Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT August 2002 Congratulations! You have been selected to receive this issue of the "HAIR RESTORATION REPORT." This report contains tips on how to make the most out of the hair you already have, slow the hair loss process and more effectively plan and manage the restoration of your hair. Randall Sword, MD, FACEP In This Issue: The Truth About ScarsI feel that I am very fortunate to be specializing in an area of medicine that I am truly passionate about. I have done ONLY hair restoration for the last 20 years and have treated more than 7,000 patients. To me it is exciting to be helping so many men and women increase their self-confidence by improving their physical appearance. As a result I seem to have encountered just about every possible hair loss condition and the resulting complications of continued loss as well as side effects that rarely, yet occasionally result from treatment.
One of the areas that I often get questions about is the scarring that can occur as a result of the removal of hair from the donor area at the back of the head in a surgical hair restoration procedure. There seems to be a great deal of confusion between a normal scar, a hypertrophic scar and a keloid. I thought I would take this opportunity to clear up any confusion or possible misconceptions.
Scars are composed of new connective tissue that has replaced loss substance of the skin secondary to injury or disease. This is part of the normal healing process. The size and shape of a scar is determined by the form of the previous wound. Scars can be thick or thin and may become wider by stretching, especially if they close under tension or if they cross a joint portion of the body, such as an elbow or knee. Often these widened and thickened scars are known as hypertrophic scars. These hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the original wound as a keloid does.
Frequently, there is spontaneous improvement of a hypertrophic scar during the first six months, while a keloid does not improve. The most prominent distinction is the claw-like projections of new growth beyond the wound of a keloid, which is not found in a hypertrophic scar.
A keloid is a firm, irregularly shaped, raised, thickened, fibrous hypertrophic scar that extends beyond the original scar and often sends out claw-like prolongations of new growth. The overlying skin of a keloid is smooth, glossy and thinned because of the underlying pressure. During the early stages of growth, a keloid is red, tender and itchy. It feels like rubber and over time turns brown. Keloids are most commonly found on the chest, neck, ears, and extremities of the body. They are rarely found on the face, hands, feet or scalp.
Why certain persons develop keloids is unknown; however, some races seem to have a predisposition to such scarring, such as Afro-Americans and those of Mediterranean origin.
In most cases, multiple injections of corticosteroids directly into the keloid itself approximately every six to eight weeks will flatten the keloid and decrease the itching.
Various types of laser treatments have been used with varying degrees of success. X-ray irradiation has also been used with limited success in permanently removing the keloid. Surgical removal of the keloid followed by injections every two weeks can help to reduce the size of the keloid, but they often grow back.
Other types of scars can often be revised or reduced with minor surgery without any complications. Because of the small nature of the scar that results from surgical hair restoration, they are rarely even noticed. In addition the hair at the back of the head completely shields the scar from view.
If anyone thinks they might have unusual scar tissue I suggest you consult a medical professional for an examination.
Best regards,
Randall Sword, M.D., FACEP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revolutionary Video Consultation Network Do you know that Dr. Sword can be in two places at one time? Only Sword Medical Center allows you to meet Dr. Sword and discuss with him your options for hair restoration from any of the conveniently located offices all over Southern California and in Albuquerque. The wide band video conferencing system allow you to see the doctor, REAL TIME. He can examine you and you can get all of your questions answered by one of the world's leading experts in hair restoration face to face! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Give Us Your Feedback Is there a topic you would like Dr. Sword to talk about? Let us know. Dr. Sword established this report to help educate and inform YOU his patients! His passion is helping men and women to enjoy a fuller and more enriching life that come with the confidence of having a full head of hair. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Virtual Hair Restoration Consultation
Now you can have a virtual consultation with Sword Medical Center with just a recent photograph of yourself and an Internet connection. By sending your photo to Sword Medical, we can get an idea of your hair loss pattern and recommend a possible course of action. Just go to www.swordmedical.com/vc and complete the brief form. You will receive our evaluation and recommendations based upon your photo. Know that strict security and confidentiality will be assured. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meet Dr. Sword and some of his patients at an upcoming One-on-One with the doctor
in your area. Call 1-800-242-6900 to RSVP or go to www.swordmedical.com/signup.html
to sign-up:
Beverly Hills One-on-One with the doctor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact us at info@swordmedical.com
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