A time for change
May 11, 2011 – 4:17 pm by Dr Bessam Farjo
The recent news that the ARTAS robot has been given FDA approval to be marketed in the United States, is an exciting development in the world of a hair transplant surgeon.
The ARTAS robot has been specifically designed to replicate the process of FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).
On the upside, FUE is a method that, in theory, leaves the patient with smaller and less noticeable scars than the strip method (FUT). Although the technique itself, which involves extracting individual follicles of hair from the scalp, can be a laborious process that takes many hours to complete and risks a high rate of wastage.
The ARTAS robot is an interesting development which is set to revolutionise the way FUE is performed. The idea is that hair transplant surgeons will be able to use the robot to extract the individual grafts more predictably and efficiently. The surgeon will still need to design the hairline and replace the grafts manually, of course.
It’s exciting to see this new technology being put into practice and I’m looking forward to seeing the robot myself in a few months time!
The end is nigh
April 27, 2011 – 9:26 am by Dr Bessam FarjoI was recently asked to comment on the relationship between stem cells and hair loss for an article entitled ‘The end of baldness’.
New research suggests that bald men are not in fact bald, but the stem cells of a bald scalp are producing growths that are just too fine to be seen by the naked eye.
With regards to claims that these stem cells can therefore be reactivated, I advised cautious optimism. When choosing a treatment, hair loss sufferers should be aware that ‘curing’ baldness is a long way off. Yes, we have more information than we did five or 10 years ago, but in the long run, we’re not yet close to finding a definite cure.
Cosmetic cover-ups are ok in the short-term for those who feel comfortable using them, but to achieve an ‘end’ to baldness – or at least provide a long-term solution – I would recommend a hair transplant.
The recent surge in celebrities who’ve undergone hair transplant surgery – speaking out about their own battles with hair loss – has helped to establish a new level of social acceptance, regarding hair loss and its treatments.
For those looking for a longer term solution to hair loss, I would recommend consulting a few surgeons before making a decision and, providing you’re a suitable candidate, I’d say that a hair transplant is definitely your best option.
Is Katie Price tearing her hair out? Probably!
April 11, 2011 – 4:35 pm by Dr Bessam Farjo
Katie Price is not the first female celebrity who is said to have suffered from hair loss. Less than a year ago, photographs emerged of Naomi Campbell showing visible bald spots. Two very different women, one cause of hair loss – traction alopecia!
This problem is something I’ve commented on many times before. But for those of you who’ve not heard of the condition, traction alopecia is caused by constant pulling or tension over a long period to the dermal papilla and hair follicle.
By wearing heavy hair extensions over her hair for many years, Katie has most likely caused damage to her natural follicles. By chemically bleaching her hair from black to blonde in only a matter of days, substantially weakening it in the process, the star may be literally tearing her hair out.
Bleaching corrodes the hair over time, as you lose the protein that keeps it strong. Having heavy hair extensions on already delicate hair is likely to cause traction alopecia.
I imagine the term ‘less is more’ wouldn’t sit well with Katie. However, if she doesn’t start taking care of her hair, that’s exactly what she’ll end up with – less hair. A lot less!
Hair transplants are on top!
March 16, 2011 – 9:38 am by Dr Bessam FarjoA recent article to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Esquire magazine named the 20 men who’ll most shape and influence the next 20 years and, rather flatteringly, I made the shortlist!
It’s a huge honour to be placed alongside the likes of Prince Charles but the best part of it all, is that it really goes to show how the world has changed its view of hair loss and transplant surgery.
The stigma attached to hair loss is now a thing of the past – celebrities are now proudly admitting to hair transplant surgery and we’re seeing more and more enquiries at the Farjo Medical Centre as a result.
With the advances in hair research, the potential of cell therapy and other hair growth studies and trials, the future of hair transplant surgery is definitely an exciting one. It’s set to change dramatically over the next 20 years and I, for one, am really looking forward to playing a leading role!
Is a hair transplant right for you?
March 4, 2011 – 5:46 pm by Dr Bessam FarjoJust because you’re experiencing hair loss doesn’t mean you should immediately embark on hair transplant surgery.
Even those who have reasonable hair loss and are technically feasible to treat don’t always make for suitable patients. The psychological aspects of hair transplant surgery – and indeed hair loss itself – must always be considered.
I could list many factors as to what makes a suitable candidate but I’ll highlight just a few:
- Sufficient donor hair of reasonable quality.
- A good understanding of all the processes involved.
- A mature attitude to present and future hair loss issues.
- Reasonable expectations of what is achievable.
- A healthy psychological profile, free from obsessive or body dysmorphic issues.
In certain cases, unsuitable patients may slip under the radar, which can be problematic for both them and the surgeon. I would advise any doctor or clinic to spend as much time as possible looking at who they treat before agreeing to carry out any surgical procedures – it’s not a process that should be rushed by either patient or surgeon.
Patients need to have frank, honest conversations with their surgeon so they have realistic expectations about their transplant and its results. It’s also the patient’s responsibility to consider all the facts, the procedure itself, and its outcome, so they can make a comprehensive decision about their surgery.
If all these points are addressed and adhered to, the long-term benefits will be greater for all.
Love is in the hair
February 14, 2011 – 6:03 pm by Dr Bessam FarjoWhen it comes to myths about hair loss, I think I’ve probably heard them all. However, when reading a blog recently about the top 10 myths associated with the causes of hair loss, I did get a surprise.
Number five on this ‘expert’ list was the fictional claim that masturbation, or ‘surplus sexual acts’, bring about hair loss.
I can’t stress how untrue this bizarre claim is. Ejaculation releases excess testosterone but it is incorrect to claim that the amount of testosterone released through ejaculation is sufficient enough to be a contributing factor in hair loss.
I am starting to get frustrated with these factually incorrect myths. I think it’s time to dispel them all. Does anyone have any other theories they’d like me to put right?
Luscious locks? They’re more than the job’s worth
February 4, 2011 – 5:28 pm by Dr Bessam FarjoI came across an article recently in The Sun, revealing that men would rather lose their jobs than their hair. The results came from a poll conducted by the Institute of Trichologists and claimed that Welshmen are the biggest worriers when it comes to hair loss.
There’s no doubt that, over the past few weeks, male grooming and hair loss have been hitting the headlines – now it seems that many more men are openly admitting how much their hair means to them.
At the Farjo Medical Centre, we often deal with patients who’ve lost a lot of confidence in their appearance as a result of hair loss, affecting not just their personal lives, but also their professional careers.
As medical director of the Institute of Trichologists the survey has proved a great way to raise awareness about just how important the issue of hair loss is. Men and women who are losing their hair face a daily struggle with their own self-esteem and it’s important for others to realise that.
Finasteride, starting a family, and most importantly, the FACTS!
January 28, 2011 – 3:43 pm by Dr Bessam FarjoI’ve had an increasing number of enquiries of late, asking me whether finasteride will affect a man’s chances of reproducing, or even cause impotency. I have been surprised by this sudden interest in a drug that has been used as a treatment for hair loss for almost 15 years. And whilst I’ve not paid too much attention to what’s been said of late, I do feel I must respond to recent comments made by Chris Evans.
Whilst discussing his hair loss with Elton John on BBC 2’s breakfast show, Chris stated he would not be taking the finasteride, believing it would hinder his chances at reproducing, so he could concentrate on starting on a family.
I would imagine that this may have caused concern with many of his listeners, it certainly has with me. I am not aware of any published reports that implicate finasteride in decreasing a man’s chances at reproducing. Scientifically it does not make sense either as finasteride blocks DHT, which is not responsible for fertility. However, in some people you can get decreased semen i.e. decreased volume of ejaculate, which is not the same as say a low sperm count or impotency.
Tests have proved that at the dosage recommended for hair loss, finasteride will not be present in sufficient amounts in your semen to pose a problem planning for a child. This was an issue though at the prostate dose, which is five times the hair dose.
Finasteride has, in a small number of cases, resulted in a decreased libido, yet even in those circumstances, the issue has been resolved by reducing the dosage.
Conceiving a child can be stressful for many people, and it probably won’t be helped if taking finasteride is going to cause you significant worry. If you are contemplating stopping finasteride for any reason, I would recommend adding minoxidil lotion or foam to your regimen for about three months and then stop the finasteride. With minoxidil, you will have the chance to continue arresting your hair loss but you may lose any bulking effect the finasteride might be having. The overlapping is important so that you can begin to experience the benefits of minoxidil before losing those of finasteride.
It’s worrying to see misinformation in the media, particularly when the wrong information seems to spread farther and faster than the facts!
Gordon Ramsay’s other f word… follicle
January 14, 2011 – 4:44 pm by Dr Bessam FarjoSince images emerged of Gordon Ramsay looking somewhat jaded after a hair transplant in LA, it’s been a busy couple of weeks at the Farjo Medical Centre. His swollen face sparked rumours that he’d undergone a number of other cosmetic procedures and this began a media frenzy relating to all things hair loss.
As a result, it’s been fantastic to see the coverage in the media about hair transplantation and its place within the cosmetic surgery industry. It’s no longer a taboo subject and the reality is that many men (and women) not only suffer from hair loss, but they also want to do something about it.
It’s nothing to be ashamed of and more people are now being made aware of the variety of treatments available. As a surgeon, it’s very rewarding to see the media looking to speak to experts within the field to give audiences both educated and well-researched information, rather than sensationalised, over-egged articles that are good for nothing more than fish and chip paper!
Finally, I’d like to take the opportunity to clarify a point about Gordon’s hair transplant that prompted press to assume he’d had further cosmetic surgery. His post-op swelling is a well-known side effect after hair transplantation. At the Farjo Medical Centre, patients rarely suffer from this because we take the necessary steps – as well as giving them clear post-op instructions – so they can avoid it.
