Dr. William Rassman – Page 1575

September 13, 2007

Is a Hair Transplant Really Permanent? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hey doc, hows it going? I was reading some of the posts and was wondering if a hair transplant really is completely permanent? Or will that area bald again and another transplant of hair to the same area will be needed? Thanks.

Permanency of the transplanted hair depends upon the donor hair that is used. Since most men never lose the hair in the back of the head (the typical “donor area”), they will not lose the transplanted hairs that are used for transplanting from this area. However, if that donor hair is diseased (alopecia, for example) and a hair transplant is performed, that hair will still fall out, even in its new home elsewhere on your scalp.

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September 13, 2007

Scalp Aches and Feels Bruised After Using Minoxidil – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dr Rassman,

I am in my late twenties and my hair has shown signs of thinning out on top. I have been using minoxidil (5%) for 6 months now and, although there has been some benefit, i have noticed my scalp aches and feels bruised in several areas. My hair feels it has been pulled at when i run my fingers through it. It doesn’t feel right so i am considering stopping treatment. I have previously had this sensation with minoxidil after a similar amount of time and stopped treatment but restarted after a few months. Do you have any idea what may be causing these sensations?

You may have sensitivity associated with topical minoxidil and you may not be a good candidate for its use.

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September 12, 2007

Wnt Proteins and Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

has there been any further talk within the industry about the break through using wnt proteins as a cure for baldness? also do you believe that intercytex are the closest to finding the cure for baldness with their study with hair cloning? finally is it true that hair needs only to be 30% of its original thickness to be cosmetically adequate? many thanks for this website easily the best on the web.

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Reference the following pages for Wnt proteins:

I don’t have any knowledge as to how close Intercytex really is in the grand scheme of hair cloning. Their past press releases have indicated that they are doing some exciting work, but the last I read, they were still quite far off from having their technology available to the public (let alone with a good success rate). So really, I have no idea that anyone is close.

With regard to your comment on the thickness of your hair shafts that are able mimic full thickness, well, your guess is as good as mine.

September 12, 2007

Is Propecia Messing with My Dreams? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I have a strange question for you… I have been on Propecia for nearly a year now and everytime I take the drug before (or near) bedtime, I have very vivid and lucid dreams. I try to take the medication in the morning (as was recommended earlier on this website), but sometimes I forget to take it before I leave for work and am forced to take propecia the following night. Is there any explanation for Propecia affecting my sleep cycle or dreams?? At first I thought the drug affecting me this way was a coincidence, but it’s happened way too many times now for me to think that. Thanks for your help!

Sorry, I have never heard of Propecia impacting dreams or sleep cycle.

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September 12, 2007

Losing Facial Hair From Stress? – Balding Blog

About 2 months ago i started to lose facial hair the only problem is its in patches – 4 different locations, a spot on my chin (size of a 10 cent coin), neck and side of face. They are also getting bigger as the days/week progresses. I have seen my doctor and he has said its caused from stress??? He prescribed me a cream to use 2 times a day and it hasn’t helped. now im getting injections where the patches are and still the facial hair isnt growing. what i want to know is if stress is the actual cause and how can i cure this my problem?

Not to make light of your situation, but the simple solution would be to shave. Hair loss in patches can sometimes be related to a series of autoimmune diseases, like a condition known as alopecia areata in which there is no definitive treatment. Ringworm will also cause patches of hair loss, most commonly seen in children. There are doctors who prescribe medication or inject medication to the bald area in alopecia areata sufferers, but its effectiveness varies. In the end, you might want to get a second opinion.

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September 12, 2007

My Hair Loss Stopped After I Moved to a Warmer Climate – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dear Doc
Mine seems to be a unique case as I have not found answers anywhere. Though I have seen many people with my condition.

I lived around 4 years in UK; where I used to shed a lot of hair. I do not shed hair anymore after migrating to a warmer climate.

Now I am left with a diffused patch on the top of my head. It is very unlike a male-pattern case. Before UK; I used to notice a little thinning. But now it is very prominent as my scalp reflects light from the top of my head. All other areas; including hairline have very thick hair. If I part my hair in the middle, the thinning top of my head is very clear.

If you wish I can send you some pictures. But my description sums it up. Any idea why some people have this form of hairloss? Thanks in advance.

It may just be coincidence or less stress in your life. Otherwise, you would see more bald men in the northern/southern poles and less in the equator. Clearly this is not the case. I can give you no medical explanation for this.

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September 12, 2007

Shock Loss Producing Loss of Grafts from Previous Hair Transplants? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Does shock loss occur in the grafts that were put into the head on prior occasions?

I have seen this occur on very infrequent occasions in men (probably less than a dozen cases). In each and every case, the older grafts regrew when the new hair transplants came in. So the good news is that it does grow back in 2-6 months, but the bad news is that the shock loss happens at all (risk is under 0.1% by my best guess).

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September 12, 2007

Testicle Pain from Propecia — It’s Rare, But Real – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi there,

Great website, with lots of great information!

However in one of your responses to a question entitled “Problems from Fincar (Generic Finasteride)” you mention not being aware of testicle pain being associated with US Propecia.

I am not sure how it is in the US, but in the U.K., this (testicle pain) is listed as a possible side effect on the Merck product insert for propecia. It is also on their website and in the “prescribing information” document for propecia on Merck’s website.

I have looked this up and yes, testicular pain is a rare reported side effect. If you set up the relationship, try a half dose or just get off of the medication. From Merck.com’s site (info provided by Lexi-Comp), it states under “Adverse Reactions” for finasteride:

“<1%, postmarketing and/or case reports: Hypersensitivity (pruritus, rash, urticaria, swelling of face/lips); breast tenderness, breast enlargement, breast cancer (males), prostate cancer (high grade), testicular pain”

In other words, these symptoms were reported in less than 1% of men that used the medication. It does not indicated how much finasteride was being taken when these occured though (1mg Propecia or 5mg Proscar).

For more about finasteride, see Merck.com.

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September 12, 2007

Woman Picking at Sore Spots on Her Scalp – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

(female) I have very sore sporadic spots only on my scalp. If I pick at them it is agony. They are really tiny and have a little white head. Also if i rub my scalp with my fingertips little hard white bits come out like they were the hair follicles. Most disturbingly my hair is getting shorter, thinner and has become dry and extremely frizzy. I used to have beautiful long curly hair. I am so distressed. I feel so embarrased. I have just turned 40 also. Have you ever heard of anything like this.

You describe a condition known as trichotillomania.

From Wikipedia: Trichotillomania (TTM), or “trich” as it is commonly known, is an impulse control disorder characterized by the repeated urge to pull out scalp hair, eyelashes, facial hair, nose hair, pubic hair, eyebrows or other body hair.

There are support groups and learning centers such as Trich.org.

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September 11, 2007

Hair Loss InformationFinasteride and Weight Gain? – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Does finasteride make me gain weight? been taking it from 2003 until 2005, stopped until apr 2007, now im on again with 1mg a day, i am a male.

i searched the previous answers on the topic, only found one that states that NO, theres no link. just touching base again to check for any new info. my personal experience: with some brands i gain weight, with others no. perhaps its only my delusional mind. thanks, gooooood blog congratlations

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Nope. Aging (with slowing of the metabolism, diet, and a sedentary lifestyle) is the primary cause of weight gain. Don’t look to blame the drug finasteride for it.