• Hair Transplant Surgery

    Hair Transplant Surgery

    Currently the only solution for regrowing hair, particularly in the hairline area, is hair transplant surgery, an advanced surgical hair restoration technique.

    Done right, a hair transplant is so natural that even a hair stylist cannot detect that a person has had hair transplants.

    The days of the "corn row" or "Barbie Doll" hair transplants are long gone.

    To achieve such truly natural results requires a dedicated and highly skilled staff doing a state of the art hair transplant procedure. The state of the art micro hair transplant procedure that our member physicians perform is called "Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation".

    Hair transplant surgery involves relocating (transplanting) the bald resistant hair follicles from the back of the head to the balding areas on the top and front of the head.

    This process is effective and will last a lifetime because the hair follicles taken from the back of the head are genetically resistant to baldness, no matter where they are transplanted.

    This procedure is regarded by most hair restoration physicians to be the "gold standard in hair transplants". Learn more about this hair transplant procedure.

    Because this very refined procedure is difficult to perform at the highest quality level only a minority of all hair restoration surgeons perform it successfully. Our member physicians have extensive experience performing this advanced and very refined procedure with excellent proven results.

    Today, hair transplant surgical hair restoration is an out-patient procedure requiring only local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience during and after their surgery. Many patients watch TV or sleep during their procedure.

    Hair transplant surgery is the only certain way of restoring significant amounts of hair in balding areas. View hair transplant photos of actual hair loss patients.

    Sharing information in the Hair Loss Learning Center forum with patients who have successfully restored their hair is a good way to begin the process of selecting a hair transplant surgeon with a proven record of restoring a natural hairline. Online consultation can put you directly in touch with one of the world's top hair restoration physicians in your area who can help you assess your options.

  • The Future of Medical Hair Restoration

    Hair Restoration Future

    Today's evolutionary high point - Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Transplantation

    By relocating these carefully prepared bald-resistant follicular units, physicians doing "follicular unit hair transplantation" recreate a natural pattern of hair in the balding areas.

    To do this properly is a very time consuming and exacting process. It requires a team of meticulous medical technicians working hand-in-hand with the hair transplant surgeon in a very lengthy surgical procedure.

    Ultra Refined Grafting - Smaller Blades, Smaller Incisions, Smaller Grafts

    Today's micro surgical blades, like the size of hair grafts, have become ever smaller and now enable hair transplant surgeons to safely make more tiny graft incisions in a given area then ever before. Surgeons are then able to "dense pack" select areas with as many as 40 to 60 follicular unit grafts per square centimeter. This graft density is as much as twice that of the standard follicular unit hair transplant procedure.

    Such high densities of transplanted hair typically produce the appearance of fullness even after only one surgical session. Patients also experience rapid healing and no visible skin distortions due to the tiny size of these incisions.

    Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Grafting - Hard on the clinic but easy on the patient.

    Ultra refined follicular unit grafting raises the bar for physicians and their staff. This delicate and demanding hair transplant procedure requires more skill and careful attention to be performed properly. The smaller and more tightly packed incisions require more closely dissected follicular unit grafts that are carefully trimmed under microscopes. These small and densely packed incisions are also more difficult to place the grafts into.

    This procedure also requires more careful patient selection, as "dense packing" of grafts is not appropriate for all patients.

    Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Transplantation - the new "Gold Standard"

    In the hands of a highly skilled physician and staff the Ultra refined follicular unit hair transplant procedure can achieve excellent new hair growth that is so natural that it is undetectable even under close scrutiny.

    While the standard micro "follicular unit" hair transplant does produce natural looking results, its ability to achieve high density in only one surgical session is limited. Thus patients may have to do subsequent surgical sessions in a transplanted area to achieve a full look.

    The many patient benefits of this new ultra refined procedure are significant and include:

    • The ability to get excellent hair density in only one surgical session.
    • Minimal trauma in the graft recipient area with rapid post surgical healing.
    • Little or no visible pitting or distortions in the transplanted areas.
    • More natural direction and angulation of the transplanted hair.

    All physician members of the Coalition perform Ultra Refined Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation.

    While many hair transplant physicians perform quality follicular unit hair transplants, only some of them are capable of performing large sessions of ultra refined follicular hair transplantation. However, all members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians perform ultra refined grafting with excellent results.

    The Future of Surgical Hair Restoration

    The amount of hair you can transplant is ultimately limited by the amount of hair follicles you can safely relocate from the bald resistant donor area at the back and sides of your head.

    Some day it may be possible for physicians to create multiple hair follicles from one original follicle. This process typically called Hair Multiplication or more incorrectly Hair Cloning is currently being investigated by several research scientists and hair restoration physicians.

    If and when this process is successfully developed patients would no longer be limited by the finite amount of bald resistant hairs that can be relocated from their donor area. Hair multiplication would result in a virtually limitless supply of hair available for hair transplants.

    This would be especially good news for men or women with extensive baldness and a very limited supply of donor hair. Even those with extensive baldness would theoretically be able achieve thick full heads of hair.

    However, experts believe that we are at least ten years away from hair multiplication being available, if even then. But perhaps some day scientists will be able to use gene therapy to halt the balding process without drugs or surgery.

    Learn about modern hair loss drug treatments that work.

  • Nanogen Hair Loss Concealer Review

    Nanogen Hair Loss Concealer

    A Thicker Fuller Head of Hair in 30 Seconds?

    A staggering 50% of men and 30% of women will experience some degree of thinning hair by the age of 50. Along with state of the art hair transplant surgery and credible drug treatments like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil), many balding men (and women) have added credible concealers like Nanogen to their daily treatment regimen.

    As the term implies, concealers do not actually regrow hair but rather cosmetically enhance the appearance of balding areas of the scalp by reducing the contrast between scalp and hair color and/or adding fullness to thin, wispy hair follicles.  Nanogen is no exception however, Nanogen is very popular and differs from other topical concealers in several areas.

    How Nanogen Works

    Nanogen is made of microscopic keratin fibers. Keratin is the same material that natural hair is composed of, giving the product a natural look and feel when applied to existing thinning hair. Unlike other fiber-based hair loss concealers, Nanogen’s “nanofibers” have a patent pending, “dipolar” electrostatic charge coating that causes them to cling to existing hairs in a fashion resembling needles on a Christmas tree rather than lying flat against the follicles. It’s this perpendicular binding that gives what some users have described as an immediate “lift” to the hair.  By increasing the diameter of each individual follicle from root to tip, Nanogen is able to enhance the appearance of hair density resulting in the illusion of a full head of hair.

    Applying Nanogen

    Nanogen is available in ten different shades. These colors can even be combined to invisibly blend with your natural hair. The fibers are sprinkled onto the balding scalp from an applicator reminiscent of a large pepper shakerand then blended with the fingertips. Once the desired effect is achieved, there is an optional locking mist available to help the fibers stay in place through inclement weather conditions, intense exercise and perspiration.

    Users should take care when applying Nanogen near the hairline. Over application can result in accumulation and an unnatural appearance.

    Nanogen colors

    Conclusion

    Nanogen’s keratin-based nanofibers are an excellent choice for balding men and women wishing to improve the appearance of thinning hair. Unlike some creams, sprays or make-up type concealers, Nanogen fibers are odor-free, non-itchy, wash out easily and won’t stain your clothing or pillowcase. With practice, the application is clean, quick and simple.

    See what Real Patients are Saying about DermMatch on our Hair Loss Forum

    For an in-depth comparison of Nanogen and similar fiber-based hair loss concealer Toppik, see the discussion topic, Product Review: Nanogen. To see what other members and Nanogen users are saying, you are encouraged to use the "search" feature of our hair restoration discussion forum.

  • Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA)

    Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA)

    Diffuse Hair Loss and How to Treat It

    Unlike male pattern baldness (MPB) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL), which tends to follow one of the hair loss patterns defined by the NorwoodScale and the LudwigScale, Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) is characterized by diffuse thinning throughout the front, crown and vertex(crown) with no distinct pattern evident. However, like male and female pattern balding,Diffuse Patterned Alopecia patients typically preserve the stable "permanent zone" on the sides and back of the scalp and may sometimes retain a well-defined hairline. DPA is also a type of hereditary balding condition like and rogenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss).

    Diffuse Patterned Alopecia (DPA) can be difficult to diagnose and, particularly in its early stages, may be confused with a similar condition known as Diffused Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA). While both conditions are characterized by diffuse thinning, DUPA sufferers lack the stable permanent zone necessary for surgical hair restoration.

    Treatment for Diffuse Patterned Alopecia

    DPA often responds well to medical hair loss treatments like Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine(minoxidil) and, due to the preservation of the permanent donor region, many DPA sufferers are candidates for hairrestoration surgery.

    Conclusion

    It’s essential that hair loss suffering men and women seeking medical and/or surgical treatment for diffuse thinning consult with a skilled and experienced hair restoration physician. Differentiating between DPA and DUPA is critical because Diffuse Patterned Alopecia patients frequently make good hair transplant candidates, whereas DUPA patients rarely do.

  • Dr. Felipe Pittella

    Dr. Felipe Pittella
    Dr. Felipe Pittella
    Dr. Felipe Pittella performs ultra-dense mega-session and Giga-session FUE procedures on Norwood 6 and 7 patients with excellent density and coverage. Dr. Pittella combines quality and affordability with coverage and density.

  • Dr. Bessam Farjo

    Dr. Bessam Farjo
    Dr. Bessam Farjo
    The Farjo Hair Institute is a family run clinic solely devoted to performing excellent follicular unit hair transplantation in Manchester and London.

  • Find the Hair Loss Treatment Right For You

    Find the Hair Loss Treatment Right For You

    Today hair loss sufferers have several legitimate and proven treatments for restoring their hair.

    Over the past decade in particular, treatments for hair loss have made huge advances. Hair loss medication like Propecia (finasteride), Avodart (dutasteride), and to a lesser degree topical treatments like Rogaine often can stop or even reverse hair loss in most people.

    However, neither Propecia nor Rogaine has been proven to restore hair in the frontal areas. Only hair restoration surgery has been successful in restoring hair in the frontal hairline area once it has been lost.

    Done right, hair transplants are so natural that even a hair stylist cannot detect that a person has had a hair transplant. The days of the “corn row” or “Barbie doll” hair transplant are long gone.

    Hair replacement systems or “hair systems” have also improved and become more refined. Those who are extensively bald and want to restore a full looking head of hair may find a hair replacement system to be appropriate.

    There are also topicals, such as sprays and applications, which can do a surprisingly effective job of giving a person the appearance of having a much fuller head of hair.

    Future hair loss treatments also hold the promise of making baldness a disease of the past.

    Despite attempts by the FDA to regulate the promotion of hair loss products, balding men and women still need to be wary of the many questionable treatments that are often heavily advertised.

    Each hair loss treatment has its advantages and disadvantages. We believe in empowering you with the tools and assistance to explore and evaluate all your treatment options. Ultimately the best hair loss treatment is the one that works best for you.

    We encourage you to take your time and explore all your options before committing to any hair loss treatment.

    Explore this and other web sites and compare notes with other hair loss sufferers about what does or does not work.

    Our hair restoration discussion forum has over 180,000 searchable postings by other hair loss sufferers.

    If you post your question or concern, typically several people will reply with helpful advice and suggestions.

    To get expert medical advice and review all your hair loss treatment options, consider doing a free consultation with one of our quality member physicians.

    To learn about our physicians, or to arrange a consultation, visit our physician finder.

  • Revivogen Scalp Therapy, Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Loss

    Revivogen Kit

    Revivogen hair loss treatment is a "3 in 1" all inclusive product that comes with scalp therapy, one eyedropper, one shampoo and one conditioner.

    This topical scalp therapy treatment, equally effective for both men and women, claims to be very successful at inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The makers of Revivogen claim that it is even more effective than Propecia in reducing DHT in the scalp without the unwanted side effects. It's also potentially the most potent topical antiandrogen on the market. Antiandrogen hair loss treatments like Revivogen inhibit the production of the male hormone DHT. The makers of Revivogen claim that it is even more effective than Propecia in reducing DHT in the scalp without the unwanted side effects.  This product however, has not been approved for hair loss by the FDA.

    Revivogen all natural medicated shampoo is one of the few shampoos that includes ingredients scientifically supported to help inhibit the production of DHT and its binding to hair follicles. A 12oz bottle should last just under 2 months.

    Revivogen shampoo has ingredients that complement the Scalp Therapy solution, increases scalp circulation, opens pores, and produces a cooling and refreshing menthol feeling on the scalp.

    Revivogen Thickening Conditioner revives limp and thinning hair in men and women by moisturizing and strengthening the hair shaft. Natural proteins add natural volume, shine and create the appearance of thicker and fuller hair. For best use, we recommend using this conditioner with Revivogen Shampoo. Or, get the discounted Revivogen Shampoo and Conditioner combination instead to save money.

    We strongly recommend using Nizoral shampoo every 2 or 3 days in conjunction with these treatments. Its active ingredient ketoconazolehas proven to be a moderate DHT inhibitor and has growth properties approximately as effective as Rogaine 2%.

    How It Works:

    Revivogen contains scientifically backed ingredients including Azelaic Acid, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Saw Palmetto, GLA and ALA which are fatty acids proven to inhibit the production of DHT. Reducing the amount of DHT in the body and scalp reduces the risk of vulnerable hair follicles dying and falling out.

    For proper treatment, Revivogen should be applied at least once a day to the scalp's affected areas as well as the surrounding areas.  Once you've used the medication, you should not wash your hair for at least three hours.  This allows the active ingredients to be absorbed into your scalp  The effects of Revivogen may take some time to work.  Most users claim to experience their desired results after about 6 months of use.

    Revivogen contains no reported side effects.

    Developing Realistic Expectations:

    Men and women sometimes suffer from hair loss for different reasons. Thus, diagnosing its cause is necessary to facilitate and promote proper treatment. Revivogen is not clinically proven or approved by the FDA.

    Revivogen and other antiandrogens (such as Propecia, Crinagen, Nizoral, Revita, etc.) may provide marginal benefit to men and women trying to maintain existing hair due to androgenic alopecia. Propecia by far is the most effective and only proven antiandrogen. For the best chance at regrowing hair non-surgically, adding a hair growth stimulant such as Rogaineor Tricomin is crucial.

    Don't expect immediate results. It's recommended to use Revivogen for at least 6 to 12 months before determining its effectiveness. Documenting your progress with bi-monthly photos can help you determine whether or not Revivogen has been successful in helping you maintain existing hair.

    To date, only surgical hair restoration is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas. You are invited to have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians.

  • Robert J. Dorin, DO, ABHRS

    Dr. Robert Dorin
    Dr. Robert Dorin
    Robert J. Dorin, DO has been a specialist in hair restoration since 2002 and a member of our network since 2006. He offers advanced FUE and FUT procedures as well as PRP therapy. Prospective patients seek out Dr. Dorin for his personalized care and ultra-refined results.

  • Hair Restoration Evolution

    Hair Restoration Evolution

    Hair transplant procedures have evolved a long, long way since they began in the early 1950's. The "corn row" or "doll's" hair look that was associated with hair transplantation has evolved into today's "follicular unit" procedure that, when done right, is undetectable even by a hair stylist.

    The Concept of the Hair Transplant is Born

    During the past several decades superstition, old wives tales, and guess work has gradually been replaced by science.

    The early 1800's is renowned in hair restoration circles as the age of the con men. There were hundreds of hair restoration treatments released and many lasted well into the late 1900's. These "cures" were marketed by "doctors", whose only skills were those of fast-talking and nerves of steel (as well as bravery, considering they were conning hardened cowboys and outlaws!).

    The salesmen hawked their products from the safety of their side shows and "Wild West" spectaculars. They used endless tricks to get people to buy their products, such as rubbing grease into people's hair, to make it look thicker.

    In 1939, a Japanese dermatologist, Dr. Okuda, published a revolutionary method in a Japanese medical journal that would lay the ground work for modern hair transplantation.

    This method involved using hair transplant grafts to correct lost hair from various areas, including the scalp, eyebrow, and moustache areas. However, this study didn't make an impact in the Western Hemisphere due to the interruption of World War II.

    Hair Restoration Comes of Age

    In the late 50's one physician in particular, Dr. Norman Orentriech, began to experiment with the idea of relocating or transplanting the hair on the back and sides of the head to the balding areas.

    Dr. Orentriech's experiments showed that when bald resistant hairs from the back and sides of the head were relocated they maintained their bald resistant genetic characteristic regardless of where they were transplanted.

    This principle, known as "Donor Dominance", established that hair could be transplanted from the bald resistant donor areas to the balding areas and continue to grow for a life time. This laid the foundation for modern hair transplantation.

    The Scientific Era of Hair Restoration

    During the 60's and 70's hair transplants grew in popularity. However, the standard of care used larger grafts that were removed by round punches and often contained many hairs.

    This now outdated hair transplant technique could achieve good results with a full look if a patient completed all planned sessions. However, a patient was typically limited in the manner they could style their hair.

    Patients who stopped short of completing all planned sessions were left with hair transplants that looked obvious and unnatural. Such uncompleted hair transplant results are some times referred to as "Barbie doll hair" or "corn rows".

    Many who have had these older techniques now refine or complete their bad hair transplants with today's very refined techniques to achieve a natural look that they can style in any manner.

    Continue reading Hair Restoration Evolution - Hair Loss Solution