Q: Does stress play a role in hair loss?

A: No. This is a common but untrue misconception but there is no scientific evidence to support it. Look at American President Bill Clinton’s hair. Despite having what is obviously a stressful job, he has no noticeable hair loss. See "What causes hair loss?".

Q: Does poor circulation, clogged hair follicles, frequent shampooing or wearing hats/helmets cause hair loss?

A: No. These are all common yet untrue misconceptions.

Q: Why doesn’t the hair you transplant from the back of my head fall out the same way my original hair did?

A: The "What causes hair loss?" section explains that it is actual hair follicles that are, or are not, affected by male pattern baldness. The hair follicles on the back of most men’s heads are genetically programmed to last their entire life. These hairs can be transplanted anywhere and they will grow.

Q: After a hair transplant will I have the "pluggy" look of a Barbie doll?

A: Advancement in hair replacement technology means you can avoid the "pluggy" look by selecting your surgeon wisely. A surgeon combining micro-grafts and mini-grafts and using follicular units could produce hair replenishment that looks virtually natural. However, this depends on the ability of the surgeon so choose wisely!

Q: Is hair transplant surgery safe?

A: Yes because it is a very minor surgical procedure. Also, you are under medical care from a Medical Doctor during your surgery. AT PHL Clinics we provide you with the phone number for one of our Medical Doctors after your surgery in case your have any post surgery medical concerns.

Q: At what age should I have a transplant?

A: There are no age restrictions. Because male pattern balding tends to be gradual and progressive, if you begin hair replacement at a young age to enhance your hair-line, your real hairline could recede further thus further surgery could be need to join your new hair line with your receding natural one. An experienced hair restoration surgeon will anticipate this and plan the location of your transplanted hair with this in mind.

Q: Is the surgery painful?

A: The surgery itself is painless because a local anesthetic is used to prevent pain. After the anesthetic wears off some patients experience minor discomfort for which they can take a pain relief pill (analgesic) (PHL Clincs prescribes one for you before your surgery.) Many patients report no pain whatsoever and do not even use the post-surgery pain killer.

Q: How much time will I require off my daily routine after my surgery?

A: It is possible to return to your routine the day after your surgery. (PHL Clinics patient and radio/TV personality Harold Hosein returned to work immediately after his surgery.) Conversely, you should avoid, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or bending for seven days following your surgery. If your job requires this, you should consider scheduling time off following your surgery.

Q: What is a hair flap?

A: A flap is a large piece of scalp with hair that is moved into a bald area of scalp as an entire piece without disecting ti into grafts. PHL Clinics neither does nor recommends flaps because grafts are more effective.

Q: Will I really have more hair?

A: A hair surgeon does not create hair. The surgeon moves your hair from the donor in the area on the back of your head to where it is sparse: your forehead and/or your crown. This creates an illusion of more hair but you actually have the same amount of hair as what your donor can supply.