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yianni_ t1_j3xezr9 wrote

Might be a dumb question but I have wondered for a while: If you take a transplant from say, the back of the scalp, does that mean that part will now be bald?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j48zaa8 wrote

Nor a dumb question at all. I appreciate you asking!

The hair grafts will be removed from a dense area of hair on the scalp (usually the donor area on the back and sides of the scalp). The hair will more than likely grow back. Even if it did not grow back, the amount of extracted hair will likely not make a difference in the look of the area.

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3xh1an wrote

I don't know how it happened so quickly, but I just realized that our hour has gone by already. I will keep checking for new questions over the next few days (and answering questions) that came in during the AMA. Please leave your questions!

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evoic t1_j3xhzc5 wrote

>I don't know how it happened so quickly, but I just realized that our hair has gone by already

I hear ya, bud. That's why a lot of people are reading this thread. :-D

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3y4810 wrote

As you can see, my work computer auto correct function defaults to "hair" on a regular basis. Thanks for pointing it out to me!

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h159k114 t1_j3xadi4 wrote

I had an ex boyfriend who wanted one but was worried about taking testosterone-reducing meds that would affect his sex life. Is this true?

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Jubez187 t1_j3xjuyq wrote

Not OP or an MD but in case he never answers, that was rooted in some knowledge. This particular MD seems to think that you don't need Finasteride post surgery but that is not something shared across the field.

As for the medicine it's not entirely Testosterone reducing but you're inhibiting 5a-reductase which stops the creation of Dihydrogen Testosterone (DHT), the main cause of male pattern baldness.

There is a small chance of side effects that are sexual in nature like low libido or watery semen.

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h159k114 t1_j40we9v wrote

I appreciate you answering. Thank you!

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[deleted] t1_j3xgmvz wrote

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3y5ea0 wrote

I am actually taking the first part of this answer from another question I answered earlier.

In general, redness or pinkish discoloration in the recipient and donor areas can be present throughout the first few days. There will be some scabbing that should gradually go away after the first five days.

For two to four days, mild bruising or pinkish discoloration and scabbing can be seen in the transplanted and donor areas, However, these conditions will gradually fade during the first week. Any swelling on the forehead and around the eyes will start two or three days after the surgery. Forehead swelling will peak by day four and subside after that.

You can actually return to work as early as the day after your procedure. However, if your job requires bending, stretching, or physical straining, you should take a few days off until the acute phase is over.

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3x74s1 wrote

I am here for the next hour to answer your questions. I look forward to chatting with you.

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BlindDoorman t1_j3x7lm9 wrote

Hi! How do hair need to be "replanted"? Or is it permanent?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3x7ws4 wrote

Hello! The hair that is transplanted to the scalp will remain there on a permanent basis. The hair grafts can come from the donor area of the scalp (back and sides) or elsewhere on the body if there is not enough viable donor hair on the back and sides.

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smeijer87 t1_j3x8h1h wrote

Elsewhere? Are there specific areas of preference if not from the scalp?

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Spid1 t1_j3xblut wrote

Beard and chest

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3y4z17 wrote

Yes, beat me to the answer. These areas of the body are often used if there are not enough available/viable hair grafts on the back and sides of the scalp.

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Stunning_Set1343 t1_j3x7vv0 wrote

What was your schooling like? Do you have a good work/life balance? :)

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3x941s wrote

I'll answer the second question first and say, like anyone else, I try my best to have a good balance. I am lucky that I can being my dog to the office, so I get to see him all day (although he does not come into the surgery room during a procedure).

As for my education/schooling, I did my initial medical schooling and then specialty training as a surgical intern at the University of North Dakota. My surgical residency was at the University of New Mexico and York Hospital in Pennsylvania. Then, I joined the Department of Surgical Sciences of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. I also completed a fellowship in hair restoration surgery at the New Hair Institute with hair transplant surgeon Dr. William Rassman. Finally, I started my own practice!

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No0nesSlickAsGaston t1_j3x8fry wrote

Is it difficult to find assistance in your field? People trained and good support during the procedures?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3x9ge2 wrote

I will say "yes and no". There are many people who are knowledgeable about hair restoration and just need some extra training in how to perform a procedure. We offer training for our staff, and I am happy to say they are an amazing team.

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filiolo t1_j3x8lp2 wrote

Is it true that hair transplants for hair loss on the crown of the head are more difficult than those addressing receding hairlines? Are they not possible or just more difficult?

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CraftyCrafter t1_j3x8qqg wrote

How often do you get women in your office? Have you done hair transplants on women with various medical conditions such as Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, etc? Does the cost differ between men and women? How much would it cost for a woman to get a hair transplant? Does medical insurance ever cover the cost at any time?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3xad90 wrote

Thanks for the multiple questions. I will do my best to answer them!

Hair transplants are often thought of as a "male procedure," but we do get the opportunity to help many female patients achieve their desired hairline. We have treated female patients who experienced hair loss due to medical conditions or they suffered some form of accident or trauma to the scalp.

Medical insurance might cover some of the cost if the surgery is deemed to be medically necessary. The cost does not necessarily differ between men and women as the total cost is determined by the number of hair grafts that are needed, the technique used to perform the procedure, and any fees charged by the doctor or the medical facility.

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CraftyCrafter t1_j3xi7zo wrote

Thank you for your answer! I asked because I am a female who is missing most of the hair or the top of her head. I used to have lush thick hair, and now it is so thin and non-existant. It went that way at the age of 28 and has been like that, ever since.

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ExclusiveRedditor t1_j3x8s1g wrote

Are there any new advances in preventing hair loss?

If someone gets a transplant is it required for them to get on finasteride if they aren’t already completely bald?

How successful are transplants? Is there any risk going abroad like to turkey or Mexico for cheaper options?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3xcypo wrote

There is always research being performed on hair loss as the medical community works to find new restoration methods.

It is not necessary to use finasteride after a hair transplant but there are many people who continue to use the medication for maintenance purposes of their "native hair" (as opposed to the transplanted hair).

Hair transplants are normally very successful, and the results are permanent. One of the main risks I can share about going to another country is that the medical standards are often not as strict in other countries so there is a chance of the medical facilities not being as clean or advanced. Plus, it is not easy to visit your doctor if there is any type of medical emergency once you return to the United States.

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smeijer87 t1_j3x8s2g wrote

After transplant, is it just all back to normal, or does the patient have to take some precautions to not lose the hair again?

How sensitive is the transplanted hair for new/continued hair loss?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3xbira wrote

The transplanted hair will permanently remain in the scalp. You might experience future hair loss on other areas of the scalp but not the treated area.

Once the surgery is completed, patients should not wash or touch the recipient area the first night. We provide a cap to protect the scalp. We also show our patients how to properly wash their hair during a follow-up appointment the following day. They should also sleep with their head elevated in order to avoid rubbing off or detaching any of the grafts while they sleep.

While patients should avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing the hair grafts for the first four days, the grafts will be stronger in their "new home" by the fifth day to the point they won't be able to be accidently dislodged anymore.

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smeijer87 t1_j3x993b wrote

Is the hair donor always the patient itself, or do we also have cross person transplants? Would a recently deceased person make a viable hair donor?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3xgky9 wrote

The hair graft donor is always the actual patient. Think of it like an organ transplant from another person. The body might view the new organ as a foreign object and reject it. The body of the patient would know/realize if donor hair was not from the actual person.

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Norklander t1_j3x9bzz wrote

How long after the procedure will the scarring/redness etc be visible?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3xdspm wrote

In general, redness or pinkish discoloration in the recipient and donor areas can be present throughout the first few days. There will be some scabbing that should gradually go away after the first five days.

For two to four days, mild bruising or pinkish discoloration and scabbing can be seen in the transplanted and donor areas, However, these conditions will gradually fade during the first week.

Any swelling on the forehead and around the eyes will start two or three days after the surgery. Forehead swelling will peak by day four and subside after that.

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HighFivePuddy t1_j3xb9b3 wrote

I've had consultations at two clinics. One was adamant that I'd need to take finasteride post-surgery, the other didn't recommend it. Both are on Harley St in London, so would be considered reputable clinics.

Why is there quite a fundamental difference in post op treatment? What is the recommend at your clinic?

Side question: Does topical fin work as well as oral?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3xf1j6 wrote

I would say that, just like anyone else in a business or medical field, everyone has a different opinion on certain topics. I'd say that taking finasteride after surgery is not completely necessary as the transplanted hairs will remain in their new home on a permanent basis. There are some patients who want to keep using it on the rest of their scalp to slow the balding process and maintain their native hairs.

Topical finasteride has been shown to be as effective as oral finasteride so, in some ways, it is up to the personal preference of the individual.

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Vegetable_Calendar t1_j3xc2qo wrote

  1. Is there an optimal age to get a hair transplant?

  2. Does hair from the donor area ever fill back in?

  3. Do patients who receive a hair transplant have to continue medical treatment as well?

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zeocrash t1_j3xc5u0 wrote

What's going on with Steven seagal's hair?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3y5zho wrote

His hair used to be much thinner. Did he have a hair transplant? Does he dye his hair or use some sort of spray? I do not know!!!

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[deleted] t1_j3xcn31 wrote

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3y6aix wrote

By days five through seven (post-surgery), the grafts are taken and cannot be dislodged from the transplanted area. Some scabbing may still be present during this time but, by day seven, most people don’t show any sign of a procedure in their donor area.

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Alldaywithit t1_j3xd5zd wrote

Do you have to use Rogaine or similar treatment for life after transplant or does the transplant sufficiently work itself for full hairline? Thank you Dr!

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j48zn6a wrote

Do you have to use Rogaine? No.

Do some people choose to use it? Yes.

I'd say that using Rogaine after surgery is not completely necessary as the transplanted hairs will remain in their new home on a permanent basis. There are some patients who want to keep using it on the rest of their scalp to slow the balding process and maintain their native hairs.

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[deleted] t1_j3xdc6s wrote

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j3y6dsk wrote

I have not had a hair transplant. I'd like to think I would have one!

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Pays_in_snakes t1_j3xe0rk wrote

Theoretically, could you transplant non-human hair follicles onto your head, and would they continue to grow the type of hair from the animal they're taken from?

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ParsaMohebiMD OP t1_j48zu9q wrote

The hair will need to come from the actual patient. Think of it like an organ transplant from another person. The body of the patient might view a new organ as a foreign object and reject it. The body of the patient would know/realize if donor hair was not from the actual person.

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LostMyLunchMoney t1_j3xeyoz wrote

Is it possible for people with fair/blonde hair to get transplant?

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