Coalition Surgeons

Bill - Managing Publisher · #1 **Top** 05-31-2007, 06:07 PM

I've posted similar information in another thread, but have decided to add more information and post it in this thread since it's a great topic of discussion. Please feel free to add your thoughts.

---------

Many people ask if they will be able to obtain a full head of hair. What people typically mean when they ask this question is "Will I be able to restore my hair to look like the good old high school days (or maybe Junior High for some)?" For some, this may be more possible than others, depending on the level of hair loss one is experiencing, however, before we answer this question, let's take a look at more specifics regarding this topic.

One has a finite supply of donor tissue that can be removed for hair transplantation during strip surgery (regardless of number of sessions). Additionally, there are only so many hairs that can be extracted using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or the Follicular Isolation Technique (FIT) without the donor area looking moth-eaten. Because there is a limitation of how many donor hairs can be taken, clearly these grafts/hairs should be used wisely, taking into consideration factors like density verses coverage. Clearly those with lesser amounts of hair loss can use their grafts to dense up existing balding areas (assuming their hair loss is under control), whereas those with greater amounts of hair loss has to sacrifice one or the other, density or coverage. One can choose to dense up the frontal part of their scalp for example and leave the crown bald, or choose to cover the whole area whereas density will be sacrificed.

The phrase "illusion of density" is common when discussing hair transplantation. Because donor supply is limited, there is simply no way to restore a "full head of hair", BUT, with proper use of the limited donor grafts/hairs, physician and clinics can strategically place the grafts over the balding region to create an "illusion of density". This means that for the most part one might appear to have a full head of hair, even though it's much thinner than it used to be in their glory hair days.

How then is the illusion of density different than having a full head of hair?

I think the best way to answer this question is to discuss lighting. Being a hair transplant patient, I've gone from a Norwood 6 to having a pretty decent head of hair after 7550 grafts. I have also found, that some lighting is much more flattering than others.

I believe the appearance or illusion of density related to lighting depends on several factors:

1. Illumination

Brightness will clearly influence how dense our hair looks. The brighter the light, the more detail is exposed. A quality hair transplant will stand up in all lighting conditions - in that it will look natural, however, clearly, the appearance of density will lessen as the light brightens

2. Color:

Lighter colored lights such as florescent ones lessen the appearance of density whereas normal or colored lights increase the appearance of density.

3. Direction/Angling

I have found specifically that direct sunlight hitting my hairline makes my hair appear super dense, whereas the sun coming from behind makes my hair look much thinner from the front. Straight overhead (around noon), I'd say my hairline looks somewhere in between these two extremes.

But do not be deceived. Lighting affects even those with a full head of non-balding native hair (especially when their hair is kept shorter). It just isn't as obvious. Remember, we ARE dealing with less density than one with a full head of native hair, hence the illusion of density.

One question that tends to come from this discussion is: So which lighting exposes the truth? There are varying answers, but here's mine: They all do. The only exception to this, I'd suggest are photos taken with flash photography. To see more on this topic specifically, see the following thread posted by Joe Tillman, a patient, fellow member of our community, and employee of Hasson and Wong: http://hair-restoration-info.com/eve...852#5141012852

The bottom line is at varying points of one's day and/or life, we will be seen in all types of lighting. At the same time, though, one has to consider where they will be seen the most. I admit there have been times where I am talking to someone outside and end up noticing that the sun is behind me. So I'll strategically angle myself so the sun is more flattering to my hairline. Some might consider that a worry they don't want to have to deal with, but for me, I am not all that concerned. But I do know where I look the best...so sometimes I remember and try to face that way. This would be the same concept as those who are into body building. Certain lights and mirrors are more flattering than others, therefore, they prefer to flex in front of those mirrors, in that lighting.

As a hair transplant patient three times around, I'd say, however, that my level of satisfaction is very high! I have realized that even in the worst lighting conditions, I still look 1000 times better than I would without hair transplantation. And the truth is...I don't feel that even in worst lighting that it looks bad.

I hope this gives you even more of an understanding of how hair transplantation works and what to expect from your hair transplant.

---------

Bill

Bill - Managing Publisher · #2 **Top** 05-31-2007, 06:07 PM

I've posted similar information in another thread, but have decided to add more information and post it in this thread since it's a great topic of discussion. Please feel free to add your thoughts.

---------

Many people ask if they will be able to obtain a full head of hair. What people typically mean when they ask this question is "Will I be able to restore my hair to look like the good old high school days (or maybe Junior High for some)?" For some, this may be more possible than others, depending on the level of hair loss one is experiencing, however, before we answer this question, let's take a look at more specifics regarding this topic.

One has a finite supply of donor tissue that can be removed for hair transplantation during strip surgery (regardless of number of sessions). Additionally, there are only so many hairs that can be extracted using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or the Follicular Isolation Technique (FIT) without the donor area looking moth-eaten. Because there is a limitation of how many donor hairs can be taken, clearly these grafts/hairs should be used wisely, taking into consideration factors like density verses coverage. Clearly those with lesser amounts of hair loss can use their grafts to dense up existing balding areas (assuming their hair loss is under control), whereas those with greater amounts of hair loss has to sacrifice one or the other, density or coverage. One can choose to dense up the frontal part of their scalp for example and leave the crown bald, or choose to cover the whole area whereas density will be sacrificed.

The phrase "illusion of density" is common when discussing hair transplantation. Because donor supply is limited, there is simply no way to restore a "full head of hair", BUT, with proper use of the limited donor grafts/hairs, physician and clinics can strategically place the grafts over the balding region to create an "illusion of density". This means that for the most part one might appear to have a full head of hair, even though it's much thinner than it used to be in their glory hair days.

How then is the illusion of density different than having a full head of hair?

I think the best way to answer this question is to discuss lighting. Being a hair transplant patient, I've gone from a Norwood 6 to having a pretty decent head of hair after 7550 grafts. I have also found, that some lighting is much more flattering than others.

I believe the appearance or illusion of density related to lighting depends on several factors:

1. Illumination

Brightness will clearly influence how dense our hair looks. The brighter the light, the more detail is exposed. A quality hair transplant will stand up in all lighting conditions - in that it will look natural, however, clearly, the appearance of density will lessen as the light brightens

2. Color:

Lighter colored lights such as florescent ones lessen the appearance of density whereas normal or colored lights increase the appearance of density.

3. Direction/Angling

I have found specifically that direct sunlight hitting my hairline makes my hair appear super dense, whereas the sun coming from behind makes my hair look much thinner from the front. Straight overhead (around noon), I'd say my hairline looks somewhere in between these two extremes.

But do not be deceived. Lighting affects even those with a full head of non-balding native hair (especially when their hair is kept shorter). It just isn't as obvious. Remember, we ARE dealing with less density than one with a full head of native hair, hence the illusion of density.

One question that tends to come from this discussion is: So which lighting exposes the truth? There are varying answers, but here's mine: They all do. The only exception to this, I'd suggest are photos taken with flash photography. To see more on this topic specifically, see the following thread posted by Joe Tillman, a patient, fellow member of our community, and employee of Hasson and Wong: http://hair-restoration-info.com/eve...852#5141012852

The bottom line is at varying points of one's day and/or life, we will be seen in all types of lighting. At the same time, though, one has to consider where they will be seen the most. I admit there have been times where I am talking to someone outside and end up noticing that the sun is behind me. So I'll strategically angle myself so the sun is more flattering to my hairline. Some might consider that a worry they don't want to have to deal with, but for me, I am not all that concerned. But I do know where I look the best...so sometimes I remember and try to face that way. This would be the same concept as those who are into body building. Certain lights and mirrors are more flattering than others, therefore, they prefer to flex in front of those mirrors, in that lighting.

As a hair transplant patient three times around, I'd say, however, that my level of satisfaction is very high! I have realized that even in the worst lighting conditions, I still look 1000 times better than I would without hair transplantation. And the truth is...I don't feel that even in worst lighting that it looks bad.

I hope this gives you even more of an understanding of how hair transplantation works and what to expect from your hair transplant.

---------

Bill

Here I Grow Again · #3 **Top** 06-01-2007, 08:24 AM

Great info Bill, good points to consider when getting a transplant and for afterwards. It helps to keep expectations in check. I was at the beach last weekend and took some photos. When they were developed I could clearly see where my transplant was growing in but the areas where I am still bald were REALLY bald and highlighted from the sun. Nothing was hidden. You are right, when one is outside in direct sunlight even folks with a full head of hair seem to have less density. Its all in the angles

hairbank · #4 **Top** 06-01-2007, 08:38 AM

HIGA-

Thanks for sharing your personal experience............that's what counts

.

This is a good post to review...........IMO, every poster should show indoor and outdoor pics (in bright sunlight) of their HT. What better way to depict "real-life" results??

balody · #5 **Top** 06-01-2007, 01:30 PM

as higa said its all about expectations and really keeping your feet on the ground.i was a bald man now i am happy to be a balding man,when i get my crown done i will happy to be a man who is receeding.i know i will never have excellent density but like you say its all about the illusion of having hair with only a percentage of the scalp space being used.farjo made this very clear to me at my consultation so ive never been under any false pretences about strong lighting effects etc.

Aquarius · #6 **Top** 06-01-2007, 02:30 PM

bolody ; I'm your hucklberry. The answer is NO.
I hate semantics.
Did Farjo give you the pith helmet or did a friend?

hairbank · #7 **Top** 06-01-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aquarius:
I'm your hucklberry

Tombstone.....right, Aq?? One of my favorites! Along with: "Why Johnny Ringo.....you look like someone just walked over your grave"!

Okay......back to hair. I do believe we are going after the illusion/appearance of density, however, I believe with more than 7500 strategically placed grafts for a NW 5 or maybe even 6 that it can "appear" pretty darn dense.

Hairstyles also play a role. At present, I'm guessing I have 40 cm2 in most places except maybe a little of the crown. Combing my hair back, as in my lastest pics on my blog, my crown covers pretty good. However, styling it forward with a little side part I have very little see-through even in the sunlight. My point being, with many now having in excess of 7000 grafts due to the mega-mega sessions, the full look is becoming more and more of a reality.

balody · #8 **Top** 06-02-2007, 06:42 AM

eh?

the B spot · #9 **Top** 06-02-2007, 02:24 PM

Why Johnny Tyler...... madcap..... (Kilmer)

Doc... that you? (Billy Bob)

Also just as good...

Blood? That's my game. (Kilmer)

Tombstone is a GREAT Western-- often overlooked.

Bank, you and I could probably spend a month yakking about hair and watching Westerns in between!!!!

J

hairbank · #10 **Top** 06-02-2007, 06:42 PM

LOL! Sounds like it...my friend.

Yes........Tombstone is one of my all-time fav's for westerns.

Wyatt (to Johnny Tyler): Are you gonna do somethin' or just stand there and bleed??

or

Cowboy: Why...you're the piano player, your so drunk you're probably seein' double.

Doc: I've got two guns.........one for each of ya!

BTW......I was in Walmart tonight with my wife and almost picked up "Once upon a Time in the West". Remember it.........Bronson, Fonda, Robards.....all at their best. Great lines with a very unique story line.

Western movie trivia for you........did you know that the spaghetti westerns role of the man w/ no name was initially offered to Bronson before Eastwood?? (maybe I've mentioned this before??) Crazy!

Anyway............I can always get away with mentioning Eastwood on HTN 'cause he had great hair........specially back in the Rawhide days!

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