HAIR TRANSPLANT FORUM

[CITness]

This Norwood 4 patient had a strip hair transplant procedure performed at a well known clinic before choosing CIT (Cole Isolation Technique) to improve naturalness on the front and fill balding areas. The area on the top of the scalp initially had hair growing in it from the strip procedure, but later became completely bald. The loss of hair in this area was correlated with the application of topical combination of Minoxidil and Retin A. The patient noted that the area gradually became irritated and red with the development of a crust. Scarring alopecias can produce skin changes and hair loss similar to this, but one often is not able to get additional grafts to grow in the area of scared skin. These combinations of Minoxidil and Retin A can be quite irritating to the skin. There is no strong evidence that Retin A adds any additional benefit to the Minoxidil. This patient later discontinued using the combinantion of Minoxidil with Retin A and later peeled the scab off. The area was left without hair and the skin had the appearance of scar tissue. Another contributing factor for this patient's need of CIT hair transplant method was the lower donor density due to strip surgery from the past. Beginning in 2005, the IHTI surgical staff successfully transplanted 2000 CIT grafts to treat this patients' hair loss. The treatment plan consisted of three smaller CIT sessions to achieve ideal coverage on the receded areas. This patient noted growth within just two months after his first procedure which in not uncommon as all hairs do not grow at the same rate. The results after 28 months can be seen below as well as images of a satisfied patient.

[ineedsomehair]

Why would someone use Retin A on top of their scalp? The guy has very good looking hair now. Too bad he had to do strip first then find out he could do FIT. I wonder how someone could have strip done because it seems like I would have just started shaving my head rather risk loosing feeling in the back of my head. In my experience, lots of the biggest clinics don't even want candadites/patients who don't want the strip surgery.

[DrDarji]

Once again we are seeing misconceptions permeate throughout this industry. Because the hair loss industry has such a large financial potential and desperation among patients to find the best hair loss solution, you'll find many "treatments" circulating about what grows hair, keeps hair healthy, stops hair loss, etc.

As a consumer you have to be smart about where the information is coming from. Is it a large company that has monies to gain by advertising a half-truth? Is the claim substantiated by EVIDENCE BASED studies (not this so called "Clinically Proven" garbage you see labeled on ever product on ever commercial in the world. Note the fine print about what the "study" was really like).

Evidenced-based peer reviewed journals are the mainstay of clinical medicine. When it comes to things like cardiac stents, artificial joints, pacemakers, etc, you don't see these things advertised in the mainstream media for good reason: their quality has undergone significant peer review to make sure they perform as they should, because if they don't, someone may actually lose their life. But with regards to cosmetic surgery, you'll find your fair share of con artists who are trying to make a quick buck on the latest fad.

So when you see something that is advertised as being "clinically proven" I take a hard look at it and question its truthfulness to the results it claims to achieve. You should too, doctor or not.

Now the situation with Retin-A was never really based on proven data, but more on theory that it increases blood flow and thus used in conjunction with minoxidil, would increase the effectiveness of minoxidil.

This is NOT FDA approved for hair loss. In fact, since Retin-A is retinoic ACID, you are actually applying a chemical on your skin that has the potential for actually scaring the skin with repeated usage.

It is sad that this patient experienced this terrible loss of hair due to this misconception. But it should be refreshing to know that The Cole Group could help him even in in such a circumstance.

Jay Darji, M.D.
The Cole Group

[ineedsomehair]

With this density, i would be happy. I think that many aspects of even Hair Transplant is lacking interests for study. i commend this clinic for showing true effort with studying the "unknowns" of the science behind the work. This industry demands that the patient, consultant and surgeon be educated on HT matters.

He could have avoided some of the headache but he looks awesome despite it all.

The work looks outstanding. Two thumbs up!

[CITness]

Dear forum viewers,

I have an update on this previously posted case. The patient has discontinued the use of retin-A and is extremely pleased to keep us updated on his case.

[gamecock]

This result looks good because it wasn't just hair loss, it was burn tissue invovled. The guy must be happy