There is no reason why about 40 million American men should have to deal with the psychological impact associated with hair loss.
With the modern techniques of mini/micro-grafting in the hair transplant industry, combined with the artistic ability and expertise, excellent results can be accomplished.
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of non-scarring hair loss in men. It affects the superior portion of the scalp and results from a genetically determined sensitivity to androgens (the male hormone).
It is often referred to as simple baldness, male pattern alopecia, hereditary alopecia, male androgenic or androgenetic alopecia.
Other types of hair loss in men may be a result of an underlying medical condition or due to medication, among other reasons. Most of these cases may be a temporary, reversible condition once treated.
Hair transplantation offers a permanent solution with very little risk involved. Even though it may be somewhat costly, it is a cost effective expenditure when fees are amortized over one's lifetime. You will find that Dr. Kiely's fees are considerably lower than clinics.
 Other forms of hair replacement surgery (such as flaps or scalp reductions) are higher risk procedures, which may require general anesthesia, and are only indicated in certain pre-selected cases, and could be quite costly.
Other types of medical treatments have been tried. They only offer a less than acceptable, temporary solution and in certain areas of the scalp. Minoxidil (Rogaine), a topical solution which must be applied to the scalp for the rest of one's life; and Finasteride (Propecia), an oral medication just recently approved by the FDA, with limited results and some side effects, are the two drugs in question. In either case whatever little hair growth occurred will soon fall out once they are no longer used. They may be used in conjunction with hair transplantation. Dr. Kiely will prescribe these medications in certain cases. Again, as stated earlier, the other two options left would be: to wear a hair piece or not do anything at all. After all, Why be Bald?
The Norwood male pattern baldness classification system
Male pattern baldness is often diagnosed with the help of a classification system using diagrammatic representations of progressively more extensive hair loss. Originally designed by Hamilton in the 1950s the pattern baldness classification system was modified to its current form by Norwood in the 1970s. Norwood also added grades IIIa, III vertex, IVa and Va to Hamilton's original classification scale.
There are now seven recognized categories of male androgenetic alopecia along with various subtypes based on Norwood's classification system. Frequently when consulting with a dermatologist the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia will be made in reference to the classification and you will be given your subclass such as “type III” or similar. These classification scales are used extensively in monitoring treatment trials.
Norwood's basic scale is described and illustrated below. Norwood's variant scale is described elsewhere.
Type I. Minimal or no recession of the hair line.
Type II. Triangular, usually symmetrical, areas of recession at the frontotemporal hair line.
Type III. This represents the minimal extent of hair loss sufficient to be considered as baldness according to Norwood. Most type III scalps have deep symmetrical recession at the temples that are bare or only sparsely covered by hair.
Type III vertex. In this presentation, the hair loss is primarily from the vertex with limited recession of the frontotemporal hair line that does not exceed the degree of recession seen in type III..
Type IV. The frontotemporal recession is more severe than in type III. There is sparse hair or no hair on the vertex. The two areas of hair loss are seperated by a band of moderately dense hair that extends across the top. This band connects with the fully haired fringe on the sides of the scalp. Type IV is distinguished from type III vertex in which the loss is primarily from the vertex.
Type V. The vertex hair loss region is still seperated from the frontotemporal region but it is less distinct. The band of hair across the crown is narrower and sparser. The vertex and frontotemporal regions of hair loss are bigger. Viewed from above, types V, VI, and VII are all characterized by suviving hair on the sides and back of the scalp forming a distinct horseshoe shape.
Type VI. The bridge of hair that crossed the crown is now gone with only sprase hair remaining. The fronttemporal and vertex regions are now joined together and the extent of hair loss is greater.
Type VII. The most severe form of hair loss presents as extensive loss. A narrow band of of hair in a horseshoe shaps survives on the sides and back of the scalp. This hair is usually not dense and may be quite fine. The hair is alos sparse on the nape of the neck and in a semi circle over both ears.
What Should I Do Next?
Schedule a complimentary appointment to evaluate your hair loss. This will require only 30 to 45 minutes of your time, depending on how many questions you may have.
During this private, confidential, consultation you will meet with Dr. Kiely. He will review your medical history and examine your scalp to determine your potential success as a hair transplant candidate, and rule out any underlying medical condition that may be responsible for your hair loss.
 Once that has been determined, he will recommend the extent of the grafts, and number of procedures necessary to attain density and coverage in the treated area.
Each step of the process will be explained in full detail, as well as other treatment options, and the minor risks involved with the procedure.
At this time fees will be discussed. The fees vary for each patient and are predicted on the work to be done, type of procedure, number of sessions recommended and number of grafts.
Disclaimer: Results vary from patient to patient. |
