Hair loss and hair loss treatments have signficant myths and misunderstandings. For patients who are considering hair loss treatment and experiencing alopecia, consider some of these myths and questions regarding hair loss and hair restoration surgery.
One common myth about hair loss is that “Wearing a hat will cause hair loss by depriving hair of oxygen.” This is generally not true – but there is a caveat. Hair follicles receive their oxygen supply from the blood stream and not the air so wearing a cap will not deprive hair of oxygen. Wearing a very tight cap over time can cause a traction alopecia along the edges of the cap though.
Patient who are looking at hair restoration surgery often have many questions surrounding the procedure. A common question is, “When can I drive?” You can drive yourself home. As long as you do not require more than the normal amount of anesthesia you can drive yourself home. It is extremely unusual for people to want sedation for this procedure, but if you elect to have sedation, you will need a driver to and from the procedure. Anotehr common question is, “How long will the surgery take?” This is completely variable. Depending on the number of grafts and the degree of baldness, surgery may take anywhere from 4-14 hours. In some cases, multiple sessions are needed to obtain the desired results. Patients are also very concerned about when to undergo hair transplants and ask, “What is the ideal age for a hair transplant?” There is no ideal age for a hair transplant. The important thing to remember is what the expected balding pattern of the person is before they get a transplant. Balding will continue even after a transplant. If the surgeon is not careful he can create a hairline which will look unnatural as further hair loss occurs. This can then produce a very difficult problem if the donor site is already used.
While there are many questions about hair loss, these are some common questions that patients ask who are either balding or considering hair restoration surgery. At the end of the day, education and understanding are important before undertaking any kind of treatment.
If you are suffering hair loss, the first step is to consult a physician who is experienced with hair loss and treatment. Some causes require medical treatment before any hair restoration can be undertaken.
Dr. Verret is a hair transplant specialist in the north Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas. For more information about androgenetic alopecia,facial hair transplants, or other hair restoration services, visit Dr. Verret on the web or call for a consultation 972.608.0100.