DermHair Clinic | Los Angeles FUE, Hair Restoration, Hair Transplant Blog

Los Angeles Hair Transplantation: Eyebrow Transplantation

2010-03-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

Eyebrows define the face, and thus it is a main focus of a person's features since it is located at the center of the face and eyebrows defines the eyes and emotions of a person. Therefore, partial or complete loss of eyebrow hairs may alter the overall appearance of a person. Fortunately, you can accentuate your looks and redefine your eyes with an eyebrow transplantation.

Typically, eyebrows are aesthetically divided into three parts, and each part has its own direction, measurement and distribution of each follicle to define its natural form and density. In other words, eyebrow hairs grow from a very small angle with regards to the skin. Eyebrow hairs emerge from the follicle at a very acute angle so that the hair grows flat to the skin's surface. The density of hairs also varies with gender, since men often have more eyebrow hairs than women, and therefore the number of eyebrows transplanted varies with each case. Each eyebrow hair has to be carefully transplanted to the anatomical position and symmetry, and then each hair is carefully placed and positioned in the right direction, where it eventually lives and grows permanently. Eyebrow restoration is affordable and beneficial because it is a permanent process and does not require ongoing treatments like many other cosmetic procedures.
People who want to achieve fuller or thicker eyebrow or to hide the scars in the eyebrow region can opt for an eyebrow transplantation. Eyebrow transplantation is a safe and minimal invasive micro surgical procedure. The results from eyebrow transplantation appear natural as the person's own hair is used for the procedure. The shape and curve achieved through eyebrow transplantation can be made by comparing to the original eyebrow shape of the person. Eyebrow restoration is affordable and beneficial because it is a permanent process and does not require ongoing treatments like many other cosmetic procedures. One problem with eyebrow transplants is that the hair will continue to grow, which necessitates the hair being constantly trimmed. Dr Umar, minimizes the need for trimming by using hair that naturally would not grow fast or too long such as the nape/neck areas as well as legs arms etc.

An eyebrow transplant requires a skilled hair restoration surgeon with the proper technique, knowledge of eyebrow anatomy as well as an artistic approach to achieve natural results because placement of the new follicular units for an eyebrow transplant is essential. In addition, using the wrong technique may not permit proper growth of new follicles, and in some cases injures the existing eyebrow hairs. Using either body or nape hair follicles derived by the SFET or FUE procedure, Los Angeles hair transplantation surgeon Dr. Umar transplants hair follicles to reconstruct the eyebrows. Dr. Umar is a very skilled hair surgeon and the top body hair transplantation doctors in the world. DermHair Clinic is the only clinic in Los Angeles that offers this procedure, and Dr. Umar is one of few doctors in the world to offer this procedure. For more information please contact eyebrow restoration doctor at DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Los Angeles Hair Transplantation: Beard and Body Hair Transplantation (BHT) by Dr. Umar

2010-03-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Recently, some surgeons have been able to use advanced FUE-type techniques to extract hair from the beard and body area to use as donor sources for hair transplantation to the head. This process is popularly known as body hair transplantation (BHT). With BHT, hair follicles are extracted one at a time and transferred to balding areas of the scalp or to any other area in need of hair restoration. The advantage of BHT is that all and any type of body hair can be utilized for hair transplantation, including those in the back of your chest, back, stomach area, legs, arms, armpit and pubic areas. How much hair is restored depends on the patient's degree of hair loss and their desired result. Some needs and effective results are met in one hair transplant procedure while the goals of others may be best achieved over multiple hair transplant surgeries. Since body hair differs in quality and in its growth cycle, a surgeon experienced in BHT should be consulted if the shortage of head donor supply is an issue for a patient who wants a hair transplant performed. Furthermore, the patient should be sure to do thorough research before choosing a hair transplant specialist. It is important for a person to have a doctor who is honest and able to cater to the patient's needs, and make him feel as comfortable as possible.

With Dr. Umar's FUE-SFET approach, he is able to expand the available donor supply by adding hair from the beard and body areas into the head donor pool. With this innovative procedure, even the most severely bald individual can have his hair restored globally without sacrificing the crown or settling for an aged higher hairline. Dr. Umar's procedure is a very effective and is a possible option for some severely bald individuals or those that are donor depleted.

Dr. Umar is the top BHT hair restoration surgeon in the world, and he has performed surgeries that produced results that other clinic or doctor have written off as impossible. For this reason, other highly notable hair transplantation surgeons have recognized Dr. Umar as the leader in the practice of BHT and would refer their cases of BHT to him in his clinic in Los Angeles. For more information, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Los Angeles Hair Specialist: Latisse: Grow Longer, Fuller, and Darker Eyelashes

2010-03-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is a prescription treatment approved by the FDA for inadequate or insufficient eyelashes that causes them to grow longer, fuller and darker. Its active ingredient, bimatoprost, is the main factor for creating and maintaining longer eyelashes. Although the precise mechanism of action is not known, research suggests that the growth of eyelashes occurs by increasing the percent of hairs in and during the anagen (or growth) phase. It has the capacity to increase the length, thickness and darken the color of eyelashes. Lashes can grow longer, thicker and darker because bimatoprost can prolong the anagen phase.

LATISSE® is easy to use, FDA approved and effective. It's a once-a-day treatment you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes. When applied regularly on a daily basis, Latisse can result in the growth of significantly longer, fuller, darker upper eyelid lashes. Patients in a clinical trial saw results gradually over time (starting at 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks), and about 80% of Latisse users report seeing a significant increase in the growth and fullness of their lashes.

Any individual who wants to experience fuller, thicker, darker upper lashes is a potential candidate for the Latisse program. However, there are some contraints for its use. Any individual on antibiotics or other drugs, with heart medication, as well as those with neurological and certain other diseases, and those with severe allergies should discuss these conditions prior to beginning the treatment program. In addition, pregnant women as well as those with skin infections or other conditions on the upper eyelids are not good candidates. Please consult with Dr. Sanusi Umar if any of these situations apply to you, and he will recommend the best treatment plan for you. Dr. Umar is a board certified dermatologist and top hair surgeon in Los Angeles. For more information about the Latisse procedure, please call Dr. Umar at DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Asian Hair Transplantation with FUE

2010-03-05T14:54:00.000-08:00

The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) surgery is a hair restoration and hair transplantation technique that is particularly advantageous for Asian patients because of their normally thick hair follicles. Therefore, traditional and older hair transplantation methods used for Asian hair often results in harsh hairlines. However, with FUE, finer hairs from the nape areas can now be taken to be used in the very front of the newly created hairline. This is not possible with the traditional strip hair transplantation surgical approach. In addition, Dr. Umar finds that Asian hair is one of the simplest type of hair to extract using his version of the follicular unit extraction method called Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET).

He has determined that Asian hair is typically thick compared to other races. Thus the transplanted hairline following a hair restoration surgery tends to have a harsh artificial quality. Dr. Umar solves this problem by utilizing softer hair from the nape areas. With this approach, Dr. Umar’s Asian hair transplants have consistently had outcomes with the most natural looking hairlines, often to the astonishment of the patient. Dr. Umar’s hair transplantation procedure was so natural that the patient in this picture has had a hard time convincing his professional barber that he has indeed had a hair transplant.

Dr. Umar sees a lot of Asian patients at his practice in Los Angeles, California, and his patients have travelled from faraway places such as Japan, Taiwan, to Orange county, san Francisco Bay Area and San Jose. Asian hair FUE is the easiest to perform when compared to other racial groups. This fact especially applies to East Asians (eg. Asians of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino descent). FUE – SFET and BHT can be safely and efficiently performed on all racial groups including Asians as well as African American and all people of color. Dr Umar has successfully performed linear scar free FUE – SFET surgery on numerous patients of African descent and Asians. For more information about Dr. Umar’s SFET and BHT techniques, please contact DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Using Leg Hair to Make a Natural Hairline

2010-03-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

Certain hairs on the body are thinner and look better if used in the hairline than transplanted head hair. Dr. Umar routinely refines the hairline by using finer body hair for hair transplantation. Most often the body donor hair is taken from the legs in order to impart a more natural and feathered look for the hairline that cannot be attained by using head hair alone.

In this video, you are about to see the first well documented case in the history of hair transplantation in which leg hair is used to soften the hairline of the head. The patient in this video is an indexed case of body hair transplantation (BHT). The patient had undergone previous hair transplants that had unfortunately resulted in a “pluggy” hairline, and thus he came to Dr. Umar to have his hairline refined using his leg hair. He has had multiple hair transplantations using older techniques, but by the nature of these traditional techniques and the type of donor hair used, the hairline was very harsh looking before the patient underwent the Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET) technique with Dr. Umar. The patient commented that being in a work environment that closely pays attention to appearances, he used to be very self conscious of his “pluggy” hairline, and would style his hair in ways to hide it or detract attention from it. After Dr. Umar refined his hairline by using SFET – BHT using 1,000 leg hairs, his favorite hair style now is a pony tail.

Hairlines created from traditional transplants tend to possess a harsh straight line appearance because the hairs derived from traditional donor areas are typically thick even if they are single hairs. However, with the advent and possibility of using body hair for hair transplantation, hairlines can now be softer and more natural looking with the fine body hairs used. In addition, by using the SFET method or also known as the "Umar procedure,” Dr. Umar is able to expand the available donor supply by adding hair from the beard and body areas into the head donor pool. With this procedure, even severely bald individuals can achieve hair restoration without sacrificing the crown or settling for an aged higher hairline. The procedure is performed at his Redondo Beach, Los Angeles office in California. DermHair Clinic is a division of FineTouch Dermatology Inc. in Los Angeles. Dr. Umar is a top cosmetic surgeon, hair surgeon, and board certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. For more information, contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Body Hair Transplantation--Breakthrough Hair Transplantation Procedure

2010-03-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

At the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Umar offers only the least invasive type of hair transplantation. Our procedure is completely scalpel-free and utilizes micro surgical techniques to harvest each hair unit one at a time in a process called "Single Follicule Extraction & Transfer" (SFET), or the "Umar Procedure". SFET is a more advanced form of the procedure largely referred to as "Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)". These hair units are then transplanted one at a time in the most natural fashion. With this breakthrough procedure, Dr. Umar is able to transplant hair from various parts of the body to the balding areas of the head. Transfer of hair from the body to the bald area of the scalp is called "Body Hair to Head Transplantation" or "Body Hair Transplantation" (BHT). Typically a mild sedative is taken orally at the start of the procedure. Pain is minimal both during and after the process. The procedure is done with the patient lying or sitting on our custom made, highly versatile operating table. Many have been taken aback by the degree of comfort in this operating table. After the procedure, most patients would not require even ordinary over the counter pain killers. Our technique is so minimally invasive to the extent that the signs immediately after the surgery are tiny wounds that typically heal up within days. Because of the microsurgical technique used by Dr. Umar and his unique approach to BHT extractions which ensures the smallest wounding process, healing in patients has been very remarkable. Patients are often able resume most normal activities the very next day. The time to complete resolution of signs of surgery has ranged from 3 weeks to 4 months. Depending on the size of the surgery, as many procedures can be scheduled over the course of several back to back work days.

BHT is a breakthrough in hair transplantation as patients with limited donor hair from their scalp can now look into using their body and beard hair for additional donor hair supply. It is the only hope at restoration for such patients pending the advent of cell based cloning or hair multiplication methods. Dr. Umar is the top BHT hair restoration surgeon in the world, and he has performed surgeries that produced results that other clinic or doctor have written off as impossible. For this reason, other highly notable hair transplantation surgeons have recognized Dr. Umar as the leader in the practice of BHT and would refer their cases of BHT to him in his clinic in Los Angeles. For more information, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Propecia and How it is Effective in Stopping Hair Loss

2010-03-02T15:31:00.000-08:00

Propecia (finasteride) is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men. Propecia is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp. Often, male pattern hair loss leads to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head.

Propecia works to stop hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Baldness is largely due to dihydrotestosterone interacting with the hair follicles that are genetically vulnerable to their effects. Therefore, DHT is essentially the active ingredient or catalyst for the hair loss process. DHT binds with the receptor sites of genetically vulnerable follicles and gradually disrupts the follicles ability to produce healthy hair. This eventually results in baldness in the affected areas. Propecia works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT, and thus by reducing the DHT present in the scalp, the thinning process is slowed and sometimes even reversed.
Propecia's effects in slowing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth work best for early to moderate degrees of hair loss. For most men, Propecia increases the number of scalp hairs, helping to fill in thin or balding areas of the scalp. Men taking Propecia noted a slowing of hair loss during two years of use. Studies have shown that almost 80% of men using Propecia stopped or even reversed their hair loss to some degree.

Propecia was originally a drug called Proscar, which was used to treat and reduce prostate conditions in men, but it was soon realized that the drug had a unique side effect in which it grew hair on the heads of balding men. Propecia is a brand name for finasteride, and is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of male-pattern baldness.

Even though Propecia has no effect on the transplanted hair, it can help to maintain the patient's surrounding hair and is therefore useful as an adjunct to head hair transplant surgery, and thus will enable the patient to obtain a better overall result. According to Dr Umar, Patients undergoing body hair transplantation should use propecia with caution and in consultation with their BHT doctor. For more information regarding the usage of Propecia and its effectiveness for your hair loss situation, please contact Dr. Umar at the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: The Usage and Effects of Rogaine in Stopping Hair Loss

2010-02-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

Rogaine (active ingredient Minoxidil) was originally created as a drug for treating hypertension (high blood pressure). However, it was discovered that one of its side affects was causing hair to grow. Rogaine was then tested for use as a topical application for regrowing hair. The mechanism of action leading to growth of hair is unknown. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent, and has no effect on receding hairlines. It does not cure baldness and most new hair is lost within a few months after the drug is stopped.

In addition, Rogaine topical lotion only seems to work on active hair follicles still capable of producing some hair. Therefore, the real benefits of Rogaine is maintaining the hair you already have or helping your hair to slow down from thinning. Rogaine’s success depends on how advanced your hair loss has become. In other words, Rogaine cannot grow hair on completely bald scalps or in the frontal hairline areas. It has been found to be somewhat effective in maintaining or growing hair in the crown area (the top back of the head). Most importantly, Rogaine is most effective for delaying hair loss. For those with pattern hair loss, Rogaine seems to reduce the rate of hair follicle miniaturization, and can reverse the transformation of terminal follicles that produce full-size hairs into vellus follicles that only grow "peach fuzz".

Overall, the results of treating hair loss were sufficiently impressive and Rogaine became FDA approved it as a treatment for hair loss. Rogaine is one of the only proven hair loss medication options approved by the FDA for treating hair loss. For more information regarding Rogaine (Minoxidil) and its usage, please contact one of the top hair surgeon and hair specialist Dr. Umar at the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Body Hair Transplantation Results Using BHT-FUE

2010-02-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

In this body hair transplantation and hair restoration video, a case of 10,000 grafts of body hair is used for transplantation and repair. 2000 and more grafts are from the beard and 8000 and more grafts are from the body. Body hair transplantation (BHT) refers to the use of non head hair for the purpose of hair transplantations. In this example, Dr. Sanusi Umar uses BHT to repair, transform, and rehabilitate the head of a patient that has sustained damage and poor results from hair surgeries performed years ago at other clinics. However, because he had no more head hair to use for the repair, Dr. Umar used hair from his beard area, stomach, arms and legs in order to repair his situation. A patient that has a lack of donor hair will be a patient that has had typically undergone a prior poor hair transplant or hair restoration surgeries which have resulted in scars and left an incomplete look. Strip scars can be made and punch excisions can be seen. In this case, the patient had lost his head donor after multiple antiquated scalp surgeries at other clinics, which left him still very bald with many disfiguring scars. Left with no option, he went to see Dr. Umar about using body hair as his only resort.

The body hair is shaved before the BHT procedure. Hair has also been extracted from the legs and thighs. The hairline is redefined in the end. Most of hair for the hairline came from the abdomen, and created a subtle widows peak. The result of body and beard hair has produced natural and incredible results. The best results of BHT can be noticed the most in 9 months, and improvement will additionally continue for 2 years.

BHT is a breakthrough in hair transplantation as patients with limited donor hair from their scalp can now look into using their body and beard hair for additional donor hair supply. It is the only hope at restoration for such patients pending the advent of cell based cloning or hair multiplication methods. Dr. Umar is the top BHT hair restoration surgeon in the world, and he has performed surgeries that produced results that other clinic or doctor have written off as impossible. For this reason, other highly notable hair transplantation surgeons have recognized Dr. Umar as the leader in the practice of BHT and would refer their cases of BHT to him in his clinic in Los Angeles. For more information, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: NW5 Area Repair with 3500 Grafts using Level 5 FUE - SFET

2010-02-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

In this case, Dr. Sanusi Umar uses his Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET) method of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure to refine and advance a NW3 case using 3500 grafts derived from the head donor area and nape to create a soft and natural hairline and restore the thinning areas in the NW5 area. In the video, Dr. Umar presents the hairline design and the result at 5 months with 500 grafts. At 5 months, the hairline is already starting to look very natural with no tell tale signs of a hair transplant that can be discerned. At the nape donor area, the healing process can be seen and more improvement will be expected in 4 to 7 months. Dr. Umar states that with "any cosmetic surgery what you want is for people to notice the difference but not what is responsible for the difference."

At DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Umar is among few hair surgeons in the world who specializes in FUE surgery and is the top surgeon for Body Hair Transplantation (BHT). He is a pioneer in FUE and has invented tools with which he performs the procedure. Dr. Sanusi Umar does not perform strip surgery. A board certified dermatologist, he calls his version of FUE the Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET). Using SFET, Dr Umar has restored severely bald individuals to the degree not feasible using the traditional FUSS strip surgery or any hair transplantation method that relies solely on head donor supply.. He achieved this by using the expanded donor pool of head and non head hair. He has also repaired some of the worst botched hair surgery results in the world. These are cases that have been written off as impossible repairs. For more information, please contact DermHair Los Angeles hair restoration clinic in Redondo Beach, California at (310) 318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

FUE BHT Hair Restoration : Hair Transplant, Pluggy Hairline Repair Using Leg Hair

2010-02-22T10:53:00.001-08:00

In this video, you are about to see the first well documented case in the history of hair transplantation in which leg hair is used to soften the hairline of the head. The patient in this video is an indexed case of body hair transplantation (BHT). He has had multiple hair transplantations using older techniques, but by the nature of these traditional techniques and the type of donor hair used, the hairline was very harsh looking before the patient underwent the Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET) technique with Dr. Umar. In other words, hairlines created from traditional transplants tend to possess a harsh straight line appearance because the hair derived from traditional donor areas are typically thick even if they are single hairs. However, with the advent and possibility of using body hair for hair transplantation, hairlines can now be softer and more natural looking with the fine body hairs used. For this patient, Dr. Umar utilized his leg hairs and 1000 grafts in 2 years to refine and create a very natural and subtle hairline. At 2 to 3 months after the surgery, the patient states that the marks of hair extraction on his legs were completely undetectable.

The technique by which Dr. Umar transplants beard hair, SFET (also known as the "Umar Procedure"), is his advanced version of the procedure commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The "Umar Procedure" is knife-free, and the protocol has enabled the transfer of hair from the back of the head, body, and beard to the balding areas of the head. This method is significant because it enables the transplantation of body and facial hair (BHT) as well as head hair, which increases the donor hair supply and thus gives hope for many severely bald patients in need of hair transplant repair or additional hair transplants. In addition, Dr. Umar has found the application of body and beard to hair to be also very useful for the treatment of hair transplant reparations.

The procedure is performed at Dr. Umar's Redondo Beach, Los Angeles office in California at the DermHair Clinic. Dr. Umar is a cosmetic surgeon, and Certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Los Angeles. For more information, please call DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: NW2 Hair Repair Case Using Nape Hair to Create Natural Hairline

2010-02-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

In this case, Dr. Umar uses his Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET) to refine and advance a NW2 case using 1850 grafts. To achieve the hair transplant, donor hairs were derived from mostly the nape area to create a soft natural hairline on the head. All signs of baldness were eliminated. SFET, or the "Umar Procedure," is his version of the hair restoration procedure commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). SFET enables Dr Umar to utilize donor hair outside the confines of widely available traditional methods. Thus, with Dr. Umar's procedure, hair from the beard and body can also be used as donor hair sources. This is especially useful for severely bald individuals or those whose head donor supply has been decimated by antiquated hair restoration techniques. When none-head hair is used for the means of hair transplantation, it is called body hair transplantation (BHT). BHT is a breakthrough in hair transplantation as patients with limited donor hair from their scalp can now look into using their body and beard hair for additional donor hair supply. It is the only hope at restoration for such patients pending the advent of cell based cloning or hair multiplication methods.

Dr. Umar is the top BHT hair restoration surgeon in the world, and he has performed surgeries that produced results that no other clinic or doctor has been able to achieve. For this reason, other highly notable hair transplantation surgeons have recognized Dr. Umar as the leader in the practice of BHT and would refer their cases of BHT to him in his clinic in Los Angeles. The procedure is performed at his Redondo Beach, Los Angeles office in California. DermHair Clinic is a division of FineTouch Dermatology Inc. Dr Umar is a cosmetic surgeon, and board certified dermatologist. For more information, please contact DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Pluggy Hairline and Hair Transplant Repair Using BHT FUE by Dr. Umar

2010-02-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hairlines that result from traditional transplants tend to have a harsh straight line appearance because the hair derived from traditional donor hair areas are typically thick, even if they are single hairs. Back then, traditional and regular hair transplant methods (often strip surgery) relied solely on the transfer of hair from the sides and back of the head to the balding areas. The methods of strip hair transplantation, such as FUT, FUHT, and FUSS that are currently used by most other clinics entail the removal of a strip of flesh from the middle 1/3 back of the head. However, this method is very invasive and leaves a wound that is sewn up and thus resulting in a strip scar. These antiquated surgical hair restoration methods that utilize plugs and mini and micro grafts can create very pluggy looking hairlines that in the worse case scenario create a doll-like hair pattern.

Fortunately, using his procedure known as Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET), Dr. Umar, world renowned BHT hair restoration surgeon, is able to use donor hair from other areas of the body with softer hair to create a more natural and softer looking hairline. In other words, SFET is a form of Body Hait Transplantation (BHT), and an advanced version of the procedure known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This method enables the transplantation of body and facial hair as well as head hair, which increases the donor hair supply and thus gives hope for many severely bald patients in need of hair transplant repair or additional hair transplants.

Using the SFET or also known as the "Umar procedure,” Dr. Umar is able to expand the available donor supply by adding hair from the beard and body areas into the head donor pool. With this procedure, even severely bald individuals can achieve hair restoration without sacrificing the crown or settling for an aged higher hairline. The procedure is performed at his Redondo Beach, Los Angeles office in California. DermHair Clinic is a division of FineTouch Dermatology Inc. Dr Umar is a cosmetic surgeon, and board certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. For more information, contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Severe Baldness Hair Transplant Repair Using BHT 20,000 grafts by Dr. Umar

2010-02-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

In this example, Los Angeles hair restoration surgeon, Dr. Sanusi Umar, uses body hair to transplant to the head by using a method called Body Hair Transplantation (BHT) in combination with beard and head hair to restore the hair of a severely bald individual. Dr. Umar uses BHT in patients that have a relative or absolute lack of traditional donor sources (hair from the back of the head).

Traditional hair transplant methods (often strip surgery) rely solely on the transfer of hair from the sides and back of the head to the balding areas. These methods limit the donor hair supply, and thus the severely bald individual is compelled to settle for a bald pate (crown) and an aged higher hairline even with the best traditional transplants offered.

Using the "Umar procedure", Dr. Umar is able to expand the available donor supply by adding hair from the beard and body areas into the head donor pool. This is an option for severely bald individuals or those that are donor depleted until hair cloning cell based hair multiplication technology becomes available in the future. The patient presented in this video had severe hair loss, and he was not ready to settle for a bald crown and a higher aged hairline that traditional hair transplantation would have offered. Having estimated that his head donor supply cannot meet his demand for global coverage he visited Dr. Umar with the hopes of having BHT using the Umar Procedure. Using a combination of head, body and beard hair, Dr. Umar was able to transfer about 20,000 grafts to his entire balding area in the course of 2 surgeries spaced 1 year apart. The result at 1 year after the last surgery (with still more improvement coming) is a fuller look with the back and sides of the head not overharvested and devoid of a strip scar that could have limited his hair styling options significantly. With this procedure, the patient is able to sport a crew cut without the fear of exposing a linear scar, yet he still is left with an ample supply of head and body donor hair for any touch ups or to address future progression of baldness.

Dr. Umar performs BHT using a process he has pioneered known as Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET) or the Umar Procedure. SFET is a advanced version of the procedure known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The procedure is performed at his Redondo Beach office in California at the DermHair Clinic. Dr Umar is a cosmetic surgeon, and board certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. For more information, please call DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Follicular Unit Strip Surgery scar solution

2010-02-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

This video presents a solution to scars that have resulted from previous strip surgery methods of hair transplantation. Dr. Sanusi Umar uses his innovative Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET) procedure as a form of Body Hair Transplantation (BHT) to transplant beard hair into two strip scars to successfully improve the appearance of the scar. The patient had undergone prior strip type surgical hair restoration at two separate clinics that left him with two strip scars in the back and sides of his head. Before his beard hair transplantation, the patient unsuccessfully attempted to solve the problem of his strip scar by getting a tattoo over it.

The methods of strip hair transplantation, such as FUT, FUHT, and FUSS that are currently used by most other clinics entail the removal of a strip of flesh from the back of the head. However, this method is very invasive and leaves a wound that is sewn up and thus resulting in a strip scar. Soon after the surgery, the resulting scar could start off thin. However, over the course of 6-12 months, the scar could widen or stretch. A widened or stretched strip scar could end up looking like the scar shown in the patient in this video or the widening could result in an even wider scar that could be sometimes very unsightly.

Keeping the hair on the back and sides of the head short reduces the appearance of baldness. However, with the presence of a strip scar, keeping the hair short can be impossible without having the scar show. In other words, the strip scar limits the option of a buzz cut, an option that many balding men prefer to exercise at some point.

The technique by which Dr. Umar transplants beard hair, SFET, is his protocol for the procedure commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction ( FUE ). Fortunately, this method enables the transplantation of body and facial hair ( BHT ) as well as head hair, which increases the donor hair supply and thus gives hope for many severely bald patients in need of hair transplant repair or additional hair transplants. The procedure is performed at Dr. Umar’s Redondo Beach, Los Angeles DermHair Clinic office in California. DermHair Clinic is a division of FineTouch Dermatology Inc in Los Angeles.

Dr. Umar is a board certified dermatologist. He is the top BHT hair restoration surgeons in the world. For more information, please call (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Severe Baldness Hair Transplantation Repair Performed by Dr. Umar

2010-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

In this example, Dr. Sanusi Umar uses body hair to head transplantation (Body hair transplant or BHT) to repair the hair transplant of a patient who had sustained damage from bad hair surgeries performed years ago at other clinics. BHT is an option for severely bald individuals or for those who are depleted of donor hair supply until hair cloning cell based hair multiplication technology becomes available in the future.

The patient presented in this video is a 54 year old physician who began to experience crown and frontal hair loss in his 20’s. He underwent 2 generic scalp reductions and hair transplant to the frontal area from a well-known Los Angeles hair restoration clinic. Unfortunately, his traditional hair transplant turned out to be poorly planned and jis baldness progressed, leaving him with frontal grafts that were too “pluggy,” an unnatural frontal hairline, hair placed in the wrong direction, scarring in the recipient area, donor scarring, and a depleted donor supply. The patient underwent a flap procedure from another well-established Los Angeles surgeon in 1995. However this procedure should never have been done given his low donor hair supply and compromised donor circulation, and he had necrosis (death of the tissue) at the distal ends of both flaps.

According to the patient; He became intrigued by the possibility of body hair transplants, and he spoke with several patients who had successful outcomes with Dr. Umar and decided to "go for it" with the proviso that he was truly seeking improvement and not perfection (and with the view that things could not be made worse). The patient went on to state that his results could not have been more spectacular, and that he had no shedding with almost 100% immediate growth in the frontal and mid-scalp areas. The patient states, “Although my prior odd appearance was not career-limiting, I feel like a new person. I cannot say how this procedure would work on others, as it is in its infancy and data on many individuals have not yet been published. But, as a patient and a physician, I felt like I did my due diligence by approaching a terrific and committed physician (Dr. Umar). For people with need of extensive work from bad hair procedures and no scalp donor supply(and the time and financial resources to do so), body hair transplant offers great hope in the hands of skilled, ethical, and committed physicians like Dr. Umar. I am also hopeful that physicians who have not had success with this procedure (and readily announce their dissatisfaction with BHT on the web) can collaborate to quantify their experiences and better understand why results may vary with different physicians. " These statements were made 2 years ago.

To learn more about this patients hair transplant repair or about Dr. Umar, please call (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: The Advantage of BHT Over Strip Surgery [Dr. Umar]

2010-02-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

The patient presented in this video had severe hair loss, and was not ready to settle for a bald crown and a higher aged hairline that traditional hair transplantation would have offered. Having estimated that his head donor supply cannot meet his demand for global coverage, he visited Dr. Umar with the hopes of using BHT and the Umar procedure. Using a combination of head, body and beard hair, Dr. Umar was able to transfer over 15,000 grafts to his entire balding area. The result at 9 months (with still more improvement to occur) is fuller hair with the back and sides of the head still looking pristine and not overharvested and devoid of a strip scar that could have limited his hair styling options significantly. After his procedure with Dr. Umar, the patient was able to sport a crew cut without the fear of exposing a linear scar, and even is left with an ample supply of head and body donor hair for any touch ups or to address future progression of baldness.

Back then, traditional and regular hair transplant methods (often strip surgery) relied solely on the transfer of hair from the sides and back of the head to the balding areas. The number of available hair by this method was limited to 5000-6000 (in most individuals). This number was not enough to compensate for the hair loss for severely bald individuals who often would have lost 25,000-50,000 follicles. When 5000-6000 follicles are used to make up for this hair loss(as would be the case with traditional hair transplantation), the result is a very thin look. Alternatively traditional hair restoration surgeries have prioritized the front (called framing of the face). In this case, the 5000 follicles are placed in the top and front (often with a high receding hairline) while the top back (crown) is left largely unaddressed. Thus, a severely bald individual is compelled to settle for a bald pate (crown), an aged higher hairline, and an outage of head donor options, even with the best traditional transplants.

Using the "Umar procedure,” Dr Umar is able to expand the available donor supply by adding hair from the beard and body areas into the head donor pool. With this procedure, even severely bald individuals can achieve hair restoration without sacrificing the crown or settling for an aged higher hairline. The boosted donor supply also means that a hair transplant will be able to have more density instead of a “thinned” look. For more information on top BHT hair surgeon Dr. Umar and the procedure, please call DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: NW 6 Area Repair Using BHT by Dr. Umar

2010-02-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

The patient presented in this video had prior strip surgery at another facility by another hair transplant doctor. After the procedure at the other hair transplant clinic, his hair loss was compounded and actually made worse by a huge strip scar, and a pluggy and straight hairline which looked unnatural, especially when grown out. At the time of the patient's initial consultation with Dr Umar in Los Angeles, his NW 6 area needed coverage, he needed density added to the previously transplanted area, and he needed his largely empty crown filled. The patient wanted his large strip scar to be grafted and his hairline changed to resemble the hairline of a celebrity in a picture he had.

To perform this hair transplant repair surgery, Dr. Umar utilized a body hair transplantation (BHT) procedure, which allowed the doctor to take donor hair from the non-head hair areas of the beard, leg hair, and nape. The recipient areas that used the leg hairs included the hairline and NW 6 area. The NW 6 area and the scar used the beard hairs for restoration, and the NW 6 area also used nape hair.

Dr. Umar performs BHT for patients that have a relative or absolute lack of traditional donor sources. In this case, the patient had extensive hair loss and wanted all areas covered. After his first damaging hair surgery, the amount of work needed for his stated goal of repair required more hair than was available in the traditional head donor areas alone. Dr Umar carried out the repair using leg hair, beard hair, nape hair and some traditional head donor. The procedure was completed in 2 major sessions. The result shown at the video was recorded at 2 years after his first surgery and 9 months after the last repair session in Los Angeles. With one more procedure to go, the patient's life has already transformed from the progress made thus far to that of fulfillment and confidence, and the patient states, "I have gotten my life back."

The technique by which Dr. Umar performs BHT is called Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET). This is his version of the procedure commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This hair transplant procedure is performed at his Redondo Beach office in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please contact DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/. Dr Umar is a board certified dermatologist and hair specialist and instructor of dermatology and hair surgery at the Harbor-UCLA medical center dermatology

Los Angeles Hair Transplant: Repairing the Damage of the Outdated Juri Flap Surgery with BHT

2010-02-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

More than a decade ago, there were many radical procedures for treating hair loss and most have been abandoned today in favor of follicular unit hair transplantation, which has a very low complication rate and a very high patient acceptance. For example, flap surgeries for the purpose of hair restoration and hair replacement have largely fallen out of favor with the advent of the follicular unit hair transplantation method. Technical terms include that describe these surgeries include Temperoparietal-occipital (aka Juri flaps or Fleming Mayer) and temperoparietal flaps (Elliot flaps).

The Juri flap operation relocates large areas of dense, growing hair. Problems associated with the results of these surgeries are mostly found in the aesthetics of the hairline. Commonly, the hairline is too straight, defined by a scar, a backward directed hair angle, and abnormally blunted temporal recesses. The sharp hairline makes an unnatural transition from the hairline to the temple points and the hairline symmetry is too abrupt and abnormal. The Juri flap causes the hair to point in the wrong direction (to the sides and backwards) and when balding progresses, it leaves a big hole in the balding area, which makes it hard to conceal.

Here are 2 examples of victims of flap surgeries that were repaired by Dr Umar in Los Angeles. Each patient was repaired using a different variation of Dr. Umar's more advanced version of the Follicular Unit Extraction ( FUE ) technique, known as Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer ( SFET ). In the first video:

The patient, who had undergone a Juri flap procedure several years prior, was repaired by Dr Umar using only 1500 grafts that were derived from the head and nape using SFET.

In the second video:

The patient had also undergone Fleming-Mayer flap procedures with additional complications of poor growth and loss of skin due to flap death (flap necrosis). Unlike the first patient he did not have any head or nape hair left for the repair. Dr Umar used SFET to derive 10,000 grafts from the Beard, chest, stomach area, thighs and arms to repair and transform the patient's life.

With this innovative procedure, even the most severely bald individual can have his hair restored fully without sacrificing the crown or settling for an aged higher hairline. Before seeing Dr. Umar, these patients have Dr. Umar's procedure is a very effective and possible option for severely bald individuals or those that are donor depleted and in need of repair. These patients often have been told that no repair options exist for them. Many have been waiting for years in vain for hair cloning, hair multiplication or other cell based or genetic technology to materialize. Dr. Umar is board certified dermatologist and hair specialist whose busy practice is located in the Redondo Beach area of Los Angeles. His patients come form all corners of the globe to take advantage of his unique skills. For more information, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Body Hair Transplantation: Dr. Umar Repairs Hair Transplant Once Considered Hopeless to Fix

2010-02-03T10:59:00.000-08:00

This video shows a patient who had a hair transplant repair done by Dr. Umar in Los Angeles, CA. His repair work was done by using solely body and beard hair. His unfortunate hair surgery outcome resulted from multiple old fashioned and traditional hair surgeries, and thus the patient was left with extensive scarring, decimated head donor, plugging and advanced baldness. Consequently, his only option was to resort to wearing a hair piece, also known as a wig or toupee. However, his receded temple points and the absence of the hairline made the hairpiece noticeably obvious. He wanted a natural hairline to precede the hairpiece and wanted his temple points built to sync with his hair piece. Most importantly, the patient wanted the extent of his baldness reduced in the margins and also wanted the punch style excision scars in his donor area covered with hair.

However, the patient had no donor hair left for these procedures to be in effect. Back in 2005, he was approached by this patient for repair. Dr Umar used body hair achieve this patient's hair restoration and repair. By using the technique known as body hair transplant (BHT), Dr. Umar was able to use only the patient's chest, stomach, and beard hair to accomplish a superior and natural looking repair. With the BHT technique and his expertise, Dr. Umar has given hope to many patients who had lost hope in ever restoring their hair or repairing a bad surgery.

About 4 years ago after the first installment of his repair work with Dr Umar, the patient stated this: "I had assumed that I was a lost cause. I had given up any hope that my situation could be fixed. About fourteen years ago, starting at the age of nineteen, I underwent a series of hair transplants. This was the early 1990s, and at the time, many surgeons were still using the large punch grafts-the ones that produced what is known as the corn row effect. The results were horrible. I found myself, now in my early twenties, with a disfigured scalp that could be spotted from fifty yards away. It was the darkest period of my life. Anger, shame, and guilt-all of these emotions dominated my thoughts. About four years ago, I became aware of body hair transplantation BHT. Since I had a moderate amount of body hair, and had no scalp donor hair left-I followed with interest. I was skeptical at the beginning. However, over time, I observed that BHT was working for many people. Most of these people were in a similar situation to mine-basically no hope; in fact, some of these patients had been told that they were beyond repair. It soon became apparent to me that there were only a select few doctors in the world who were truly committed to the advancement of BHT as a true alternative for people such as myself. Dr. Umar was among that small group. I spoke with some of his patients. I followed his work on the internet. He had built a strong reputation in a relatively short time. To make a long story short, I booked an appointment with him. For the first time in many years, I had hope.

As of this writing, it has been about seven months since my first procedure with Dr Umar. In total, I have received approximately 4800 grafts. Growth became apparent after the four-month mark-much to my delight. The procedure itself was not painful, and the healing has been remarkable. I will be able to face this coming summer shirtless, as there will be no visible signs of surgery. Most importantly, I know this: body hair works! Now, I still have a long way to go mind you. My baldness is extensive and will require more sessions to accomplish total restoration. That is OK. I take comfort in knowing that Imheaded in the right direction. That alone allows me to face the future with more confidence and a positive outlook. I am grateful that I was able to cross paths with Dr Umar. He is a surgeon blessed with the rare combination of technical skill, artistry, and integrity."

Dr. Umar is easily the most credible BHT hair surgeons in the world. A pioneer in the procedure, he invented tools to perfect the process. He uses BHT for patients who have a relative or absolute lack of traditional donor sources. The technique by which Dr. Umar performs BHT is called Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET). This is his version of the procedure commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The procedure is performed at his Redondo Beach office in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please contact DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Body Hair Transplant To Repair Previous Hair Surgery Damage

2010-02-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

In this video, Los Angeles hair restoration specialist, Dr Sanusi Umar, uses body hair to head transplantation (body hair transplantation or BHT) to repair, transform, and rehabilitate the head of a patient who had sustained damage from hair surgeries performed years ago at other clinics. For half a decade at his Los Angeles office, Dr. Umar has repaired many bad hair transplant cases previously believed to be hopeless by using the BHT hair restoration technique, which offers hope for many patients with extremely poor cosmetic results and no significant amount of scalp hair available for reparative work. BHT involves transplantation of non-scalp body and beard hair. Dr. Umar uses BHT in patients that have a relative or absolute lack of traditional donor sources. Therefore, even severely-bald individuals who have had extremely poor cosmetic outcomes and a depletion of traditional scalp donor hair with prior techniques can achieve a cosmetically acceptable restoration. Therefore, BHT is the best option for severely bald individuals or those that are donor depleted until hair cloning cell based hair multiplication technology becomes available in the future.

In this case, the patient had lost his head donor after multiple antiquated or traditional scalp surgeries at other clinics, which left him still very bald with many disfiguring scars. Left with no other options of donor hair sources, the patient went to see Dr. Umar about using body hair as his only resort. Dr. Umar carried out the surgery using 2000 beard hair as well as 8000 hair from the stomach area, arms, legs and thighs. As you can see from the video, the result for the patient in 6 months is a completely transformed and more confident individual.

The technique by which Dr. Umar performs BHT by is called Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET). This is the doctor's version of the procedure commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The procedure is performed at his Redondo Beach, Los Angeles office in California. DermHair Clinic is a division of FineTouch Dermatology Inc. For more information, please contact DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Hair Restoration Using FUE and BHT

2010-02-01T15:36:00.000-08:00

In these videos, Los Angeles hair restoration surgeon, Dr Sanusi Umar, performs a hair transplant with using his FUE type technique called Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer ( SFET ) method by using beard, nape and head hair to restore the crown(beard hair only) and to refine the hairline(nape and head donor areas). After undergoing FUSS / FUHT / FUT at another clinic, the patient was still left with a bald crown and an overly recessed hairline. Dr. Umar uses non head hair (facial, body) in patients that have a relative or absolute lack of traditional donor sources(back of the head). This is known as body hair transplantation, and Dr. Umar uses BHT in combination with beard and head hair to restore a severely bald individual. SFET is a more advanced form of the procedure largely referred to as "Follicular Unit Extraction ( FUE )". Dr Umar performs BHT using SFET or the "Umar procedure." SFET is his version of the procedure commonly referred to as follicular unit extraction ( FUE ). Hair follicles obtained by SFET - FUE are transplanted one at a time in the most natural fashion.

Traditional hair transplant methods (called strip surgery ) rely solely on the transfer of hair from the sides and back of the head to the balding areas. Thus, the number of available donor hair is limited to 5000-6000 follicles in most individuals. This number is not enough to compensate for the hair loss in severely bald individuals who often have lost 25,000-50,000 follicles. Therefore, with a traditional hair transplant, only the available 5000-6000 follicles can be used for hair restoration, and most likely the result will be a very thin hair look. Alternatively, traditional hair restoration surgeries have prioritized the front (called framing of the face). In this case, the 5000 follicles are placed in the top and front, often with a high receding hairline, while the top back (crown) is left largely unaddressed. The severely bald individuals is thus compelled to settle for a bald pate (crown) and an aged higher hairline, even with the best traditional transplant because they would have run out of head donor and options.

With Dr Umar's FUE - SFET approach, he is able to expand the available donor supply by adding hair from the beard and body areas into the head donor pool. With this innovative procedure, even the most severely bald individual can have his hair restored globally without sacrificing the crown or settling for an aged higher hairline. Dr. Umar's procedure is a very effective and possible option for severely bald individuals or those that are donor depleted until hair cloning, hair multiplication or other cell based or genetic technology becomes available in the future. Dr. Umar is Certified dually by the American Board of Dermatology. For more information, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Slow Down Hair Loss with Vitamins and a Healthy Lifestyle

2010-01-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

At any given time 10-15% of the hair in our head is in what is called a "resting phase" and after 2-3 months resting, hair falls out and new hair grows in its place. Some people, however, experience more hair loss than is normal. Many people with thinning hair wonder if taking vitamins will stop or slow down hair loss. Poor diets, combined with too much stress, can certainly affect how well your hair grows.

Hair loss can occur when the diet is inadequate in the B vitamins - especially B6, biotin, inositol and folic acid; and the minerals magnesium, sulfur and zinc. The B vitamins, especially B5 (pantothenic acid and B3 (niacin), are especially important for hair growth, and they are the best vitamins to take to help with hair restoration. Heavy intake of vitamin supplements, in some cases, have resulted in stimulating hair growth. Men who are deficient in vitamin B6 often lose their hair, and especially along with a deficiency of folic acid, some men become completely bald. B Vitamins are usually found in whole grains, fresh fruit, yeast, eggs, fish, turkey, meat, and milk. These vitamins are water-soluble, which means they don't build up in your body like vitamin A does.

Taking large doses of vitamin A for a long period of time, on the other hand, can trigger hair loss. In such instances, stopping the vitamin A will reverse the problem. As in case of deficiencies, often the hair grows back when the cause is corrected. Vitamin E is also important for stimulating hair growth. It is an antioxidant that stimulates the scalp by increasing blood circulation. An increase in blood circulation makes more nutrients available to the hair follicles so they can grow stronger, healthier hair. Vitamin C is also very essential for hair restoration because it helps your body to absorb iron intake, and iron is the mineral that occurs in the greatest amount in the blood. The most important function of iron in the human body is helping the production of both hemoglobin (the substance that carries oxygen within red blood cells) and myoglobin. Therefore, iron deficiency anemia occurs when the dietary intake or absorption of iron is insufficient, and hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed.

Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, and salmon oil are good sources) improves hair texture and prevents dry, brittle hair. Stopping a smoking habit will also help prevent hair loss. Smoking causes your capillaries to contract so less blood can get through to your hair follicles, and therefore less blood means fewer nutrients for healthy hair growth. In addition, eating a balanced diet with lots of whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables will not only keep you healthy, but it can help to prevent thinning hair and premature graying. At the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, certified dermatologist and hair surgeon Dr. Umar will be able to diagnose your symptoms and help you plan the best hair loss treatment for your case. For more information about a healthy diet for your hair, please call (310)318-1500, or visit our website at http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Remarkable Hair Transplant Scar Repairs by Dr. Umar

2010-01-27T14:06:00.000-08:00

For the individual with sufficient donor hair, surgical hair restoration is the most effective and low maintenance answer to hair loss. In the past thirty years, over two million men and women have undergone hair transplant surgery. Most importantly, hair transplant surgery has undergone a recent revoluti
on. Older, first generation hair transplants resulted in scarring, inconsistent results, and an unnatural appearance. Now, hair transplant procedures that use follicular units exclusively leave no visible scarring in the recipient area. For example, in Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) multiple tiny wounds that result in a miniscule empty (sometimes white) spaces for each extracted follicular unit. Generally, these scars are undetectable and are of no cosmetic consequence to the patient. Keep in mind that every time the skin is cut, no matter how small the cut it, it will produce a scar. Therefore, FUE scars may be possibly visible upon close scrutiny in a shaved or closely clipped head. It is however typically cosmetically insignificant especially when compares to the linear scars left by the older strip method called follicular unit strip surgery ( FUSS ) also known as Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation ( FUHT ) or Follicular Unit Transplantation ( FUT ).

Scarring is still possible in cases when older methods of hair restoration surgery are used, current techniques are performed improperly or when a patient is a poor healer. These events may lead to excessive scarring and may present a cosmetic problem. The scarring may also be due to the planted graft itself (which may leave a round white scar), or it may be caused by the elevation or depression of grafts (seen more commonly as a sequelae of with some slit and minigrafting techniques), or it may be due to a stretched or thickened donor scar.

Fortunately, when significant scarring does result, a number of techniques are available to reduce it. The two most effective methods are scar revision, which is excising or changing the direction of a hair transplant scar, and camouflage, a technique where hair is transplanted directly into the scar. Dr Sanusi Umar of DermHair clinic has found beard derived grafts to be particularly suited for the purpose of grafting hair transplant scars with a view to minimize their appearance. In addition, thickened scars may be flattened with cortisone injections, depressed scars may be raised with dermal fillers, and an irregular surface may be made smoother with dermabrasion or laser treatments. Vascular lasers such as the pulse dye laser of the 585-595 nm wavelength range may be useful in newer reddish scars. Scarring happens as a result of all surgeries, and there is no such thing as a 100% elimination of a scar. The key to dealing with scars is to make them very, very small and diminished in size.

The method for fixing hair transplant scars must be tailored to the specific situation, since each hair transplant repair patient has unique problems which influence the approach. Therefore, consult with a board certified Los Angeles hair restoration surgeon and dermatologist today to learn more about your hair transplant scar issue. Please call the DermHair Hair Restoration clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/ to view photos and videos of some of the most remarkable hair transplant surgery scar repair work.

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: The Outdated Strip Surgery Method and Emergence of Popular FUE Procedure

2010-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Today, the hair transplant and hair restoration method known as strip surgery ( aka follicular unit transplantation - FUT ; Follicular unit strip surgery - FUSS ; Follicular unit Hair transplantation - FUHT ) is becoming obsolete. This is because with strip surgery, a strip of skin containing hair follicles is cut from the back of the head. The process of removing this strip leaves a large wound in the back of the head. This wound is sutured up to result in a linear scar. Even a strip-surgery performed to perfection will leave a linear scar and patients may suffer from numbness, pain and problems of forever trying to hide the scar and being conscious of it. Additionally, strip surgery will destroy the natural geometry of the donor region by obliterating the natural linear arrangement of follicular groups along the consecutive spirals. Fortunately, a new procedure known as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) offers a new, knife free, linear scar free, and minimally invasive way to transplant hair. Compared to strip surgery, FUE generally leads to higher patient satisfaction, quicker recovery, and less scarring of the donor area. Therefore, more and more patients are now choosing FUE as their answer for hair restoration because of the numerous advantages it portends.

In FUE hair transplantation, individual hair follicles are extracted without causing damage to the scalp because it is done by very small punch like devices that typically leave cosmetically insignificant scarring. Individuals are able to keep their hair short with least worry. However, because every single follicle is extracted individually, this is a time consuming procedure that requires a high skill level. Thus, complications are very rare, and scars are hard to detect even after only a few weeks. With FUE, the donor-area can hardly be distinguished from an untreated scalp one year after the operation.

Hair transplant use to be a viable option to treat hair loss only when the patient has sufficient donor hair. In most cases, the patient's donor hair came from the back of his head as studies have shown that hair from the back and sides of the head are less prone to falling out in the long term being largely DHT resistant. DHT is the hormone that causes baldness. However, now with FUE, people who have insufficient donor hair in the back of their scalps can now receive hair transplant using their own beard and body hair as additional donor resource. The process is widely called body hair transplantation ( BHT ). You cannot perform BHT with the strip method because of scarring concerns. Only the FUE type of techniques can be used in performing BHT effectively. This is another advantage of FUE over traditional strip surgery. BHT is a breakthrough in hair transplantation as patients with limited donor hair from their scalp can now look into using their body and beard hair for additional donor hair supply. It is the only hope at restoration for such patients pending the advent of cell based cloning or hair multiplication methods.

At DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Umar is among few hair surgeons in the world who specializes in FUE surgery. He is a pioneer in FUE and has invented tools with which he performs the procedure. Dr. Sanusi Umar does not perform strip surgery and is one of the few hair restoration doctors in the world who prefers FUE over strip transplants. A board certified dermatologist, he calls his version of FUE the Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET). Using SFET, Dr Umar has restored severely bald individuals to the degree not feasible using the traditional FUSS strip surgery. He achieved this by using the expanded donor pool of head and non head hair. He has also repaired some of the worst botched hair surgery results in the world. These are cases that have been written off as impossible repairs. For more information, please contact DermHair Los Angeles hair restoration clinic in Redondo Beach California USA at (310) 318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Follicular Unit Hair Graft and FUE Hair Transplant Method

2010-01-25T13:50:00.000-08:00

Nearly all men and most women who have androgenic or inherited pattern baldness can be treated with hair transplantation. Results of hair transplantation are usually most dramatic when the procedure is performed on individuals with advanced degrees of hair loss. In general, the greater degree of hair loss, the larger number of grafts transplanted. Hair transplantation differs from skin grafting in that grafts contain almost all of the epidermis and dermis surrounding the hair follicle, and many tiny grafts are transplanted rather than a single strip of skin.

The most common type of hair graft in use today is the "follicular unit." The follicular unit is the most popular because it is superior to all other grafts for its natural appearance and recreation of normal hair growth in "follicular units." Hairs on your scalp naturally grow in 1 to 3 hair groups in a single unit, and these follicular units are left intact when they get implanted in a recipient area. Thus since this type of graft leaves hair in their natural state of 1 to 3 hairs, the transplant will look more natural and undetectable. The follicular unit hair transplant procedure has continued to evolve, becoming more refined and minimally invasive as the size of the graft incisions have become smaller.

The traditional method of transplantation is called follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) also known as follicular unit transplantation ( FUT ). In this method a strip of hair bearing flesh is removed from the middle of the back and sides of the head. The wound is sutured to leave a linear scar that may be thin or wide. The hair from the strip of flesh is then cut to extract the follicles which are then transplanted into the balding area. Follicular Unit Extraction ( FUE ) is the latest innovation in hair transplantation. In this method, punch or needle instruments are used to score the hair follicle individually from the donor area. This is then pulled out and transplanted to the balding areas. The wound that results is a tiny puncture wound which typically heals with cosmetically insignificant signs. This it is linear scar free, stitchless and minimally invasive. However, many surgeons prefer to use strip surgery because it is easier and faster to perform, but keep in mind that this procedure is a lot more painful and will leave a linear scar on the scalp, and thus a patient is typically less able to keep a shorter haircut when compared to an FUE patient. Strip surgery also has a limited donor source since you can only take donor hair from the middle of the backside of the scalp, whereas FUE can utilize hair from every non-balding area on the head. Additionally, in selected patients, some hair restoration surgeons can use this method to extract hair from non head areas in a procedure loosely called body hair transplantation (BHT). Adding body and beard hair to the donor supply increases the donor pool vastly. When researching hair transplantation, be sure to research the experience of the doctor in either FUE or FUSS. Either method could go wrong if performed improperly. When you have decided on having FUE, beware of clinics that would want to convince you to switch to strip surgery for no genuine reason.

At DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Sanusi Umar does not perform strip surgery and is one of the few hair restoration doctors in the world who prefers FUE over strip transplants. A board certified dermatologist, he specializes in the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) type of hair restoration. He calls his version of FUE Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET), a procedure he pioneered. Using SFET, Dr Umar has restored severely bald individuals to the degree not feasible using the traditional FUSS strip surgery. He achieves this by using the expanded donor pool of head and non head hair. He has also repaired some of the worst botched hair surgery results in the world. These are cases that have been written off as impossible repairs. For more information, please contact DermHair Los Angeles hair restoration clinic at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Hair Miniaturization and Hair Loss

2010-01-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hair grows about an inch every couple of months. Each hair grows for 2 to 6 years, remains at that length for a short period, and then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any one time, about 85% of the hair on your head is in the growing phase and 15% is not. Each hair sits in a cavity in the skin called a follicle. Baldness in men occurs when the follicles shrink over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. Miniaturization is part of the balding process when the thickness of one's hair shaft shrinks, or becomes thinner and thinner over time. When hair miniaturizes, it often is less long as the hair growth slows down. More advanced miniaturization will stunt the hair growth almost completely, a stage before it falls out.

Thickness and the general health of hair can be measured by examining it under a special microscope, called a densitometer, for signs of miniaturization. Increased miniaturization in certain patterns, reflect a progression of balding. In addition, miniaturization and detectable hair loss is not evident to the naked eye until more than 50% of normal (non-miniaturized) hair is lost. As a result, many men and women do not seek help until significant miniaturization has already taken place.

Although there are a few causes for miniaturization, the most common causes are due to genetics, age, or androgens. If you are balding, you should have your scalp hair mapped for miniaturization to estimate the pattern of hair loss now and for future loss, and to measure the starting point for miniaturization so that changes measured over time, can be followed. These measurements are very fast and easy. It is almost nearly impossible to find miniaturized hairs on your own scalp. A dermatologist or hair restoration specialist would be better at spotting them as they are trained to do so and use hair magnification. For more information, please contact a board certified dermatologist and hair restoration specialist at DermHair Clinic in the los angeles area of California, USA by calling (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Child Hair Loss

2010-01-20T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hair loss in children is a more prevalent occurrence than most people imagine. Currently children's hair loss is responsible for approximately 3% of all pediatric office visits in this country, and nearly 2 million children suffer from at least one form of hair loss or another in the United States alone. The good news is that at least 60% of children with alopecia will "outgrow" the condition without need for treatment.

The majority of children suffering from hair loss do so because of the following conditions.

1. Tinea capitis is the most common cause of hair loss in children. It is a disease caused by fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes that can attack hair shafts and follicles. The condition is caused by a fungus that invades the hair shaft and causes the hairs to break. Children with tinea capitis usually have patchy hair loss with some broken-off hairs visible just above the surface of the scalp. Ringworm of the scalp is not dangerous, but without treatment, however, the hair loss can be considerable, and some children will develop a boggy, tender swelling of the scalp known as a kerion. In the Los Angeles and other regions of the world, the incidence of tinea capitis is increasing.

2. Alopecia Areata shows up as the sudden appearance of round or oval patches of hair loss. These patches are completely slick, bald, or smooth without any signs of inflammation, scaling, or broken hairs. They appear overnight, or sometimes over a few days. Alopecia areata is thought to be caused by the body's immune system attacking the hair follicles. With appropriate treatment for alopecia areata, a large percentage of patients will have all of their hair back within one year -- many sooner. Children with alopecia areata should be under the care of a dermatologist.

3. Another cause of trauma hair loss is called trichotillomania, the habit of twirling or plucking the hair. Trichotillomania is thought to be an obsessive-compulsive disorder that can be extremely difficult to treat, since the patient usually feels compelled to pluck their hair. The cause of this type of condition many times is related to stress, long term ongoing tension or other possible psychological or emotional deficiencies.

4. Telogen effluvium is another common cause of hair loss in children. Telogen effluvium interrupts the normal life cycle of hair and puts many or all of the hairs into the telogen phase. Several weeks later, partial or complete baldness appears. Causes include extremely high fevers, surgery under general anesthesia, excess vitamin A, severe and prolonged emotional stress such as the death of a loved one, severe injuries, and the use of certain prescription medications

As with any condition, finding a qualified, informed doctor to help accurately diagnose and effectively treat your child's hair loss is the most important. Hair loss symptoms exhibited by your child should be diagnosed by your pediatrician or by a pediatric dermatologist. For more information, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or please visit http://www.dermhairclinic.

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Stress Induced Hair Loss

2010-01-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

The Oxford dictionary defines stress as "a demand upon physical or mental energy.' In other words, it is an above average demand of our energy. Stress thus can induce hair loss. The human body has ways of alerting us of problems such as stress. If handled properly, stress can be managed and not lead to hair loss or other appearance related problems. The most common type of stress-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium. In this condition, extreme emotional or physical stress that is caused by events such a death in the family, pregnancy, severe weight loss or surgery, pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase. Other major stress induced hair loss factors can be initiated by some types of medications, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. The place where the hair loss occurs is usually the weakest hairs are located first, then the less weak hairs in the 'patterned' hair loss that men experience. Where hair loss occurs is genetically programmed in each and every man. If you are losing hair in the front, and if you get stressed, then the frontal hair may experience accelerated hair loss. If you are losing hair in the crown and not the front, then the crown may experience accelerated hair loss before the front is impacted when you stress.

Almost any kind of stress can precipitate hair loss in some people. Women seem to be more impacted by stressful surgeries like hysterectomies, while men are more stressed by business, financial, or family problems rather than by surgeries. Any major surgery can cause shock loss and it is not limited to the scalp surgery. This is called telogen effluvium and is similar to what women experience after delivery of a baby. It is estimated that up to 45 percent of new mothers experience some degree of hair loss from the stress of having a baby. Since this type of hair loss is caused by such common triggers, many may suffer from it without realizing its cause. Most of the time, hair will grow back within six months, but sometimes this kind of hair loss can be the start of a more long-term problem.

The condition of a person's hair may tell you a lot about stress levels in their lives. Happiness and serenity in a person's life will be reflected by healthy looking, shiny hair. However, those with dry, lifeless, poor hair may be encountering a depressing situation and are struggling to adapt. Whenever a patient has sudden hair loss, he or she should see a board-certified dermatologist, preferably one with experience in this area. The doctor will be able to determine the source of the stress and help you decide the best hair restoration method for your hair loss case. For more information, contact Dr Sanusi umar a board certified dermatologist and hair restoration specialist at DermHair Clinic for hair loss and hair restoration consultation. Please call the Los Angeles hair restoration clinic at (310)318 1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

The Mechanisms of Male Patterned Baldness

2010-01-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

An estimated 50 million men (and 25 million women) suffer from hair loss in the United States. Unfortunately for men, high testosterone is one of the main reasons for hair loss, and therefore that is why women don't have hair loss problems nearly as often as men. Furthermore, some women who have too much testosterone can shed hair in a patterned manner. However, testosterone itself does not cause hair loss. Hair loss is influenced by the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The enzyme 5-alpha reductase ( 5 AR) converts testosterone to DHT. The enzyme 5 AR is produced in the prostate, various adrenal glands, and the scalp. DHT acts by binding to special receptor sites on the cells of the hair follicles to cause the specific changes associated with balding. Over time, the action of DHT causes the hair follicle to shed faster by shortening the anagen phase. DHT successively diminishes or miniaturizes follicle size, producing ever weaker hairs. With a steadily shorter anagen growing cycle, more hair is shed with the hair getting thinner and thinner until they become too fine to survive daily wear and tear. Add to this a hereditary predisposition to hair loss, and chances are that over time, the hair will thin and lead to baldness. Genetics plays a major role in the expression of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to the hair-altering compound dihydrotestosterone, leading to a family trait that has a tendency towards balding.

One should keep in mind that the presence of the necessary genes and hormones are not, in on themselves sufficient to cause baldness. The reaction also requires time of exposure of susceptible hair follicles to the hormone for hair loss to begin. The time required for this to start varies from one individual to another and is related to a person's genetic expression and sometimes to the levels of testosterone in his bloodstream. When a man experiences male pattern baldness, it appears that the hair follicles on his head have an extreme response and sensitivity to DHT. The follicles get broken to the point that they are no longer capable of producing hair. For more information, please contact Dr Sanusi Umar a board certified dermatologist and hair specialist at DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles to speak with a Los Angeles Hair Restoration specialist at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Hair Transplantation Donor Sources

2010-01-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Men can be assured that usually hair transplants do work, but it depends on the overall density of their hair. The hair that is transplanted is usually removed from an area where the patient has more hair (the donor site) to the place where the patient has less hair (the recipient site). It is the ideal solution to baldness because it uses a person's own hair.

Hair transplants work because hair removed from the permanent zone in the back and sides of the scalp continues to grow when transplanted to the balding area in the front or top of one's head. The reason is that the genetic predisposition for hair to fall out resides in the hair follicle itself, rather than in the scalp. Therefore, transplanted hair keeps right on growing because the hair follicle keeps its original genetic coding, and thus it is not susceptible to Dihydrotestoserone (the hormone that causes male-patterned baldness). In addition, despite being moved into a formerly bald area, it continues to behave like donor area hair. This predisposition is an inherited sensitivity to the effects of DHT, and when DHT resistant hair from the back of the scalp is transplanted to the top, it will continue to be resistant to DHT in its new location and grow normally. The scalp is also very vascular, so immediately after the follicular unit hair grafts and micro-grafts are transplanted, the surrounding tissue begins feeding the transplant follicle and healing begins. The hair shaft may also shed, but the hair follicles remain and often go into a resting phase. It is surveyed that hair graft survival rates are nearly 100%, although about 85-90% would manifest above the skin at any given time due to cycling.

Some surgeons are able to use advanced FUE - type techniques to extract hair from the beard and body area to use as donor sources for hair transplantation. This process is popularly known as body hair transplantation ( BHT ). Since body hair differ in quality and cycling, A surgeon experienced in BHT should be consulted if the shortage of head donor supply is an issue.
How much hair is restored depends on the patient's degree of hair loss and their desired result. Some needs are met in one hair transplant procedure while the goals of others may be best achieved over multiple hair transplant surgeries. Furthermore, the patient should be sure to do research before choosing a hair transplant specialist. It is important for a person to have a doctor who is honest and able to cater to the patient's needs, and make him feel as comfortable as possible.

At the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, board certified dermatologist and hair surgeon Dr. Umar is the first FUE only clinic. For more information, contact the DermHair Clinic for hair restoration consultation from a board certified Los Angeles hair restoration doctor and dermatologist. Please call the Los Angeles hair restoration clinic at (310)318 1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Hair Transplant Surgery and Pain Management

2010-01-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

Whether or not a hair transplant hurt mostly depends on an individual's tolerance for pain. Some people handle pain better than others so there are no absolute rules to determine if a hair transplant will be painful. Some say that hair transplant surgery is similar to a visit to the dentist. This does not seem like a description of something that is pain-free, and it certainly does not seem like a relaxing experience.

However, most people are surprised at how little pain there is during a hair transplant procedure today. Some discomfort is to be expected as the anesthetic is injected into the scalp. Once the skin is anesthetized, there is no pain. If the numbing medicine wears off during the course of the procedure, more is injected to re-anesthetize the area. Advances in local anesthetic and the way it is applied allow for a comfortable and relaxing procedure. Most patients watch movies, listen to music or nap during their procedure. If there is pain, it will probably occur the first night, or the day after the procedure is typically the worst. This is even less the case if the FUE (follicular Unit extraction) type hair transplant surgery is done. Taking pain medications prescribed by your hair loss doctor as directed would further make any discomfort minimal.

Hair transplant surgery today is surely less painful than it was in earlier times when larger sections of scalp were operated upon. In Follicular unit extract also called FUE, the procedure is truly minimally invasive with only tiny holes created at each extraction ste. The pain after the procedure is very minimal and the healing is much more rapid. Often only mild redness is seen even when a crew cut is done. In traditional hair transplants also called Strip HT, FUSS, FUT or FUHT ), large nerve branches are liable to being cut during the harvesting of the strip of flesh from the back and sides of the head. When these severed nerves heal, pain syndromes can results either temporarily or in rare instances permanently. In the newer FUE like techniques, individual follicles are harvested directly from the back and sides of the head using tiny punch like incisions. Since no major nerves are cut, the pain syndromes are avoided. Whichever method is chosen, a hair transplant with an experienced and skilled surgeon is an important key to having a less painful surgery. An experienced doctor who knows very well how to perform the procedure will cause you less pain an produce a better result for you and a better experience. For more information, please contact Dr Sanusi Umar a board certified dermatologist and hair specialist at DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles to speak with a Los Angeles Hair Restoration specialist at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Why Hair Transplants Work

2010-01-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

Men can be assured that usually hair transplants do work, but it depends on the overall density of his hair. The hair that is transplanted is usually removed from an area where the patient has more hair (the donor site) to the place where the patient has less hair (the recipient site). It is the ideal solution to baldness because it uses a person’s own hair.

Hair transplants work because hair removed from the permanent zone in the back and sides of the scalp continues to grow when transplanted to the balding area in the front or top of one’s head. The reason is that the genetic predisposition for hair to fall out resides in the hair follicle itself, rather than in the scalp. Therefore, transplanted hair keeps right on growing because the hair follicle keeps its original genetic coding, and thus it does not attract Dihydrotestoserone (hormone that is the cause of male-patterned baldness). In additon, despite being moved into a formerly bald area, it continues to behave like donor area hair. This predisposition is an inherited sensitivity to the effects of DHT, and when DHT resistant hair from the back of the scalp is transplanted to the top, it will continue to be resistant to DHT in its new location and grow normally. The scalp is also very vascular, so immediately after the follicular unit hair grafts and micro-grafts are transplanted, the surrounding tissue begins feeding the transplant follicle and healing begins. The hair shaft may also shed, but the hair follicles remain and often go into a resting phase. It is surveyed that hair graft survival rates are nearly 100%.

How much hair is restored depends on the patient's degree of hair loss and their desired result. Some needs are met in one hair transplant procedure while the goals of others may be best achieved over multiple hair transplant surgeries. Furthermore, the patient should be sure to do research before choosing a hair transplant specialist. It is important for a person to have a doctor who is honest and able to cater to the patient's needs, and make him feel as comfortable as possible. At the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, board certified hair surgeon and dermatologist Dr. Umar has had years of extensive training and practice. For more information about Dr. Umar and to see examples and testimonials of his work, please visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com or please call the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500.

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: FUE Hair Transplantation VS. Strip-Surgery

2010-01-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

The main difference between FUE hair transplantation and strip-surgery is in the way donor-hair is obtained.

Human hair grows in tiny bundles called follicular units, which usually consist of 1-4 hair follicles. These units are seen on the surface of the scalp as a tiny group of hairs that appear to be growing together. In Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplantation, individual hair follicles are extracted without causing damage to the scalp. FUE is a technique that involves using a small punch to extract follicular units from a patient's donor area and it hardly leaves visible scars. However, since every single follicle is extracted individually, this is a time consuming procedure. The benefit is that it is a controlled and careful method to extract donor hair, and is safer for the skin and scalp. Complications are very rare, and scars are hard to detect even after only a few weeks.

With strip surgery, a strip of skin containing hair follicles is cut from the back of the head. The strip size can vary but is typically 1-1.5 cm wide, 8-10 mm deep, and up to 30 cm long going from ear to ear. Removal of the strip leaves a large opening in the back of the head. Even the most perfectly performed strip-surgery will leave a linear scar and patients may suffer from numbness, pain and problems with hiding the scar. The donor area of a strip excision will require a longer recuperation time before it is fully healed.

Deciding on which procedure is right for you depends on several factors. While the popularity of FUE has grown due to its minimally invasive nature in the way grafts are removed, strip is still the most widely performed procedure. However, FUE generally leads to higher patient satisfaction, quicker recovery, and less scarring of the donor area. FUE produces hundreds of tiny dot like scars which are generally even less detectable than the strip scar. There are efforts to automate the FUE process ( such as the device called neograft ). It is the opinion of this author, that the drying effect of suction devices in extraction may be damaging to the grafts and other less controllable factors like the depth and graft integrity at placement may render these innovations a work in progress.

At DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Sanusi Umar who is a board certified dermatologist and faculty a the Harbor-UCLA medical center, has pioneered the field of FUE having invented tools for performing the procedure, and has instructed other physicians in FUE methods. His FUE protocol is called Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer ( SFET ). This protocol allows him to successfully harvest hair follicles from other non-traditional donor (outside of the head) including the nape, beard and other body areas. Dr Umar has the most extensive examples of hair transplantation utilizing non head hair in the world. The use of non head hair for transplantation using FUE techniques is generally referred to as body hair transplantation ( BHT ). BHT is an advanced form of FUE for which Dr Umar is renowned as the leading world expert. With this protocol Dr Umar has restored even severely bald individuals as well as head donor depleted repair cases that have been written off by other hair experts. Videos, pictures, and publications can be found on the DermHair Clinic website by visiting http://www.dermhairclinic.com/. For more information regarding hair restoration, please call (310)318-1500.

Los Angeles Hair Restoration Information and Facts: Interview with Dr. Umar, Board Certified

2010-01-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

Dr. Sanusi Umar, board certified Dermatologist at DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles, recently was interviewed by Bizymoms.com and gave his input on many questions that people had about hair transplants. In the interview, Dr. Umar described the procedures that he performs and emphasizes important facts that one should know regarding hair restoration. He noted that the two main categories of hair restoration to choose from are the Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) group and the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) group. Dr. Umar describes tbat during the FUSS method, a narrow strip of hair bearing flesh is cut from the back and sides of the head. Individual hair follicles on the strip of flesh are harvested with the aid of microscopes and transplanted into pre-made slits on the bald areas. Advantages of this procedure include lower cost and less surgery time. The FUE group of techniques broadly entails the use of tubular cutting devices that are used in scoring the hair follicle directly from its location. The scoring would partially or completely free the hair follicle from it surrounding attachments. The scored follicle is then removed at this stage with or without the aid of further dissection. Subsequently the follicle is transplanted into premade slits in the bald area in a fashion similar that of FUSS. FUE however has a higher learning curve, is more expensive, and takes longer to perform. With FUSS and FUE transplantations, 1500 - 2000 grafts can be done in a single day.

Dr. Umar also performs Body Hair Transplant (BHT) which he describes as the transplantation of body and beard hair to the balding area of the scalp. It is currently performed using FUE type techniques. Not everyone is a good candidate for BHT. Some people including most women do not have the appropriate amount of body hair, while others have unsuitable body hair characteristics. BHT results are permanent and results are realized within approximately 18 months; follow-up is minimal and patients are typically released after one to two years. The BHT procedure is taxing with a high-skill level requirement and steep learning curve; a single-patient procedure often takes several days to complete.

Hair restoration can give the appearance of a natural full head of hair. The hair is your own natural hair to be handled and groomed as wished. Even diseased conditions can be restored. For more details, please read the full interview at:

http://www.bizymoms.com/redondo-beach/hair/redondo-beach-hair-replacement.php

To learn more about Dr. Umar and his practice, please visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com or call the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500

Los Angeles Dermatologist: The Health of Your Hair Will Reveal Your Health

2010-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Many doctors including dermatologists are using the hair as an indicator to tell just how healthy you are. Hair grows very fast and it is one of the fastest growing cells in the body, and therefore it reflects the current state of your health. Hair loss could represent unhealthiness and could mean that many medical conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or increased blood sugar in diabetes caused changes in a person’s hair. A few medications such as birth control pills can also affect women and cause them to lose their hair. However, in instances where significant amount of hair is lost, it is recommended that you contact your doctor as quickly as possible.

If you have iron or protein deficiency—common with the caloric deprivation of anyone suffering from an eating disorder—it is not unusual to experience severe hair loss. That's because the malnutrition forces the body to conserve protein (the building block of all the body's cells, including the hair) by shutting down hair growth. Therefore, since more hair may also be shed—without being replaced—the result can be a noticeable thinning over several months. Thyroid disease (both an overactive thyroid and an underactive one) can also show up as increased hair loss. Once the disease is controlled, hair growth can usually be restored.

Unhealthy hair strands can also be an indicator of an unhealthy diet. Without an adequate protein diet, growing hair strands will not become as strong and resilient as they should be. And essential fatty acids (found in fish oil supplements, wild salmon, and flax seeds) may also play a role in keeping strands strong, shiny and healthy. Of course, what you eat can only impact hair that is just starting to grow, so it will be several months before any improvements are evident. In addition, thinning hair may indicate a toxic buildup in your system, and dandruff may indicate increased stress levels.

For more information about how your hair can reveal how sick or healthy you are, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: The Genetics of Hair Loss

2010-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

There are many theories regarding the genetics of hair loss. It is inherited from family members and is passed down through the generations, but how the genes get passed out and distributed varies greatly. You may have heard the popular myth that hair loss is passed down to men from the mother’s side of the family and to women from their father’s side. These myths travel alongside countless other genetic theories regarding how hair loss may be transmitted from one generation to the next. One may experience male pattern baldness at a certain age, but his twin brother may not. Genetic hair loss appears predominately in men, but may also appear in a few select women. With genes, there is no way to actually know whether you will inherit that defective gene or not. The genes can stay dormant and skip a few generations before it begins to impact you.

The common genetic or pattern baldness is known by a standard name as “male pattern baldness” but pattern baldness is also the most common form of hair loss in women. The pattern baldness in both the genders is referred to as Androgenetic Alopecia, a scientific name for the disease. In pattern baldness in both men and women, there is an increased hair loss, as more and more hair thins and enters a telogen (resting) phase instead of remaining in the anagen (growing) phase. Eventually the degree of hair loss becomes so severe that it starts manifesting itself in the form of baldness. Genetics is the prime reason for this premature hair loss, and the exact inheritance pattern in genetic hair loss is still debated. But it is mostly considered to be autosomal dominant and polygenic which can be inherited from either parent. Studies have shown that polymorphism plays an important role for the expression of the pattern balding.

New studies and a more through understanding of the human genome confirm that male and female pattern baldness is a complex genetic trait. There are still many questions regarding genetics and hair loss that scientists have yet to answer, but it's very clear that your genes play a crucial role deciding whether you will be bald or not when the time comes. It is important to mention that not all hair loss or thinning hair is an indication of genetic hair loss. Indeed normal thinning does occur with age, however this slight thinning is barely noticeable and does not cause bald patches. Therefore, one should not worry simply because they are losing a few more hairs daily, but should be concerned if they begin to notice thin or bald spaces. However, if you are concerned and cotice excessive hair loss, or have questions regarding hair loss and genetics, please contact Board Certified Los Angeles Hair Surgeon at DermHair Clinic. For hair restoration in Los Angeles, please call (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration: Trichotillomania Treatment

2010-01-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Trichotillomania is a mental and impulse control disorder that involves an irresistible urge to pull out hair. Impulse control disorders are mental illnesses that involve the repeated failure to resist impulses, or urges, to act in ways that are dangerous or harmful. People with these disorders know that they can hurt themselves or others by acting on the impulses, but they cannot stop themselves. Therefore, when this condition is associated with hair, it will lead to the point of noticeable hair loss. Men and women with Trichotillomania live relatively normal lives but typically show signs of hair loss, thinning, and bald spots all over the scalp and body from pulling it out. The most common areas for hair pulling are the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows, but may involve hair anywhere on the body.

The exact cause of Trichotillomania is not yet known, but it appears to involve both biological and behavioral factors. Research has found a potential link between impulse control disorders and certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain send messages to each other. An imbalance of these chemicals can affect how the brain controls impulses. Hair-pulling can occur without the individual's awareness, but is frequently preceded by a sense of increasing tension and followed by a sense of relief or gratification.

Hair-pulling can occur without the individual's awareness, but is frequently preceded by a sense of increasing tension and followed by a sense of relief or gratification. The resulting hair loss can be a source of embarrassment or shame. Because of a tendency to hide symptoms, and because professionals are relatively unfamiliar with the disorder, individuals either may not seek, or are offered treatment. Untreated Trichotillomania can result in impaired social functioning and medical complications.

Treating Trichotillomania goes far beyond trying to achieve hair restoration. Even if Rogaine or laser therapy for hair loss were to regrow hair, there is a strong possibility that Trichotillomania patients will continue to pull their hair out. Other possible causes of symptoms must first be ruled out. Hair loss may have a medical cause, such as a dermatological condition, but hair-pulling may have another. Typically, people with Trichotillomania also have other disorders such as depression or anxiety. Patients with Trichotillomania therefore, should be treated at the source of the disorder in conjunction with using proven hair loss treatments.

To learn more about this condition and the steps you can take for hair restoration, please contact the DermHair Clinic at (310)318-1500 to set up an appointment with a board certified dermatologist, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com for more information.

Different Hair Loss Patterns of Different Ethnicities: Los Angeles Hair Restoration

2009-12-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hair loss is a universal condition that can affect people of all ages, races, genders and nationalities. It is estimated that male and female pattern baldness affects 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States alone. About 30% of people have hair loss by age 30 years, and about 50% have hair loss by age 50 years. Hair loss is so common that most of the time it is considered a normal variation and not a disease.

In physiological terms, human beings are all composed of the same bone structures, muscles, and everything else down to the cellular level. But there are specific differences, especially when it comes to hair, because it is the one area in which human beings display their differences. Hair follicles can widely vary in terms of color, length, shape, thickness, strength and various other factors.
For example, Asian people typically have very straight hair. Their scalps contain fewer hairs per square centimeter, so they actually have a lower hair density than that of Caucasian hair follicles. However, because the individual hair follicles of East Asians are thicker, this gives the look and impression of greater hair density. For these reasons, hair restoration techniques for East Asians, much like other races, must be sensitive to a variety of anatomic and cultural differences. For instance, East Asian females often have an increased likelihood of developing "diffuse alopecia," or hair that thins evenly over the entire head than Caucasian females. In addition, another example of how asian hair loss differs is how Japanese men develop baldness less commonly than whites do. On average they also develop balding about 10 years later.

People of African descent usually possess naturally curly hair and are 4 times less likely to have abnormal hair loss than are whites. This curly hair gives the visual impression of increased hair density for a given amount of hair, which is beneficial in hair restoration surgery. The hair follicles beneath the skin of people of African decent also typically curve more than Caucasians. This can make hair harvesting the donor hairs (especially when using the strip scar free method called follicular unit extraction (FUE), without severing or transecting the hair follicles beneath the scalp, more difficult. Thicker and straighter Asian hair is more forgiving to the FUE practitioner. A hair restoration physician needs to be very aware of this difference and adjust to its requirements.. While black men have more frontal baldness than white men, they less commonly have balding at the crown region of the scalp.

As in the case of East Asians, people of African descent possess some unique hair and skin characteristics. Some of these medical conditions are more common in black skin than in white skin. This may increase the risk for post-surgical complications.
To learn more about the impact of ethnicity upon hair loss, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500. You may also set up an appointment or consultation with a board certified Los Angeles dermatologist and hair surgeon to discuss your individual hair loss problem. Please visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com for more information.

Los Angeles Hair Restoration and Hair Transplants: The Steps To Choose The Right Hair Surgeon

2009-12-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

The skill and technique of hair restoration surgeons vary widely, as do their hair transplant results. When the procedure is performed correctly, the hair transplant surgery can produce lifelong results that are so natural that even hair stylists cannot detect signs of it. Therefore, choosing the hair restoration procedure and clinic is critical. Choosing the right hair surgeon will lead you to better hair transplant results and a much better experience with the procedure.
First, it is critical to learn about the hair transplant first and to understand what it is, and how it is done.

Today, when done right, hair replacement surgery can restore a full and natural look in only one surgical session. Next, it is important to consult with previous patients and some leading hair restoration specialists before deciding your doctor. Mostly importantly, conduct thorough research on the hair surgeons available and make sure to select the right one that will help meet your needs. The skill, talent, and experience of hair transplant surgeons vary widely, as do their results. It is very important that you choose your physician carefully, as your results will last a life time. Since performing knife-free strip-scar-free follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplantation is very demanding upon a clinic's physician and staff only a minority of hair restoration clinics perform it successfully. You should carefully review your physician regarding level of ethics, skill, and the quality of their patient results.

Some questions you may ask and consider to help your decision include: How "hands on" will your hair transplant surgeon be? Will he or she be making all the extractions, doing all the surgical aspect of the extraction of each graft thus ensuring the integrity of every graft? Will he or she be making all the incisions in the graft recipient area, thus determining the design and hair direction of your transplanted hair? You should verify claims by visiting online discussion forums and searching for previous posts regarding a hair transplant physician you are considering.

Dr. Sanusi Umar is a pioneer and innovator in the field of hair transplantation. A fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Umar is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Before becoming a dermatologist, Dr. Umar was board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. After an intensive 3-year residency program in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Umar received certification by the American Board of Dermatology, the governing board for hair medicine. Following his passion for discovering new and innovative ways to bring minimally invasive methods to health and healing, Dr. Umar completed a 14 month certified fellowship training in Cosmetic Surgery Under the aegis of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS).

For more information regarding Dr. Umar or hair restoration, please contact the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Understanding Telogen Effluvium--Information from Los Angeles Hair Restoration Clinic

2009-12-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

Telogen Effluvium is a form of non-scarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair shedding, often with an acute onset. It is characterized by massive hair loss as a result of early entry of hairs into the telogen phase. A chronic form with a more insidious onset and a longer duration also exists. Telogen effluvium is a reactive process caused by a metabolic or hormonal stress or by medications. Telogen Effluvium occurs when sudden or severe stress causes an increase in the shedding of the hair, and the stress causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into the resting state. In other words, with Telogen effluvium, a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. The hair will then stay in the resting phase for about 3 months after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. Often the person involved will have recovered from the event before the hair loss occurs. Telogen effluvium can affect hair on all parts of the body, but, generally, only loss of scalp hair is symptomatic.

Telogen Effluvium appears to affect more women than men because more of the precipitating events such as childbirth are experienced by women. Some people experience Telogen Effluvium or sudden diffuse hair loss after a traumatic event such as the death of a family member or someone close, an accident, abuse or any other severely traumatic event. A considerable number of other different causes for Telogen Effluvium exist. Among the common causes are high fevers, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications. Most hair loss also results from medications such as retinoids, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and NSAIDS (including ibuprofen). These events may trigger hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely in which case an increase in the amount of hair shed will be noticed about 3 months after the event. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair soon recovers. However in some cases where diffuse and sudden hair loss occurs, the hair loss may continue until the underlying cause is treated.

Therefore, do not hesitate and receive treatment today if you are experiencing symptoms of Telogen Effluvium. Contact the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles to set up an appointment with a board certified hair surgeon. Please call (310)318-1500, or visit the website at http://www.dermhairclinic.com

What is Considered to be Normal Hair Loss?

2009-12-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

In the daily course of our lives, we lose hair through everyday actions such as washing, combing, and brushing. Many people find this is cause for concern as they do not understand the process of hair growth and hence do not know when and if they should worry about their hair fall. Here is some help in understanding what hair fall you should expect and what is more.

The average human head has around 100,000 hair follicles. On average, blondes have the highest density of hair: 140,000 hair follicles, redheads the lowest at 90,000 follicles and those with black hair have on average 110,000 follicles. It is normal to lose up to about 100 hairs a day although too much brushing, hair rubbing or excessive washing can add to this.

Obviously, there is no way to count how many strands of hair you actually lose everyday. Nevertheless, your daily hair care routine cannot be the cause of excessive hair loss, and if you are experiencing excessive hair loss, it will be because of some other underlying causes such as genetics, medications, or age. Under normal conditions new hairs grow to replace each hair that has been shed, keeping the average number of growing hairs about the same at all times. Hair loss may involve many unknown factors, however, healthy hair is part of the overall good health of any person and is directly related to healthy conscientious nutrition.

Excessive hair loss over a long period is called alopecia. Baldness in men (Androgenetic alopecia) is very common and is also known as male pattern hair loss or baldness. Hair loss may increase with age but male-pattern baldness is not abnormal, or a sign of abnormality, it simply suggests that your pattern of hair loss is, like 95% of hair loss, genetically pre-determined. If you have hair loss that is excessive and do not know what is causing it, talk to a hair specialist or doctor. A doctor can determine why the hair is falling out and suggest a treatment that will correct the underlying problem, if necessary. At the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles, a board certified hair specialist and dermatologist will be able to answer your questions and help you determine the right treatment for your hair loss situation. Please contact the Derm Hair Clinic at (310)318-1500, or please visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Minoxidil (Rogaine) Usage and Effects

2009-12-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Minoxidil, otherwise known as the brand Rogaine, is applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with a certain type of baldness. Minoxidil is a drug that is used for treating male-pattern baldness because it stimulates hair growth and slows balding. Minoxidil is the only medication approved by the FDA to stimulate the regrowth of hair for those men and women who have a hereditary tendency for pattern baldness or hair loss.

Oral Minoxidil was originally used for treating high blood pressure, but patients and health care providers noticed that hair growth was a side effect of treatment. This led to the development of topical (solution applied to the skin) Minoxidil for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. The mechanism of action leading to growth of hair is unknown. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age whose hair loss is recent, and has no effect on receding hairlines. It does not cure baldness and most new hair is lost within a few months after the drug is stopped. In addition, Minoxidil topical lotion only seems to work on active hair follicles still capable of producing some hair. For those with pattern hair loss, Minoxidil seems to reduce the rate of hair follicle miniaturization, and can reverse the transformation of terminal follicles that produce full-size hairs into vellus follicles that only grow "peach fuzz". With Minoxidil treatment, the miniature vellus follicles enlarge back to their original size, and the re-enlarged follicles begin to grow wider and more pigmented hairs. Also, the enlarged follicles seem to remain in the anagen, or growth stage for a longer period. A longer growth period results in the production of longer hairs, and a look of more hair.

If hair growth is going to occur with the use of Minoxidil, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for several months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. For more information regarding Minoxidil and its usage, please contact a board certified hair surgeon and hair specialist at the DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Are You Prepared for a Hair Transplant Procedure? Tips From a Los Angeles Hair Surgeon

2009-12-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

Hair loss is a difficult issue for many and can be the cause of severe anxiety and depression for many men and women. Fortunately, there have been many innovations in procedures and medications to treat hair loss. However, in order to prepare for a hair restoration procedure and to meet realistic goals and results, you should first consider your hair loss treatment options and conduct extensive research and planning. First of all, it is important to understand the condition of your hair loss, and whether your situation is due to genetics or due to other non-genetic factors. At the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles, board certified hair surgeon Dr. Umar will be able to help you determine the reason behind the loss of your hair and recommend the treatment options available to you. The next most important thing to do is to understand the variety of different hair loss treatment plans that are available.

Today, there are two FDA approved non-surgical hair loss treatments. Propecia (for men only) and Rogaine have been the few formulas that have shown proven results to help slow down or stop the progression of male pattern baldness. Other treatments such as laser therapy and alternative treatments exist; however the effectiveness and validity of these treatments are not well documented and results are not definitely proven. In other words, the key to evaluating hair loss treatments is looking for clinical and visual proof of successful hair regrowth. There are also hair replacement systems that will provide an instant solution to hair loss problems. Hair Replacement systems are also known as hairpieces, hair replacements, hair systems or toupees, and have improved over the past decade. Quality hair replacement systems are now refined in construction and light weight. Topical hair loss cover-ups such as Dermmatch and Toppik are also alternative ways to conceal your hair loss to the public. Concealers can be washed out and be re-applied after showering.

The most effective and lasting treatment to consider however is surgical hair restoration. When non surgical options are not effective or applicable, a hair transplant becomes a possible solution to consider. Today's hair transplants can be so natural, even hair stylists cannot detect them. But selecting the right surgeon, and having realistic goals is vital to ensure success. Dr. Umar at the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles is an experienced board certified hair surgeon, and he will be able to provide you will all of the information and help you will need to get started on your hair restoration procedure. Please call the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com for more information.

Iron Deficiency May Lead to Potential Hair Loss

2009-12-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

One of the most common causes of hair loss in pre-menopausal women is not due to hormones, stress, and other typical factors, but to a nutritional deficiency in iron. Iron is the mineral that occurs in the greatest amount in the blood. The most important function of Iron in the human body is helping the production of both hemoglobin (the substance that carries oxygen within red blood cells) and myoglobin. Therefore, iron deficiency anemia occurs when the dietary intake or absorption of iron is insufficient, and hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed.

This correlation between iron deficiency and hair loss has been researched for more than 40 years now, with mostly women being studied, and research shows that there is a much closer link between iron deficiency and hair loss that most doctors do not even realize. No signs of alopecia (thinning of the hair) should ever be ignored because it can be an early manifestation of several underlying conditions that could lead to more serious problems. It is important to realize that an imbalance in iron does not necessarily mean you have anemia, a serious condition where the ability of the blood to carry oxygen around the body, is reduced. All it means is that your body is not getting enough iron in the diet and therefore is taking it from somewhere else. However, it is fortunate to know that this type of hair loss, caused by iron deficiency, is also easily treated.

Iron deficiency is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency and is can be caused by inadequate dietary intake, excessive menstrual bleeding, and other forms of blood loss. One way to treat iron deficiency is to maintain an adequate dietary intake and, when appropriate, oral iron supplementation. Iron supplements, which are available over-the-counter, can be very effective in treating hair loss, but they are not for everyone. In fact, they can be dangerous in patients with certain medical conditions and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician. Therefore, contact an experienced board certified hair physician today. At the FineTouch Dermatology Clinic in Los Angeles, certified hair surgeon Dr. Umar will be able to diagnose your symptoms and help you plan the best hair loss treatment for your case. For more information about iron deficiency or the surgeon, please call (310)318-1500, or visit our website at http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Is Propecia Beneficial After a Hair Transplant?

2009-12-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

Testosterone is the most potent of the androgenic hormones. However, its impact on hair follicles, skin and prostate tissue is not direct for these tissues are responsive to a form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Therefore, baldness is largely due to dihydrotestosterone interacting with the hair follicles that are genetically vulnerable to their effects.

Propecia prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the body. Propecia is a brand name for finasteride, and is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. Propecia is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp. Often, this results in a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head. Propecia is for use by men only and should not be used by women or children.

Propecia's effects in slowing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth work best for early to moderate degrees of hair loss. For most men, Propecia increases the number of scalp hairs, helping to fill in thin or balding areas of the scalp. Men taking Propecia noted a slowing of hair loss during two years of use. However, men with extensive hair loss are unlikely to experience much regrowth with Propecia; these men are better candidates for hair transplantation or other surgical approach to hair restoration. Therefore, with this in mind, would Propecia be beneficial if used along with a hair transplantation?

Hair restoration specialists and surgeons may prescribe Propecia to prevent further hair loss by the patient, and carry out hair transplantation to provide coverage at the frontal hairline. Even though Propecia has no effect on the transplanted hair, it can help to maintain the patient’s surrounding hair and is therefore useful as an adjunct to hair transplant surgery, and thus will enable the patient to obtain a better overall result. In conclusion, the treatment with Propecia after a hair transplant is an important and helpful addendum to hair restoration surgery. For more details, please call the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles to speak with a board certified hair restoration specialist, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com for more information.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle and Why Hair Loss Happens

2009-12-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

All hair follicles are replaced at different rates by the normal process of hair cycling. Hair growth alternates between phases of activity and rest. The growth period, called the anagen phase, lasts for two to six years. During this time, About 90% of all scalp hairs are in the anagen phase at a given time.

Anagen is followed by a brief transition known as the catagen phase, which lasts a few weeks. During the Anagen phase, the growth phase that lasts between two and eight years. The growth cells in the papilla rapidly divide and produce the hair shaft which becomes keratinized as it pushes up and out of the hair follicle into the pore. At the same time, the hair follicle grows down into the deeper levels of the dermis (skin) to get nourishment, and the follicle is long and deep, and produces thick, well-pigmented hair. During the catagen phase, the base of the follicle shrivels. This is part of a renewal process where the hair follicle is literally degraded and the hair stops growing but does not fall out. During the catagen phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of the normal length. The lower part is destroyed, the dermal papilla breaks away, the bulb detaches from the blood supply and the hair shaft eventually is pushed up as the hair follicle disintegrates. The resting period, or telogen phase, lasts for two to four months. In this phase, the follicle withers even further. The hair still does not grow but remains attached to the hair follicle while the dermal papilla is in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15% of all hairs are in this phase at any one time. After the telogen phase the cycle is complete, the hair goes back into the Anagen phase. It is at this time when the new hair shaft is forming that the old hair is pushed out and lost.

When the hair follicle starts growing a new hair it has to first get rid of the old hair, which is still attached to the hair follicle. When this happens to many hair follicles at the same time, you will experience a lot of hair falling out which is what causes shedding. Thus, instead of these hairs falling out gradually at different times, they all fall out together giving you the impression that you are losing more hair than usual. Shedding should last no longer than 4-6 weeks. Therefore, if you are still shedding a lot of hair after 2 months you should consult with your physician, as it may not be shedding anymore. In addition, be aware that it is normal to lose between 50-100 hairs every day due to this natural growth process. If you experience abnormal shedding, it might be due to the male pattern hair loss condition, which is caused by a genetically determined sensitivity to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is believed to shorten the growth, or anagen, phase of the hair cycle, causing miniaturization of the follicles, and producing progressively finer hairs.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles can help you answer your questions and determine the correct hair restoration treatment plan for you. Please call the clinic at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

How Eyebrow Transplants Differ From Typical Hair Transplants

2009-12-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

Eyebrows are a critical facial feature that are possibly more important to one’s appearance than scalp hair. Eyebrows are in central position on the face and frame the eyes. Thus, eyebrows are a key element in defining the way we look. Unlike the loss of scalp hair, the loss of one’s eyebrows is not accepted and viewed as a natural appearance. Eyebrows may be lost for a variety of reasons including thyroid and other systemic diseases, alopecia areata, tattoos, infections, congenital inability to grow eyebrows and a genetic tendency for eyebrows to thin, or disappear, over time. The absence of hair can also be due to prior electrolysis or laser hair removal, overplucking, thyroid or other abnormalities, or trauma due to surgery, burns, or other types of accidents.

Eyebrow restorations are similar to hair transplant procedures performed on the scalp in that the transplanted hair for most typical patients is permanent. However, eyebrow transplants differ from hair transplants due to a number of reasons. First of all, eyebrow hairs grow from a very small angle with regards to the skin. Eyebrow hairs emerge from the follicle at a very acute angle so that the hair grows flat to the skin’s surface. This is in contrast to scalp hair where the angle between the hair and scalp can be 45 degrees. Secondly, eyebrow hair growth cycles are much shorter than scalp hair growth cycles. The anagen growth phase of eyebrow hair is only around 4 months, while scalp hair can be in anagen phase can last 3 to 7 years. In addition, eyebrow hairs grow in dramatically different directions, and they differ greatly in all the various parts of the eyebrow. The hairs also grow as individual strands only--there are no follicular groups of 2 to 4 hairs in the eyebrow like there is on the scalp.

Using either body or head hair follicles derived by the SFET or FUE procedure, hair follicles can be transplanted to reconstruct the eyebrows. Unlike hair transplants, where the donor hair is taken from another part of the scalp and thus it matches perfectly, the donor hair for eyebrow transplants is taken from another part of the body and will therefore have slightly different characteristics with regards to both growth rate and appearance. If they are different, then over time, the transplanted scalp hair will slowly begin to approximate the growth pattern and characteristics of the existing eyebrow hair - but it may never totally match it. One problem with eyebrow transplants is that the hair will continue to grow, which necessitates the hair being constantly trimmed.

Dr. Umar has performed many successful eyebrow transplantations on both men and women. The specifics of your procedure can be discussed with Dr. Umar. Please contact the Derm Hair Clinic at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

Natural Methods to Slow Down Hair Loss [Tips from a Los Angeles Dermatologist]

2009-12-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

While there is no permanent cure for male pattern baldness, there are ways to slow down the hair loss process naturally. Most importantly, even though hair loss is inevitable for many, the rate of hair loss can be greatly influenced by your living, hygiene, and eating habits, with the exception of side effects induced by medication. Genetics, environmental hazards and general health factors also affect hair loss, or alopecia, that occurs with age.

Maintaining a healthy diet with good vitamin rich nutritious food will keep your hair from falling out slower. Increasing the amount of dark green leafy vegetables in the diet will make use of the anti-inflammatory properties of spinach, romaine lettuce, parsley, kale, wheatgrass, and blue-green algae. A diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in cooked starches may help to slow down the process of hair loss. Fruits and vegetables contain flavinoids, potent antioxidants that may protect hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Green tea and soy foods have also been found to inhibit the production of hormones that quicken hair loss. A high protein diet will also help contribute to slower hair loss because you can get all the essential fatty acids, natural oils, and amino acids that will help boost your body's ability to cut down the hair loss. Omega-3 essential fatty acids also prevent dry, brittle hair and improve the texture of tresses. Try to avoid any alcohol (alcohol increases estrogen levels), sugars and cut down on the saturated fats (animal fats from meats). Drinking water helps clear out toxins and impurities from your system that slows down your hair growth, and taking vitamins is a very good way to grow back your hair.

Avoid stress and staying up late, and avoid chemical treatments on your hair. Allergic reactions to chemicals can exacerbate thinning hair. Studies have shown that getting plenty of exercise that increases the heart rate will help reduce the rate of hair loss. Weight training on the other hand is not recommended since it increases the levels of testosterone in the body which can increase hair loss. In addition, it is essential to maintain a good hair care regimen and good hygiene of your scalp.

The loss of 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. If hair loss is excessive, consult a physician to determine the cause of your condition. Improvements in diet, living habits, improved circulation and careful attention to the way hair is cared for can make a big difference. While there may not yet be a cure for baldness, there are ways to slow hair loss and to prevent baldness from some common causes. For more tips and information for healthier hair and treatment programs, please contact Dr Sanusi Umar at DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Losing Hair At An Early Age--Are You Ready for a Hair Transplantation?

2009-12-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

The occurance and beginning of hair loss for men is usually associated with happening at an older age. However, it happens in younger men, too, even for those who are not yet 21 years old. Because hair loss is generally unexpected before age 21, it can be shocking for someone 15 to 20 years old to discover that he is losing hair. The first hair sign likely to occur is thinning in the temporal area of the frontal hairline, and this can result in the appearance of a high forehead. Hair loss before age 21 can be very disturbing for a young man because it is happening at a psychologically and emotionally vulnerable time in his life and can leave him feeling disfigured, less attractive socially, and hindered in the job market.

Because hair transplantation has high public acceptance as a successful method of hair restoration, the young man may consider it his first option for treatment. However, most leading physician hair restoration specialists do not consider hair transplantation a good option for most men under age 21 because the pattern and progression of hair loss has usually not been fully revealed at this early age. Young patients with a significant degree of hair loss are probably going to progress to a severe balding state in the future. Unfortunately there is no way to predict the extent of the future baldness or the rate at which it would occur. Even family history of balding patterns cannot be used as a yardstick with certainty. Therefore, hair transplantation performed this early may be less than desirable later in life when the pattern and progression of hair loss has been more fully revealed. It is difficult to design a surgical procedure that will look natural and appropriate for the rest of the patient’s life. Once hair transplantation is begun, future surgeries are required to maintain a natural appearance. Unfortunate results of hair transplantation performed too early may have to be surgically corrected later. Even with parental guidance, it is difficult for a minor to make realistic adult decisions regarding elective surgery. Additionally, for most individuals at this age, financial stability is an issue also because hair transplants cost a lot of money. For more information regarding this issue, please consult with an experienced certified hair surgeon to determine the best hair restoration treatment plan for your condition. Contact the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit

http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Lupus Erythematosus: Cicatricial alopecia -- Hair Loss that Scars

2009-12-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

Besides Male Patterned Baldness, there are varieties of other dermatologic conditions that can cause hair loss. A typical dermatology clinic would view these conditions as either a result of self referral or often times from other hair transplant surgeons. Many of these conditions are inflammatory in nature. Some of these conditions, if not recognized and treated early, could result in scarring with permanent hair loss. One such condition is known as Lupus Erythematosus (popularly referred to as "Lupus"). Hair loss with scarring (cicatricial alopecia) is often the result of this condition, and if it is left unchecked, it could lead to disfiguring lesions, especially in the scalp and face.

To understand this specific condition of Lupus better, Cicatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, is hair loss that occurs in areas where there is scarring or other tissue damage that destroys the hair follicles. In other words, the term "cicatricial alopecia" refers to a diverse group of rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. Scarring alopecia can be divided into two categories, primary and secondary. In primary scarring alopecia, the hair follicle is the main target of inflammation. In secondary cicatricial alopecias, destruction of the hair follicle is incidental to a non-follicle-directed process or external injury, such as severe infections, burns, radiation, or tumors. The hair follicle is regarded as an “innocent bystander” as it is destroyed in a non-specific manner by skin inflammation. For both the clinician and the pathologist, identifying the particular forms of primary scarring alopecia and making a diagnosis can be rather challenging.

In some cases, hair loss is gradual, without symptoms, and is unnoticed for long periods of time. In other cases, hair loss is associated with severe itching, burning and pain and is rapidly progressive. The inflammation that destroys the follicle is below the skin surface and there is usually no scar seen on the scalp. Affected areas of the scalp may show little signs of inflammation, or have redness, scaling, increased or decreased pigmentation, pustules, or draining sinuses.

Cicatricial alopecia occurs in otherwise healthy men and women of all ages worldwide. A scalp biopsy and clinical evaluation of the scalp are essential for the diagnosis of cicatricial alopecia and are necessary first steps. Findings from the scalp biopsy are necessary to diagnose the type of cicatricial alopecia, and to determine the degree of activity, and to select appropriate therapy.
At the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles, Dr. Sanusi Umar is a board certified dermatologist and hair surgeon with profound experience in conducting scalp biopsies and determining the correct therapy for different cases of hair loss. Visit this link on our website for a detailed account of how a case of cicatricial alopecia resulting from lupus erythematosus was managed successfully. Please call our clinic at (310)318-1500 or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/ for more information.

Reasons for Female Alopecia(Baldness) and How it is Different from Male Hair Loss. Get Treated by Los Angeles Dermatologist

2009-12-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia, or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and front of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause. In female pattern hair loss some excess loss of hair is taken into account, but the gradual thinning of hair is when a dermatologist is called upon. Normal hair shedding is approximately 100-150 hairs per day. In female pattern hair loss, when the affected hair is shed, the root grows one in its place that is shorter. Eventually it becomes invisible "peach fuzz". Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent's side of the family.

Female pattern hair loss may begin as early as puberty, and in these cases if there are signs of hormone imbalance, such as excess facial or body hair, a hormone evaluation should be done. Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills. It may also follow any sudden physical or psychological stress to the body. If lots of hair begins to fall out throughout the scalp, it’s obviously due to a change in the normal hair cycle: either a short anagen phase or an increase in the number of follicles that enter the telogen phase. This is called telogen effluvium or stress alopecia. A shock to the body’s system, which stresses the hair follicles, is often to blame for this change in cyclical hair events.

The difference between male and female balding is seen in the pattern of hair loss. Men lose hair on the temple, the crown, the bald spot in the back, while female pattern balding goes around the whole top of the head and diffuses. Not coincidentally, the hormone and enzyme receptor sites are also different in varying areas of the scalp -- another reason doctors now believe the loss patterns are caused by different precipitating factors. Another important difference is that while balding in men is almost always the result a genetic predisposition coupled with age; in women, it can happen at any time. In addition, underlying medical conditions can also be the cause of hair loss -- even when true androgenic alopecia is the diagnosis.

The most important way to treat hair loss in women is to get the correct diagnosis -- if there is an underlying physical problem it has to be corrected first. A Los Angeles Dermatologist advises women to see a doctor who specializes in female pattern balding and make certain to be checked for possible underlying medical conditions via blood tests, or if needed, a scalp biopsy.

The Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles specializes in treatments for hair loss in women. Dr. Umar is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is qualified to manage female patients with complaints of hair loss. Dr. Umar often receives referral of female patients from other physicians including other hair transplant doctors who are not certified dermatologists. Dr. Umar may require performing some tests to determine the cause of your hair loss and the best treatment options available. Please call the clinic at (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/ for more information.

Male Pattern Baldness--Why it Happens and New Ways to Treat It by Hair Clinic in Los Angeles

2009-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hairloss. Going bald is a fact of life for millions of men, and typically it is identified by a receeding hairline. Adults lose about 10,000 scalp hairs each and every day. Hair normally lives for around five years. With male pattern baldness these hairs do not always get replaced and gradually bald areas appear. There are a number of reasons why men begin to bald, but if you are a man between 20 to 45 years old and you start to lose scalp hair, then the chances are 95 per cent certain that you are experiencing male pattern baldness. As the term suggests, male pattern baldness follows a typical sequence or pattern. Hair loss can start in different areas but is usually at the temples and/or on the crown of the head. Initial thinning of hair progresses over a number of years and may lead to total baldness but more typically loss of hair over the top surface of the head.

Hair grows about an inch every couple of months. Each hair grows for 2 to 6 years, remains at that length for a short period, then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any one time, about 85% of the hair on your head is in the growing phase and 15% is not. Each hair sits in a cavity in the skin called a follicle. Baldness in men occurs when the follicle shrinks over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. The end result is a very small follicle with no hair inside. Ordinarily, hair should grow back. However, in men who are balding, the follicle fails to grow a new hair. Why this occurs is not well understood, but it is related to your genes and male sex hormones. Most men are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. It is the effect of hormones on the hair follicle that produces male pattern baldness. Testosterone, a hormone that is present in high levels in males after puberty, is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT has an adverse affect on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle it slows down hair production and produces weak, shorter hair, sometimes it stops hair growth from the follicle completely. This process gradually depletes your stock of hair and is normal hair loss.

Male pattern baldness is believed to effect nearly 2/3 of all adult males at some point in their lives. Hair loss can occur for a number of reasons and can often be treated successfully. One possible treatment is known as the (Umar Procedure), performed at the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles. With this breakthrough procedure, Dr Umar is able to transplant hair from various parts of the body to the balding areas of the head in his Los Angeles hair clinic. Transfer of hair from the body to the bald area of the scalp is called "Body Hair to Head Transplantation" or "Body Hair Transplantation (BHT)". Dr. Umar also invented the Single Follicular and extraction, and this procedure has become very popular, causing Dr. Umar to receive international recognition and a flood of new clients. The SFET is a knife-free, minimally invasive method of hair restoration where Umar can transfer hair from areas of the body to balding areas of the head.

Dr.Umar, a board certified cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist, is quickly making a name for himself with his innovative way to reintroduce hair to balding areas, and is a pioneer and innovator in the field of hair transplantation. For more information, please call the clinic at (310)318-1500, or visit

http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Undoing the Damage of Bad Hair Transplants: How A Hair Restoration Surgeon Can Fix It in Los Angeles

2009-12-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today hair transplant surgery can achieve results that are so natural they are undetectable, even by a barber or stylist. A significant number of hair restoration surgeries performed at the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles are used to correct the appearance of poorly executed hair transplants, old plug-procedures, scalp reductions and flaps that were performed at other institutions. Although a “bad hair transplant” can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, recent advances can often improve the cosmetic appearance of those who have had even the worst hair restoration procedures.

However, many early hair transplant techniques that used hair “plugs”, large grafts or mini grafts that are not aesthetically acceptable by today’s standards. Many who have had these older hair transplant techniques can now complete or repair their previous hair transplants using today’s very refined hair restoration techniques. After hair transplant repair patients can typically achieve a natural look that they can style in any manner.

With the introduction of today’s state-of-the-art techniques there are now ways of not only restoring hair in a natural way, but also of repairing and redesigning the results of the older techniques. Procedures such as "Single Follicle Extraction & Transfer” (SFET, invented by Dr. Umar in Los Angeles) are able to address the issue of transplanting hair without the consequence of unsightly scarring. Reversing the unnatural appearance of the older plugs and repairing scars is obviously more involved than using the right technique in the first place, but it can be accomplished in most cases with excellent results. Addressing the repair of existing scars requires finesse and careful assessment of the problem area as well as the remaining donor supply. Choosing the correct restorative technique is critical as the wrong strategy can make the situation worse.

A lot of improvements in scientific techniques, medical developments and methods of artistic design have been made since hair transplantation was first introduced. Today’s hair transplant techniques can mimic the way hair grows in nature. The most important advancement is the identification of naturally occurring tiny bundles of hair called “follicular units.” This discovery has been fundamental to the major advances in literally all of the surgical hair restoration procedures used today. Be it hair loss or disfigurements due to outdated hair transplant techniques or accidents, burns, and more, SFET and BHT (body hair transplantation) have opened repair opportunities in a manner unparalleled in the history of hair restoration. Strip scar disfigurement (a scar that runs from ear to ear) which occurs in almost so called state of the art hair transplant surgeries currently offered by the majority of hair transplant practitioners can be treated by our group of techniques. The repair possibilities at the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles performed by Dr. Umar include: completion of hair restoration goals using BHT in those that have run out of scalp donor supply, cobblestoning, pitting, ridging, unseemly plugs, refinement of pluggy or misaligned hair lines, and scars on the scalp resulting from burns, strip hair transplant surgery; scalp reduction/lift can be camouflaged by implantation of hair follicles derived from the head or body.

For more information, please call the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles at (310)318-1500, or visit our website at:

http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Los Angeles Hair Restoration Consultation

2009-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

A study on hair loss has shown that the average time between first noticing hair loss and seeking hair loss treatment is six years. This is understandable since hair loss is normally a gradual process. There is always the denial stage, then the stage where patients hope their hair loss will stop or, better yet, reverse itself and their hair will come back. However, when looking at the history of hairloss within your family and the hair loss patterns of parents and close relatives, the inevitable is difficult to face. As with any condition, the sooner hair restoration treatment is commenced , the better the outcome. Many patients undergoing hair restoration surgery are becoming younger and younger each year. Starting hair loss treatment early is beneficial for the patient for a variety of reasons. Doing something about your hair loss early means less years of concern over watching your hair disappear down the drain. Hair restored through hair transplantation stays in place permanently, and the sooner it is replaced the more years you have to enjoy it and the better the return on your investment.

Therefore, it is best to schedule a consultation with an experienced hair surgeon to determine which treatment and procedure is best for you. The procedures used by Dr. Umar at the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles are called the Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer, or SFET (a form of FUE) and Body Hair Transplant (BHT). They are minimally invasive procedures that are performed under complete patient comfort. The whole process is done under local anesthesia and most patients are awake typically watching a movie of their choice during the procedure. Patients are able to take breaks during the process. Lunch is served in the clinic patio setting with a calming view of the Pacific Ocean. Typically a mild sedative is taken orally at the start of the procedure. Pain is minimal both during and after the process. The procedure is done with the patient lying or sitting on our custom made, highly versatile operating table. Many have been taken a back by the degree of comfort in this operating table. After the procedure, most patients would not require even ordinary over the counter pain killers.

If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Umar and the procedures, please contact the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles. A consultation can be done online via email (free), or through an in-office visit (dermatologist fee of $50). For an in-office appointment, please call the office at (310)318-1500 during working hours for an available appointment. In-office appointments are rather limited; hence effort is made to screen patients by some preliminary questions on the phone. Sometimes a patient information form will be sent to you for completion before an in office appointment is given. For an online consultation, please visit out website at http://www.dermhairclinic.com

The Umar Procedure: Advanced Hair Restoration Using Dr. Umar's Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer Technique

2009-11-30T11:42:00.000-08:00

For the treatment of baldness (hair loss), Dr. Umar uses a group of techniques to perform hair transplantion called Single Follicle Extraction and Transfer (SFET). This is his version of the hair restoration procedure commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). SFET enables Dr. Umar to utilize donor hair outside the confines of widely available traditional methods. Thus hair from the beard and body areas are also used. This is especially useful in severely bald individuals or those whose head donor supply has been decimated by antiquated techniques. Dr. Umar uses body hair to head transplantation also called body hair transplantation (BHT) in combination with beard and head hair to restore a severely bald individual. Dr. Umar uses BHT in patients that have a relative or absolute lack of traditional donor sources (back of the head). For a visual example of this procedure, please watch this video:

DermHair Clinic in Los Angeles offers only the least invasive type of hair transplantation. Our procedure is completely knife -free and utilizes micro surgical techniques to harvest each hair unit one at a time in a process called "Single Follicle Extraction & Transfer” (SFET). SFET is a more advanced form of the procedure largely refered to as "Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)". Dr Umar performs Body Hair Transplantation using a SFET or the Umar procedure. SFET is his version of the procedure commonly referred to as follicular unit extraction ( FUE ). These hair units are then transplanted one at a time in the most natural fashion.

There are several advantages of FUE and Umar’s addition with SFET. With moderately sized procedures, it leaves virtually imperceptible punctuate scars in the donor area once healed. During the post operative period, there are only a few limitations placed upon the patient for the first week or so. Patients rarely report any donor area pain from the excision area. The donor area can be washed as vigorously as necessary to obtain a clean wound. Hair grows out from the donor area fairly quickly so by one week after an FUE procedure most donor wounds will be covered by a short beard-like growth of the hair making the donor excisions nearly undetectable. Our technique is so minimally invasive to the extent that the sign immediately after the surgery is tiny wounds that typically heal up within days. Dr Umar is a fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon, and Certified dually by the American Boards of Dermatology and Internal Medicine. He can be reached at his Los Angeles clinic in Redondo Beach at (310)318-1500, or please visit the Derm Hair Clinic website:

http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Causes and Types of Hair Loss and Ways to Treat It

2009-11-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

Most men experience hair loss as they age and actually many women also experience hair thinning. So why does this happen and is there anything we can do about it?

Baldness is a typical phenomenon that accompanies growing older. In addition, stress is one of the top reasons that affect hair growth in both men and women. Pollution, modified and processed foods also affect how the body functions and causes hair loss. It is recommended to eat healthy, nutritious organic foods. Hormone changes in men and women are the most inevitable factor that affects both genders. The primary cause of male hair loss is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT.) The receptors in the scalp specifically react to that particular hormone, which leads to the hair becoming thinner until it is completely bald. In women, the hormones are responsible as well, but in different stages of life. For example, when women are pregnant it is common that they will experience hairs to fall out. This is a temporary hair loss, because once woman stops breast feeding and her body goes back to “normal” hormone stage, the hair grows back. However, it is not the case when women go through menopause or have hormonal imbalance. In fact, 40% of hair loss in women is true primarily for this reason. Most men experience hair loss as they age, but many women also experience hair thinning as they age.

There are different types of hair loss, such as sudden hair loss. Sudden hair loss is rather different but worth mentioning. Some people can experience a type of alopecia where hair loss is very sudden. This can be due to a toxin (e.g. chemotherapy), mental trauma or other medical disorders. If you have very sudden hair loss in clumps then you should definitely visit a doctor. Another type of hair loss is gradual hair loss, which is hair loss that is gradual over a period of years. This is most common in men due to the presence of testosterone and its by-products. It can also occur in women but usually only causes hair thinning and is complicated by other factors. Male Pattern Baldness is another reason a man goes bald in the "W" shaped pattern. What happens is that the testosterone by-product named "DHT" causes the hair follicles to lose nutrition with time. Year after year, the hairs get thinner and thinner with each new cycle until eventually the follicles cannot produce any more hairs.

There are several causes that trigger hairs to fall out. The good news, there are also many ways to prevent hair loss and even reverse its effects for hair restoration. However, the best technique to efficiently treat this illness is with medical hair restoration, such as Body Hair Transplantation, which is a procedure that has become increasingly popular. With his breakthrough procedure in BHT, (Umar Procedure), Dr Umar is able to transplant hair from various parts of the body to the balding areas of the head.

For more information on this procedure and the surgeon, please call the Derm Hair Clinic a call at (310)318-1500, or visit our website at http://www.dermhairclinic.com

Popularity of Hair Restoration on the Rise, but which Products and Procedures Really Work?

2009-11-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery hair restoration is currently one of the leading cosmetic surgical procedures for men. The popularity of hair restoration has grown significantly with many celebrities opting for the procedure as the grafts became smaller, resulting in a perfectly natural look. Men who are trying to counter the effects of baldness, or to stem their receding hairlines most commonly need a hair transplant procedure.

There are different reasons for human baldness. Baldness in men is commonly linked with age. For about 25% of men, baldness begins to exhibit by the time males reach the age of 30, two-thirds of men will only experience such hair loss by the age of 60. Genetics are also a leading cause for balding. Androgenetic alopecia or common male pattern baldness (MPB) accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. By the age of thirty-five two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss and by the age of 50 approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. Approximately twenty five percent of men who suffer with male pattern baldness begin the painful process before they reach the age of twenty-one.

Contrary to societal belief most men who suffer from male pattern baldness are extremely unhappy with their situation and would do anything to change it. Hair loss affects every aspect of the hair loss suffers life. It affects interpersonal relationships as well as the professional lives of those suffering. It is not uncommon for men to change their career paths because of their hair loss.

Therefore, while not strictly a health concern, hair treatments have grown in popularity. Males who experience hair loss find that having their hair helps boost their confidence and their self-esteem, by giving them a more youthful and energized appearance. These treatments will vary, depending on the cause and case.

Among the popular treatment methods are the application of topical solutions laser therapy and hair transplant. Hair restoration specialists will have to consider the cause of baldness, the client’s hair type and health concerns to determine the most appropriate course of action. At FineTouch Dermatology, we strongly recommend for you to do a thorough research of surgeons and to avoid using commercialized hair growth products. There are hundreds of products and services being sold to the vulnerable hair loss consumer, but currently there are only two FDA approved products that have been clinically proven to stop or prevent hair loss and only a handful of surgeons performing surgical hair restoration to state of the art standards.

Therefore, contact our clinic at (310) 318-1500 to schedule an appointment and to be serviced by a board certified surgeon in hair restoration. Dr. Sanusi Umar is a pioneer and innovator in the field of hair transplantation. A fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Umar is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Please visit our website for more information regarding the surgeon, his practice, and the procedure:

http://www.dermhairclinic.com

About DERM HAIR CLINIC and Our Unique Hair Restoration Procedure

2009-11-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

At DermHair Clinic, all effort is geared towards restoring the confidence that has been ravaged by the effect of baldness or botched hair. Restoration surgeries are done one hair follicle at a time in the least invasive and most natural way possible. Dr. Umar achieves this by utilizing the latest and most microsurgical techniques in hair restoration. These methods continue to be advanced by Dr. Umar.

Our procedure is completely knife -free and utilizes micro surgical techniques to harvest each hair unit one at a time in a process called "Single Follicle Extraction & Transfer (SFET)". Dr. Sanusi Umar invented this unique procedure in order to enable the transfer of body and beard hair in the treatment of hair restoration. SFET is a more advanced form of the procedure largely referred to as "Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)". These hair units are then transplanted one at a time in the most natural fashion. Our technique is so minimally invasive to the extent that the signs of surgery are tiny wounds that typically heal up immediately within a few days. In addition, the treatment requires no knives, strip surgery or stitches, and therefore scarring and downtime are minimized. Best of all, because the procedure allows for the use of body hair, the number of transplantable hair is greatly increased. The newly transplanted hair follicles grow in a natural pattern from the first treatment. This state-of-the-art treatment results in rapid healing rates and better overall yield and growth of transplanted hair follicles on the scalp. Typically, patients’ returns to a normal life immediately and many have no need to cover their head with a hat ever again.

With his advanced training, love of research and interest in a natural process for hair restoration, Dr. Umar followed his passion: the art and science of hair transplantation. Having personally experienced the devastating consequences of a botched hair transplant surgery himself, Dr. Umar set out to find a solution by first comparing different procedures for hair restoration in the United States and abroad.

Dr. Sanusi Umar is a pioneer and innovator in the field of hair transplantation. A fellowship trained cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Umar is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Before becoming a dermatologist, Dr. Umar was board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. After an intensive 3-year residency program in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Umar received certification by the American Board of Dermatology; the governing board for hair medicine. Following his passion for discovering new and innovative ways to bring minimally invasive methods to health and healing, Dr. Umar completed a 14 month certified fellowship training in Cosmetic Surgery Under the aegis of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS).

Dr. Umar is well published in respected Journals of Dermatology and General Medicine and presents at national and international conferences. For more information and listings of articles written by Dr. Umar, please visit our website at http://www.dermhairclinic.com or give us a call at 310-318-1500