Horrible Hair Transplant? Using FUE to Correct Bad Hair Transplants

Hair loss is a problem that people have been dealing with for a very long item. In those times, men and women had to settle for wigs, weaves, hats, scarves, and anything else possible to hide a balding scalp.

Then came the hair transplant technology. People now have more than enough options to correct the effects of different hair loss conditions. However, not every transplant yields the expected results. You may have made the mistake of rushing into a transplant procedure and end up with unsatisfactory results.

Why Get Restorative Surgery

Maybe you got the procedure from a doctor without the necessary expertise, or the procedure wasn't the right one for you. Whatever the case, it is possible to make some corrections with an FUE hair transplant. Toronto has well-trained hair specialist with experience in FUE transplant procedures.

Camouflage

One of the options that a specialist can pick to correct a bad hair transplant is camouflage. This technique involves covering up the section that looks unattractive after an initial transplant. An FUE hair transplant procedure can use individual grafts to pad up the volume of hair or correct poorly angled transplants. Camouflage can be used as a standalone procedure or in combination with other techniques if the situation calls for it.

Using FUE

Hair transplant technology has changed dramatically and FUE hair transplant offer better results if there was a problem with your previous procedure. There can be challenges when it comes to reversing the damage caused during a previous transplant.

It helps to consult a hair specialist in Toronto to find out if the problem you are facing can be solved using FUE hair transplant. Ensure that the doctor you are working with has experience fixing bad hair transplants.

Excision and Reimplantation

Sometimes it may be necessary for a surgeon to excise the existing grafts and re-implant them properly. Such a procedure may be required if the existing grafts are in the wrong position, the direction of the grafts is incorrect or if there is a need to fix grafts around the temple area.

Hair restoration specialists in Toronto can explain to you the problems that may call for an excision and re-implantation process. As hair transplant techniques improve, more solutions are available for patients that need to get restorative hair transplant surgery.

Sources

Can Transplanted Hair Be Removed and Repositioned?, www.realself.com

What are My Options after a Bad Hair Transplant?, www.regrowhair.com

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How to treat alopecia areata: Topical Immunotherapy

Alopecia areata is the autoimmune disease that can lead to hair loss. Since this is an autoimmune disease, it is the body's own immune system that is attacking the hair follicles. It sometimes appears as mild and patchy hair loss but if more than half of your head is affected, hair loss has reoccurred many times, hair loss has persisted for over a year or incidences of hair loss began in childhood, it is usually considered severe. Treatment can be difficult, especially in the more severe cases. There are currently no approved therapies as success rates have varied with individual cases but good results are possible¹.

For these severe cases, topical immunotherapy is often used^2,3. A sensitizing agent (usually diphenylcyclopropenone or squaric acid dibutylester) is applied to the scalp to cause an allergic reaction⁴. It is not completely understood why this reaction causes the immune system to stop attacking hair follicles although it is believed that the appearance of a new immune target or an increase in cells that regulate the immune response could be contributing factors⁵.

Be prepared for possible side effects which include a burning sensation, blistering, irritation, darkening of the skin, enlargement of the lymph nodes, itchy rash, facial swelling, redness^6,7 and brown patches⁸. The second downside to this type of treatment is that relapses are not uncommon¹.

Topical immunotherapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women⁹, use in eyebrows¹⁰ or for those with mild¹¹ or rapidly expanding alopecia areata¹². This treatment is also less likely to be successful in those with complete hair loss, those experiencing body hair loss, those that have experienced thyroid disease or those that have affected nails^1,7,10. If you are interested in learning more about topical immunotherapy for your alopecia areata, speak with your doctor or hair restoration expert.

Article by: Dr. J.L. Carviel, PhD, Mediprobe Research Inc.

References

1. Rokhsar CK, Shupack JL, Vafai JJ, Washenik K. Efficacy of topical sensitizers in the treatment of alopecia areata. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Nov;39(5 Pt 1):751–61.


2. Wiseman MC, Shapiro J, MacDonald N, Lui H. Predictive model for immunotherapy of alopecia areata with diphencyprone. Arch Dermatol. 2001 Aug;137(8):1063–8.


3. Ro BI. Alopecia areata in Korea (1982-1994). J Dermatol. 1995 Nov;22(11):858–64.


4. Orecchia G, Perfetti L. Alopecia areata and topical sensitizers: allergic response is necessary but irritation is not. Br J Dermatol. 1991 May;124(5):509.


5. Happle R. Antigenic competition as a therapeutic concept for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol Res. 1980;267(1):109–14.


6. Pan R, Liu J, Xuan X, Li B. Chinese experience in the treatment of alopecia areata with diphenylcyclopropenone. J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;42(2):220–1.


7. Chiang K, Atanaskova Mesinkovska N, Amoretti A, Piliang MP, Kyei A, Bergfeld WF. Clinical efficacy of diphenylcyclopropenone in alopecia areata: retrospective data analysis of 50 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Sep;71(3):595–7.


8. Tosti A, Piraccini BM, Misciali C, Vincenzi C. Lentiginous eruption due to topical immunotherapy. Arch Dermatol. 2003 Apr;139(4):544–5.


9. Wilkerson MG, Connor TH, Henkin J, Wilkin JK, Matney TS. Assessment of diphenylcyclopropenone for photochemically induced mutagenicity in the Ames assay. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987 Oct;17(4):606–11.


10. van der Steen PH, Happle R. Topical immunotherapy of alopecia areata. Dermatol Clin. 1993 Jul;11(3):619–22.


11. Tosti A, De Padova MP, Minghetti G, Veronesi S. Therapies versus placebo in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Aug;15(2 Pt 1):209–10.


12. Iorizzo M, Tosti A. Treatments options for alopecia. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2015;16(15):2343–54.

 

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Which hair system should I choose?

If you are concerned with hair loss or its prevention, you are not alone. In Europe approximately $1 billion dollars has been spent on preventing or treating hair loss¹. This number jumps to approximately $2.2 billion dollars in the USA¹.

Hair systems (this can include wigs as well as other non-surgical hair replacement options) are commonly used by individuals who have medical conditions that cause hair loss. Some examples can include individuals who struggle with trichotillomania as well as patients undergoing chemotherapy². Using hair systems have actually increased self-esteem in women who struggle with alopecia areata (N=49)³.

There are quite a few options you can use to conceal hair loss. Today we are going to examine just two of the many non-surgical hair replacement options available at Sure Hair International; cranial prosthesis and hair integration systems. Cranial prosthesis can either be a full piece, covering the whole head, or it can be a partial piece. This prosthesis can allow your scalp to show through, making the hair system look more natural⁴. This type of hair system can be trimmed to specifically fit you, avoiding the need to remove the piece before any water activity (e.g., swimming, showering etc.) like other hair systems⁴. This type of prosthesis also contains a specially designed foundation that can have hair easily inserted and locked into place without the need for knots. Knots are traditionally used to keep the hairs attached to the foundation making the hair bulky and unnatural looking⁴.

There are some downsides however with this type of hair system. Cranial prostheses are not available at all retail outlets and they are more expensive than traditional synthetic hair systems⁴. In order for the prosthesis to remain on the scalp, medical adhesives (e.g., medical glue) needs to be applied on the head⁴. Oil and sweat can influence proper attachment of the prostheses⁴. However, with medical adhesives we have available at Sure Hair International, athletes, active individuals and those that perspire more often can enjoy cranial prostheses as well.

Hair integration systems are another option to consider. They involve adding synthetic or human hair to balding areas. This system is more natural looking and is custom made for you⁴. The color of the hair used can be hand matched to blend with your natural hair. ⁴ This hair system is not for everyone. Hair loss needs to be localized in order to successfully use this system⁴.

The key to wearing a hair system is skill, knowledge and effort⁵. Information, support, coloring and styling can be supplied from hair care professions such as Sure Hair International (located in Toronto, London, and Hamilton, Ontario). Don't be afraid to come in and ask about what system would work best for you.

Article by: Sarah Versteeg MSc, Mediprobe Research Inc. 

1. Rushton DH, Norris MJ, Dover R, Busuttil N. Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002 Feb;24(1):17–23.


2. van den Hurk CJG, van den Akker-van Marle ME, Breed WPM, van de Poll-Franse LV, Nortier JWR, Coebergh JWW. Impact of scalp cooling on chemotherapy-induced alopecia, wig use and hair growth of patients with cancer. Eur J Oncol Nurs Off J Eur Oncol Nurs Soc. 2013 Oct;17(5):536–40.


3. Inui S, Inoue T, Itami S. Psychosocial impact of wigs or hairpieces on perceived quality of life level in female patients with alopecia areata. J Dermatol. 2013 Mar;40(3):225–6.


4. Banka N, Bunagan MJK, Dubrule Y, Shapiro J. Wigs and hairpieces: evaluating dermatologic issues. Dermatol Ther. 2012 Jun;25(3):260–6.


5. Goffman E. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Doubleday: Anchor Books; 1959.

The post Which hair system should I choose? appeared first on ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant In Toronto, ON | Sure Hair International.

Am I a good hair transplant candidate: Top 5 considerations when choosing a hair transplant for scarring hair loss

Scarring hair loss, or cicatricial alopecia, is a form of permanent hair loss whereby hair follicles are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue^1,2. Once the disease has been stable for at least two years, there are several treatment options which can be considered³. These include hair transplant, excision of the hairless region, and flap procedures (an intact blood supply is extracted from the donor site)^4,5. When choosing the best option for you, there are a few important individual characteristics to investigate. For example, when choosing a hair transplant, here are the top 5 considerations:

Availability of Donor Hair

Very simply, how much donor hair is available? How large is the recipient area?

Properly assessing donor and recipient regions is especially important in younger individuals as pattern hair loss may develop over time. This could lead to gradual loss of the transplanted hair or “islands” of hair in a balding region. An experienced hair surgeon should be able to anticipate this possibility and operate accordingly.

Scalp Laxity

Scalp laxity refers to the looseness of the affected area of the scalp. Greater laxity allows for a low-tension wound closure. Strip or follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplants may be the better option for those with less laxity while excision may be preferable in cases with greater laxity or smaller affected areas.

Patient's Healing Characteristics

Some people are better at healing than others. Those with a history of producing highly visible scars or who have experienced greater than average postoperative bleeding may benefit from hair transplant over the alternative surgical options.  Another option is FUE hair transplants.

Vascular Circulation        

Scar tissue in the areas of hair loss can lead to reduced blood flow. Your hair transplant surgeon should be able to test for a sufficient supply to nourish the newly transplanted follicles. Larger scarred areas are most at risk for low blood flow.

Area of Involvement

If the affected area is highly visible, such as the hairline, a hair transplant is most likely the way to go. Alternatively, hair transplantation can be used as an additional procedure to hide scars in visible areas.

Overall, there are multiple treatments available for scarring hair loss. However as they mainly consist of surgical options, there are many considerations, making individual assessments by an experienced surgeon important.

Article by: Dr. J.L. Carviel, PhD, Mediprobe Research Inc.

References

1. Siah TW, Shapiro J. Scarring alopecias: a trichologic emergency. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2015 Jun;34(2):76–80.


2. Harries MJ, Sinclair RD, Macdonald-Hull S, Whiting DA, Griffiths CEM, Paus R. Management of primary cicatricial alopecias: options for treatment. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):1–22.


3. Saxena K, Saxena DK, Savant SS. Successful Hair Transplant Outcome in Cicatricial Lichen Planus of the Scalp by Combining Scalp and Beard Hair Along With Platelet Rich Plasma. J Cutan Aesthetic Surg. 2016 Mar;9(1):51–5.


4. Unger W, Unger R, Wesley C. The surgical treatment of cicatricial alopecia. Dermatol Ther. 2008 Jul;21(4):295–311.


5. Fan J-C, Wang J-P. [Plastic surgical management of large cicatricial scalp alopecia]. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2009 Apr 28;89(16):1098–101.

The post Am I a good hair transplant candidate: Top 5 considerations when choosing a hair transplant for scarring hair loss appeared first on ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant In Toronto, ON | Sure Hair International.

Do you know where the hair on your head came from?

Wigs have been around for thousands of years and originated in Egypt¹. Egyptian women used wigs to shield themselves from the intense heat of the sun¹. Since then, wigs have been used frequently throughout history. By the 16^th century, wigs debuted as a method for concealing hair loss¹. Is hair loss a big deal? Approximately 22% of over 1,500 men surveyed on hair loss replied that it impacted their social life and 21% reported feelings of depression².

It is cosmetically imperative that wigs look like natural hair. By using high quality wigs or hair systems, the common complaint that “wigs look wiggy” can be eliminated³. What makes up a wig? Hair is obviously a major part of the equation but the foundation of the wig is also another key part.  Depending on the style of the wig the foundation could be a net or made from other breathable material¹. There are a few main types of hair that can be included in wigs; human hair fibers, synthetic hair and high heat synthetic fibers.

There are quite a few benefits to synthetic wigs. Synthetic wigs are generally less expensive and can be purchased at a retail store¹. This type of hair does well in the sun; unlike real hair that can undergo bleaching when exposed to sunlight⁴. However synthetic wigs are 'one size fits all', which really means it really won't fit everyone perfectly¹. This type of hair can be 'unnatural' looking but does have a long life span. ¹ Be careful not to use your blow drier with these wigs since heat can melt them¹.

Human hair can also be used in the creation of wigs. Using this type of hair in wigs allows the hair to be dyed to match your natural hair color¹. Traditional styling, like blow driers, can be used to style these wigs. The main issue with this type of hair is that it requires a donor to give up their lovely locks. Virgin hair is the most desired type of donated hair. This is hair that hasn't been previously dyed or processed and is cut from one donor.

High heat synthetic fibers can also be used as well. These fibers can be flat ironed and even curled with heat, up to a certain temperature. High heat synthetic fibers are as soft as human hair with color that doesn't fade. However, this type of hair does cost as much or even more than human hair and must be specially ordered by a trained professional.

There are lots of options out there but don't feel overwhelmed. Come in and talk with us for advise on wigs or hair systems that will best fit your needs.

Article by: Sarah Versteeg MSc, Mediprobe Research Inc. 

1. Banka N, Bunagan MJK, Dubrule Y, Shapiro J. Wigs and hairpieces: evaluating dermatologic issues. Dermatol Ther. 2012 Jun;25(3):260–6.


2. Alfonso M, Richter-Appelt H, Tosti A, Viera MS, García M. The psychosocial impact of hair loss among men: a multinational European study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2005 Nov;21(11):1829–36.


3. Wiggins S, Moore-Millar K, Thomson A. Can you pull it off? Appearance modifying behaviours adopted by wig users with alopecia in social interactions. Body Image. 2014 Mar;11(2):156–66.


4. Nogueira ACS, Nakano AK, Joekes I. Impairment of hair mechanical properties by sun exposure and bleaching treatments. J Cosmet Sci. 2004 Dec;55(6):533–7.

 

The post Do you know where the hair on your head came from? appeared first on ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant In Toronto, ON | Sure Hair International.

Iron & Hair – A Confusing Topic

In a previous blog post, we discussed iron and its' possible role in hair loss. The focus of this blog post is to re-visit the role of iron, presenting evidence supporting the role of iron in hair loss as well as evidence suggesting iron does not have a role in hair loss. Looking at both sides of the fence will allow for a well-rounded argument with the sales person in the vitamin aisle at the grocery store.

There is evidence that hair loss may occur in individuals that have low iron.

A study conducted of 50 women with chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) reported that these individuals increased hair shedding over long periods of time¹. In this study, 72% of the women who had CTE also had very low iron². To give some perspective, in the US, only about 9 to 11% of women are iron deficient³. In a hospital based study, 116 patients who had telogen effluvium (TE), showed a much lower percentage of women with low iron⁴. Only about 34% of the women had low iron levels (below 12 µg/l)⁴.

There is evidence that iron supplements help with hair loss.

A group of 22 women who were treated with a combination of iron and an essential amino acid for 6 months showed a decreased amount of hair preparing to shed⁵. This represents a 39% reduction in hair shedding⁵.

There is evidence that iron is not involved in hair loss.

In another study only 6% of almost 200 women, ages 11 to 72 years old, complaining of hair loss were shown to have low iron⁶. When five of these women with low iron levels then took iron supplements, there was no reversal or changes in their hair loss⁶.

So there you have it, both sides to the story. Iron levels may or may not contribute to hair loss.  Perhaps in the future we will be able to tease out the truth about iron as it relates to hair.

Article by: Sarah Versteeg MSc, Mediprobe Research Inc. 

1. Rushton DH. Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396–404.


2. Rushton DH, Ramsay ID, James KC, Norris MJ, Gilkes JJ. Biochemical and trichological characterization of diffuse alopecia in women. Br J Dermatol. 1990 Aug;123(2):187–97.


3. Looker AC, Dallman PR, Carroll MD, Gunter EW, Johnson CL. Prevalence of iron deficiency in the United States. JAMA. 1997 Mar 26;277(12):973–6.


4. Malkud S. A Hospital-based Study to Determine Causes of Diffuse Hair Loss in Women. J Clin Diagn Res JCDR. 2015 Aug;9(8):WC01–4.


5. Rushton DH, Norris MJ, Dover R, Busuttil N. Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002 Feb;24(1):17–23.


6. Sinclair R. There is no clear association between low serum ferritin and chronic diffuse telogen hair loss. Br J Dermatol. 2002 Nov;147(5):982–4.

The post Iron & Hair – A Confusing Topic appeared first on ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant In Toronto, ON | Sure Hair International.