The One-Two Punch

For many of us, hair restoration is more than a singular treatment plan. Hair loss is an ongoing process, and an effective hair restoration plan can be a combination of two or more treatments to insure that we not only replace those hairs that have already fallen out but that we also increase density to our existing hairs and hold on to those hairs genetically pre-destined to leave us.

Surgical hair restoration is the only permanent and natural solution to hair loss. For many of us, we find that one hair transplant procedure alone may not be enough to achieve the kind of overall density and life-long results we are hoping to gain.

What are our objectives?

The first thing to determine when starting a hair restoration plan is “what are our short-term and more importantly, what are our long-term objectives.” It’s difficult to gage the effectiveness of any plan, if we don’t first have an idea of where we’d like that plan to lead us. We need to make sure that our objectives are realistic and attainable, then working together, we tailor the best possible treatment plan available.

If we’ve already lost hair, regardless of the amount, it’s probably going to be necessary to replace all or some of those hairs through surgical hair transplantation… rebuild the hairline and corners, putting the face back into proportion… add hair into the crown, covering up that ever-growing bald-spot… add density to overall thinning hairs, staying ahead of future loss.

Then once we’ve replaced hairs, we may want to consider doing something to stop the continued thinning and loss of native hairs, those genetically predisposed to fall out.

But what can we do?

For some, hair transplantation is the only solution they’ll consider. After all, it’s a safe, effective and natural procedure with life-long results. Simply have a supplemental procedure or two down the line to fill in areas where hair continues to fall out. No need for products, pills, topicals – just an outpatient procedure when the need arises.

For others, holding onto native hair, halting the ongoing thinning and rebuilding hair density is the answer. Combining surgical hair transplantation (to permanently replace lost hairs) with a preventative therapy (to slow or stop future thinning and loss) is a simple solution.

What are some preventative steps?

The most effective preventative steps, fortunately, are those that don’t impact our life too dramatically. Very little change in routine is required, so compliance is much easier.

1) Change your existing shampoo and conditioner.
If you haven’t yet, seek out a shampoo and conditioner line that is expressly created for those with thin and thinning hair. There are a few good ones out there, and the number one selling all natural brand is Nioxin®. (www.nioxin.com). Another top-selling product is Tricomin®, which incorporates copper-peptides into their patented blend. (www.tricomin.com).

2) Take a good daily multi-vitamin.
More and more, we’re finding that poor nutrition (or lack of essential vitamins and minerals) impacts hair loss. The lack of these vitamins and minerals does not, for all intents and purposes, cause hair loss… rather poor nutrition can be a catalyst for those with the genetic predisposition to loss. Poor nutrition can exacerbate thinning, making loss more rapid and dramatic. The best product we have uncovered is Regrow Complete®. (www.regrowcomplete.com – site coming soon) Regrow Complet®e is a new blend, complete with all the daily required vitamins and minerals as well as the best natural supplements to support thicker, healthier hair. Regrow Complete® will be available March or April, 2005. Stay in touch with us for more information, or visit your local health food store for a complete daily multi-vitamin that works for you.

3) Take an array of select daily natural supplements.
In addition to good daily nutrition, there are some wonderful natural supplements (herbs, minerals and vitamins) that are known to help fight the cause of hair thinning, improve blood flow to hair follicles and scalp, assist in the process of hair growth and help grow thicker, fuller hair for life. Nutritionists, chemists and physicians believe that a select group of 20 natural supplements top the list and are the most effective natural remedies on the planet. Saw Palmetto, He Shou Wu, Cayenne Pepper, Ylang Ylang, Rosemary, Biotin, Folic Acid and others are widely used throughout the world every day. Once again, Regrow Complete® (www.regrowcomplete.com – site coming soon) is the most complete and powerful blend of all of these natural supplements we’ve found, and they are coupled with one of the best daily multi-vitamins on the market today. If you don’t want to wait until March or April, visit your local health food store and look in the section for “hair.” You’ll find a number of good products available. Simply choose the one that fits you best.Shen-Min (www.shenmin.com) is currently the best-selling daily natural hair restoration supplements for men and women.

4) Reduce stress.
This is easier said than done, but stress is not only a primary cause of temporary hair loss (extreme stressful situations can cause hairs to fall out, but they will generally regrow within a few short months), but just like poor nutrition, stress can exacerbate thinning and loss, make overall loss more dramatic and can accelerate thinning and loss quite dramatically for those with the genetic predisposition. It’s important to find ways to relieve stress throughout the day. Taking some time to yourself. Walking. Moderate exercise. Whatever works best for you, it’s important to find a way to reduce and control stress within your life.

5) Take Propecia®.
Propecia® is one of only two FDA approved products that have been proven to be effective in halting ongoing thinning and loss, and for most men who use it, they find that some hair density actually improves – primarily in the crown and bridge areas of the scalp. Propecia® (www.propecia.com) is a prescription medication taken orally every day. It’s very safe, easy to use and can be quite effective. Compliance is crucial with Propecia®, as it has a very short half-life in the body and must be consistently replenished – one pill a day. Safe enough to take on an empty stomach, and effective enough to start working within the first week or two. The visible signs of improvement may take up to six months or so, but Propecia® can be effective. To see if you are a candidate for Propecia®, please give us a call to learn more.

There are other products on the market (the Laser Comb®, the Electro-Magnetic Stimulator®, Rogaine® and a myriad of natural and not-so-natural topicals), but we’ve found that what we’ve described above to be the most effective preventative measures available today to help slow or stop hair loss and to improve the overall quality and density of hair.

If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss, or if you have some questions we can answer for you, we invite you to contact us: getitback@swordmedical.com or toll-free 800.242.6900.

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Experience Dr. Sword's Own Hair Care Products
That's right! Dr. Randall Sword, the nation's foremost authority on hair restoration, has developed an exclusive line of hair care products for those of us with thin, thinning and damaged hair! Thicken shampoo, Condition conditioner and Heal post-hair transplant topical spray. More than an indulgence, these products are specifically designed to add body and volume to all hair types. Give us a call for more information at 1-800-242-6900 or email us at products@swordmedical.com.

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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, New Mexico. The wide band video conferencing system allows 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!

To schedule a consultation, click here.

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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 comes with the confidence of having a full head of hair.

Email us at getitback@swordmedical.com

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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, the doctor can get an idea of your hair loss pattern and recommend a possible course of action. Just go to www.swordmedical.com and complete the brief form. You will receive our evaluation and recommendations based upon your photos. Know that strict security and confidentiality will be assured.

To signup for a Virtual Consultation, click here

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One-on-One with the Doctor!
Invest in some “one-on-one” time with the expert in hair restoration. Dr. Sword has helped more people recover from hair loss than any other physician in Southern California.

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Contact us at getitback@swordmedical.com
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Want to know more about the many options available to you in hair restoration, hair maintenance and hair replacement? Contact the Sword Medical Center office nearest you 1-800-242-6900 or go to www.swordmedical.com