a predicate device similar enough to the laser comb to validate marketing the laser combs. To the left we have Evans’ Vacuum Cap.  This device was also listed as “substantially similar” to the laser comb. It claims to suck the hair out of the patient’s scalp.

Or better yet, we have The Raydo and Wonder  Brush and Violet Ray device (to the right and below) that are contraptions from the turn of the 20th century that claimed to be magnetized in such a way that would coax new hair out of the scalp. Manufacturers must have been feeling pretty tenacious to cite these outdated and undoubtedly ineffective products as part of getting FDA approval for their laser combs.

The MEP-90, a laser that is marketed for hair loss treatment, also has FDA clearance. But remember, the FDA has just cleared it for marketing, not cleared it as efficacious. But the predicated devices on the application are based on the laser combs which are based on above outdated and ineffective devices.

As far as results from the MEP-90 laser system, researchers attempted to prove with accurate and positive clinical results that the MEP-90 works. However, researchers only studied the results of hair loss and regrowth up to 6 months which is only up until the end of 6 month placebo effect that one sees in hair studies.

What is the placebo effect in hair studies?  An unusual and supervising phenomenon occurs to subjects in the first few months of a study that shows increased amount of hair, even if all they do is rub water into their scalps. Because of this, and allowing for this placebo effect, it’s important for studies to go beyond a year. This time frame allows the placebo effects to disappear and the true results take their course.

Bottom line: If you are going to spend money, stick with the only FDA and clinically
proven choices: Minoxidil, Propecia and hair transplant.

FUE (follicular unit extraction): No Scar?

Many patients ask me about follicular unit extraction, or (FUE).  This procedure is also known in the Northeast United States as Individual Graft Technique (IGT).  The FUE procedure is most appropriate for those patients who have undergone multiple strip method hair replacement procedures and for those who prefer a less invasive method for hair transplantation.  For the right candidate, an FUE procedure can provide good results with outcomes equal to that of a traditional strip method procedure.   To begin with, let’s explore what Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is and what it looks like.

Simply stated, Follicular Unit Extraction is an improved modification of the old plug removal hair restoration method.  Typically, a large area on the back of the head is shaved and a motorized punch drill is used to remove the smaller pieces of tissue. The FUE procedure takes longer than other hair transplantation methods because of the meticulous work that is involved in the extraction and placement of the hair follicles. Most facilities that perform FUE can handle no more than 800 grafts per session, and multiple sessions may be required to restore large areas of hair loss. By comparison, the traditional strip method transplant can result in as many as 3500 grafts per session.  

Often referred to as the “scarless” or “surgeryless” hair transplant procedure, FUE results in fast recovery times, no stitches, and less discomfort after procedure than traditional surgery methods. That being said, FUE is not for everyone. It is important to consult with a skilled physician who is experienced and knowledgeable about the pros and cons of both traditional and FUE procedures. If you are interested in undergoing FUE, please contact me for a free consultation to discuss whether FUE is the right procedure for you. 

Because the extraction process during FUE is elaborate and labor intensive, you should expect to pay more for this procedure than for traditional methods.  The extraction process due to the meticulous and time consuming nature of the work is usually not performed by the physician and is typically delegated to the technicians in many facilities and hair restoration clinics. This practice is currently being reviewed for whether it complies as the standard of care in some states.  Hair transplantation is both an art and a science. Be assured that I personally perform all extractions for my patients undergoing FUE at Imagine Clinic.  Ask questions if seeking consultations about an FUE procedure and insist on physician performed extraction. 

Below: What we do NOT do (for obvious reasons)

Also at Imagine Clinic: Facial Fillers for Men

At my practice, I offer high quality facial filler treatments for men to fill in wrinkles or restore volume in cheek or jawline. Ask me about the facial filler Radiesse. I love Radiesse because it provides instant gratification and most patients walk out without any swelling or bruising. I love to see the expression on my patients’ faces when they look in the mirror after a facial filler like Radiesse. They can’t beleive the transformation and the immediate results. It’s You. Just Improved. Come in today for a treatment and you will be amazed by your restored youth and confidence.  For more information, you can visit Radiesse by Imagine online or call 877-890-3262 to schedule an appointment now.

Dr Magdalin’s artistic talent beyond hair transplant

The defining difference that separates Imagine Clinic from all other transplant centers is Dr Magdalin’s artistic abilities.  In order to restore hairlines and add density in a virtually undetectable and natural way, Dr Magdalin understands and simulates hairlines and patterns found in nature. He is recognized not only for his techniques in natural hair restoration but for his passion and mission to deliver quality results in an individualized process. He takes the time and care to understand his patients’ goals and offers experience and expertise to match these expectations.  Dr Magdalin realizes that the perfect hairline restoration includes not only the top of the head, but also the temple area all the way down to the sideburns.  Dr Magdalin has performed thousands of hair transplants and hundreds of full hairline restorations that are virtually undetectable.

In creating natural hairlines Dr Magdalin draws upon his artistic background, thus he blends art and science to hairlines and transplants.  Dr Magdalin is the winner of the University of California’s Art Competition (1994, Berkeley) and has refined his artistic abilities at The Student Art League (NYC, NY)which is the nation’s finest and most prestigious training center.  Dr Magdalin continues to sculpt in his studio in Boston.

Natural Results and Natural Hairlines

What we do:

When it comes to achieving the best results, proper dissection and the highest standard of quality are paramount. Imagine Clinic uses exclusively stereomicroscopic dissection for high quality single follicular unit grafts. This assures the most favorable chance of developing natural looking hair with minimal skin changes such as scarring. By transplanting exclusively single follicular units, one has the highest chance for success in having a natural and virtually undetectable transplant.

What is a “single follicular unit graft?” Unlike the dreaded “plug” that appears clumpy or unnatural, a graft that is characterized as a “single follicular unit” is much smaller and more refined. Instead of transpanting a large grouping of hairs at a time, the hairs are transplanted as individual units with anywhere from 1-4 hairs per graft. This refined and highly-skilled technique is essential in order to attain the finest results and the most natural look. What we do not do: The larger follicular family grafts called DFU and TFU or mini-grafts are actually double or triple follicles. Dr Magdalin believes that the larger grafts have fundamental disadvantages. Although these larger grafts are cheaper, transfer more hair, and are technically easier to dissect, they are more likely to cause unwanted skin changes. These large grafts tend to produce pitting: a dimple where the hair emerges; and cobble-stoning: thick irregular scaring of the skin. In the larger 4-10 follicular units grafts, they have even higher chances of producing a scarring. This ring shrinks, as it matures over time, squeezing the follicles together, and thus creating the dreaded “tufting” or dolls hair. These skin changes, it can be easily argued, are hidden behind a fine hairline. True, but the permanent skin changes do hinder future transplant, as scared area are hostile to transplantation. Dr Magdalin has performed numerous repairs which include removing old heavy plugs from the hairline and filling in bare areas between plug. This is by far the most difficult scenario, as far as repairs go, because the number of grafts capable of going into a scarred area is limited.

What we can’t do:

In the typical transplant, it is impossible to give one full density. Dr. Magdalin believes in transplanting enough follicles with a first session in order to get the patient as close to his goal as possible. Ultimately many patients decide to have a second transplant to decrease transparency and increase thickness. For best results Dr Magdalin tends to concentrate the transplant in the forelock area, the area in front and center, but he also listens and works with the patient to optimize and help achieve their goals. Typically, a second procedure is about half the transplanted number of grafts as the first procedure. Less than 10% of the patients do a third procedure. Third procedures are most commonly done for those who have severe hair loss.

Welcome from Imagine Clinic

With so many “cures” out there claiming to resolve, repair, or reverse hair loss, it is understandable that you may be left overwhelmed by the options. You may feel apprehensive to trust in something or some product that may not end up delivering.  Here at Imagine Clinic, we take pride in our reputation of honesty, experience and reliability that keeps our patients coming back with not only excellent results, but also positive feedback and renewed sense of self.  Deciding to move forward with a hair restoration procedure is a process that often takes some research and we have made it our mission to help you come to a decision by giving you as many answers as we can to make this easier for you and for you to feel confident to proceed.  In this blog, we will answer commonly asked questions, but also keep you updated on the latest advances in hair restoration technology.

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