DiStefano Hair Restoration Center Blog

What Is Male Pattern Baldness and Why Does It Happen?

The majority of men dealing with hair loss are experiencing male pattern baldness. By age 35, two out of three men have lost some hair, or have noticed that it is at least thinning. This means that it is helpful to know what this condition is, and what causes it, as it may already be affecting you.

What Is Male Pattern Baldness?

As you might guess from the name of this condition, male pattern baldness tends to follow a pattern, as the hair loss is usually in the same area for years. For example, many men notice hair loss on the crown of their head, though they may start to lose hair from their temples and forehead area, too.  The medical term for male pattern baldness is androgenetic alopecia, and you should note that if you lose hair in patches, notice any redness, or feel in pain as you lose hair, you are probably experiencing something other than male pattern baldness. It is important to make this distinction since the treatment is often different depending on the cause.

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?

The typical cause of this condition is a buildup of dihydrotestosterone. When your body deposits too much of this chemical around each hair follicle, the hair becomes thin and stops growing. In most cases, this condition is genetic, meaning that you will likely eventually deal with male pattern baldness if most of your relatives are balding.

In some cases, you may start balding due to medication, stress, or certain diseases. However, this is rarely male pattern baldness. You should get the issue checked out thoroughly before making a decision to pursue treatment, such as a hair transplant, as there may be a more ideal solution if you are not in fact dealing with male pattern baldness.

Fortunately, Dr. DiStefano has some options for you if you are indeed suffering from male pattern baldness. If you suspect that your hair loss is due to this issue, contact us to get a free consultation. 

DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

Individual Graft Technique (IGT) Now Being Performed with Safe Scribe System

There are things we don’t like when we look in the mirror and unfortunately, hair loss is often one of them. Before Individual Graft Technique, or IGT, with Safe Scribe procedures, alternatives to thinning hair were limited; some methods also provided undue risk to the patient. However, as technologies have grown, so have hair restoration alternati ves. With the new IGT using the Safe Scribe system, hair restoration is simpler, less painful, and has a much higher rate of satisfaction. As with any procedure, it is important to choose an experienced clinician who is highly qualified in IGT with Safe Scribe protocols and safety.

Individual Graft Technique with Safe Scribe procedures are different from older hair restoration procedures in that IGT is minimally invasive, relatively pain-free and non-surgical. IGT uses unwanted hairs from other parts of your body, as well as the back of the head, so that areas where hair is missing can be carefully filled in.  The Safe Scribe tool allows for complete and careful extraction of the entire hair follicle for transfer to the desired area. As long as the bulb, dermal papillae, capsule and outer root sheath of the hair remains intact, transfer can be wildly successful and result in an exceptional, natural look.  

Unlike older technologies that utilized machines or other less precise tools, Safe Scribe is operated by an experienced clinician. Safe Scribe also eliminates unsightly scarring sometimes left by older techniques. For example, unlike the FUT procedure, Safe Scribe does not leave a linear scar. In addition, there are virtually no limitations as to who may utilize the procedure.   Because Safe Scribe is a clinician-operated tool, you reap the benefits of personal attention to detail during your procedure. Dr. DiStefano is highly experienced and prepared to offer you a unique, personalized procedure best suited to your needs and desires. If you are interested in learning more about IGT with Safe Scribe procedures for hair restoration, contact the experienced professionals at Dr. DiStefano’s Hair Restoration for a consultation.

DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

What to Know About Post-Hair Restoration Care

Once you’ve made the decision to sign up for a hair restoration procedure, you’ll most likely be very excited to get the ball rolling. Regaining your youthful, full hair can be liberating and not only help you feel better about your appearance, but boost your self-esteem all around as well. However, you’re probably wondering what to expect after the hair restoration. Of course you plan to have a younger looking hairline, but what about care or post treatment appointments? Every patient’s post-surgery care will be different and tailored specifically for their needs; however there are a few things you can expect in most situations.

Healing – Hair restoration is very minimally invasive, but you can still expect to see some very small punctures or wounds on your scalp after your procedure. These will most likely clear up within just a few days and soon they won’t even be noticeable up close. Ask your clinician or doctor before wearing a hat or hair piece as your scalp heals and your newly transplanted hair begins to grow. Some doctors will prescribe or recommend you use a specific shampoo as well.

Appointments – Depending on what procedure you underwent, whether an individual graft technique, follicular unit transplantation or other, your clinician will let you know when you need to come back for a post-treatment check-up. In these check-ups the doctor will ensure everything is growing as expected and that you’re happy with the results.

Activity – You’ll most likely be able to jump right back into your normal routine after a hair restoration. For the first few days you may not want to participate in any extreme activities which involve turning your neck a lot or tension.

Before you sign up for a hair restoration, be sure you find a doctor who will answer all your questions before during and after the procedure. Dr. DiStefano takes pride in assuring all his patients have every question answered so you can see the best results possible after your hair restoration procedure.

DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

Hair Restoration Procedure: Micro-Needling

If you have ever looked into a hair restoration procedure to combat thinning hair then you may have come across the word “micro-needling”. Although the term sounds rather ominous, it is actually a popular procedure used across a variety of health industries to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, acne scars, surgical scars, cellulite and more. Specifically for the hair restoration industry, micro-needling is used to smooth the appearance of scars which may appear after a restoration surgery or hair transplant procedure.

The tool used for micro-needling is a small, hand-held roller which is fitted with hundreds of very small surgical needles. This tool is gently run across the scarred area of a patient’s scalp. There are different sizes of needles which can be used for this procedure, but most patients report it is only mildly uncomfortable. The needles do pierce the skin but not so deep that blood is drawn. A topical anesthetic can be used to reduce pain. The most important thing that can be done to ensure your safety during this procedure is to only work with a qualified and trained professional who uses high-quality instruments.

Blood vessels and the dermis layer of the scalp will be carefully pierced throughout the micro-needling process which will cause collagen and elastin to be produced more readily and rapidly. Collagen and elastin are proteins in the body which repair and restore skin as well as reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes and even wrinkles.

Although the results of the micro-needling procedure vary between patients, most people agree that the appearances of scars are diminished after the process. Dr. DiStefano offers micro-needling for patients with minor or extensive scarring after a hair transplant procedure to help patients look their best in the quickest amount of time. 

DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

Things to Know About Hair Transplant Anesthesia

The amazing results of a hair restoration procedure can be appealing to men and women suffering from excessively thinning hair or baldness. Many clients who undergo a hair transplant reach their full hair density within 6 to 12 months, and they love the extra boost of confidence they get in their appearance. However, the procedure can seem intimidating if you aren’t sure of what to expect. One of the most frequently asked questions by people considering hair restoration is how much the procedure will hurt and if an anesthesia is used.

Anesthesia is used for many hair transplants procedures including follicular unit transplantation, total crown renewal and more. Some clinicians and professional doctors will give you something to help you relax throughout the restoration, which can sometimes last up to seven hours. Other clinicians let you remain alert and awake throughout the entire procedure. A local anesthesia will be used on your scalp to help numb the donor and recipient area. Because of the anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. There will be mild discomfort after the procedure and during the healing process but this can usually be overcome with a regular over-the-counter pain killer.

Because hair restoration isn’t very invasive, only a mild anesthesia must be used, which makes it very safe. The most important thing you can do to ensure your procedure is safe and successful is by only working with trained, qualified and highly educated professionals. Dr. DiStefano and his surgery team have over 60 years of combined experience and he has completed over 5,000 hair transplant procedures. With this kind of experience, you will be able to sit back and relax during your hair restoration procedure, trusting full well you are in good hands.

DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

What you need to Know about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Blood is made up of different elements which work together to help the human body be healthy. One component of blood, Platelet Rich Plasma, has the duty of encouraging faster healing. Professionals in the hair restoration field, like Dr. DiStefano, have discovered that PRP can help promote the growth of hair as well as promote tissue regeneration. Because of these positive benefits, Platelet Rich Plasma is used during hair restoration procedures to activate hair growth and improve skin and hair health. Hair follicles require oxygen to grow and survive therefore the introduction of Platelet Rich Plasma, which is rich in these elements, during a hair restoration procedure can help patients achieve the hair growth goals they want.

The process of adding PRP during a hair restoration procedure can be performed by an experienced clinician. The clinician will take a sample of blood from the patient and separate this sample to create blood that has a much higher concentration of PRP. This modified blood is still completely natural and will then be injected in the areas where the hair restoration procedure is targeted.

Patients can rest assured that the Platelet Rich Plasma procedures are non-invasive. When performed by an educated and professional clinician, this process can help with healing and the success of a hair restoration procedure as well as promote growth, lessen scarring and countless other benefits. Some patients who underwent a hair loss restoration procedure which utilized PRP reported that their hair felt thicker and fuller after the procedure than they expected.

Dr. DiStefano offers Platelet Rich Plasma services along with his hair restoration procedures. Patients who are considering this treatment should ensure they take time to talk to their doctor or clinician to ask all the questions they have about the process so they will feel comfortable every step of the way.

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 DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

What Laser Comb can do for You

The Laser Comb is one of the latest technological innovations in hair restoration technology. With so many products claiming to promote hair growth, people suffering from thinning hair can take comfort in knowing the Laser Comb is clinically tested. The comb is approved for men’s use by the FDA and is expecting approval for women’s use shortly. It is also recommended by high level professionals in the field including Dr. DiStefano. Dr. DiStefano actually worked with manufacturers of the hand-held Laser Hair Brush and Clinical Laser to ensure the product has been made to the highest level of standards for patients.

 

The laser in the Laser Comb is a non-wound laser which uses light and phototherapy to promote and encourage the growth of hair. The lasers are meant to improve the blood circulation to the scalp which speeds up the natural process of the shedding of old hairs to be replaced by newer, younger and stronger strands.

Laser Comb is ideal for men and women of all ages who have thinning hair. Additionally, the Laser Comb will work for patients who have undergone a hair loss restoration procedure and have their ideal hair line and natural hair coverage. The flexibility and affordability of the Laser Comb makes it a great purchase for people looking to stimulate the growth of their hair. Studies have indicated people who regularly use the Laser Comb may see on average 20% new hair growth within as little as 3 months. There are a range of Laser Comb products on the market but each is typically suggested to be used 3 times per week for 10-15 minute treatments. The LaserComb Premium with 9 laser lights is available for patients who wish to complete their treatments at home. Alternatively, patients can opt for a high strength procedure which features more lasers offered at Dr. DiStefano’s office in Worcester, Massachusetts.

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 DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

What you need to know about Hair Transplants

A hair transplant procedure is a great choice for many men and women who are suffering from thinning hair or a receding hair line. A hair transplant offers these people the opportunity to reclaim a youthful appearance while feeling more confident in their every day appearance. A hair transplant can sound intimidating if you don’t have the facts about the procedure upfront, so here are some things you should know if you are considering a hair transplant procedure.

Time

From the time it takes to do a hair transplant procedure until you see results will differ for patient to  patient. Most people who are interested in a hair transplant procedure will first set up a consultation with a clinician to determine the best plan of action for the most anticipated results. We would then book the hair transplant procedure, which will take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours to complete.  During this time the initial transplantation of hair will be made. Most  patients are satisfied with the results after one procedure, but many others will return for a second or third  in order to achieve the density they desire. The transplanted hair will begin to grow and may be able to be seen by the naked eye after about 3 months. After only 6 months 40%-60% of the hair will grow out, and may at this time reach a length of about 1 inch.

Cost

The cost of a hair transplant procedure  is one of the most commonly asked questions by men and women who are  interested in the procedure. Costs are typically determined by the number of grafts which must be transplanted. In turn, this means each patient will have widely differing overall costs. However, clinicians like Dr. DiStefano offer financing options to make the costs more manageable for patients.

Results

When a hair transplant procedure is expertly completed by an experienced and professional clinician, patients are very pleased with the results. Most clinicians, like Dr. DiStefano, will also have ample advice for post-procedure care to ensure your new hairs are well cared for and grow strong and healthy. He will be there to offer any advice and answer all questions your may have after your procedure has been completed. Something to keep in mind is that a  hair transplant procedure is one of the most proven and successful choices when it comes to regaining a natural, healthy head of hair.

DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

How your Lifestyle Changes After a Hair Transplant

Hair transplants are growing in popularity for men and women who suffer from early hair loss, thinning hair or balding. With the latest technological innovations and scientific research, hair transplant clinicians are able to provide customized procedures to help a wide range of patients have the naturally full head of hair they want. People who choose to sign up for a hair transplant procedure often have varying motivations, however the lifestyle changes after the procedure are often very positive.

Here are some changes a patient can expect after the procedure when their hair has grown back in to the fullness they desire:

Confidence – Although beauty is equally on the inside as it is on the outside, having a hair transplant helps many patients feel more confident about their appearance. Men and women no longer have to feel self-conscious about their thinning hair while surrounded by younger people or in a professional work environment. People who work industries such as sales, feel much more confident approaching customers or giving presentations to their co-workers and management after their hair transplants.

Youth – Many patients report looking much younger than their actual age after a hair transplant. Men and women who suffer from early hair loss often feel like they look much older than they are and this might hold them back in social and athletic situations. Hair transplants help men and women look the age they feel so they can live life to the fullest.

Flexibility – Women who suffer from thinning hair are often unable to style their hair in multiple ways and miss the days when they could wear their hair up or down for different events. Men who suffer from hair loss might find themselves wearing hats more often than they normally would and give up trying to have a different hair style as well. A hair transplant gives the patients the flexibility to wear their hair in different styles and have more fun with their personal look and appearance.

If you are ready to see how a hair transplant will change your life for the better, contact Dr. DiStefano for information on different procedures and browse through the before and after gallery to see successful hair transplants from past patients.

 DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.

What to Know about the Low Level Laser Technology

Low Level Laser Technology (LLLT) is a treatment which can help men and women who suffer from hair loss. LLLT for men was approved by the FDA in 2007 and the approval of use for women is expected soon. This technology has been used in Europe and the Middle East for decades and the laser technology has been used in the United States for pain relief for many years as well. It is a new development for the hair loss field which many professionals are excited to offer their patients.

The Process

The idea of using lasers to stimulate hair growth can sound painful, but LLLT is “wound-less”. These lasers do not cut or damage the skin, but administer phototherapy from light rays to the scalp. Patients sit comfortably under the lasers focused on their scalp throughout the treatment. Most patients feel nothing while others report a tingling feeling. If you decide to try LLLT, your clinician will determine the best length of time to stay under the lasers and how many times you need to visit the clinic each week to see the results you want. Some clinical studies have indicated 85% of patients using LLLT noticed they were no longer losing hair after the treatment. Additionally, 55% said they noticed their hair growing in thicker and more quickly.

How LLLT Works

LLLT works differently for all patients but the idea is that the laser light is absorbed by the skin on the patient’s scalp and gives the cells a performance boost. By repairing and helping the cells on the scalp, LLLT is able to promote hair growth and ensure cells are healthy to help slow or end hair loss.

Products

There are a few different product options for LLLT. The Laser Cap features 224 individual lasers inside of a cap which allow you to treat your hair while you are cleaning the house, exercising outside, commuting to work or anywhere else convenient for your lifestyle. The rechargeable battery clips right onto your pants making the Laser Cap a convenient LLLT option. Additionally, there is the 9 beam laser comb which is used similar to a traditional comb but for 10-15 minute treatments throughout the week. Lastly, Dr. DiStefano’s office has a hooded laser for an in-clinic treatment.

Dr. DiStefano and LLLT

Dr. DiStefano offers LLLT treatments in his hair restoration centers and can help patients find an at-home LLLT tool which will work for their lifestyle and hair regrowth goals. Dr. DiStefano actually worked with the manufacturers of the Laser Hair Brush and Clinical Laser, so you will know you are in experienced hands if you choose LLLT at DiStefano Hair Restoration Center.

 

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 DiStefano Hair Restoration Center is committed to helping men and women take charge of their appearance and self-esteem through hair restoration options. For more than 16 years, DiStefano has been at the forefront of the hair transplantation industry, and has performed more than 5,000 successful hair transplant procedures.