Dr Leonards blog

A few weeks ago I attended the 16th annual scientific meeting of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). The ISHRS is the most important organization in the field of hair restoration, and I’ve attended all of its meetings since the first in Dallas in 1993. At that first meeting, I was the Exhibit’s Chairman as well as the Founding Secretary of the society. Two years later I was elected President of the ISHRS. At this past meeting, I served as a member of the Board of Governors. There were about 600 attendees from more than 35 countries throughout the world, and a wide range of subjects that affect the hair restoration field were discussed. This included everything from modern surgical techniques, low level laser therapy, and hair transplantation in women to psychiatric disorders, hair care treatments, and difficult hair restoration cases. One of the most interesting lectures I attended was on the influence of hair care techniques on the development

From the drug store to the late night infomercials, consumers are inundated with an endless supply of “breakthrough” and “revolutionary” products promising to bring back their hair—or to help keep it for those concerned about losing their hair. Whether natural or pharmaceutical based, these products offer little more than false hope to distraught men and women. The unfortunate reality is that hair loss is a genetic condition (thank the genes for 98% of it), for which virtually no NATURAL treatment is available. So it’s important for people to know there are only three treatments scientifically proven to treat androgenetic alopecia: Propecia (finasteride), Rogaine (minoxidil) and LLLLT (low level laser light therapy). What I prescribe in my practice depends on the individual’s needs. I would like to add, as well, that so many products contain Saw Palmetto, a so-called “DHT Blocker” by the infomercial people. Make no mistake about it, Saw Palmetto does, indeed, bl

Since Senator Barack Obama announced his running mate, Senator Joe Biden, hair restoration surgery has been propelled to the forefront of American news. Biden infamously underwent hair “plug” surgery and was seen during the early stages of it on national television during the Anita Hill senate hearings. He is being scrutinized about his hair now that he is back in the spotlight. I’ve observed the change in Biden’s hairline for years. During the 80s, his dark hair emphasized his large plugs, but now, with the whitening of his hair in combination with subsequent modern hair transplantation treatments, he has a slightly more natural look. However, the procedures he’s undergone are still evident to the naked eye. After watching Biden speak at the Democratic National Convention last Wednesday night, I thought about how far we have come since the old transplant results. I hope, though, as I did back during the Anita Hill hearings many years ago, that the gener