Last updated 11 months ago
Most people take their hair at face value, understanding its texture, color, and length without knowing much about the individual strands. However, if you experience hair loss, you likely want to learn about the anatomy of your hair. With this helpful guide, you can understand what’s happening with each strand.
The hair follicle is located under your skin, connecting the strand of hair to your body. The shaft is the part of the hair strand that is visible and contains only dead cells. When the cells of the follicle die, you experience hair loss. Luckily, hair loss surgery can actually replace your dead follicles with new, living ones. The follicle has several additional components, each of which contributes to the strand’s health.
- Papilla: This small projection at the very base of the hair follicle contains tiny blood vessels and capillaries, which carry blood to and from the living cells of the hair.
- Bulb: This is the only truly living part of the hair follicle. The cells in the bulb replicate very fast, causing hair to grow.
- Inner and Outer Sheath: These are layers that surround the papilla and bulb, protecting them and forming the strand of hair that eventually emerges from the follicle.
- Sebaceous Gland: This gland produces oil, called sebum, which conditions the hair and allows the shaft to remain soft and bendable.
- Erector Pili Muscle: The erector pili muscle attaches the hair follicle to a layer surrounding the outer sheath. When the muscle contracts, it causes the hair to stand on end. This often happens when you’re cold or tense.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, there are ways to restore your damaged follicles. Hair transplants bring living follicles to areas where your natural follicles have died, giving you real, naturally growing hair. Dr. Kiely, MD has been performing thousands of hair transplant surgeries on DC and Baltimore residents over the course of more than three decades. Set up an appointment today by calling (240) 292-4315.
Last updated 12 months ago
If you’re experiencing hair loss or baldness, you are probably searching for answers. There are many products, treatments, and options offered that claim to treat hair loss, so it’s important to understand the terminology you may come across. If you understand the language of hair loss causes, you can find the most effective method of hair loss treatment.
Coverage: This term refers to an area of skin that is covered with equally distributed hair. It only means that there is hair present, but doesn’t indicate how much hair is actually there. Products or treatments promising full coverage may give you extremely unnatural results.
Density: This refers to how much coverage there is in a certain area. The top of the head tends to have a higher density of hair, while the hairline and sides have lower density. Achieving the right density makes hair look natural.
Mini-Grafts: Used in hair transplant surgery, mini-grafts are hair grafts that contain more follicles and are usually used on the top and crown of the head to achieve higher density. They are usually made of coarser hair.
Micro-Grafts: With fewer hair follicles per graft than mini-grafts, micro-grafts are perfect for naturally lower-density areas, like the sides of the head. The hair used in micro-grafts tends to be slightly less coarse.
Follicular Unit Grafts: A physician may also use follicular unit grafts, which are comprised of only two or three hairs, when performing surgery. These are used on the hairline, where density is lowest.
Single-Hair Groups: Some hair transplant surgeons claim that single-hair group grafts are better than other grafts, and charge more money for these procedures. Studies show, however, that these grafts look less natural and actually cause a net loss of about 10% of the transplanted hair.
If you’re considering hair transplant surgery, arm yourself with the right vocabulary and discuss your options with a trained and certified physician. Dr. Kiely, MD is a hair transplant surgeon who has completed thousands of successful surgeries since he began in 1982. Learn more about your hair loss treatment options by visiting our website or calling (240) 292-4315 today.
Last updated 1 year ago
Hair loss is a common problem for both men and women. Check out these great resources for more information on hair loss severity classification, answers to your hair loss questions, and tips on what to look for in a hair transplant surgeon. Call Dr. Kiely, MD Hair Transplant Surgeon at (240) 292-4315 to set up an appointment.
Last updated 1 year ago
Advancements in hair transplantation methods have inspired more and more individuals to undergo hair loss treatment. While there may be a wide array of providers to choose from in your area, finding an excellent surgeon does not has to be a difficult task. Read on for tips on what to look for in a hair transplant surgeon:
Licensure and Certification
The surgeon you choose should be a licensed physician certified in hair restoration. Membership in certain notable associations such as the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery demonstrates your hair transplant surgeon’s level of expertise and commitment to patient care. In addition, membership in these associations ensures that your hair transplant surgeon participates in ongoing education to stay informed of today’s latest hair transplant techniques and hair loss treatments.
Experience
It is important that your hair transplant surgeon has a great deal of experience performing hair loss surgery on both women and men. Consider discussing the surgeon’s qualifications and experience level during your initial consultation to ensure that he or she is properly skilled in mini- and micro-grafting hair transplant procedures.
Positive Testimonials
Consider reviewing your hair transplant surgeon’s website for testimonials from previous patients, as this will help you gauge his or her service record and overall reputation. You may also want to look your surgeon up with the American Medical Association for a listing of reviews and any records of disciplinary action.
Dr. Kiely, MD Hair Transplant Surgeon has over 25 years of experience performing hair transplant surgeries. For more information on our mini- and micro-grafting procedures or to learn about the underlying causes of female hair loss, contact us at (240) 292-4315. You can also visit us online to set up an initial appointment with our DC or Baltimore offices.
