What are the reasons for male pattern hair loss?
Male pattern baldingis genetic and can be inherited from either the mother or father. Balding is actually triggered when dihydrotestosterone affects hair follicle cells. This causes the hair follicle to weaken (miniaturize) and eventually disappear.

Is the hair restoration procedure painful?
No, our anesthesia technique eliminates pain completely.

What are the most important advances in recent years in this field?
Follicular unit Mega Sessions and Dense Packing.  Mega Sessions consist of transplanting hair exactly as it grows in the back of your head, in naturally occurring groups that range from 1 to 6 hairs.  20 years ago transplants moved only about 200 grafts per session, for several reasons, but mainly because physicians commonly worked with only one or two assistants; today with the help of 8 to 12 expert technicians and improved harvesting techniques we can transplant anywhere from 1000 to as many as 5000 follicular units in a single session.   Our expertise in Dense-Packing makes Transpel one of the few clinics in North America capable of creating high density in targeted areas in only one session.

Will I get a full head of hair?
No. A transplant redistributes existing, healthy hair. It does not create any new hair. Therefore it is not possible to provide a “full” head of hair. However, a comparatively small amount of hair transplanted expertly can produce the illusion of substantially more hair than there actually is. It is amazing how often the end result looks as if it really is a “full” head of hair. The results will improve how you look to others and to yourself.

Do I need time off from work?
Little or no time off from work is required. But if you are sensitive about how you will look during the days immediately following, you can wear a hat, or, if that's not possible you may consider a short 4 to 5 day vacation.

How many grafts will it take to cover 1 square centimeter?
That is difficult to answer without consulting the patient. This is because the number of grafts required will ultimately be dependant upon the texture and quality of your hair, i.e. darker, coarser hair may require fewer grafts to cover the same area as compared to lighter colored, fine hair. It will also be dependent upon your degree of hair loss and your density goals.

At what age should I start a hair transplant?
Hair loss is a problem which persists throughout life. Transpel physicians encourage you to address the issue early... before it becomes more visible. An earlier start will allow your hair transplant surgeon to camouflage the work while the transplanted hair grows in gradually and unnoticed. There are no age limits (our patients range from 20-90 years old). You don't have to wait until you stop losing hair to start. There is no definable age where hair loss stops. Your physician can take into account your future hair loss, and their surgical plan makes sure you will look natural along the way.

How many procedures are necessary for hair restoration?
The number of procedures necessary to achieve a personally desired goal varies from person to person and the individual degree of hair loss; but in our experience, the great majority of our patients want to have at least two procedures over their lifetime.

Is it dangerous?
No. It is minor surface surgery, literally only skin deep, and one of the safest surgical procedures ever performed.

What happens to the back of my scalp?
The scalp is very elastic. When the donor hair is removed, the scalp on both sides is softly pulled together and sutured. The only evidence of surgery is a thin line hidden under the hair that grows vertically on the back of the head.  In recent years we have applied the trychofitic closure to the donor wound and have been producing hair growth in the scar.

What is the difference between the Standard and Standby (“cancelaciones”) Programs?
Patients are encouraged to schedule in advance, allowing them to choose their doctor and the date of their procedure, but if you have a flexible schedule, you can save money by choosing our Standby or Cancelation Program. Your name is placed on a waiting list, and when your name reaches the top of the list, we schedule you with the first available physician and date.

What are the reasons for female hair loss?
Normally, hair loss is caused by heredity, hormones and age. Genetic makeup determines if hair follicles are sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and other hormones, causing them to shrink. This "shrinkage" results in overall thinning with time. In addition, the aging process can weaken the hair follicle and consequently the hair shaft. This causes thinning of the hair and may require hair transplantation or some type of cosmetic solution.

Is Rogaine® effective?
The hormone DHT and other hormones are the cause of hair loss in genetically susceptible women. Minoxidil, which is marketed under the name Rogaine®, was the first FDA-approved treatment for slowing hair loss in women. This over-the-counter, topical solution must be applied directly to balding areas.  (answer the question for men)

Is it common for women to get hair transplantation to cover face-lift and other cosmetic scarring?
Yes. Hair transplants can be quite effective at concealing visible scars that result from a number of different procedures including face-lifts, brow-lifts.

Are women candidates for hair transplantation?
Only 30% of women are candidates. Female hair loss is not as common as in males, nonetheless constitutes a serious problem for those who suffer from it.  Though women can lose hair in a different pattern than men do - often thinning behind the hairline - the treatment procedure is similar for both. We must first evaluate the donor area or nape to see if there is sufficient excess healthy hair. When the conditions are adequate, great results can be obtained.

Is there anything else I can do besides a hair transplant to solve my problem?
Your Transpel physician may prescribe Finasteride which, is the only FDA-approved hair loss pill that is used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. It is specifically designed for men. When appropriate for the hair loss patient, more than 80% of the patients see and improvement in the quality of existing hair.

The hormone DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone, is the cause of hair loss in genetically susceptible men. Finasteride acts as a DHT blocker, stopping the formation of Dihydrotestosterone almost immediately and decreased levels of hair shedding can be seen in as little as three months. Men who forgo this hair loss treatment will continue to lose their hair.