Dr. William Rassman – Page 1735

September 29, 2006

Hair Loss InformationChild Attacked By Dog, Lost Most of Her Scalp – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

A friend’s 3 year old grand daughter was attacked by a dog and she lost most of her scalp. What remains is a small portion on the right side of her head, and the rest was replaced with skin grafts from her back. What kind of hair replacement / regrowth options are available for her? If it makes any difference in treatment options she is african-american.

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Everything depends upon how much good scalp she has left and the amount of good hair that remains. If, for example, a person lost 20% of their scalp (replaced by skin grafts), then the other 80% could possibly be stretched to cover the missing part, and in an ideal situation the stretched skin (that contains hair), might produce enough cover with artful surgery. If however, the proportions are the reverse (80% of the scalp was lost and replaced by skin grafts), the likelihood is that there may not be enough hair or scalp to move around to cover the defects. I would like to see a set of good pictures of her. If the child’s family does not have the means to pay for surgery, this can be done with minimal to no charge for those who could not afford this type of work. First, a doctor needs to make a careful examination, starting off with sending pictures if she is outside of California and can not be seen by me in person.

September 29, 2006

Hair Loss InformationIndiaTimes Says Dandruff Causes Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hello Dr,
I found this new article from India Times that says dandruff is a hair loss cause. You said it wasn’t.

IndiaTimes.com

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This reads like a brief article with bits of truth and bits of confusion all mixed together. I would doubt that this was written as a means to educate by someone who is an expert. The term trichoanalysis (or as the article calls it, Tricho Analysis) indicates the analyzing of hair (tricho) which is really not informative on any level. Look at one of my recent posts on dandruff for the real scoop — What is Dandruff and Why Do I Have More of It Than My Friends?

September 29, 2006

Australian Doctor Recommends Buying Generic Propecia Online – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dear Dr Rassman,
I am a hair restoration surgical trainee(I am thankful to say that my mentor is a very well respected Australian ISHRS member).

I would like to respond to one of your recent patient questions regarding the availability of generic Propecia.

It appears that generic Propecia IS currently available from some online pharmacies under the brand names Finpecia and Finax(as an example visit this link- http://www.unitedpharmacies.com/Hair_page_3_c_3.html).

It appears that there are legitimate ways that some countries can get around the relevant patent laws.

With kind Regards

I am presenting this as it was sent to me. The consumers must determine if this approach works for them. I would not recommend it for US-based people (due to it not being quite legal), but my opinion isn’t shared by everyone.

September 29, 2006

Broccoli and Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Is it true that broccoli causes hairloss?

Bush No, there is no connection between broccoli and hair loss.

Broccoli causes a great deal of gas that seemed to bother even former US President George Herbert Walker Bush (aka Bush Sr.), who waged a war of sorts on the vegetable, famously saying “No more broccoli on the White House menu” after he took office. He’s also been quoted as saying, “I do not like broccoli. And I haven’t liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli.”

But no, broccoli doesn’t cause hair loss. In looking at this photo (at right), I see that his corners are reflective of some genetic hair loss, which according to his many photographs was present for many years. I wonder if his hair loss reflected a deficiency of broccoli in his daily diet?

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September 29, 2006

I Missed a Week of Rogaine, And Now See Significant Shedding – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I am a 29 year old male who began taking Rogaine 4 years ago with some strong results. Feeling that the Rogaine was beginning to lose the battle, I eventually switched to Propecia and experienced rapid loss of my rogaine hair. Panicked, I got back on the Rogaine along with the Propecia, which worked great (even better than my first rogaine experience) for a few months. Now, out of nowhere, I’m noticing significant hair shedding, and I’m confused as to why this is happening. Any ideas? The only thing I can think of is missing a week or two of Rogaine about one month ago.

There may be factors involved other than just Rogaine or Propecia. A good medical history and physical exam including a miniaturization study would be helpful. I would suspect missing a week or two of Rogaine should not have a significant effect unless you are extremely sensitive and dependent upon the medication.

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September 28, 2006

Hair Loss InformationWoman Wants Propecia – Medical Community Needs to Think Outside the Box! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I have been losing my hair for the past 8 years. My nature pathic doctor would like to prescribe propecia but isn’t authorized because my test results indicate a great benefit. I have 3 teenagers and my husband had a vascetomy ten years ago. I also have hirsutism. How can I get a prescription for propecia when the medical community won’t think outside the box???

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I am confused what a “nature pathic” doctor is and how he/she is credentialed. Is he/she a medical doctor? Do you possibly mean naturopathic doctor, which is a specialty (does not have to be a person with an M.D. degree)? See Naturopathic.org for more on that.

I disagree with your statement that the medical community is not thinking outside the box. On the contrary, there are a few studies and some women who do take finasteride (Propecia). However, the studies are not well designed and not all women respond to finasteride, because women have a different mechanism of hair loss (see Treatments Available for Female Hair Loss)

Most importantly, there is no study that looks at the potential dangers of finasteride (Propecia) on women with respect to the risk of women’s cancer (such as breast, ovary, cervical). This is more relavant, because finasteride affects certain hormone pathways. Are you willing to risk a potential long term negative consequence (like cancer) for a possible (no guarantee) hope of hair growth? In summary, the medical community is looking out to protect your health, rather than your vanity.

September 28, 2006

Hair Loss InformationI Have Shingles a Month After My Hair Transplant – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Dr. Rassman,

I had an all FOX procedure at your San Jose office in August and am anxiously waiting for my grafts to grow. I just found out I have a case of the shingles (2nd time — first was six years ago) and am worried that this might affect my results.

Is this something I need to be concerned about? The shingles are confined to a small area of my lower back. I’m 41 and in good health otherwise. I’d appreciate your feedback.

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Shingles (otherwise known as herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering rash caused by the chickenpox (varicella) virus. You can only get shingles if you have previously had chickenpox. After having chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerves, and shingles occurs when it is revitalized in one particular nerve to the skin, thus explaining the way it affects a clearly demarcated band of skin only (in your case, your lower back). Having shingles does not mean you have active chickenpox or are contagious.

With respect to shingles affecting your hair transplant, you should not be concerned. It should not affect your transplants or your hair growth.

Take care of your shingles, and I wish you well with the recovery.

September 28, 2006

Hair Loss InformationSuggestion for 19 Year Old with Thin Hair – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi, I am 19 years old, I have experienced hair loss since about 16. My receding hairline is getting really bad, and i have a bald spot thats just getting bigger in the back. The entire top of my head is also thin now. It is extremely embarrasing and depressing. I feel like I always have to wear a hat. I have been using Rogaine extra strength for about a year now, and its not working, but im afraid to discontinue since I may lose even more hair. If I try to style it, it comes out in large amounts (at least 10-20 hairs), so i dont anymore. My parents are telling me this is normal, but my dad didn’t start losing his hair till his mid 30’s. Im also afraid a doctor visit will be too costly ( I pay for my own college and parents wont help with doctor bill if I go). Please give me some suggestions. Thanks

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You are playing with fire with regard to your hair loss. First, find out what is wrong with it by getting your hair mapped out for miniaturization and establishing a diagnosis. If you see me (in California), I will not charge you for the visit and I will map out your hair for miniaturization as well. If you are not able to see me, you can find a doctor in your area by using the physician search at ISHRS.org. Some doctors offer free consultations, but not all. With a diagnosis, you can have either peace of mind or a treatment plan with a Master Plan for your future hair loss. From that point, you’ll have a better understanding of what your future holds (in terms of your hair loss) and what your options are.

September 28, 2006

Hair Gel and Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

You responded to a post saying “good commercial” hair gel does not cause hair loss. Ok, what about cheap ones? And what is your conclusion based on, can you provide me with any studies supporting this position? How has this “myth” survived for so long, other than how most do in general – stated differently, what do proponents of this accusation base their claims on and why are they wrong?

Thanks in advance

OK, you got me on language and meanings. “Good and cheap” commercial hair gel should not cause hair loss. Otherwise they would be sued and go out of business or possibly go into a hair removal business. There is no medical study I am aware of to support my claim — it is just my opinion. I never knew there was a myth about gel and hair loss. I use gel everyday, as do millions of people.

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September 28, 2006

Magic Shaving Powder – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I once used a product by softsheen carson “magic shaving powder” on my head as to go bald for the summer but ever since i used the product, i have a small patch in frontal area of my head that grows thin. its like v-shaped patch. please advise

Magic Consider two possiblities:

You always had that V-shaped patch, but never noticed it before because your hair was longer. After going bald (with the “magic powder”) it is more apparent now that it is growing back in.
Magic Shaving Powder has real magical properties (not good ones of course) that you have not anticipated.