If you are interested in learning more about the hair loss treatment options available in Rhode Island and Massachusetts at Leonard Hair Transplant Associates, contact us today for an appointment so we can provide you with a hair restoration program that is tailored to your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions -- Answered by Dr. Leonard himself

Why does one lose one's hair?

By far, in fact 98 percent of the time, hair loss is caused by genetics. It is the most common cause of hair loss. There are two known causes of this hair loss condition: DHT and decreased blood flow. The hormone in our systems called di-hydrotestosterone (DHT) is the major cause of male or female pattern hair loss. DHT is the breakdown product of the male hormone testosterone. It is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is important when we discuss medical treatments in the Propecia section.

In genetically predisposed individuals, the presence of DHT will trigger the hair growth cycle to become shortened. Over time, these hair follicles will miniaturize (become shorter, skinnier and less pigmented). As the population of these miniaturized hairs increases, you become balder.

After 50 percent of your hair is ALREADY down the drain is when you BEGIN to notice your hair thinning!

A second cause of scalp hair loss is decreased blood flow to the thinning or bald areas. There are Dopper blood flow studies that show less blood circulation to balding areas compared to other areas of the scalp. . Please see the Low Level Laser Light Therapy section for more details.

Is hair loss caused by genetics?

As stated above, male or female pattern baldness is a genetic condition which affects greater than 80 million men and women in the United States.

Whether or not you will lose your hair and when is determined before you are born.

Can wearing a hat or helmet cause hair loss?

How often you wash your hair or with what type of shampoo; whether or not you have ever worn a helmet or hat; how you brush and comb your hair or rub your head have absolutely no affect on hair loss. In addition, clogged pores on the scalp are not a cause of male or female pattern hair baldness.

What is the average number of hairs lost per day?

On average a person loses approximately 100 to 150 hairs every day. Most of this hair regrows because the follicle remain healthy and intact. To put this in perspective, a typical adult head of hair consists of about 150,000 hair follicles.

What are the treatments for androgenetic alopecia?

The only medically proven treatments for male pattern baldness are Propecia (finasteride), Low Level Laser Light Therapy, Rogaine (minoxidil), as well as hair restoration surgery.

What is hair transplantation?

Hair transplantation is a minor surgery of the skin in which grafts, containing usually one to three hairs are removed from the horseshoe-shaped donor area around the back and sides of the head and are surgically placed in areas where baldness or thinning occurs.

Why doesn't the hair which is transplanted fall out?

The transplanted hairs have been taken from the area of the scalp around the back and sides of the head where the hair is genetically programmed never to fall out. Hair transplantation is the permanent solution to hair loss.

Is a hair transplant painful?

A mild anesthetic assures that the surgery is virtually pain free. For the first couple of post-operative days, most patients find that they only need to take Extra-Strength Tylenol if minor discomfort occurs.

What is a good age for a hair transplant?

Our patients range from the early twenties to the early nineties. Only an honest and realistic evaluation can help you decide when a transplant is appropriate for you.

Is one awake during hair transplantation surgery?

The patient is completely awake and alert during surgery. The surgery involves the use of only a mild, local anesthetic, which allows the patient to watch television or to read during the procedure. If a patient wants a mild sedative, it can be arranged.

How long is the procedure?

A typical surgery takes approximately 3-5 hours depending on the size of the session.

Are the hairs long immediately after the transplant?

No. Typically the hairs are only a few millimeters in length immediately following surgery. Once transplanted, the hairs may appear to be growing, but in reality they are being thrust out. Within 3 - 4 weeks, nearly all of the newly transplanted hairs will be shed. Approximately three months following the initial shedding of hairs, new hair growth begins. Dr. Leonard offers to all his transplant patients two weeks of complimentary laser therapy, which can greatly decrease this waiting period. Graftctye assists in this way, too.

How long does it take for the hair to start to grow?

You can expect to see normal hair growth in about 4 months following your hair transplantation. On occasion, hair growth may be slower due to individual variation or multiple surgeries. Hair growth will occur then at a normal rate of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month.

Does insurance cover a hair transplant surgery?

Unless your hair loss was caused by an accident or a disease, health plans do not pay for transplantation surgery. However, if you are employed in certain occupational categories, such as acting or modeling, in which you can demonstrate that the procedure was important in enabling you to earn your livelihood, you could possibly claim the surgeon's fees as an income tax deduction. You should ask your personal accountant to research this issue for you.

Do women lose their hair for the same reason as men?

In most instances, the answer is yes.

Can I perm, color or dye my new hair?

Absolutely! Transplanted hair grows at the same rate (about 1/4 - 1/2 inch per month) as do the rest of the hair on your head. It can be permed, colored, cut, curled and styled because it is your own growing hair.

When can I resume my normal exercise program after my transplant?

You typically can resume virtually all exercise programs after approximately three days. You should delay weight training until your donor stitches are removed.

When is the best time to have my transplant?

The sooner you begin, the sooner growth will occur. If you are able to stop further progression of your hair loss with medical therapy (especially with Propecia and Low Level Laser Light Therapy), then you can consider surgery. It can, however, be too soon to start hair restoration surgery. Only an evaluation by Dr. Leonard can determine this with you. The time of year or season has no effect on your decision when to start.

Do you give me general anesthesia for my transplant?

No! This procedure is one where local anesthesia is used. If a person wants a little more sedation, it can be available. General anesthesia, though, is unecessary and potentially dangerous.

Can I wear my hairpiece after surgery?

Yes, but not for the first three days. Thereafter, I want it to be worn as little as possible for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it can delay healing and regrowth. Secondly, psychologically, it is far easier to wear it as little as possible to make it more comfortable to stop wearing it. Just think how much easier your daily life will be with YOUR OWN growing hair!

Can you use someone else's hair to transplant?

No. We are not able to do this because "foreign tissue" will be rejected. Someday, in the distant future, we may be able to clone one's own hair.

Do you do "plug" transplants?

No! The plug technique was the state-of-the-art from the 1950's through the 1980's. Today's grafts are tiny -- consisting of only 1 to 4 hairs.

Is financing available for hair restoration surgery?

Yes. Surgical fees can be paid with cash, personal check, credit card, or individual financing.