Hair Loss

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Androgenetic alopecia is a type of hair loss that most males develop during some stage of their lives.  Some males have an excellent mop of hair at 75 while others loose their hair as early as 18!  The age of onset of hair loss and the degree of loss is determined genetically.


What is available for male pattern hair loss?


1.  Regaine topical solution

This medication is applied twice a day for as long as one requires the hair to grow.

2.   Propecia

This is a tablet taken at a dose of 1mg (1 tablet) per day.  The success rate is higher than with Regaine solution.  Again, the tablet needs to be taken as long as one wants the hair to grow.  While some patients have a visible growth of hair, most will at least keep what they've got

3.  Hair transplantation

This procedure is regarded as the ultimate in hair replacement.  


How is hair transplantation performed.


A drip is put up and intravenous sedation is given.

The back of the scalp is injected with an anaesthetic.

A strip of skin is removed from this area on the back of the scalp

The strip is divided into numerous individual hairs (typically about 1500)

Next, a local anaesthetic is given into the site of scalp where the hairs are to be transplanted.

An instrument is used to make a number of tiny incisions to received the donor hairs

Each hair is then transplanted into the individual incisions.

The donor site is stitched with a continuous stitch which is removed within 10-12 days.

No stitches are put at the sites of transplantation.


How long does the procedure take?


About 4-5 hours

When can one return to work?

Usually within a week, with a cap on.

What are the complications?

Hair transplantation is usually a safe procedure with little complications.  However, the following are possible:

Pain following the procedure - this decreases with time

Swelling - maximal between the 2nd and 5th day.

Bruising - usually settles within a week.

Infection - this is rare but can be easily controlled with an antibiotic.


For more information


Come in for a consultation to decide whether you would be an ideal candidate for this procedure.  An evaluation will be made and an appropriate referral arranged.