Balding Banter:

This month Dr. Ziering was invited as a featured speaker at the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology 2008 Mid-Year & Scientific Seminar.  With a series of lectures during the weekend one of the most highly anticipated lectures was by Dr. Z himself.  Presenting, “New Breakthroughs in Hair Restoration”.  The masses were filled with the latest and greatest within the field of cosmetic surgery.

He opened his lecture with offering the first ever genetic test for men that identifies their risk of early-onset androgenetic alopecia.  Dr. Z was chosen as the 1st surgeon in the US to offer this incredible breakthrough to the general public at his Newport Beach and Beverly Hill offices.  With this new technology Ziering Medical offers the opportunity for an effective treatment plan with early intervention based on your genetic risk for hair loss.

Next was the introduction of low light laser therapy (LLLT).  Although used in his practice well before its FDA approval in the beginning of 2008, Dr. Z recognized the true benefits of this device for clinical application.  By administering LLLT to the scalp it improves the health of existing hair and stimulates new hair growth without breaking the skin.  “The use of this device is limitless” stated Dr. Ziering. As he has found great success with LLLT for its use intra & post operatively.  The results have been found to shorten the healing process and reduce swelling, redness and overall discomfort after a procedure with no side effects.

However the true highlight of the day was Dr. Ziering’s introduction of the Sneak Peek Long Hair Transplant.  A new procedure originally authored by Dr. Marcelo Pitchon dubbed preview long hair transplant in Brazil now available here in the United States by Dr. Z.

Dermatologists, Residents, Fellows and hair restoration surgeons alike were amazed by Dr. Ziering’s Sneak Peek Long Hair Transplant.  By using donor hair that remains consistent in length with the zone being transplanted it allows patients to see the results of their hair transplant immediately.   Normally with a traditional hair transplant, patients would have to wait 6 to 8 months to see results.  The long hair sneak-peek technique allows “instant graftification” of heads, eyebrows, sideburns, mustache, goatees and eliminating the fear of a poor result.

As his presentation came to a close, the audience was left with a taste of what’s to come in the future.  Is cloning or more correctly cell multiplication of human hair possible?  Why not, it’s been done to fruits, vegetables, sheep’s and horses.  It is well know that specific cells within the hair follicle have the capacity to induce follicle neogenesis, so why not human hair!  Is this the future for Ziering Medical?  Well only time will tell.  But, if I was a betting man… Ziering Medical is truly advancing the art of hair restoration.

I had my sutures out today.  The incision is thin and looks great.  There are no visibility issues with either recipient area or donor area.  The transplanted hair has begun to shed, which is not a surprise to me but is somewhat a disappointment after seeing it there for the last 12 days.  I know it will continue to do so but I know that to be normal.  I believe having the transplant done in this manner gives a patient more assurance of how things will look and is especially helpful to the first time patient.  It could be a bit of a disappointment to see the hair go away for a while, but seeing the result early on definitely provides encouragement during the grow-in period.  Like with my other procedures before patience is now the name of the game.