Your Top 7 Hair Loss Questions Answered

May 27, 2021 DLM Admin


hair-loss-patient

hair-loss-patient

Losing your hair often happens gradually. Maybe you’ve noticed a receding hairline or thinning around the crown and temples, or it seems like you’re shedding more than you should be. At first, these signs can be easy to miss, but then you remember that your mom or dad started balding around your age. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably looking for a solution to restore a fuller head of hair, but find it difficult to separate fact from fiction. Hair restoration is a topic overrun by quick fixes and false promises, so board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kahlil Andrews has provided real answers you can count on to seven of the most frequently asked questions about hair loss.

  1. What Causes Hair Loss?

    If your hair is thinning, you might be wondering why. Hair loss can occur for a number of reasons, but the most common form — male and female pattern baldness — is genetic. Simply put, some people are more susceptible to the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink. The medical term for this is androgenic alopecia, and the shrinking is known as miniaturization, but no matter what you call it, the end result is a distinct pattern of hair loss around the temples and crown of your head.

    Of course, other factors can contribute to hair loss as well. Things like stress, poor nutrition or certain medical problems can lead to thinning hair, so it’s important to determine the underlying cause to ensure effective treatment. Dr. Andrews and his team can help you understand why you’re experiencing hair loss and develop an effective solution for restoring a thicker, fuller head of hair.

  2. Who is Affected by Hair Loss?

    If you’ve noticed thinning hair, you’re not alone. Hair loss affects more than half of men by the time they’re 40, but it can happen to anyone regardless of sex or age. If hair loss is related to hormonal changes, a medical condition or other concerns, it will show up around the same time. For those with the “balding gene,” hair loss is more likely to occur at a certain age. In men, genetic hair loss usually begins in their 20s or 30s and becomes more noticeable over time, while female pattern baldness tends to start after menopause.

  3. Can I Prevent Hair Loss?

    It’s possible to prevent hair loss that occurs due to factors like stress, hormones or a poor diet by addressing the underlying cause, but genetic hair loss can happen regardless of your health. There’s no miracle pill or cure that can completely stop your hair from thinning, but there are some treatments that can help slow down the process. Rogaine and Propecia are two of the most well-known options for treating hair loss, but both are only effective while you’re using them and may cause some serious side effects. Only surgical hair restoration techniques like Neograft can reverse your hair loss for good, providing permanent results that don’t require daily maintenance.

  4. How Do I Know If My Hair Loss Isn’t Normal?

    We all lose a certain amount of hair each day — it’s part of the natural growth cycle, which occurs in stages and isn’t a uniform process. According to studies, about 90 percent of our hair is in the growth (anagen) phase at any given time, which can last for three to five years. After a period of growth, things slow down a little and hair follicles begin to shrink as they enter the transitional (catagen) phase. This only lasts for about 10 days before hair enters the resting (telogen) stage, during which time hair doesn’t grow, but it doesn’t fall out, either. This is when new hairs begin to form within the follicles, triggering the exogen phase.

    It’s during the exogen stage that shedding begins, causing us to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. More can fall out with things like brushing and washing, but even losing up to 150 hairs is considered normal. Since new growth is beginning in the follicle at this time and we have over 100,000 hairs on our head, shedding isn’t a cause for concern. But when genetic hair loss causes the hair follicles to shrink earlier than usual, new growth won’t sufficiently replace the hairs that are shed. As a result, your hair will gradually become finer and thinner in certain areas, usually near the temples and top of the head.

    If your hair loss is gradual, begins at an earlier age and isn’t related to stress, medical problems or other underlying factors, it’s likely due to female or male pattern baldness. A consultation with Dr. Andrews can help you determine if your hair loss is normal or progressive and what your treatment options are.

  5. Do Home Remedies Work?

    Despite what you may have read, home remedies and homeopathic “cures” aren’t particularly effective at reversing hair loss. Things like essential oils, nutritional supplements, special shampoos and aloe vera can help to improve scalp health, but don’t target the underlying cause of genetic hair loss and won’t stop the process from occurring. Instead, these treatments may increase collagen, improve circulation and reduce inflammation to stimulate growth to a certain degree, however there are few studies that demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of natural or home remedies when it comes to androgenic alopecia. Your best bet is to talk to a professional like Dr. Andrews to explore your options for proven methods that can permanently treat or reverse genetic hair loss.

  6. What Treatments CAN Make a Difference?

    Losing your hair can be disheartening, but the good news is it can be treated — just not with essential oils or hair masks. The most effective way to restore hair growth is with Neograft, a technologically-based approach that uses follicular unit extraction (FUE) to permanently reverse the effects of androgenic alopecia.

    This technique involves taking healthy hair follicles from donor sites and individually implanting them into balding or thinning areas, where they’ll continue to grow naturally and offset the effects of genetic hair loss. In the past, this was done painstakingly by hand, but the NeoGraft device has revolutionized hair restoration by automating the process to provide faster and more reliable results. And unlike strip surgery or hair plugs, Neograft requires no incisions or sutures for minimal scarring and a quick recovery.

  7. Is Neograft Right for Me?

    Neograft provides even, natural-looking results for those who are experiencing mild to moderate hair loss, thinning or balding. Once healthy follicles are transplanted into targeted areas and new growth begins, this technique delivers permanent results that let you cut, style and color your hair any way that you choose. The NeoGraft method is suitable for most patients but does require enough donor hair in other areas of the scalp. If your hair loss is severe, this procedure may not be able to provide enough coverage, so it’s better to start exploring your options sooner rather than later. During your consultation, Dr. Andrews can examine your scalp, discuss your goals and review your medical history to help determine if the NeoGraft technique is right for you.

NeoGraft Results

Losing your hair is never easy, but Dr. Kahlil Andrews and his team can help you regain your confidence and a fuller, thicker head of hair. If you want to learn more about the NeoGraft procedure and how it can deliver natural, seamless-looking results, contact or call Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery today at 319-800-6877 to schedule a consultation.

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
5
4

Contact Us

Consent

Contact Physicians Clinic of Iowa

    Consent to receive text messages