THE HAIR RESTORATION REPORT
January 2005
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:
· The Donor Area
· Hair Care Products
· Give Us Your Feedback
· Virtual Hair Restoration Consultation
· One-On-One with the Doctor
The Donor Area
If you’ve been looking into surgical hair restoration for any period of time, you are probably already aware of what area of scalp the “donor hairs” actually come from for transplantation.
The “donor area” is the area of hair-bearing scalp at the back of the head, near the base of the skull, spanning upwards towards the ears on either side. The average width of the incision (the width of donor tissue to be removed) is ½”. The length is determined by the desired number of grafts for the procedure and can, for larger procedures, extend 12 inches. Donor “strips” of this size can yield an unbelievable 2,000 to 2,500 grafts (natural follicular units) or more, resulting in up to 7,000 transplanted hairs.
Of course, the appropriate donor strip is based on a supply-and-demand ratio that is tailored to each patient.
Initial procedures rarely suffer from or have risk of scar stretching, providing an “undetectable” and very slight scar spanning the area of the donor incision. This scar is covered by native hairs growing in this region, effectively covering the scar and shielding it from view – even with hair styles of very little length.
When a patient has had multiple procedures or “punch procedures” from the past, the management of the donor site can be a little more difficult due to extensive scarring that may exist. This scarring leads to reduced elasticity and poor scalp mobility.
In situations like these, a talented and experienced surgeon can employ one of a few techniques, based on the patient’s desires, expectations and area of demand:
| | | |
1) Reduce the existing area of scarring by performing a scar revision procedure, strategically focusing the donor strip in the optimum position on the scar. The removal of a ½” width section of scar can dramatically reduce or in some cases even eliminate past scars.
2) Slightly reduce the existing scar during a hair restoration surgery by taking out a section of the scar tissue as well as surrounding viable hair-bearing tissue. The results can be wonderful, reducing the scar quite substantially and yielding a desired number of grafts for transplantation.
3) “Undermine” the donor area (cutting above and below the excision wound under the skin). Undermining is a surgical means by which to alleviate tension and possible stretching of the recovering donor area by reducing the amount of tissue underneath the incision points. The layered closure in the subcutaneous tissue may help distribute the tension throughout the wound but does not lessen the total force or the total effect of the closure. Undermining can be an effective option if the patient is a proper candidate, based on scarring type, extent of scarring, existing elasticity in the skin, existing density of the skin, quality of donor hair, etc. Undermining isn’t for everyone, and it requires an expert surgeon to perform these procedures successfully.
Two sets of sutures may be utilized during undermining, sutures to close and bind the tissue beneath the skin and sutures to effectively close the donor skin at the surface level. The underlying sutures can, at times, create unwanted problems:
| | | |
a) opens tissue planes to infection
b) traumatizes blood vessels, leading to even more scarring
c) cutting additional nerves, leading to numbness or pain
d) internal inflammatory reaction
e) sutures may be “spit out” through the skin months later
|
|
The key to successfully undermining is to not be too aggressive and to never excise an area greater than ½”.
Again, the best possible scenario for effective healing of the donor area is a simple external closure with little or no tension. This promotes faster healing with decreased risk of inflammatory tissue reaction and decreased risk of scarring.
The most important decision a patient can make when electing surgical hair restoration is choosing the right physician – the first time. A talented and experienced surgeon can yield results that exceed expectations and can insure the best possible recovery.
Dr. Randall Sword has helped more men and women in Southern California recover from hair loss than any other practicing physician. If you or someone you know is considering surgical hair transplantation, we invite you to give us a call.
Best regards,
Because the doctor makes the difference
800.242.6900
24520 Hawthorne Blvd.
Suite 240
Torrance, CA 90505
-------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------
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.
-------------------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------------------
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.
Click here to view our upcoming seminars.
Call 1-800-242-6900 for Reservations - By Appointment Only
Or sign up online at www.swordmedical.com
Contact us at getitback@swordmedical.com
-------------------------------------------------
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
| 
