Bernstein Medical Blog

This page contains all posts in our News, Answers, Video, and Research sections.

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Will Intermittent Use of Rogaine Stop My Hair Loss?

August 10th, 2008

Q: Medical information suggests that Rogaine works for about 50% of the men who try it. Does Rogaine actually worsen hair loss in some men? The Rogaine website states that during the first three weeks of use Rogaine causes increased shedding. If true, would intermittent use of Rogaine make hair loss worse even in men for whom Rogaine would work if applied daily as directed? — V.C. Greenpoint, Brooklyn

A: Rogaine, the brand name for the drug Minoxidil, does not worsen hair loss, but can cause initial shedding (which actually shows that the drug is working).

The medication should be used on a continuous basis for the long-haul. Intermittent use of the drug, or pulsing, makes no medical sense.

Laminin-511 Stimulates Dermal Papilla for New Hair Growth

August 8th, 2008

Through this study, it was shown that the signaling pathways introduced by the administration of noggin and sonic hedgehog alone were insufficient to develop a hair follicle. When Laminin-511 protein was introduced to the tissue culture, the dermal papilla developed. When the protein was inhibited, hair follicle growth again ceased. This information supports prior studies suggesting that Laminin is critical in the early stages of follicle cell development and is required for continued follicle development and growth.

Which Laser Comb Works Best to Regrow Hair?

July 28th, 2008

Q: I have been trying to find some evaluation of which laser combs work best for “hair restoration”. I have seen some dermatologists speak about the Hair Max laser comb and its effectiveness (considering patient compliance, the amount of time the patient has been losing hair, the amount of total hair loss at time of treatment, etc.). I have also seen reference to the Sunetic laser comb which claims to have a superior technology to the Hair Max and offers a changeable head to allow treatment of the skin for healing, wrinkles, etc. A company in Michigan also offers a laser comb called the Hair Rejuvenator which it claims is superior to either of the other combs but I have not heard of any dermatologist who recommends this comb. A firm in Australia also offers a laser comb (Aculas) which it claims is the most effective; however, the makers of the Hair Rejuvenator comb say it is too powerful and dangerous and could cause blindness. Amidst all these claims, the consumer (patient) is left wondering which best option is and which is merely hype or fraud. What do you suggest?

Hair Transplant Using Shedded Hair?

July 14th, 2008

Q: Can a hair transplant be done using the hair which has fallen out? — G.O., Gramercy, N.Y.

A: A hair transplant is really a misnomer, since it is the follicle (or root) that is transplanted not the hair itself – although the transplanted follicle usually contains a hair.

Hair, like fingernails, are dead and cannot grow once detached from the root.

After a Hair Transplant, Should I Use Propecia or Rogaine or Both?

July 8th, 2008

Q: I recently had a hair transplant about a month ago. Currently I’m on Propecia and I am a stickler to taking it at the same time every day. I don’t, however, use Rogaine namely because I fear the irritation it can possibly cause will halt graft growth and because I’ve heard that the grafts and post-surgical shock loss hair will return without its use. Is it ok to use only Propecia post-surgically? Or would adding Rogaine be of any significant benefit? — L.B., Rye, NY

A: I would definitely stay on Propecia and, if you like, you can add Rogaine – it may have a little additional benefit. The 5% foam formulation is less irritating and can be started a week after the hair transplant.

How Can I Tell if Hair Transplant Doctor is Trustworthy if They Charge by the Graft?

July 3rd, 2008

Q: I had a follicular unit hair transplant performed by another doctor that was scheduled for 2,500 grafts and I ended up paying for exactly that amount. I was supposed to be paying per graft, so it seems strange that it came out to be exactly 2,500? How do I know what I really got? — J.R., Westport, C.T.

A: This is a question that should be addressed to the doctor that operated on you.

If a doctor is charging by the graft, then you should know exactly how many grafts you are receiving. It is possible that he/she hit the number (2500) exactly on the head, but statistically that is extremely unlikely.

After an FUT Hair Transplant, When Do Staples Come Out?

July 1st, 2008

Q: How soon after the hair transplant procedure do I have to get the staples taken out? — T.J., Fort Lee, NJ

A: We remove every other staple at 10 days post-op. The remaining staples are generally removed at 20 days post-op. This varies based upon the patients scalp laxity and the width of the donor strip.

Can I Pay for a Hair Transplant With My Health Savings Account?

June 23rd, 2008

Q: Can health savings account dollars be used for a hair transplant procedure? — V.B., Chelsea, N.Y.

A: Generally yes, but I would check with your individual state and personal plan.

Study: Graft Anchoring After Follicular Unit Hair Transplant

June 19th, 2008

This study determined exactly how long it takes after a hair transplant for the follicular unit grafts to be securely anchored in the recipient area, so that they cannot be dislodged. This is important information for patients in managing the post-op care after a hair restoration procedure.

After Hair Transplant, When Can I Resume Laser Therapy Treatment?

June 16th, 2008

Q: I am currently using the Hair Max Laser Comb. I am starting on my third week and am scheduled for a hair transplant in one week. My question is: how long do I have to wait to restart the laser comb after my hair restoration procedure? This is not my first procedure and I understand the grafts are delicate for the first couple of weeks. If I keep the teeth away from the scalp and just let the light hit the grafts will this promote faster growth?

A: You can start using the laser comb again right after the surgery, as long as it doesn’t touch the scalp.

At 10 days after the hair transplant you can use it normally, as the grafts are permanent and there is no risk of dislodging them.

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