FOLLICLE HT AT SOLOMON FACIAL PLASTIC - Our Toronto Hair Transplant Clinic

There are many causes of hair loss in both men and women, however, the most common factor is genetics. Other factors that can cause hair loss include hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, scarring and traction from tight braid or ponytails. Nevertheless, the cause of hair loss in the vast majority of patients seeking hair restoration is what is known as male or female pattern hair loss. At our Hair Transplant clinic in Toronto, our surgeons can help you regain your confidence with the most advance hair loss treatments.

Male pattern baldness is sometimes referred to as androgenic alopecia. “Alopecia” means “hair-loss” and “androgenic” refers to male sex hormones or “androgens” that are responsible for the progressive loss of hair with age. The effect of androgens on the male hairline can begin as early as the teenage years and most men will have experienced some degree of pattern hair loss by the time they reach their fifties. The hormone testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-α reductase and it is now understood that DHT is responsible for beard and body hair growth as well as for scalp hair loss.

Predisposition to male pattern baldness is thought to be largely inherited however the genetic process is complex and poorly understood. It is a myth that the “baldness-gene” is inherited from the maternal grandfather. Other myths include that poor scalp circulation, caps or hats, or shampoos cause male pattern baldness. (Although certain products such as strong relaxants can damage hair).

Women are also subject to hair loss. While this can be particularly upsetting and can have a devastating impact on self-esteem, in most cases it can be effectively treated.

As in men, the most common cause of hair loss in women is inherited androgenic pattern baldness. However, the pattern is generally different from what is seen in males. While female pattern hair loss can start early, it often begins later than the male variety. It is more frequently (but not always), associated with a diffuse thinning effect over the entire scalp sparing the frontal hairline.

While female pattern hair loss is extremely common, many women do not realize that treatment is available and effective, and so they continue to suffer from the embarrassment and anxiety that frequently accompanies thinning hair. Fortunately, more and more women are seeking advice from hair loss treatment specialists like Dr. Korman and Dr. Solomon and are availing themselves of the excellent treatment options that are available at our Hair Transplant clinic in Toronto.

The cost of treatment depends on the nature of the treatment, and the extent of hair loss. For example, treatments such as Propecia and Minoxidil vary in cost from $25-100 per month depending on the combination and format of medications that are used.

Grafting procedures can vary widely in cost depending on the area to be transplanted. More advanced procedures such as scalp-plasty or scalp-reduction operations are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Under some circumstances, elective surgical procedures are deductible from your income as a medical expense. Patients are encouraged to contact their tax professional. Consultations with your family doctor regarding the medical management of hair loss are generally covered by OHIP.

You are encouraged to contact us to arrange an appointment so that your specific questions can be addressed.

Part of our philosophy is that hair transplantation should be a comfortable and virtually pain-free experience. With the use of light sedation, local anesthetic, and gentle and meticulous techniques, the vast majority of patients report that they experience little or no pain. Many actually enjoy the experience, asking questions, chatting with the staff, listening to music, or watching a movie as the procedure progresses.

The number of procedures required depends on several factors including treatment goals, the degree of hair loss, and the availability of donor reserves. Some people are satisfied after only a single procedure, while others will desire further treatment in order to add density, refine the hairline, temples, or crown, or keep up with progressive hair loss over the years.

Regardless of the number of transplant sessions that are ultimately carried out, we design each one as a “stand-alone procedure.” This means that each transplant will be specifically designed to look natural throughout your entire lifetime regardless of the extent of future hair loss or future surgery.

Many potential patients state that the only thing that they would find worse than baldness would be a bad hair transplant. The sight of obvious, pluggy, and frankly embarrassing results produced by older, outdated techniques would give anyone second thoughts.

The field of transplantation has come a long way. Grafts have gradually gotten smaller, hairline design more sophisticated, and technology more advanced. The advent of follicular unit transplantation with stereo-microscopic single-hair graft preparation is now generally regarded as the end refinement in surgical technique, able to yield results that are predictable and undetectable. Often, patients’ hair stylists are not able to tell that a transplant has been performed.

Using modern techniques and instrumentation, our team is able to create a natural appearance with the hairline, density and coverage that are appropriate for each individual patient.

Hair transplantation is done as a day surgery procedure, with patients able to go home on the same day. Most patients have only mild discomfort following a hair transplant, and hair can be gently washed on the first day following surgery.

Most people choose to take a few days off work but some people resume their normal schedule within 1-2 days. We discourage heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for one week following surgery.

Following a hair transplant, new growth will commence within about 3 months and the transplanted hair then grows at the normal rate of about 1cm per month and continues to thicken over time.

In males, the newly transplanted hairs will continue to grow for as long as they would have in their original location. In women the results are also long lasting or permanent, however the donor area can be less reliable than in men. In some cases, female hair loss can continue where the patient was originally experiencing hair loss, however the transplanted hair will remain. Some patients may choose to undergo a second procedure to catch up with the progressive hair loss. It is important to note, a well done hair transplant result should continue to look extremely natural regardless of any future hair loss or additional surgery,