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Posts Tagged ‘Hair Loss’


How DHT Affects Hair Loss

Friday, May 17th, 2013

Hair loss affects men and women in different ways and can have a dramatic impact on our lives. Hair loss will affect most men at some point in their lives and it affects many women too to some degree. DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone in full, is a steroid and hormone that plays an influential role in hair loss. Find out more about DHT and how you can mitigate its effects in our blog post.

The Norwood Scale of Hair Loss

The Norwood Scale – Male Pattern Baldness Scale

What is DHT?

DHT, as it commonly abbreviated, is a sex steroid and an androgen (associated with masculine characteristics) hormone. The enzyme (a substance produced by the body to help bring about a biochemical reaction) called 5α-reductase synthesises DHT from testosterone in areas like the prostate and hair follicles, as well as the testes and adrenal glands. Essentially DHT is made from testosterone and helps the body grow and regulate itself.

DHT

What does DHT do?

DHT is involved in maintaining and developing sexual characteristics as well as metabolic activities such as the production of blood cells. So for men, DHT is an essential part of puberty that can quickly sour in the minds of many when experiencing thinning or balding on the scalp.

DHT inhibits and reduces the proper growth of hair in the follicles in a process called ‘miniaturisation’. ‘Miniaturisation’ affects genetically-susceptible hair follicles resulting in lighter, finer hairs. DHT attaches itself to receptor cells of the part of these follicles called dermal papillas (the root), preventing the necessary nourishment for the hair getting through for proper growth. DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink. The growing ‘anagen’ stage of the hair is shortened and the resting ‘telogen’ stage is extended. Eventually these hairs stop growing.

Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, typically affects the front and top of the scalp first where the most genetically-susceptible hair follicles reside. DHT is the primary contributing factor in male pattern baldness. Female hair loss can be very complicated and DHT could be just one of the possible causes. In women DHT is influenced by a decrease in oestrogen and hair loss tends to result in thinning, rather than complete balding.

What can I do?

There is help. You can inhibit the production of DHT. 5α-reductase inhibitors are frequently used to treat male pattern baldness and can help some types of female hair loss. Finasteride – one of only two approved hair loss medications – is a 5α-reductase inhibitor. It is only effective whilst taking it but it is easy to take and it is popular.

The Private Clinic

Here at The Private Clinic we offer complete hair loss solutions. We offer the two approved hair loss medications – Finasteride and Minoxidil. In addition we offer FUE hair transplants, which utilise the latest technology to afford our patients permanent, successful results from our very experienced medical team.

For more information about our hair loss treatments: http://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/treatments/hair-loss/

For information all about our world-class FUE hair transplants: http://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/treatments/hair-transplant-men/

What to Avoid for Your Hair Transplant?

Friday, April 12th, 2013

Here at The Private Clinic we perform advanced FUE hair transplants, which go beyond the standard practices as we have a medical team at the top of their game, helping to push the limits of science and provide the latest hair transplant techniques. We also make sure you are well informed about the risks and help you to manage your expectations. As part of our commitment to honest advice, we have drawn together some of the most common things to avoid when having a hair transplant.

Hair Transplant Worries

Exercise:

You should avoid exercise during the initial healing period after the procedure because excessive sweating increases the risk of infection. This also means no soothing visits to saunas and steam rooms.

Spicy Food:

Spicy food should also be avoided before and around the procedure as the body’s response to spices (however accustomed you may be to spices) interferes with the stable conditions ideal for the procedure. Ultimately, it is up to you to make the procedure a success.

Alcohol:

The procedure will not go ahead if you are intoxicated and it is important not to drink before, during and for approximately a week after the procedure. Alcohol is a drug that can affect the blood supply to the head and the healing process.

The Fear of Pain:

Fearing pain is unnecessary with our advanced FUE hair transplants. If you may be concerned about the pain of the procedure, it’s good to know that many patients naturally fall asleep during the procedure. A recent case study reported that he could only feel a touching and gently pulling sensation. When he felt some discomfort it was voiced and immediately dealt with by the hair transplant surgeon. There are a number of things we can do to mitigate pain and discomfort with our procedures so there is nothing to fear.

Drugs:

Reputable clinics will not perform the procedure on someone who is a regular or recent drug user, for patient and clinic safety. We are confidential and professional in our services and treatments so ask questions (email/call us or come to a consultation) if this is relevant to you.

Lying to Your Clinic:

The clinic should be there to help and importantly protect you. You must be honest with your medical history and habits. We want you to achieve the best result possible and sometimes patients will withhold important information that may determine their suitability. Your health is so important for your happiness so please don’t risk unnecessary complications.

Lying to Yourself:

You may not be suitable for the procedure if you suffer from epilepsy or heart problems, for example, as the condition or the medications taken may interfere and pose a risk. Patient safety is paramount and a detailed medical history is required to assess suitability. Sometimes it is necessary to get this information from your GP before a procedure can go ahead.

Chemicals on Your Hair:

Some patients are used to using chemicals on their hair to help straighten it out but they can have a damaging effect if used too frequently and particular caution should be taken after a hair transplant, if this has been or could be a factor in your hair loss. Consult your clinic about the suitability of the products you intend to use to be safe.

Minoxidil & Finasteride

The use of minoxidil (brands = Regaine) and finasteride (brands = Propecia) in the lead up to and soon after the procedure needs to be discussed with your clinic. Advice will be given about the use of hair loss medication, to ensure the effects do not affect the hair transplant procedure. This will be brought up as part of the consultation process, at a good clinic, so don’t worry about trying to remember everything.

Of course, in order to maintain hair loss from thinning and balding regions (in male pattern baldness cases), continuing or starting to use these two approved medical treatments is advisable post-procedure.

A Bad Diet:

It isn’t essential if you have a good, balanced and healthy diet but a number of people take multivitamins in the run up to a hair transplant to help give their body a boost. A healthy body has a lot more chance of responding very well to the transplant so it’s in your best interest to eat healthily before, during  and after the procedure.

Hair Male Celebrities

The ‘Power Brow’

Thursday, March 21st, 2013

The over-plucked look seems to be waning as women turn to ‘power brows’ to replace the tweezers and threading that dominated the 90s onwards. Stylish women like Kate Middleton have helped boost the appeal and look of a noticeable brow, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons (BAAPS). During the latest London Fashion Week, last month, supermodel Cara Delevingne and her bushy brows raised many non-bushy eyebrows, leading many leading fashion magazines to declare the ‘power brow’ is officially in and this time it looks set to stay.

Kate Middleton

The Problem

As a result of the likes of Kate and Cara, many are looking towards hair transplants as a solution to hereditary hair loss, thinning or years of plucking (which can damage the follicle irreparably). Lotions and semi-permanent solutions offer varying degrees of success with the burden of repeated costs and questionable results. Quick, minimally invasive, walk in walk out hair transplant procedures have been rising in popularity, with Kate being cited as the top inspiration for women, for their long-lasting, effective results.

What is an eyebrow hair transplant?

During an eyebrow hair transplant hair is taken, typically from the back of the head based on the hair’s strength and viability, and transplanted to the eyebrow area. The procedure is very intricate, but is performed under local anaesthetic and you are able to walk home straight after and resume your normal life.

Surgical brow transplants have shot up by 17 per cent according to the latest figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

Of course, you’ll have to wait for the hair to grow, which takes longer than normal as hair grows in three stages and takes time to establish itself. Within a year you’ll be able to see the final results of the transplant. Additionally you will need to trim your new brows as the hair transplanted does not function exactly like eye brow hairs.

The Private Clinic

Here at The Private Clinic we offer a permanent solution for you eyebrows with our eyebrow hair transplant. The donor area does not have to be shaved at our clinic, which requires considerable specialism and experience. Furthermore we offer an aftercare guarantee from our specialised and experienced medical team.

Bald Truths – Can They Go Too Far?

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

People’s concerns over Hair Loss and Baldness are all over online discussion forums, as well as in and on top of many of our heads. The Times recently featured an article that plumbed the depths of the internet for the extreme lengths balding men are going to in an attempt to battle hair loss; and the shallows, where a seemingly balanced look at hair loss and surrounding issues takes place on a weekly basis with a radio show called, The Bald Truth. It was an interesting read and got us thinking here, at The Private Clinic, about the truths behind balding and how far you should go with treating baldness.

Is the bald truth bald enough?

Bruce Willis looking at photoshopped pictures of David Cameron and Simon Cowell

Bruce Willis looking at Photoshopped pictures of David Cameron and Simon Cowell

Over half of men in their 50s have experienced moderate or extensive hair loss. Many are fine with it but for those who aren’t, finding the right people to help can be challenging. Internet forums can be a scary place where insecurities can feed off of one another. Hair loss is no different. You can feel perfectly fine about something and it can take just one comment for it to affect you (Tulisa notes the ‘fag ash breath’ comment on X Factor has left her paranoid about that effect of her smoking). For our wellbeing, we should always try not to let a cosmetic issue dominate our lives but for those with the means, treatments offer a sure-fire way to tackle the issue head on and afford you the peace of mind and confidence boost that can really help you. But what is out there and is it really safe?

The Times article author conducted his own mini-experiment where he set up an online dating profile where he had digitally added hair to his profile picture and received 35% more views over 4 days compared to a profile picture of his bald head he added over another 4 days to a different account. Observations like this help to understand first impressions a bit more clearly. Even though first impressions are just that (hair does not define a man and women know that) first impressions still count for a lot. So what can you do and what can’t you do?

What Works, What Doesn’t & What You Shouldn’t Even Try

There are two medications available to safely treat hair loss (well cease hair loss): Finasteride (or Propecia) and Minoxidil . Nothing yet can reverse hair loss quite like a hair transplant, which still takes from a finite source – your own hair follicles. It is crucial to be realistic with hair loss. Some loss is inevitable for most men and how exactly you will lose hair is difficult to establish. However start treatment promptly and you can tackle its progression successfully.

It takes a long time for a new treatment (product or procedure) to make it from inception to a clinic’s list of treatments – mostly for good reasons. The short-term and long-term effects need to be observed and studied rigorously to ensure it is as safe as possible and that the results are as desired. You can read about a wonder drug that hasn’t been approved in the UK yet and think this could be a good idea to try. Stop for a minute and consider the implications. If you are considering a Hair Transplant, here are a few questions you should ask your surgeon during your initial consultation.

‘Hair loss demons’

Unfortunately hair loss can have quite a big psychological impact on men. Comments and archetypes of beauty don’t leave much room for bald confidence and pride. As The Times article points out, it can take quite a lot of getting used to before a man can feel comfortable with his hair loss and many are never quite comfortable, with their anger and frustration manifesting in unpleasant ways. Hair loss is also driving men to try out more and more extreme lotions and pills in the search for a head of hair.

For instance there is an anti-androgen drug mentioned in The Times article that one user warns people against, saying it may have permanently damaged his testicles and given him ‘breast budding’. There is also a drug out there that isn’t licensed anywhere yet but this doesn’t stop people who believe it can block an enzyme that is considered to inhibit hair growth from buying it online in powder form. Dodging regulators and Big Pharma might feel good but when it comes to drugs you are ingesting it is not a sensible idea. It could be impure and dangerous to name just one risk.

Treat your hair loss with caution and your body with respect. It’s not worth damaging the rest of your body for a potential head of hair. Instead, if you are concerned look to treatments that stem hair loss effectively as well as hair transplants treatments, which can finally give you the results you might have envisioned. Look at the evidence of who is providing treatments (testimonials, balanced reviews, social media, clinic’s location and the medical team’s experience) as well as the treatment itself. You wouldn’t jump into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim so don’t let this be any different.

The Depths of the Internet

The internet is amazing overall. It is helping to open up the world like never before. At our clinic, we promote self-confidence and natural beauty where possible. Our treatments are designed to enhance your body, not radically alter it beyond recognition. We offer advice to people who want to explore ways to treat hair loss as well as have actual treatments. We provide honest, realistic advice that won’t suit everyone and we do not treat everyone as there are suitability criteria for each procedure. For instance, you can be too young for a hair transplant if you are in your early 20s (please see our blog post: too young to have a hair transplant). Hair loss needs to stabilise before a transplant can effectively happen.

For more information about hair loss and hair transplants on offer at The Private Clinic please see our website for more details: http://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/treatments/hair-transplant-men/

And The Award Goes To… Celebrity Hair Transplants & Your Questions Answered

Friday, March 8th, 2013

Hair Transplants frequently crop up in the news, especially when a celebrity’s hair loss or surprising hair growth is called into question. A bevy of celebrities have sung hair transplant’s praises over the past few years, as they seek to enhance their careers and bolster their self-confidence.

Celebrity Hair Transplants

UK-based Celebrities that seem to have successfully undergone hair transplants include:

  • Wayne Rooney
  • Calum Best
  • Louie Walsh
  • Jason Gardiner
  • James Nesbitt
  • Gordon Ramsey
  • Rob Brydon

We get asked a lot of questions about hair transplants here at The Private Clinic so we decided to create a blog post to help you decide if this could be an option for you.

What is a hair transplant?

A hair transplant usually involves taking healthy, strong hair follicles and transplanting them to areas of thinning or balding. It can be performed on men and women for different reasons and requires considerable expertise so always check the surgeon’s credentials.

There are two major types of hair transplants. The FUE method takes individual hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back or sides of the head) to the ‘problem’ area, to tackle thinning or balding. A tiny, circular incision is made around each follicle, leaving very little or no scarring; these are not visible to the naked eye. The hair follicle is then prepared and implanted into the specified area, where it takes up to a year to fully establish itself. There is minimal downtime, it is performed under local anaesthetic and recovery is minimal.

The FUT method, in contrast, cuts a strip of skin and hair from the back or side of the head, where it is then dissected and implanted into the balding or thinning area. The FUT method leaves a linear scar at the donor site and requires a lengthy postoperative schedule and aftercare regime for the patient. Its advantage is that it’s typically cheaper and quicker to perform.

How long does it all take?

We offer the FUE method of hair transplants. For many patients, a day at our clinic is necessary; some patients require a second day of treatment for an extensive procedure. The FUT method is much quicker but requires hourly care for 2 days after the procedure and weeks of postoperative care.

Is it permanent?

Only strong, healthy hair follicles are harvested from the strongest, densest areas of hair. Some surgeons can transplant body hair so that is always a potential option. The surgeon’s expertise is especially important here. They need to discuss with you the results and help you manage your expectations.

I have Afro hair and I find it hard to find clinics that have the specialism?

Treating Afro hair requires specific experience and expertise. Ask the clinic for demonstrable experience. Here at The Private Clinic we’re one of a small number of clinics that can help Afro hair successfully.

How much does it cost?

Cost should not be the defining factor for any cosmetic treatment or procedure. Expertise requires constant topping up of skills and knowledge, which is why this is reflected in the prices at some clinics. Hair transplants are typically priced per hair transplanted so the price varies considerably. As a rough guide, we offer full hair transplants for men from £7,500.

Additionally, there is minimal downtime with the FUE method so you can return to work quickly, without losing out on wages as well.

Is it painful?

You can read our testimonials on our website for real-life accounts of having the procedure done. From our experience, patients are usually happily chatting during the procedure. The FUT method is reported to be more painful as patients have been sutured and the skin needs time to heal. The procedure is also performed under general anaesthetic.

Is there anything else apart from a hair transplant that will work?

There is nothing to regain areas of lost hair at the moment but you can use products to stop any further hair loss. At our clinic we also specialise in nonsurgical hair loss treatments.

For plenty more information about hair transplants and hair loss, make sure you look at our website: http://www.theprivateclinic.co.uk/treatments/hair-transplant-men/

The Male Menopause or Manopause – the mid-life confusion debunked

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

The male menopause, also known as the manopause, has been recently grabbing attention in the press. Although incomparable to the physiological effects menopause has on women, there is some truth to the term that deserves consideration.

Life throws up a unique blend of challenges at every stage in life. Mid-life is no different and often brought up with the widely-discussed ‘mid-life crisis’, seen as the cause of some questionable decisions and purchases. Whilst the menopause doesn’t exist for men like it does for women, testosterone levels gradually drop whereas women experience a sudden drop in hormones, what it represents can still be a cause for concern.

According to NHS Choices, related symptoms include:

  • depression
  •  loss of muscle mass and fat redistribution
  • loss of sex drive
  • impotence
  • increased sweating
  • hot flushes
  • mood swings
  • poor concentration and irritability
  • loss of enthusiasm
  • tiredness
  • dry and thin skin

When understanding the male menopause as it has become popularly known, the first step is to visit a GP, who can guide and treat any conditions that could be responsible for any changes in behaviour or with the body. It could be one of a number of things, like stress, hypogonadism (not to be confused with hypergonadism) or diabetes. Of course, forms of talking therapy, for example cognitive behavioural therapy, are available, which could go a long way to handling the challenges of ageing. Diet and exercise can also help to significantly mitigate the effects of ageing, helping to revitalise.

Male Menopause

For anyone looking for further revitalising options, there are a range of treatments available from The Private Clinic, including liposuction, hair transplants and excessive sweating treatments.

Hair stylist to the stars undergoes Hair Transplant procedure

Thursday, December 13th, 2012

TV personality and stylist to the stars, James Brown, has become the latest celebrity to publicly admit to having undergone a hair transplant procedure to hide his thinning hairline.

James, 43, first noticed that his hair was thinning over 20 years ago. The British hair stylist says of his decision: ‘I was 24, I was in Miami and my hair got wet. When I looked in the mirror I noticed my hair was going on the top. What saved me is that I have curly hair so you couldn’t really notice it. Over the years, the problem predictably got worse’.

Hair Loss is a daunting topic for many people and can often be the cause of deteriorating self-confidence. At the age of 24 it could be that James was a suitable candidate for a course of medication, to ‘hold’ the thinning of hair and reduce the rate of future hair loss.

Fashion conscious James has previously publicly admitted to wearing a suit and a hat every day, however when probed further about his hair-loss James admits: ‘I live [my life] going through airports, from LA to London, and I used to panic about having to go through airport security It got to the point when it was so bad, I didn’t want to take my hat off. Those minutes before going through security and taking my hat off, they were torture for me.’

Until recently, hair transplant procedures have been challenging in terms of delivering the natural results most patients desire. . Traditional hair transplant techniques, such as the strip surgery procedure, leave scarring and do not always produce the natural results that the patient (or practitioner) desire. James underwent a FUT (strip) procedure and is extremely happy with the results.

Here at The Private Clinic we would have recommended the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant method, a superior method to the traditional strip technique, in terms of methodology, results, downtime and minimal invasiveness (FUE leaves absolutely no scarring whatsoever, whereas the FUT will leave a noticeable scar at the back of the head).

At The Private Clinic, hair specialists Dr. Reddy and Dr. Kouremada Zioga, are two of the most sought after FUE hair restoration specialists.

Both Dr. Kouremada Zioga and Dr. Reddy perform hair restoration on the face, including the beard, moustache and eyebrows, and are able to perform some hair transplants using body hair.

Speaking post procedure, James comments on his decision to have a hair transplant: ‘I have the confidence now, it’s mine, it’s not going to fall out – it’s my hair, it’s incredible and I really wish I’d had it done ten years ago to save me those years of hell. It’s incredible!’

To find out more information about FUE Hair Restoration, visit the website. If you have a question that you would like to ask Dr Kouremada Zioga or Dr Reddy, then let us know and we will pass it on.

10 questions you should ask your Surgeon before your Hair Transplant

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Up to 50% of men will have experienced some degree of hair loss by the time they reach 50. And for many, hair loss will occur far earlier, whilst they are still in their 20s, 30s or even late teens.

Deciding to undergo a hair transplant procedure is a huge step and here at The Private Clinic, we strongly advise anyone considering the procedure to take the time to research their doctor first. Our advice is to choose your clinic based on the doctor and their experience. During your consultation ask your doctor lots of questions, about their experience, how many cases have they treated prior to this, do they have before and after photos that they can share with you. The most important thing is that you achieve your desired results, safely.

The Private Clinic: 10 Transplant Questions

We understand that there is a lot of information to absorb when considering undergoing a Hair Transplant procedure and so we have outlined some questions for you to ask your surgeon. We’ve also provided expert advice from our highly experienced Hair Transplant surgeons.

Am I too young for a hair transplant?

Every case we are presented with is evaluated thoroughly on an individual basis, and there are several age-related factors that play a part in candidate suitability for a hair transplant procedure.

The main consideration for our surgeons is the current degree of hair loss and the future implications of the patient’s hair loss patterns. We do as much as we can to help preserve the hair and prevent further hair loss for our younger patients. We also monitor the patient’s hair loss over a period of time, allowing us to then decide the most suitable time for a hair transplant procedure, permanently restoring the lost hair. Find out more about the role age plays in Hair Transplant procedures here.

How many hairs will I need?

This will always depend on the size of the surface you’d like covered, as well as the density we’d want to achieve.

How much does a hair transplant cost?

Every patient is different and some patients may require more than one procedure, but generally, the more hair that is transplanted, the better the outcome. Every FUE Hair Transplant procedure we carry out is designed to suit the patient’s specific needs. You can expect that an FUE Hair Transplant procedure to start at about £7,000.

 Should I use hair loss medication in addition to my hair transplant?

Younger patients are often advised to start using Finasteride or Minoxidil to hold their pre-existing hair for as long as possible, by slowing the rhythm and rate of hair loss. 

Will I need future transplants?

If your hair loss has not yet stabilised, further hair loss may require a future procedure. This is why it is extremely important to consult with your surgeon regarding the degree of hair loss you are experiencing. They will be able to gauge any future patterns. It is a common problem for younger patients.

You may also wish to increase the density of your hair, requiring a future procedure.

Do I have enough donor hair?

Your Hair Transplant surgeon will need to examine your donor area to determine how many hairs can be transplanted. The size of the bald surface and the density you want to achieve will also determine if your donor hair is sufficient.

Has my hair loss stabilised?

With the use of special magnifying apparatus, your Hair Transplant Surgeon can measure your degree of hair loss in various areas of your scalp. They will be checking the percentage of hairs that are in the Telogen phase (resting phase) of the hair growth cycle. You will also be asked to monitor any further thinning or hair loss.

Will the results look completely natural?

The phenomenal skills and techniques of our surgeons and their perfection of the FUE hair transplant method ensure that you will have the most natural looking results.

The grafting techniques associated with the FUE method treats each hair follicle independently, so placement of the implanted hair can be managed, giving you natural looking, dense hair.

How long does the procedure take?

Depending on the size of the treated area and the number of hair required for the procedure, the hair transplant can take, on average, between 2-6 hours per day. Some patients may need 2 days of procedures.

When will my hair start to grow?

You will be able to notice the difference immediately after the procedure is complete – you’ll see the outline of your new hair. However, it will take approximately 1 year for your hair to fully grow – you will notice daily progress as your hair grows.

 

Here at The Private Clinic, we only offer the most effective, technically advanced Hair Transplant procedure – FUE Hair Transplant. Our expert teams of Hair Transplant Surgeons have perfected this minimally invasive method of hair restoration.

Mammoth Hair Transplant Procedure at The Private Clinic

Thursday, November 22nd, 2012

Last week, hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Raghu Reddy, broke records when he performed the biggest FUE hair transplant to date! In the first procedure of its kind, the epic session took place over 3 days.

The procedure saw Dr. Reddy implant 13,604 hairs (4,847 grafts) into a patients’ scalp. To put this into perspective, 6,000 hairs is the typical amount implanted during one sitting.

Dr. Reddy was presented with a unique case, where the patient suffered from level 7 hair loss on the Norwood scale (shown in the image below), and so to achieve a full head of hair (with a low hairline and good hair density), the patient would need approximately 25,000 hairs, or 8,000-9,000 grafts. During the three-day session, Dr Reddy and his team were able to extract over half the ideal amount of hair for the patient. The growth of the newly implanted hair will be carefully monitored during check-up appointments, and if necessary, a second procedure can be carried out to ‘top-up’ the results.

The Private Clinic: Norwood chart

A video showing the patient’s head post-procedure is now available to view here. It is remarkable to see just how clean and neat the head is immediately after the procedure has taken place!

To find out more information about the FUE hair transplant procedure visit our website here or alternatively, why not call us up and book a consultation for free of charge: 0800 599 9920.

 

Ask Dr. Kouremada Zioga: Live Twitter Hair Transplant Q&A

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

Earlier this week we hosted a live Twitter Q&A session with our Hair Transplant surgeon, Dr. Thomy Kouremada Zioga, on all things hair transplant related.

During the hour-long session, our followers, from across social channels, sent in their hair loss, balding, hair transplant and treatment questions. Our #AskDrZioga topic was trending, thanks to the amount of hair loss and hair transplant information exchanged during our session.

Dr. Kouremada Zioga is a highly experienced surgeon, having performed over 2,000 hair transplant procedures to date, for both men and women. She is one of the few doctors able to carry our hair restoration treatments for patients with afro-Caribbean hair. She is also specialised in reparative procedures, treating scars caused by the traditional Strip procedure, or FUT.

The Private Clinic: Ask Dr.Kouremada Zioga

For those who missed the Twitter session, we have included the full transcript below.

Please note: There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to hair loss and hair transplants. Every patient is assessed individually when they visit us at the Clinic. Dr Kouremada Zioga’s answers below are a general guideline to hair loss and hair transplant procedures, however we will be able to offer a more concise analysis during a consultation.

Introductory Tweets

Hello there, it’s Dr @thomykouremada here. I will be answering your hair related questions today for the next hour #AskDrZioga

If you have a question, tweet in using the hashtag #AskDrZioga and I will be happy to help. Thanks!

Questions:

Ok, here is the first question… #AskDrZioga

.@PRinLondon asks: After seeing pictures of Wayne Rooney’s transplant, I was wondering if it hurt? #AskDrZioga

A: No @PRinLondon, the transplant is pain-free. There are a few additional techniques that I… #AskDrZioga

A:…have perfected to ensure that it is as painless as possible #AskDrZioga

.@PRinLondon asks: You know when you have a hair transplant, is it a one off? #AskDrZioga

A: It depends if the hair loss is stable or not, the density the patient wants to achieve and the size of the area treated. #AskDrZioga

.@PRinLondon asks: I have curly hair, if I got a transplant, can I curl the hair? #AskDrZioga

A: As it is your own hair implanted into the problem area, it will grow the same as your pre-existing hair #AskDrZioga

Saragi on Facebook asks: could I have a hair transplant without taking finasteride before? #AskDrZioga

A: I prescribe Finesteride only when necessary to prevent further hair loss #AskDrZioga

A: It is possible to have a transplant without taking Finasteride prior to the procedure #AskDrZioga

Andy by email asks: How long does it take for a hair transplant to look like my hair? #AskDrZioga

A: For final hair growth, you will need to wait approx. 1 year. From the time of the procedure implanted hair will look natural #AskDrZioga

Fifi asks: I’ve read it’s normal to lose hair after pregnancy…13 months after and I’m still losing lots… #AskDrZioga

Fifi: …I’ve got regrowth coming but it’s still huge amounts coming out when I wash my hair or brush it! #AskDrZioga

Fifi: …When will it stop and do you seek treatments? #AskDrZioga

A: Many women suffer hair loss after pregnancy, most of the time it has to do with other factors (not permanent) such as…#AskDrZioga

A:..stress or anaemia. I advise that you get your blood tested for anaemia and iron deficiency etc #AskDrZioga

A:… if blood tests are ok, why not come and visit us for a consultation? #AskDrZioga

DD by email: After a hair transplant, will my hair look like it used to? How long until I see results? #AskDrZioga

A: You will see full results in a year. The hairline will look 100% natural and will suit your age progressions. #AskDrZioga

We are now half way through the Q&A, if you have a hair related question, let us know! #AskDrZioga

.CareForYourHair: What have you found the most common cause of hair loss among women? Especially those that are Afro-Caribbean? #AskDrZioga

A: The most common cause is traction alopecia in women with afro-carribean hair. The way that they style their hair weaves.. #AskDrZioga

A:…cornrows, braids etc, pulls on the hair and can lead to permanent hair loss #AskDrZioga

.@CareForYourHair Are there any words of advice to avoid hair loss before it gets to the serious stage of needing a transplant? #AskDrZioga

A: To slow the rate of hair loss, I advise you use minoxidill and/or Finasteride, 1mg per day (only for men)… #AskDrZioga

A:…Please consult with your doctor first #AskDrZioga

.@CareForYourHair asks: Can anyone get a transplant or is there a criteria? #AskDrZioga

A: It depends mainly on the donor area, in some cases we can use body hair… #AskDrZioga

A:…Every patient is treated on a case by case basis. Not everyone is a good candidate. #AskDrZioga

.@CareForYourHair asks: How long do the transplants take? #AskDrZioga

A: The length of a transplant depends on the number of hairs required. Typically my procedures last 2-6 hours per day. #AskDrZioga

.@CareForYourHair asks: Are there any side effects? How traumatic is this procedure on the rest of the body? #AskDrZioga

A:Side effects: Light swelling, bruising, infection etc, is very rare for my procedures. It is a minimally invasive procedure… #AskDrZioga

A:..My procedure micro-FUE is a minimally invasive procedure, with no down time or required recovery time #AskDrZioga

.@CareForYourHair asks: Are the results consistent over different ethnicities and hair types? #AskDrZioga

A: The result will mainly depend on the person and not the type of hair #AskDrZioga

Laura on Facebook asks: How do you get your hair to grow long? #AskDrZioga

A: Each person has their own rate of hair growth. Vitamin E helps and it is very important to use a good chemical free shampoo #AskDrZioga

.@jade__blog: are double hair whorls on the crown an early sign of hair loss/thinning? #AskDrZioga

A: No it is not a sign #AskDrZioga

Closing the Session

Sadly that is all we have time for today. Thanks so much for all of your questions! #AskDrZioga

To find out more information about hair loss and hair transplant procedures, please visit our website.

 

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