By Robert M. Bernstein M.D., F.A.A.D.

The Old Way of Hair Transplantation

When hair transplantation first came onto the scene, men and women with thinning hair or bald scalps (who had been hiding under their hats and scarves for years) finally had some hope. Those who could afford this new technology ran to the first doctor who claimed they could cure their baldness.

Unfortunately, the technology, which seemed advanced for the time, could often result in pluggy, unnatural looking hairlines. For many who had these baby doll transplants, the results were both cosmetically and psychologically disastrous.

Older methods of hair transplantation included punching out circles of hair-bearing scalp that were then moved to the balding areas. Practices such as scalp reductions (literally cutting out the balding areas of scalp and raising the two sides of hair-bearing scalp toward the center) often left long visible scars. For a time, there was also the method of planting synthetic hair directly into the scalp and then surgically sewing it beneath the skin, a procedure that is now illegal in the United States. This latter was a short lived experiment which caused the hair to be rejected and the scalp to be severely scarred.

Problems with the Surgical Procedure

The older surgical procedures presented numerous cosmetic problems, the most common of which were the large, unnatural look of plug-grafts. These punch graft techniques of hair transplantation also tended to leave circular scars throughout the donor area (the donor area is the area of scalp where the hair is harvested from for the transplant). Other problems included poor hair direction, inconsistent hair growth, and a generally unnatural look to the hair restoration procedure. In many cases the results were so bad that patients were left wishing they were bald again.

From Old to New

With the introduction of todays state-of-the-art techniques there are now ways of not only restoring hair in a natural way, but also of repairing and redesigning the results of the older techniques. Procedures such as Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUT) are able to address the issue of transplanting hair without the consequence of unsightly scarring.

Undoing the Damage

Reversing the unnatural appearance of the older plugs and repairing scars is obviously more involved than using the right technique in the first place, but it can be accomplished in most cases with excellent results. Addressing the repair of existing scars requires finesse and careful assessment of the problem area as well as the remaining donor supply. Choosing the correct restorative technique is critical as the wrong strategy can make the situation worse.

Different techniques must be used to resolve different problems. Large plugs can be removed, divided microscopically into individually follicular units and placed back into the scalp in a pattern which is much more natural in appearance. Smaller grafts can be camouflaged. Scars that are raised can often be helped with cortisone injections. These can help to decrease the inflammation which is often present in a raised scar. Sometimes excessive scar tissue can also be excised and removed in itself, particularly when associated with poorly positioned grafts of hair.

The Proper Way to Transplant Hair

A lot of improvements in scientific techniques, medical developments and methods of artistic design have been made since hair transplantation was first introduced. Todays hair transplant techniques can mimic the way hair grows in nature. The most important advancement is the identification of naturally occurring tiny bundles of hair called follicular units. This discovery has been fundamental to the major advances in literally all of the surgical hair restoration procedures used today.

These methods not only enable the physician to produce results that mimic nature but provide the hair restoration surgeon with the tools to actually fix the problems of old unsightly grafts and scars. The number of people who will benefit from hair transplant repair techniques will continue to grow over time as more people become aware that the older procedures can actually be corrected.

With the introduction of Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUT), a technique that transplants hair in its naturally occurring groups of follicular units, patients are able to have much more predictably natural results. The technique, however, requires substantial knowledge and skill and is performed well by only a limited number of physicians. Thorough research is important in picking the best physician for the job. The decision to have this or any cosmetic procedure should never be rushed.

Hair transplantation has changed dramatically since the first cases were performed. We have now gone beyond the Wild West days of the old hair plugs and there is new hope for people who have been harmed by bad hair transplants. Most importantly, with adequate research in finding the proper surgeon, now there is a much better chance to get it right the first time around.

About the Author: Robert M. Bernstein M.D., F.A.A.D. is Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University in New York and founder of the

New York Hair Transplant

facility: Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration. Recognized world-wide for developing Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation, the procedure that has revolutionized modern hair restoration surgery, you can visit his award winning

Hair Transplant Blog

for answers to all of your hair loss questions.

Source:

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By Gabriel Meriwether

One of the most popular and long lasting trends in outdoor furniture is teak wood. The weathering effect that it achieves along with its durability is unsurpassed. Considered one of the most ideal materials for outdoor use, much of what is on the American market today comes from Indonesia. Consumers shopping for teak should become familiar with both the grading of the wood and its subsequent pricing.

In Indonesia, the harvesting and building of teak furniture is very varied. Many large, well-known companies do not have their own manufacturing facilities but rely on making purchases from many small local builders. The products are labeled and sold as if they are of standardized production but they aren’t. The wood is also often treated chemically for an enhanced look and it is not know whether it is ultimately safe for either people or the environment.

That isn’t to say that there isn’t some manufacturing in Indonesia that isn’t good. Many are more organized with modern factories with both updated machinery and techniques for building. They tend to use high grades of wood as well as fittings and glue, and their products will go to the consumer with a warranty or guarantee. These are the more professional products to look for when shopping.

When teak products arrive from Indonesia, it is up to the consumer to be armed with enough knowledge and questions to make an intelligent purchase. Teak, regardless of origin, is still a big investment and one wants to feel that they’ve made a wise decision.

Ask questions and expect answers.

The grading of teak is one of the first places to start learning. By asking if teak is Grade A, much can be learned immediately. Almost none of the teak that comes from Indonesia is Grade A. That ranking is almost solely American teak. In looking at Indonesian teak, expect to see a soft yellow coloration to it. A reddish teak comes from the Amazon while American teak has little color to it. Neither Indonesian nor Amazonian teak will achieve the silvery weathering that American teak manages.

Fittings should be of solid brass for longevity. With a little education, it is possible to tell if it is real brass or a galvanized metal that looks like brass. Real brass won’t rust. The finish should not appear to contain additional oil. One of the real benefits of natural teak is that it contains enough oil just in its natural composition. Be hesitant to purchase chemically treated or oiled teak.

The natural oil contained in teak is what makes it so beautiful over the years. Those properties come naturally, and are also what makes it so water repellent. There’s the very reason that shipbuilders have historically preferred it over all other woods. Withstanding nature with grace and achieving lasting beauty is important.

Guarantees are an important part of purchasing teak outdoor furniture. Always look for products that offer four to five years as a warranty for a simple reason. If the teak or fittings are inferior, the pieces will fall apart within that time and it will be possible to make a claim for refund or replacement. Make sure the paperwork is included with what you take home along with being marked on the receipt too.

There’s nothing wrong with Indonesian teak. It can be just as long lasting and beautiful as any other. It may not be as high of a grade as American teak but its price-line will also be lower. The consumer who makes an effort to become knowledge before a purchase is more likely to end up with a product that will please them for years to come.

About the Author: If you want to know more about wicker patio furniture, then visit Gabriel Meriwether’s site and see some of the best patio dining sets available.

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