Psychological Considerations

There are many things that can adversely affect a person’s self image and consequently their self esteem. Medical science recognizes with certainty that these two factors directly impact our quality of life. Hair loss affects millions of people men and women. Amongst this  group of people there is a number of individuals who undergo male pattern baldness at a very early age. The emotional impact on these individuals can be even more devastating.. Today we have more insight to the negative consequences of hair loss and that fact it can be prevented in many cases.

Study on Hair Loss Psychological Affects

“Psychology of hair restoration surgery” is a study that was presented in 15th annual scientific meeting of Internal Society of Hair Restoration Surgery in 2007. In this study we sent questionnaires to 200 men who had only one hair transplant in past and we asked them about the psycho-social aspects of their lives following their procedures.  We have compared the responses from the patients with higher classes of hair loss with early stages.  We also compared the changes that younger patients experienced in comparison to the older ones.  We have found a significant improvement in future outlook in younger patients who received a hair restoration as opposed to the older ones. I am attaching the graph right off the presentation I had back in 2007 that compares the impacts of a hair restoration on younger patients vs. older ones.

Advanced Evaluation

Hair transplant surgeons used to have a strict criteria in past as of strictly not perform a hair transplant on anyone younger than 24.  However, today there are more treatment options, as well as, more documentation on the long term effects of hair restoration medications.  Hair restoration doctors did not want to do a hair transplant until they can clearly see the pattern of baldness.  Modern miniaturization study with microscopic evaluation allows for more accurate predictability along with other evaluating factors.  This gives us a reasonably reliable way to predict the activity of hair loss in different areas with some certainty. We can predict the final pattern of male patterned baldness (MPB) utilizing the patient’s miniaturization study in addition to a thorough evaluation of his family hair loss history.

Ethics of Hair Transplant at a young age

I recognize as many people have mentioned that there has been unethical practices in some instances. As medical doctors we must hold to the highest of ethical standards and best practices. Performing a hair transplant when the miniaturization study and the psychological profile does indicate would be a breach of these standards. I appreciate the feedback in this forum and plan to write an article on the indications and specifications of “Early Intervention for Hair Transplant Surgery” soon.

Not too long ago, I attended a racial diversity conference. There was a middle-aged black man who came up to give a talk on the microphone. He posed a question to those in attendance, “What is the first thing that comes to mind when you look at me?” And then an audience member screamed out, “BALDIE!” People went into an uproar (his intent was to get someone to say “you are black”).

Even though what the person yelled out was supposed to be funny, it’s a sad reality that people in our society notice physical appearances before anything else when first encountering somebody. It’s important to remind hair loss sufferers that there’s no stigma attached to baldness. It’s not your fault. People know that. It’s in the genes.
For men (and women) suffering from hair loss, there’s a socially acceptable solution: A hair transplant. Hair transplants have vastly improved peoples lives, from big-screen actors like Jude Law to respected TV sports reporters like KCAL’s Steve Hartman. Hair restoration procedures enhance self-esteem, helps a person feel as if he can blend in more easily at parties and gatherings, and might better someone’s chances of landing that prestigious job or coffee date with a prospective spouse.

At US Hair Transplant, our hair restoration procedures are natural as we use your own hair for the transplant. Feel free to take a peek at our hair transplant before and after photo gallery. In certain respects, a hair transplant will give you back your lost youth and help you feel less self-conscious upon meeting others initially, which can make life a more pleasant experience. Check out one of our articles “Psychology of hair transplant” for more on the psychosocial changes that could be seen in men after hair transplantation.

Much like straightening your teeth by paying a visit to the orthodontist, or fixing your eyesight by going through a Lasik procedure, hair transplant surgery restoration is a fantastic option for people who think it may enhance their lives.