Hair Transplant

Dr. Alison Tam is a board certified dermatologist who specializes in hair restoration and laser therapies. Hair loss can be very distressing for both men and women. Dr. Tam has a unique interest in applying all the tools available to address hair loss using both medical and surgical techniques.

Surgical hair restoration has evolved considerably over the last few years. Gone are the days of obvious hair plugs and unnatural hairlines. A well done hair restoration should be imperceptible.

Consultation with Dr. Tam is required to fully evaluate the best options for each individual patient. Consultation consists of a review of personal hair loss history, family history, hormonal status, medical problems and medications that could affect hair growth. Examination of the whole scalp is important and sometimes a scalp biopsy and laboratory studies (blood tests) may be required. Dr. Tam will then recommend medical therapy or surgical options, or both.

Male Hair Loss

Approximately 35 million men in the United States are affected by male pattern baldness or “Androgenetic Alopecia”. Hair loss may begin any time after puberty when blood levels of androgens (testosterone and DHT) rise. The first changes in male pattern baldness are usually seen in the temporal areas (temporal recession). Approximately 96% of men eventually will have some degree of temporal recession. Click here to read more about Male Hair Loss.

Female Hair Loss

Approximately 40% of women in the United States develop some form of hair loss over their lifetimes. Hair loss can begin in any decade (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and on) but becomes more common with increasing age. Female hair loss can take on a variety of presentations including diffuse thinning and miniaturization, or loss in specific areas especially the temporal peaks and frontal hairline. Click here to read more about Female Hair Loss.

Surgical Hair Restoration

The occipital scalp (back of the head) is the usual donor site for hair transplantation. An ellipse of hair bearing scalp is removed. The incision is closed in layers. The final layer is sutured with a fine “trichophytic” closure. This allows hair to grow through the scar making it less visible. Ultimately, a thin scar with hair growth through the scar is the final outcome. Click here to read more about Surgical Hair Restoration.

Medical Treatments

At consultation, Dr. Tam will review the available medical options, as well as, hair restoration surgery. Medical treatments for hair loss can be used alone or in combination with surgery. Dr. Tam will often advise starting medical treatments to maximize the health of existing hair prior to surgery. Click here to read more about Medical Treatments for Hair Loss.