Myths About Hair Loss and Hair Transplant
Myth #7: Dandruff & sebum deposit in the skin surface occlude the hair canal and cause baldness.
According to Dr Inaba (Japan) excessive sebum production and Androgenetic alopecia are both caused by abnormal function of the sebaceous glands. Today most investigators agree that keeping the scalp free of sebum would not prevent hair loss.
Myth #6: That Male Pattern baldness is a result of tight scalp muscles, mental stress, too frequent or infrequent shampooing, poor hygiene, and poor circulation.
There is no scientific proof that MPB is related to tight scalp muscles, mental stress, too frequent or infrequent shampooing, or local skin conditions.MPB is not caused by poor circulation to the bald scalp. The decrease of blood flow to the bald scalp is indeed a result of reduced metabolic needs of the now miniaturized hair follicles. This is the “result” rather than the “cause”.
Myth #5: You can just ring up and find out how many grafts you need.
In order to recommend a surgical plan the physician must examine the patient properly assessing the followings. Obviously all these cannot be done just over the phone.
- The extent of hair loss;
- The potential for future extensive lass;
- The expectation;
- Other treatment options;
- The optimal hairline design and density coverage;
- The hair density of the donor area;
- The patient’s scalp laxity
Myth #4: The Price-per-Graft is the main consideration in choosing a hair transplant surgeon.
Hair transplant is a service, not a product. Paying for a graft does not guarantee long term good result or even graft survival. To have the best permanent result from hair transplantation, the skill and experience of the doctors must be taken into consideration. Not all doctors are providing the same standard of care. It is best to first do your research, visit the center, and have a proper doctor consultation.
Proceed to hair transplant only if you have confidence in the doctor's works. If you cannot afford it right now, it’s better to do it later. Any unhappy result is usually too difficult to repair. Quality always comes with a Price.
Myth #3: If I can afford the money, I can have as many grafts as I like.
The blood supply of the scalp can only sustain the growth of a certain numbers of newly transplant grafts at one time. If too many grafts are placed very close together, they may not get enough blood supply. Compromising the circulation results in poor growth.
Transplanting too many grafts per session has therefore a risk of sub-optimal growth, especially in smokers. Blood flow is significantly compromised by smoking. The patients are strongly recommended to quit smoking. Otherwise a lesser number of grafts should be planned in any hair transplant session.
Myth #2: If I can afford the money, I can have a hair transplant.
At present doctors are still limited by the patient’s limited supply of donor hair. In some people with extensive hair loss, their donor hair may be too thin or scarce for a good result. In such circumstance any decent doctors may refuse the procedure. A proper medical assessment is therefore essential.
Myth #1: I am too old to have a hair transplant.
A patient is never too old as long as he has an adequate supply of donor hair. In fact the chance of having a successful hair transplant and a satisfied patient is higher when a person is older, when his hair loss is more stabilized and predictable. The permanency of the donor area is more obvious, and the patients more realistic in their expectations.
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