Overview

The single most important physical feature that ages men is a receding or balding hairline. They not only feel bad about looking older but their self image can be affected. Loss of masculinity is often associated with hair loss and men are extremely sensitive about it. Attractiveness is an important component for both sexes and is expressed through the appearance of health, youth and vitality. Changing one's appearance to look and feel better, at any age, can improve self esteem and social conditions.

Our process begins with an in depth consutation to assess patients and determine goals. It is important to rule out any medical issues which may play a role in hairloss.

Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) MPB

Norwood Classification

Male pattern baldness is progressive. Three major factors affect this: genetics, androgen sensitivity and age. The earlier the onset of MPB, the more severe it can become. Half the hair follicles, in any given area, must be affected before it becomes noticeable.

Other causes of hair loss include: infections, inflammatory conditions, disease processes, drug side- effects and trauma. These factors affect the hair follicles in different ways and disrupt normal growth.

The Norwood Classification of male pattern baldness is widely accepted and useful in predicting future loss and in planning for surgery. The diagnosis of hair loss in a man with classic MPB is relatively straight forward. If a patient has an unusual type of hair loss or an atypical history, then a further medical workup is required.

Donor Site

Hair transplantation is based on the concept of donor dominance - grafts are taken from an area destined to be permanently hair-bearing and then transplanted into a bald area or future bald area.

It will grow in its new site (after an initial short period of temporary loss or effluvium), for as long as it would have in it's original site. One must plan a hair transplant session, or sessions, based on an accurate assessment of ultimate hair loss pattern and donor rim supply. Long term planning is key in achieving a successful outcome, this is especially important in younger patients.

The donor hair is taken from the back and sides of the scalp. The widest strip that can safely be excised is removed. Only a single, fine scar is produced as the strip is removed and the donor site is sutured. The donor site is camouflaged immediately after surgery by the patient's own hair. If subsequent sessions are done, then the same scar is excised as part of the new donor harvest. This results in only one fine donor scar no matter how many sessions are carried out.