www.womanthismonth.com 59 December 2013 Many of us are constantly worried about losing our hair. Is it falling out too much? Is it normal? Dr Ramesh P, plastic surgeon at Royal Bahrain Hospital, answers a few of your questions. FASHION Ask the Doctor Dr Raish P advice Q: What is the normal amount of hair loss per day? A: For most adults, 75 to 125 strands is a normal number, which is natural so as to allow new healthier hair to grow in place of the old. Q: What causes scalp hair loss? A: There are many causes for hair loss in both men and women. In the majority of men, it’s due to the hereditary ‘male balding pattern’ gene, which is a result of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The same goes for women, where the cause is usually hereditary. However the cause for female pattern hair loss is still being researched. Q: Are there any modifiable factors other than genes that could cause hair loss? A: Yes. For women there are a number of factors that could cause hair loss, which are reversible with treatment. This includes thyroid disease, iron deficiency, high fever, surgery or general anaesthesia, crash diets, childbirth and certain medications. Sometimes, even stress could be a cause, as it accelerates the genetic factor for hair loss. Q: Is there a treatment for hair loss? A: Thanks to modern medicine, there is. The first option is hair restoration surgery, which offers a permanent, living solution to the scalp. The second option is medication in the form of a pill (finasteride) and a topical liquid (minoxidil). They require life-long treatment to maintain their effect, and are effective in only two percent of females. The third option is cosmetic enhances, such as coloured creams, sprays and powders that, when applied to the thinning scalp, help to camouflage thinning areas, as long as there is still some hair present in the area. They do not treat the hair loss process. Q: What does hair surgery involve? A: Hair transplant will restore lost hair and replace or reshape the hairline with your own natural, growing hair, which needs no more care than the ordinary washing, styling and trimming you have always done. We remove permanent hair-bearing skin from the back or sides of the scalp, making that the donor area. We will extract the individual hair follicles or divide them into small skin grafts, and they will then be implanted into the bald or thinning area of the scalp at the same exact angles as the hair present. Q: Wouldn’t hair surgery leave a scar or obvious bruising? A: Surgeons nowadays are much more skilled than past years thanks to the advancement of techniques. Firstly, the hair line will be made to look very natural, not abrupt, thus making it more realistic. Secondly, as for any scarring, there is practically none as it becomes hidden by the hair. The healing time starts from 24 hours after the surgery when crusts form on the graft area and then are shed within four to 14 days. The hair will grow out in 10 to 16 weeks. Q: Isn’t hair surgery only for men with baldness problems? A: This treatment is not limited to any gender. Many people can benefit from this. Aside from men and women with pattern baldness or hair loss, it is recommended for those who have scarring skin diseases, experience hair loss due to medical reasons, and want to thicken or restore their eyebrows, eyelashes and beards. Q: How do I know if hair surgery is right for me? A: Consulting with a plastic surgeon with experience in this treatment is the best option. The doctor will be able to assess the hair loss area and the possible donor area, as well as tell you if you need surgery or if you just need medicinal treatment or lifestyle changes. Call 17 246-800.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==