Hair Growth: Realistic Results Video Transcript

Webcast Transcript

It's only been the last five or six years, in a procedure called follicular unit transplantation, that it's really been really a wonderful procedure, and in that procedure, hair is transplanted from the back of the scalp in the actual way that it grows, which is in little, tiny groups called follicular units of one to four hairs. And we can now put them in the scalp in a way that totally mimics nature.

The hair becomes groomable at about six months. At about eight months, you can get really a feel for what the transplant is like, and then somewhere between eight months and a year the transplant is mature, with most people seeing the full result of the procedure in about a year.

ANNOUNCER: Hair surgery can recover some of the hair you've lost, but doesn't prevent future loss, so medications are often used in addition to surgery.

KEN WASHENIK, MD: I don't separate him, or suddenly say he's a surgical patient and not a medical patient, because I'm a firm believer that medical treatment of your hair loss-one, to halt the progression, and, boy, if you can, grow some hair back-does nothing but improve the outcome of your hair transplant and make it look better.

ROBERT BERNSTEIN, MD: The transplanted hair will grow and is permanent, regardless of medications. What I like to use medications for is to put the person on it long term so that they won't need more surgery, so that they won't have a progression of their hair loss.

ANNOUNCER: For some men, another option is not to treat hair loss at all.

KEN WASHENIK, MD: Given the diagnosis of "No, you have inherited hair loss," the question is, "Does that bother you?" I mean, this is not something you have to treat. The people who should treat it are the people who find they're bothered by it.

ROBERT BERNSTEIN, MD: Sometimes, just the idea that you can explain to them that it's normal or that they can wear their hair short, they're assured, and that's the end of it.

ANNOUNCER: But if men are bothered by hair loss, they should seek help as soon as possible.

ROBERT BERNSTEIN, MD: Cosmetic procedures in women have always been very popular and very accepted, where men have always been hesitant to seek any kind of treatment for vanity reasons. And we encourage men, even if you don't want to have treatment, at least-if hair loss is bothering you, at least see a doctor, find out what you're options are. Do something about it. Just don't feel like you're powerless, and I think once you understand that it's something-that it's normal, and that there are many wonderful options today, that you can relax and make a good choice for yourself.

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