Hair Transplant

Hair loss can be devastating but it doesn’t have to be permanent! Restore your confidence today with hair transplantation

Hair Transplant

Hair loss can be devastating but it doesn’t have to be permanent! Restore your confidence today with hair transplantation

Hair Transplants in Houston, TX

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be a devastating process. Understanding the cycle of hair growth can be helpful in understanding hair loss and options for slowing progression of hair loss and hair restoration.

While loss of scalp hairs can be devastating, scalp hairs account for a small number (100,000-150,000) of total hairs (5 million) on the body. Hair growth is classified into three stages: anagen, catagen and telogen. During anagen, active growth occurs. This phase can last about 3 years and 90% of hairs exist in this phase. During catagen, the hair will separate from the dermal root over 2-3 weeks leading to telogen which is the hair’s resting phase. During telogen, the hair shaft falls out. This phase lasts for 3-4 months and 10% of hairs exist in this phase. Thinning occurs when the rate of hair loss exceeds the rate of growth.

Male pattern baldness is driven by the conversion of testosterone to a compound called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT triggers the transformation of thick and healthy hair into thin and fine baby hair (called vellus hairs). It is these fine and thin hairs that predominate in areas that are balding. The rate of conversion of thick healthy hair into vellus hair is dependent on genetics.

In women, the cause of hair loss can be more complex. Iron deficiency, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance and changes, thyroid disorder or autoimmune disorder are all contributors to female hair loss. A blood panel should be conducted in women to evaluate for these underlying problems. If identified, treatment should be coordinated with your primary care physician. More and more women today are enjoying the benefits of hair restoration and hair transplantation. The most commonly performed procedures are restoring density to the scalp and filling in thinning frontotemporal regions. Scalp hairline advancement is also a commonly performed procedure to correct high foreheads.
Worried man inspecting his hairline in the mirror

Treatment Options

Rogaine (Minoxidil)

Minoxidil was first administered in the 1970s as an oral blood pressure medication and was observed to have the side effect of hypertrichosis (hair growth). These early observations led to the development of a topical formulation of minoxidil to treat hair loss. Several theories exist regarding how Minoxidil works. Minoxidil has been shown to cause increased bloody supply to the areas treated, increase the proportion of hair follicles in anagen phase and increase the overall follicle size. Studies have shown that 5% topical application is effective in increasing hair growth. Two formulations are available: foam and liquid, the foam formulation has no propylene glycol and may be better tolerated (less irritating to the scalp). There is an increased risk of shedding in the first 3-4 weeks of use but this indicates the medication is working.

Man smiling with headphones in after running

Propecia (Finasteride)

Finasteride is a medication commonly given for benign prostatic hypertrophy at a dose of 5 mg/day (Proscar). It is also a highly effective medication given for hair loss at a lower dose of 1 mg/day and is marketed as Propecia/finasteride for this purpose. The mechanism of action is inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the active molecule that binds androgen receptors in the hair follicle to induce patterned baldness. A randomized controlled trial of 1553 men given placebo or finasteride showed significantly greater hair counts in the balding vertex after one year than in patients receiving placebo. While sexual side effects have been reported, these side effects are rare and are usually reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. Finasteride can be taken any time of the day without food, please allow 6-9 months to see results.

PRP

PRP is a medical treatment for hair loss. During PRP treatment, your blood is drawn, processed to separate the platelet rich plasma which is then injected into the scalp. There have been numerous studies showing that PRP is effective in stimulating hair regrowth. It is thought that the rich growth factors and signaling molecules to promote active hair growth.

Laser

Low level laser light therapy is an FDA approved treatment for hair loss. The mechanism is not well understood but clinical studies have demonstrated that low level laser light delivered to the scalp will stimulate hair growth, reverse miniaturization of hairs (vellus hairs) and improve overall density to the scalp. There are many laser options available. Schedule an appointment to learn more about this treatment modality.

Hair Transplant

Hair transplant is an effective way to restore a natural and youthful hairline. In hair transplant, individual follicular units are harvested from areas in the scalp that are resistant to the action of DHT. Follicular units are hairs that naturally grow in 1 to 4 haired groups. Even patients with advanced balding will retain a strip of resistant hairs in the temporal and occipital regions. These hairs are resistant to miniaturization and retain this property when transplanted. These hairs serve as the donor hairs for transplant. One or more sessions may be required to achieve the desired result. Typically, one to two sessions is sufficient depending on degree of hair loss and the number of grafts needed.

Follicular Unit Transplant

Also known as FUT, follicular unit transplant is an excellent technique to acquire high quality hair grafts for transplant. In FUT, a strip of hair is harvested from the occipital scalp. The hair is then expertly slivered into individual units and then transplanted in specially designed recipient sites.

Follicular Unit Extraction

Also known as FUE, follicular unit extraction is gaining popularity. In this technique, a motorized punch is used to remove individual follicular units from the scalp. This technique requires expertise as individual hairs can easily be transected or damaged during harvesting and overall graft survival is lower. The individually extracted follicular units are then transplanted in specially designed recipient sites.

Doctor Placing a Laser Device on a woman's head

Hair transplantation is both a technical and artistic procedure. Excellent technical skill is absolutely paramount in a successful transplant but the artistry required in successful transplant is often overlooked. When you choose your transplant surgeon, you are also choosing your artist. Careful design of the hairline is needed to give a natural look. Each follicular unit serve as individual strokes of a paintbrush. Balance and foresight into future hair loss must be artfully combined to give the best result. Call for a consultation today!

Assistant Professor

Dr. Kao is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She received her medical degree from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York and completed her residency training at Washington University in St. Louis. Following residency, Dr. Kao completed subspecialty training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Miami. Subsequently, she joined the Department as an assistant professor. Dr. Kao is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Her clinical interests include hair restoration and transplant, facial trauma, facial rejuvenation (including Botox®, injectable fillers, brow lift, facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty), rhinoplasty, and reconstructive surgery of skin cancer defects.
6400 Fannin St, Ste 2080
Houston, TX 77030-1532
(713) 486-5019