Operation Restore
Locks of Love
National Alopecia
Areata Foundation
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THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT January 2004 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. In This Issue: Hair ShockThe term “hair shock” is often misused and misunderstood
by patients and doctors alike. But it is a potentiality following
surgical hair transplantation, so it’s important to understand
what it is. The common pathway for this loss, in all probability, is the decrease in blood flow to the receptor or donor areas, resulting in temporary loss more often and permanent loss to follicles already in a weakened state. We know that hair goes through a process called “miniaturization.” As those follicles which are genetically susceptible are being constricted by hormones, the resulting shaft of hair decreases in diameter. The hair thins, it’s life-expectancy diminishes and finally the follicle stops generating hair altogether. Hair thinning turns to baldness. It is this hair, near the end of its life, that is close to falling out, that is most susceptible to the trauma of hair transplant surgery. And although it is almost always temporary, when a follicle has generated its final hair and that hair suffers shock, the inevitable hair-loss is quite simply an acceleration of that inevitability. Hair shock, when temporary, will re-grow rather quickly, in most cases. A dormancy period isn’t uncommon and can last from a matter of days to two months or more, but the follicle will re-grow hair. In the receptor area, where the grafts are placed, the resulting hair loss can be contributed to two factors: 1) the actual cutting of the hair while making the receptor
sites (as in a hair cut). These hairs will grow back at a
rate of one-half inch per month, on average. Some physicians feel that “dense packing” or “mega sessions” of 2,500 or more grafts at one time cause more hair loss than with a less dense session, or fewer grafts per session; i.e., two sessions of 2,000 grafts rather than one mega-session of 4,000 grafts.
In the donor area, if it is sutured too tight, resulting in increased tension to the skin, it may result in necrosis (death of the tissue) and hair loss along the suture line. Fortunately, this is rarely permanent since the hair in the area of the surrounding donor area is permanent hair. However it may take three to five months for the hair to return. As with any surgical procedure, choosing the right surgeon is key. Experience, foresight and understanding are equally as important to medical techniques and artistry. Make sure you choose the most qualified surgeon. Thank you and best regards, ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- When: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 Where: San Diego Call 1-800-242-6900 for Reservations - By Appointment Only At Sword Medical Center you will be treated by Dr. Randall
Sword himself. Dr. Sword has performed more than 17,000 procedures
and has practiced ONLY hair restoration for over 16 years.
He has treated Over 7,000 patients and transplanted more than
5 million grafts!
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