December 14, 2010 @ 7:17 pm
How Do Hair Transplants Work?
Dr. Nelson Ferreira, well known hair transplant physician and medical doctor joins the show.
Dr. Ferreira is the medical director of Sure Hair International based in Toronto Canada, and is an active member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons ( ISHRS) which is a leading authority in Hair Loss solutions in Canada.
Note: Refer to audio player below to listen to this episode.
Dr. Nelson Ferreira graduated with honors from the University of Toronto pharmacology program in 1987. He was awarded the Andrew D Baines graduation award for the highest graduating marks in life sciences. he then decided to pursue a career in medicine. He attended the faculty of medicine at the University of Toronto for the next four years. At that time he decided to pursue a career in academic emergency medicine. During his residency training he was elected chief resident twice and voted Intern of the Year”.
After finishing my training in primary care medicine, he decided to dedicate himself to working in the emergency rooms affiliated with the University of Toronto. During his time in the emergency room he was responsible for teaching interns and residents and helped coordinate many teaching programs for students. After years of emergency work, he was hoping to find an area of medicine where he could express himself artistic creativity and work with his hands in a more technical skill. Many of his family members have male pattern baldness and he began to lose his hair noticeably in his twenties. Several years ago he decided to have his own hair transplant and was very happy with the results. Furthermore, the delicate nature of the surgery, the creativity, and the technical skills required were very appealing.
After several years of extensive research, observation and training he decided to accept an offer to become the medical director of Sure Hair International in 2005. Sure Hair international had been performing follicular unit hair transplants for almost fifteen years. He believes he has added expertise, leadership and direction to the medical and surgical division of Sure Hair International. Since taking over the position, he has strived to continually improve the standards of performance. Dr. Nelson has introduced various new techniques to meet a new higher standard of quality and workmanship. These include: the stick and place technique for planting grafts which is in his opinion are a better method for planting follicular unit grafts; a unique method of creating a trichophytic closure to camouflage donor incisions with hairs that grow through the incision; 25% better density; the “ gentle-touch” technique for administering anesthesia that is virtually painless; a seamless and undetectable method for creating perfectly natural hairlines. Furthermore, he personally supervises all transplants so that each transplant is a custom designed work that serves the patient both in the short term and long term. The end result is an ultra-refined hair transplant that is tailored to the specific needs of his patient.
Transcript of Interview with Dr. Nelson Ferreira
Eric Michaels: I understand there are 4 different solutions for thinning hair, can you please explain what they are.
Dr. Ferreira: Your 4 different solutions to thinning hair: A) surgery hair transplant. Non-Surgical; B) Systems using real human hair; C) Prescription Medications such as Finasteride and Minoxidil; D) Laser therapy and other helpful products in the form of shampoos etc.
Eric Michaels: )Why do men go bald?
Dr. Ferreira: There are many reasons but the primary reason is genetics. Men inherit DNA from someone in their family that directs their genes to make them lose hair. The rate of hair loss and the age of hair loss is different for different people but, the thing they have in common is a genetic propensity for hair loss. There are other reasons such as medical conditions and skin disease but, most cases are still genetic.
Eric Michaels: Who is best suited for a hair transplant?
Dr. Ferreira: Hair transplants use the strong thick healthy hair from the back and sides of the head ( “donor hair “) as the source of hair for a hair transplant. The thinning area is called the recipient area. A good candidate is someone who has enough hair to meet the needs of the recipient area. In other words, ideally, a good candidate has enough hair from the sides and back to fill the area on top where the hair is thinning Furthermore, a good candidate is someone who is otherwise healthy.
Eric Michaels: How do hair transplants work and why are they successful and natural?
Dr. Ferreira: Hair transplants are the only scientifically proven method to reverse hair loss permanently. Using hair taken form the sides and back of the head, we can dissect the follicles into even single hair follicles (called grafts) and then insert these hairs into the thinning area. The results are virtually 100% natural and permanent. They are natural because we can dissect the hairs exactly they way nature puts them in your head. We are careful to protect all the delicate structures of the hair follicle and then the follicle is placed into very tiny holes. We guarantee the hair grows and the growth rate is over 95%.These transplanted hairs stay forever because they are taken from genetically protected areas on the sides and back of the head. These hair follicles are genetically programmed to never fall out.
Eric Michaels: Are medications like - Minoxidal and Finestride successful?
Dr. Ferreira: Medications like finasteride and minoxidil are very successful. However, here we have to define “success”. These medications work very well at slowing down hair loss. They only work when there is still hair to save. Once the hair is completely gone with only scalp skin, these treatments will not work to grow new hair on a totally bald head. However, for those people with still some hair on their head, sometimes the medications will help to regenerate growth of tiny unhealthy hairs and help to keep what you have.
Eric Michaels: In 10 years, do you think there will be a cure for baldness? If so, what do you feel will be the approach in your personal opinion.
Dr. Ferreira: Right now there does not seem to be a “cure” for baldness on the horizon. It does not seem that in the foreseeable future, a man with a totally bald head will be able to grow back his hair. What is very promising is what is known as “follicular multiplication” which is commonly known as cloning. I think within the next ten years science will be able to take a very small sample of a person’s hair and from that small sample, create large amounts of hair. This is hair created in the laboratory. Real hair, genetically identical to your hair. This hair would then have to be transplanted. This is great news since it means we do not have to worry about running out of hair to transplant! Almost everyone could in theory be a hair transplant candidate.
Conclusion Tip: There is only one way to ensure a 100% guarantee of hair regrowth…hair transplantation. Although, there are many popular solutions to slow down or slightly improve the loss of hair and hair thickening, Hair transplants for the time being are the best solution for hair loss suffers that are candidates for the procedure. Visit a qualified hair transplant doctor to see if you’re a candidate.
Web Site: SureHair.com
Note: The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the show host or it's owners.
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