Ask Dr. Garcia - The Archives

• Do you think applying hot cayenne pepper on area where you have hair loss helps hair gorw back? I read that cayenne pepper causes inflammation in area or causes more blood flow to area, which helps hair grow back?

  Answer:  sorry, does not work. JG 11.30.09

• What do you think about rogaine for women for thinning hair around the front hairline? Do you think it works? I heard that some people lose lots of their own hair with regrown rogaine hair when they stop taking rogaine? Is that true? That is what I am afraid of.

  Answer:  as long as they cannot get pregnant it should help. Any hair that Rogaine helps grow will fall out when you stop, that is correct. JG 11.5.09

• What is it about stress that makes your hair fall out? Is there a way to make it stop (vitamin)? I am a female. My grandpa was bald so I do not know if I inherited the baldy gene. But for the last few years, I can see my scalp through the front hairline. I do not have neough hair in that area for teasing to hold. So just wondering if I could be going bald or if this could be due to stress? There are so many things in my life that constantly stress me out all my life. Why would stress affect my hair nows in my 30s?

  Answer:  no one has determined the exact cause of why elevated cortisol does it, the belief is that it somehow alters the immune system. JG 11.5.09

• If the active ingredient in Latisse lengthens the growth phase of eyelash follicles, what is preventing Allergan from developing a similar product for the follicles of the scalp?

  Answer:  likely cost and length of time it would take to show its effectiveness. JG 10.26.09

• I recently read an article about Mesotherapy for hair loss. It`s a popular technique in Europe that uses a prick like injection to stimulate hair growth. Its being done in the US and it is recommened 6 to 9 treatments a year. This is taking the place of hair transplants. What is your take on this and do you think it is worth the time, pain (injections) and money? Tks Dr !!

  Answer:  I think it is a scam and not true, but that is just my personal impression. JG 10.11.09

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I had brain surgery to clip an unruptured aneurysm in May 2009. For the past month, month a 1/2 I have noticed excessive hair loss in the front of my head (where my hair naturally parts). I am getting concerned about this as I am afraid I may be going bald! Do you think the hair loss is due to the stress of the surgery? I also had my hair straightened 1 week before my surgery because I did not want to have to fight with my curly hair after the surgery. I`m not sure what may be causing the hair loss at this point. What do you think and what do you recommend? Thank you so much!

  Answer:  if it is anterior or in front of the incision, the blood supply might have been damaged and could be permanent, but not always, if it is not just in front of the incision then it could be the stress of surgery and might come back in time. Topcacl products such as Rogaine and ScalpMed could help in some but not all cases. JG 10.11.09

• Hello doctor, i have dry hair because of frequent colouring. iwanted to have long, lustrous and shiny hair.can i use scalp med products since i don`t have hair loss and also is there any side effects?

  Answer:  no reported side effects from the ScalpMed but if you do not stop coloring your hair, if in fact that is what has dried it out, nothing will help. JG 9.17.09

• A lot f the hair near my hairline is damaged or it permanently grows baby hairs when it used ot grow full hairs. Do you know if those hair lasers might make this baby hair grow back into full length hair? I was told that the laser destroys the male dht hormone in the hair which is causing the hair loss.

  Answer:  I have little faith in the hair regrowth lasers. Lasers will never destroy DHT as it travels in the blood and as soon as the laser is finished new blood goes to your scalp. JG 6.30.09

• Hi, my husband has the typical male baldness,at 48 he has that oval bare area from his forehead to the back of the top of his head & a leathery scalp, can transplant be successful in such a late stage case?

  Answer:  transplants can stil be done but he might not have enough donor area to cover all that is involved, he might have to choose the area to be filled in. JG 6.23.09

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I am having a problem with hair loss the past 3 months. I was under a great deal of stress for about 6 weeks and then my hair started to fall out. I am loosing about 100 hairs per day. I am getting some new growth in but it is still coming out. Some days only 25 or so and others around 100. Do you think it is caused by the stress and how long do you think it will be until it stops. I started taking Vitamin B-Complex, Zinc 50 mg, and Folic Acid 800 mcg qd. What are the vitamins that are good for the hair? Any suggestions as to what I can do to stop it? I am 60 year old female. I do have hypothyroidism and had my level checked when this started. It was in the normal range.

  Answer:  10 hairs lost per day is about normal, and to make it grow back can at times take months, so I think getting the stress under control, and giving it little time it what I would suggest. JG 6.21.09

• I do not know if you do hair transplants. I have sparse hair int he bang area. Well, it is one circular area of sparse (scalp showing) hair in bang area. This one dermataologist who does hair transplants said my hair follicles are too close together to do a hair transplant. He also said that my hair is not thicker in the back or it is fine all over. He said that my hair in that area would still look how it looks now if I got a hair transplant since hair transplants make the follicles closer together. However, I do not understand why the rest of my hair is not sparse looking or scalp showing. I do not know if although the follicles are close together in bang area, but maybe the hair thickness or diameter of the hair is smaller than the rest of my hair. In that case, it seems like taking it fromt he back of my head (where the hair follicle might be a little thicker) would solve the problem. I went to this other hair transplant place who said theyt could do a transplant there. I do not know if I can trust them, though, since the salesperson lied about some aspects of laser treatment for thinning hair. Then recently I went to this place to have a custom hairpiece made for my bang area. The place said they are used to making hairpieces for larger areas of hair loss or not just the bang area. They recommended a hair transplant so I would not have to wear a hairpiece. I would really prefer to have a hair transplant instead of wear a hairpiece, but I do not know if it is possible. What are your thoughts on hair follicles being close together, but the scalp still showing?

  Answer:  I think the hair transpalnts are likely the best option for you. JG 5.30.9

• Hello, what is most effective for thinning hair in women? Thank you

  Answer:  Rogaine or ScalpMed, the latter is sold at www.ScalpMed.com JG 4.20.09

• What is single unit hair transplant? Is this the same, but a different name for follicular hair transplant? How is this different than the strip transplant? What is the best type of hair transplant for front receding and whY?

  Answer:  it is one signle strand of hair implant, instead of a group of hairs. It is another name for a follicular transplant, yes. I think single hairs look more natural for the anterior hairline to avoid the Barbie-doll crow row effect. JG 2.22.09

• Dear Dr. Garcia, I have been (sigh) suffering with female hair loss since my 20s! I feel like recently it has gotten even a bitter thinner (I`m now in my early 40s). What`s odd is I really tried to start doing more about it - using Regenetress (a zinc based sebum-clarifying shampoo, as they claim it helps unblock the pores that can make the hair thin). It came with a follicle stimulator and a DHT blocker. I also got TWO different type of hair vitamins. Along with that, I have continued to use Rogaine (which I have done for (SIGH AGAIN) 20 years. With my hair graying, I have had to up my hair coloring, but something tells me it isn`t the coloring (per se). Are plugs the next step? I can`t believe I - as a woman - would even have to think about this.

  Answer:  might be hair transplants, yes, and also get your Thyroud checked out see if a low thyroid is your cause, best of luck. JG 11.21.08

• what is the leading cause of hairloss in women? is it hormone related? lack of nutrition? What food groups help? number one ingredient in hair loss supplements to stop the falling out? can vitamin suppliments to prevent hair loss be taken before surgery?

  Answer:  the most common is damage due to perms and coloring of the hair, second most common cause is post-menopausal hormone issues, third is low thyroid. Vitamins and supplements will help if there is a vitamin deficiency otherwise the effects by them alone are minimal to none. JG 11.3.08

• I just came across a hair loss forum. Alot of folk said they had a problem getting their money back when ScalpMed didnt work for them. something about needing all original packaging including all slots/outer box/ etc. Not being cooperative. I was almost going to order it too. came across another product, a suppliment and topical, called Provillus? Are there supplements with Scalpmed? seems to make sense to work from the inside out. What about cheaper vitamins like Ultra Hair Plus? any experience/feedback? What is Biotin? seems to be a major ingredient in vitamins for hair loss. Thanks

  Answer:  there are supplements with ScalpMed one can purchase, yes. As to the people`s problems with returns, I am afraid that is out of my hands, the company is not mine, my only affiliation is that I did their clinical trials years ago and I sell it but that is all. I am not an owner or otherwise involved with them. Biotin is a vitamin that some reports show help in slowing hair loss if it is nutritionally caused. I cannot speak about the other vitmamins you are asking about as I have never had any patients use them. JG 11.2.08

• Is Scalpmed good for menopausal hir thinning? i have has several cosmetic surgeries, with the anesthesia that go alongwith them. how long after, if at all, does hairloss occur? Is Scalpmed safe right up till surgery, and after?

  Answer:  yes, it works well for that. The hairloss after surgery will continue for about three months and then should be stable. ScalpMed can be used right up to the surgery and then again once the sutures are removed. JG 11.2.08

• DR GARCIA MY HAIR FALLS A LOT, WHAT SHOULD I USE TO STOP HAIR LOSS. ANY GOOD SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER YOU WOULD RECOMEND? IT`S GETTING THIN, PLEASE H E L P !!!!! 10-16-08

  Answer:  ScalpMed sold at www.ScalpMed.com JG 10.16.08

• Dear Dr.Garcia, I saw a plastic surgeon for a facelift consult. He said my sideburn is very high, almost to top of ear. Because of that he would have to make an incision below the very fine hairs of the sideburn. He said it would be fine if I wore my hair down to cover it, but I would not be able to pull my hair back without it showing. I understand why he said what he said. Also mentioned something about making a dart (that is where the scar would be right below the minimal hair at bottom of sideburn. My question to you is this. I do not want a visible incision line in the area. Is is possible to do a hair transplant there and create a sideburn to cover the incision? Thanks ever so much, you are such a blessing.

  Answer:  yes, hair transplants can be done and should correct the issue, best of luck. JG 8.23.08

• I am 42 years old, and I have very thin and sparse eyebrows. The hair in my temple area has also thinned, it is not as obvious because the rest of my hair lies on top. I am back on HRT for almost a year now my doctor has also prescribed Synthroid for hypothyroid. I had been on HRT for 4 years (I went through early menopause and had stopped taking it for about 1 1/2years). So far my eyebrows have not really grown in to their previous state, is their any cosmetic procedure or product that can help. I`ve heard of Jan Marini products, but I am skeptical.

  Answer:  the Jan Marini product that worked was taken off the market as she was illegally using a company`s medication without approval, the new one I have found to be not as effective as the original one. As to the hair, as your thyroid gets better, it might help that if it was due to low thyroid. JG 8.19.08

• Hair loss do to under function thyroid. After Thyroid function is regulated with med, will hair re grow?

  Answer:  in the vast majority of cases, yes. JG 8.6.08

• Hello my name is Kelly Adam, I have total hair loss no hair on my body at all. My hair started falling out in April of 05. It just started coming out in my hand like baseballs just kept coming out before I knew it I was totally bald. No eyelashes, eyebrows, underarm and pubic hair nothing on my arms or legs, but I do have hair on my face very fine hairs. I did see a Doctor he did all kind of test. found nothing. Please tell me something can be done. I had very long and thick hair. I`m the only one in my family with this condition. I did have a full historectomy I`m sorry my spelling is very bad, I hope you can make out what I`m saying. I also have a problem with my right arm. I was treated with injections in my neck these were call nerv blocks. Thank You Kelly Adam

  Answer:  it sounds like an autoimmune response to some issue, might consider seeing a physician and see if a course of steroids might help, all the best. JG 8.5.08

• Thank you for your informative answer to my question about post-surgical alopecia. One addendum, based on your answer: It seems that my friend is one of those sensitive people you mention who just respond adversely to anesthesia, since her hair loss wasn`t caused by poor wound closure or vascular complications on her scalp. She had abdominal surgery and experienced generalized, overall hair loss for 3-6 months following the surgery, and it`s never really come back. She has only 50% of her original hair density. She is now scheduled to have a large benign tumor removed from her neck, which requires incisions quite similar to those of a full lower facelift, so she well may experience some of the other complications that you mention due to scalp incisions, if she is unlucky and if her surgeon isn`t extremely careful (which we will urge him to be). I`m writing again to you to ask if it`s your experience that once a person demonstrates sensitivity to general anesthesia resulting in alopecia, s/he can typcially expect to have the same adverse response to all subsequent surgeries. As you say, there may be little she can do about it, but it will definitely help her to prepare emotionally if she knows she should definitely count on losing her again or if there truly is a good chance that one such adverse reaction is not necessarily a reliable predictor of future negative responses. Thanks so much for helping us out, Dr. Garcia. She`s understandably quite nervous about this, and her own surgeon hasn`t been particularly informative on this score.

  Answer:  well, the degree of stress response from the anesthetic will influence the issue too, so hopefully since this is likely a lesser surgery with less surgery time, she might do better. In her case it is likely related to adrenal issues, I am sure the surgeon will do what he can but everyone responds differently to stress, and surgery and anesthesia are certainly stressful events. sJG 7.30.08

• Have you found with your patients that using ScalpMed prior to and following surgery reduces the incidence and/or severity of post-surgical alopecia? A friend of mine who is scheduled for surgery lost approximately 50% of her hair after surgery for another condition 5 years ago and is terrified about further hair loss. (Is this a common/expected side effect of most surgery in your experience, by the way?) And are there any anesthetic agents that tend to promote alopecia more than others? If so, what are they? Perhaps her anesthesiologist might be able to avoid them and to use others. As always, thanks so much for your valuable time and invaluable expertise, Dr. Garcia!

  Answer:  As to ScalpMed helping mitigate hair loss from surgery, since ScalpMed is intended for hormonal hair loss, in most cases it will not affect it. I think f used early on after surgery it might help speed the regrowth in a small number of cases and certainly there is no harm in trying it. In the majority of cases of hair loss from surgery it is due to tension on the closure causing loss of blood supply, or cauterization of needed blood vessels causing hair loss. I will say that in some sensitive individuals,just the stress of surgery and the anesthesia can cause hair loss. No way to know what caused it in your friends case without knowing what surgery was done, where the hair loss is and seeing the patient. There is no one anesthetic that is better or worse in terms of peri-operative hair loss. Wish I had more to offer. JG 7.30.08

• Hi Dr.Garcia, I have very severe hair shedding and so much recession. I have lost about one full inch of hair around my hairline. My hair is very thin as well but the hairline baldness is devasting for a woman. A prominant hair transplant surgeon in NYC said he would not do a transplant because the hair is still falling out in clumps. I am using rogaine and the hair continue to fall. My question is: I have botox in my forehead. If I do have a transplant, do you think the surgery near the botox area would be risky?

  Answer:  I do not think Botox in the forehead will affect the tranplants. Best of luck. JG 7.14.08

• Hi, Dr. Garcia. So...ScalpMed for regrowing hair in the vertex, ReVitalash for regrowing eyelashes; what can be used to encourage the growth of eyebrows that have thinned due to age? Might ReVitalash be used for that too, since it`s a safe ophthalmic topical agent? If not, have you had success with any other products or procedures? Thanks so much for your constant generosity with your vast expertise. I hope you`re having a beautiful summer.

  Answer:  it is worth a try, also have your thyroid levels checked because loss of eyebrow hair ss a sign of low thyroid too. Best of luck. JG 7.12.08

• Hello Dr Garcia I am quite interested in your endorsement of scalpmed , do you really stand behind this product and does it really work or is it just another info commercial.

  Answer:  I did the original clinical trials for the company and still recommend it to my patients. I feel it is the most effective non-prescription product for hair growth on the market. JG 7.7.08

• Dear Dr. Garcia, Because you have highly endorsed the product, I started to use Scalp Med a little over three weeks ago to treat post-menopausal alopecia. 12 days into using it, I developed vaginal bleeding for the first time in 5 years of menopause. My gynocologist believes this is only coincidental, so we are now on the path of trying to rule out all the typical (and sometimes frightening) alternatives like hyperplasia, etc. I`m writing to ask if you have ever heard of this as a side-effect of minoxidil. Might it mimick progesterone (which I have never taken) not only in decreasing DHT levels but also in promoting endometrial growth -- and shedding? Thanks so very much, Dr. Garcia. It`s such a beautiful thing you are doing, helping countless people you`ve never even met! Thank you for being there.

  Answer:  I have never seen nor heard of that happening so I think it is a coincidence, like your gynecologist does. I will day that some DHT blockers could affect progestoerone levels but the liquid ScalpMed will not do that, if you are taking the pills, they can block the DHT formation so in a round about way they could elevate progesterone levels though. Best of luck and keep me posted. JG 6.29.08

• hallo sir. I`m 22 yrs old.still not having beard properly, a very small and thin hair in chin area and thin mustache.Cud u tell me whether it`s possible for having a full beard and mustache by cosmetic surgery? nd how much will it cost?????approximately..........

  Answer:  I am sorry but there is no cosmetic procedure that will give you a natural beard appearance over such a large area. JG 6.5.08

• I have read so much here about scalpmed. My husband has been usin rogaine for a few years, and it seems to have stopped working. Is there much difference in the ScalpMed product vs. the Rogaine? Do you believe he will see more results. He has the classic male pattern with very little hair on top, much on the sides and back.

  Answer:  the benefit to the ScalpMed is better penetration and less scalp irritation, the use of ScalpMed now if the Rogaine has stopped might not be very dramatic. I am not sure why the Rogaine would have stopped working though. It should at least maintain what he has gained. JG 6.1.08

• I really, honestly, sincerely just want to know that if the testimony you gave on the Scalp Med info commerical your sincere honest opinion about the product and do you have patients that have benefited from the product. I saw the info commerical and googled your name. Thanks Sue

  Answer:  I do honestly believe it, I have treatd many patients with the product and I feel it works beter than anything else out there. It does not work on all patiens but the vast majority do see good improvements. JG 5.26.08

• My husband is considering starting Scalp Med, but we read that the main ingredient, minoxidyl, can cause changes in blood pressure . He is 45 and doesn`t currently take any medication for his BP, but is watching it very closely, as he has had a few recent high readings (the highest was 125/95, but the average seems to be closer to 120-130/70-80). Is this a bad idea for him?

  Answer:  if anything it will lower the blood pressure but the amount absorbed when using ScalpMed is quite small, blood test showed almost no systemic absorption, so it should be safe for him to use. JG 5.18.08

• Doctor, can you tell me... 1) what the difference is between Provillus and ScalpMed that makes you think ScalpMed is better? 2) is there a reason why a person should not take Provillus and Propecia together as the research on both seem to be positive? I would only worry about the two having a negative effect (health impact) if taken together...agree?

  Answer:  I cannot tell you the difference as they do not disclose the other ingredients in Provillus. They also are not clear on the concentration of Minoxidil in the product. As to taking Propcecia and Provillus, it could be done but Propecia has potential sexual side effects that topcials do not. JG 4.20.08

• My granddaughter has lost a 2 inch patch of hair on the top of her head that shows no sign of regrowth. Could this condition be evaluated by you, and possibly be corrected? She is a healthy 21 year old. What would the consultation fee be, as she has no insurance?

  Answer:  she would be better seen by a dermatologist who can do a biopsy and see what is going on. JG 4.15.08

• hi doctor...was wondering if procedure like eyebrow inplants is real...if yes how much is it and where i can do it...what country...i live in İstanbul ...turkey... my eyebrows doesnt grow and i have a big complex about it...many thanx Ramona

  Answer:  it is real, you would need to search out a doctor though, I do not have any names for people that perform that surgery. JG 4.15.08

• Hi doctor, I saw you on scalpmed add, was that you? if not what do you think of that product, is it worth a try? I want to minimize my hair line would that product work, if not I want to go for the surgery, I heard that it might not work, is that true? the forehead might reject it?

  Answer:  it is me, I did the clinical trials on the product, I do not own the company but I do use it on my patients, I feel it works better than anything else out there at present. I have never seen hair transplants be rejected though. JG 4.6.08

• Hell Dr. Garcia, I am a 28 year old female with PCOS. I noticed in the last 7 months that my hair is thinning and i have hair loss. I have one to 2 dermotologists on the east coast and west coast. West coast dr. says to go on Rogaine for women for the rest of my life. The East coast dr. says to maybe try spironolactone along with my birth control pill which is Yasmin. I have been off of Metformin for over a year now and my blood labwork says my testosterone and insulin are fine. I am currently overweight at 200 pounds at heigh of 5`4. What is your best suggestion? Should I also go on Biotin and B vitamins? Please help!

  Answer:  I would likely try it all along with maybe some low dose progesterone cream topically on your forearm to compete with testosterone to DHT conversion by 5-alpha-redcutase. JG 3.21.08

• Hi. I am thinking of purchasing ther scalp med. However, what is the difference between the men and the women`s solution. My husband and I both want to use it, but would like to use the same one instead of buying both at least to start with and see if it helps. Thank you.

  Answer:  the Men`s is stornger. I have seen women use the Men`s formula too. JG 3.3.08

• Hi Dr. Garcia: I have heard about a laser treratment on TV and I called the company with questions. You sit under this laser for about 15 minutes twwice a week for six months. It is supposed to help the cells to respond and thicken hair. I have thinness at the temples and am wondering if this treatment would be helpful, or is it just a big hype. It is almost $2,000 for six months of treatment, so would like to make sure it really works first.The company is called Graft Technology. Thanks in advance.

  Answer:  there is some evidence that for some peopel a low level laser can stimulate blood flow and if that is the problem, it can help in some people. JG 3.2.08

• Hello Doc, Are there any inovations for hair transplantation on the horizon? Ive heard some things about hair cloning; any news? Thanks

  Answer:  nothing that will be able to be utilized in the near future. JG 2.26.08

• First of all hi. I am 18yrs old and my hair started falling off since I was 16yrs old. My hair started falling off every since I permed my hair and it just doesn`t want to come out. I have tried almost everything. Do you think scalp med will help me out or do I need a hair transplant.

  Answer:  I think it is worth a try for a couple of months before the surgery. JG 2.25.08

• Good day Dr. Garcia. Does Scalpmed, in your experience, have any positive growth effects on the front hairline or is it just limited to the back/vertex and top/crown? Thanks!!

  Answer:  I have seen it work there but the results are stronger in the vertex. JG 2.22.08

• dr garcia. my hair is falling can you suggest a good product to stop the fall, and make my hair more thicker and shinier? i have baby fine hair- and i noticed it`s getting thinner thanks for your kind help madeleine 2-22-08

  Answer:  I suggest a product sold at www.ScalpMed.com Best of luck. JG 2.22.08

• hi dr, i just had to ask before i order,u said the spray,is it this spray?;(The Scalp Med Cortex Enlarger) a Thickening Hair Spray is specially formulated to penetrate into individual hairs to add instant body and fullness to fine or limp hair .thanx

  Answer:  it is the Vitadil5A. JG 2.14.08

• dear dr.garcia,i went to the scalp med website,there are so many products,i have a very limited budget,which is the most important product that i can get to improve very bad hair loss for someone with a limited budget... thank you

  Answer:  just the spray. JG 2.14.08

• My hair has always been thin and since menopause has become thinner;the hair in the topcrown has begun to fall out.I am 61 years of age and has been advised by my dermatoligist that the hair follices in my crown area dead; I have also used scalp med without any success, would you suggest that my next step be hair restoration?, if so would you send me information on the procedure and the cost. I also believe that weaves and wigs are contributing to the continuing baldness. Please respond, I need to know what, (if any) other alternatives are availble. Thank You Gladys Jenkins

  Answer:  hair transplants are certainly a good idea, places like Bosley or Medical Hair Restoration are good, I would also suggest taking some progesterone cream topically, applied on your arms, as that can mitigate the rise in DHT that occurs in women after the menopause when their progesterone level becomes low and allows the DHT to rise with its effect on hair loss. JG 2.13.08

• Does combining Scalp Med with Propecia improve results?

  Answer:  it can be possibly enhanced but the Propecia can have sexual side effects which the ScalpMed does not have. JG 1.28.08

• Hi Dr. Garcia. I`ve been using the ScalpMed for a few weeks now and I find my hair appears somewhat sticky for lack of a better word - almost like I have too much leave in conditioner or gel in my hair. Is there something I can do (or I am doing wrong)? I think it`s caused by the NutriSol-RM since that always feels sticky when I apply it. I have tryed ensure that I massage it only into my scalp and try to avoid the hair as much as possible, but to no avail. Thank you!

  Answer:  try reducing the amount of the NutriSol first and see how that goes, I have seen that happen and decreasing the NutriSol helps. Best of luck. JG 1.19.08

• Is it ok for a woman to use men`s Rogaine? I don`t like the dryness of the women`s.

  Answer:  the Men`s is drying also. JG 1.15.08

• Dear Dr. Garcia, Could you please let me know how long after hair transplant operation I can use Toppik over the area the operation was done? Thank you so much for your response!

  Answer:  I would wait at least 2 weeks, preferably 3. JG 1.10.08

• Dr. Garcia, I have a daughter who is 14 and has been diagnosed with alopecia areata. She has two rather large bald spots on the back of her scalp (thankfully still under her other hair) I have ordered scalpmed to see if it will improve her hair loss, but I wanted to know a few more details on hair transplants just in case it does not work. Also, do you know where I can get info on weaves/wigs just in case it gets worse and she needs extra help? Because she is 14 and extremely self consious we need a wig that will look extremely natural. Thank you!

  Answer:  there is a lot of info on weaves on the internet, I am not familiar with one particular company. Hair transplants work well and for her issue is a good option, the fees vary and places to consider are Medical Hair Restoration or Bosley Clinics. JG 1.9.08

• which shampoo is best for falling hair?

  Answer:  sold at ScalpMed.com JG 1.7.08

• I sent a message but I think I lost it before it was sent. If not, this is a repeat question as I remember it. I asked how ScalpMed with the active ingredirnt of MINOXIDIL is so different from NIOXIN? Also, MINOXIDIL can be purchased at a drugstore. This product gives the illusion of thicker hair, but it really just plumps it up. I am presently usinf PUREOLOGY PRODUCTS NANO and taking 12,000mcgs per day of BIOTIN as recommended by a hair specialist in Florida. He does transplants and has a clinic here, also Board Certified, as well as a chemist who teaches study groups on hair loss. He feels my problem is from stress, trauma (as I had facial surgery therefore, anesthesia,) and also I am 62 years old. My hair has always been fragile. It breaks easily. I have had it professionally colored all my life. It is not falling out half as bad as before the Biotin. He did not recommend the Pureology, my hairdresser did. He does not believe that to be the cause of hair loss (shampoos or the like). All comes from within your system, not topical. What is your opinion on all this and what makes SCALPMED so superior? Thank you

  Answer:  Minoxidil is an FDA approved drug that is now sold OTC that has beenn clinically shown to increase hair growth, I believe Nioxin might thicken the hair shaft but I have not read any research papers that show clinical significant hair gorwth with their active ingredients. The difference between ScalpMed and regular Minoxidil is the liquid it is dissolved in is less irritating and allows the minoxidil to stay on the follicle rather than being absorbed into the body. I think processing your hair and surgery can affect the hair growth too, especially surgery because it can lessen blod flow and that will not be treated with anything topical. Best of luck. JG 1.5.08

• Hello Dr. Garcia. I`m a 43 yr old male and I`ve been using Propecia for approx. 10 years now with great success. It has completely retarded any further hair loss and I have had no side effects since using Propecia. There has been little or no regrowth; however, it has just stopped any further hair loss. Although I have had no side effects, I prefer not to ingest medications if there is a non-ingested alternative such as ScalpMed. My question is twofold; can I stop taking the Propecia once I start using ScalpMed or would you advise using both at the same time and would you anticipate equal or better results with the ScalpMed considering the success I had with Propecia? Thanks Raffe!

  Answer:  I usually tell people to stop the Propecia about one month after starting the ScalpMed as stopping the Propecia will cause some hair to fall out and it takes a while for the ScalpMed to kick in so I like to blend them for a short period of time to avoid the fall out. I would say you will likely see growth and retention both with the ScalpMed, best of luck. JG 1.5.08

• hi: my daughter started straightening her hair, but since she started doing that her hair has gotten full of splitends. it looks like her hair was burned. she does not want to stop. what do you recomend for her hair, its getting shorter and shorter, but she does not understand that sooner or later she is going to be bald.

  Answer:  all I can suggest is to tell her to stop, not much else I have, sorry. JG 1.2.08

• I have never been seriously ill, but in early October I developed blood clots on both lungs. I have been taking 5mg Coumadin since and no doubt will take it for a few months (hopefully, not any longer) longer. My hair seems to be somewhat thinner and lifeless. My doctor doesn`t think so. But I have read comments online regarding hair loss with this medication and almost all said they had had hair loss. What can I do?

  Answer:  well, you can try ScalpMed, or Rogaine or Propecia. Hair loss with stresful scenarios is common, best of luck. JG 1.1.08

• Hello Dr. Garcia. I am a disabled 52 year old Black women on limited income due to an auto accident and lost my hair due to meds given while hospialized which left me partially bald. I still have some hair (best way to describe is to picture bozo the clown). Anyway, my hair loss has been since 1999, I now wear a wig of course, I recently saw the commercial for SCALPMED, but am not sure this would work for me, as I have tried other products with not success. I really can`t afford the cost of this product I have seen or the transplant surgery. Is there any other product that I can use. I know that being bald has stressed me out, and I feel uncomfortable around other people due to this baldness. Do you have any suggestions. I thank you for your time in ready this email.

  Answer:  well, ScalpMed offers a money back guarantee if returned in two months and if you are going to see a diference it should be seen in the first two months, but I will say that if you stop taking the ScalpMed the hair that grew back will be lost agian. Sorry to hear about your tribulations, and I wish you all the best. JG 1.1.08

• A person normally loses anywhere from 50 to 150 hairs in a day. A normal telogen phase lasts about 3 months. What exactly happens during this phase? Do you shed more hair than the normal 50 - 100 hairs? Thank you

  Answer:  no, three are many other hair follicles in the catagen and anagen phase so some hair is still growing and some just sits there without falling out. JG 12.29.07

• HI DOCTOR, DOCTOR, I AM A 42 YEAR OLD MALE, AND HAVE HAD HAIR THINNING AND REDEEDING HAIRLINE SINCE ABOUT 12 YEARS, I STARTED TAKING PROPECIA WHEN IT CAME OUT, PLUS I HAVE TRIED JUST ABOUT EVERY SCAM OUT THERE, THE PROPECIA DID HELP, BUT NOW I AM STARTING TO THIN AGAIN, AND RECEEDING A LITTLE MORE, I RECENTLY A HAIR TRANSPLANT DOCTOR IN NYC, WHO RECOMMENDED NOT DOING THE SURGERY YET, BUT TO INCREASE TO A 5MG FINESTERIDE PILL, CUT IN HALF, AND TO USE ROGAINE, AND THAT IT SHOULD GIVE ME SOME OF THE IMPROVEMENT IM LOOKING FOR, HE SAID THAT PROPECIA USUALLY LOSES ITS EFFECTIVENESS AFTER 5 YEARS, I HAVE RECENTLY RESEARCHED A NEW PRODUCT DERIVING FROM APPLES, WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND. I AM ALSO A NON SMOKER.

  Answer:  I have not had any patients use the apple derived product so I cannot say. I think doing the hair transplants before it is very clearly needed is a good idea in order to make the hair loss less visible, I have never seen the Propecia lose its effectiveness though, it is not time related, but the degree of hair loss does increase and the Propecia will only do so much. JG 12.26.07

• Dear dr. What do you think of finistride ...dangerous?

  Answer:  not dangerous in men, no. JG 12.3.07

• Dr. Garcia, the condition of my hair (asian skin, 32 years old) is : Long hair since i was a kid, premature greying, sometimes have dandruff and sometimes not but the dandruff is not itching, and lots of hair loss when wet and very little when dry. Because of my current job, i always have to blow dry my hair at salon to make it straight, otherwise it is messy curl. I dont want to colour my hair right now, but i`m trying to make the greying exist not faster by put water from cellery leaf about 15 minutes before washing hair. I live at Indonesia, but i really need your suggestion for : 1. Shampoo type and brand, 2. COnditioner type and brand. It just make me confident if you suggest those two, i dont want to keep trying different things. You once mention AVeda, i`m just not sure do they ship internationally? and please also suggest the type that is kind enough and friendly to my hair, so many out there confused me, thank you very much doc,

  Answer:  I would like to help you but what you are asking is really outside the area of my expertise as a plastic surgeon, I think you need to speak with a hair stylist for some good advice, sorry. JG 11.17.07

• Can u recommend a way to go about finding a good hair transplant surgeon? A reputable membership organization, internet listing, etc...? Do you know of anyone in the Arlington, VA(Metro DC area) you can recommend?

  Answer:  try www.ishrs.org JG 11.15.07

• is it the vessels making bridges or circulation that are important for my hair?

  Answer:  the vessels are the bridges. JG 11.15.07

• so my hair isn`t getting anything until those bridges are formed? How long before the bridges are working good and providing for my hair?

  Answer:  it can take weeks ot months, no way to tell, it is slowed by the amount of scar tissue. JG 11.15.07

• do the holes in the bony ridge go all across the bony ridge or just at the 15mm point?

  Answer:  just at that point, there are two smaller ones a little closer, but that is the biggest one. JG 11.15.07

• So the circulation loss that causes the instant loss of my hair after the forehead incision. Is the circulation issue as temporary as when I am sewed back up I get circulation going to the scalp again or is it a long term thing where circulation comes back gradually?

  Answer:  yes, and the circualtion issue is usually temporary. It will take time for the blood vessels to re-open, it does not occur just by closing the incision, new bridges need to be formed. JG 11.15.07

• the direct lift I am talking about - the central direct lift.

  Answer:  yes. JG 11.15.07

• So about where I had the central lift to the brow.

  Answer:  yes. JG 11.15.07

• Is the blood supply to the frontal scalp all across the brow or does it originate from a certain area of the brow?

  Answer:  originates mainly from small holes in the skull about 15 millimeters from the center of the glabella righ at the ridge of the boney socket. JG 11.15.07

• U said the blood supply to the front of the scalp comes from above the brow. 7 wks post op of two combined incisions in central front of hairline & lateral direct brow lift with hair loss - At six weeks, I had a touch up of the direct lift that involved 1 cm of the top of the central brows and went down around the brows in the glabella to remove extra glabella skin. There was swelling in my forehead and a little tightness from the lidocaine for about 3 days. Could those direct cuts to the central brow & swelling cut off circulation to my front scalp, too? Could they slow down my growth I am waiting on? I didn`t see any loss of the spikes, but there is no growth on the spikes for 4 weeks now. The hair loss I was experiencing stopped a couple of days after the touch up as well.

  Answer:  possible to both those questions. JG 11.14.07

• Yeah, they showed up after surgery b/c right after surgery the whole quater sized area was completely shiny and not even a follicle could be seen. At 3 weeks, the follicles turned dark, and the 1/16 spikes showed up. But, they haven`t grown. What cycle is that? Sorry - just want to know that it is normal and it will grow.

  Answer:  likely in catagen or telogen phase, in your case more towards the catagen phase. No reason to believe they will not start to grow in the future. JG 11.14.07

• So my telogen phase(I read normal is 3 months) will be longer than 3 months b/c of the loss of circulation? Gulp. What cycle are those 1/16 spikes in that showed up at 3 weeks and then just sat there? Are they resting just like the dark follicles, but just happen to be a little longer than the follicles that showed up? So, it is normal for the hair to pop up just a little above the scalp skin and then go into resting phase right after?

  Answer:  those spikes were hairs probably already growing that had not popped up and out yet and were set to do so right before the surgery, I doubt they are actually growth after the surgery. For example, after a patient dies, their hair can continue to grow for weeks after their death as it was getting ready to come out before their demise. JG 11.14.07

• I thought once a hair strand starts growing in anagen phase, it doesn`t stop for 2-7 years and then falls out in telogen phase. You are saying that one hair strand can grow out a little and sit there, then grow, then sit there in cycles? Sorry, just confused:( and worried:(

  Answer:  no, the cycles are much shorter, the older you are the longer the dormant stage too, and in cases where there is loss of blood supply the dormant stage increases. JG 11.14.07

• 7 wks post op forehead incision in front of hairline. 42yr old fem. with no fpb in fam. or self. Hair loss with shiny bald patch(no visible sign of follicles)size of quarter immediately after surgery directly behind incision. 1/16 spikes showed up at 3 weeks. Presently, the spikes haven`t grown. I thought that once the hair is above the scalp skin(not just a dark follicle anymore) that it would grow. The spikes haven`t grown in 4 weeks - they sit there. Is this normal?

  Answer:  hair grows in cycles, not continously so it will start and stop in its growth pattern. JG 11.14.07

• I really don`t want to have to stop lifting my forehead as I age. I am scared, now though. What is the greater risk of hair loss, incision at hairline or center or forehead? Cutting down to the bone sounds like it would cut everything including all vessels - is that what you meant to say?

  Answer:  cutting down to the bone actually preserves the blood vessels as they are more superficial and they cut down to the bone is done way back, not where the blood vessels originate. I think the hairline incision typically has the greatest chance of temporary hair loss. JG 11.13.07

• So you are saying that if the incision on my forehead is done a certain way, I would not have to worry about hair loss or is it not in the full control of the doctor - sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn`t?

  Answer:  well there is always a risk, but it can be reduced. It can happen in some cases if all precautions are taken. JG 11.13.07

• When you say wait 6 months for the hair to come back after trauma, what does that mean? At six months, will the follicles just be starting to grow or is there usually full growth with length at 6 months?

  Answer:  the hair follicles go into a state of shock and in any regard, they go through phases of growth normally, not all of your hair grows at the same time. What typically happens is the hairs start to grow, but not all at one time so soon you will get some sprouts and as time goes more will pop up, kind of like grass seed thrown on sod, all at different growth phases. JG 11.13.07

• So have you seen hair loss due to incisions in the forehead say about 1-2 inches down from the hair line or are you saying it could happen? I know that the loss I got from putting it directly in front of hairline was very close to the incision line. I was hoping by putting the incision 1-2 inches down from the hairline, that I would be far enough away from the hair that it wouldn`t fall out. Not true? When you say the blood supply comes from the brows, you mean all across the brows or from one part of the brow? Maybe the direct lift combined with the front incision I had together caused the hair loss?

  Answer:  yes, it can happen, the issue is blood flow and when the incision is made there is a sacrifice of the blood supply in most cases, depending greatly on the depth where the incision and flap is carrried down to. The blood supply comes from the area around the brow, correct. When the incisions are made they should be carried down to the bone so the blood vessels are not cut, or at least injured to a lesser degree. JG 11.13.07

• Since you said my issue with my hair is circulation, and my scar at my forehead has started to turn pink; would it help to massage the scar and the area that is just a tiny bit numb to maybe help with circulation; thus, help with hair growth coming back sooner?

  Answer:  I feel massage would help, yes. JG 11.12.07

• So there is a genetically programmed number of follicles that we all have? Have I already put a negative impact on my hair growth? I thought you had to get brow lifts every 5-7 years as you get over 45?

  Answer:  correct, follicle density is genetically controlled, as is their sensitivity to hormones. As to brow lifts typically they are a one or at most two time lifetime thing if done properly. I do not think you have negatively impacted your hair with this one time issue. JG 11.12.07

• 42 yr old female with no FPB in family or self. Incision in front of hairline caused shock hair loss behind suture line. If I continue to get browlifts as I age - say 4 more in a lifetime - and each time the hair falls out due to shock. Am I going to cause myself to go bald prematurely because I have read that hair follicles have a certain lifespan and when there is trauma and shock loss, you have shortened a normally 2-7 year growth cycle for that follicle and it falls out ;therefore,with a finite number of genetically assigned follicles, I could go bald? Right? Wrong?

  Answer:  well, contineud loss of blood supply can have a negative impact on future hair growth but I am not sure why you would need it repeated that many times, that would be an unusual amount of times to be done. JG 11.12.07

• Now that I have lost hair do to the incision in front of the scalp and I am looking at not getting it back to it`s original length for about 8 months, I am not sure I ever want to have another stitch near my hair. It is very traumatic to watch the mirror and wait to see when your hair will grow and how much is going to continue to fall out. It is not exactly the recovery time period I was looking for either. I am tempted to lift my forehead by putting the scar directly in my forehead disguised as a wrinkle for future lifts. This way, at least I would have no loose skin and I could keep the wrinkles in the forehead down to one. Have you seen this done and how does it ultimately look?

  Answer:  yes, but the same thing can occur as the blood vessels to the front hairline come from the ridge of bone right underneath the eyebrows. JG 11.12.07

• Thank you so much Dr. Garcia for your quick reply. About the question I just asked. Why do some people say the hair loss could be permanent from trauma? Does the progression I stated sound normal and do you have any idea from my description what kind of time frame I am looking at?

  Answer:  it is due to swelling or tension decreasing the blood flow and that can affect hair growth, the progress you describe is typically what I see. In general the hair takes at times 6 months to get back to where it was as it grows slowly. JG 11.12.07

• 42 yr old yr old female with no FPB in self or in family history. Presently,7 weeks post op from browlift in front of hairline(no follicles disturbed). Immediately after surgery, hair began to fall out and a quarter sized shiny bald spot(no follicles could be seen) appeared where the area was numb. Hair stopped thinning out around the bald spot at 6 weeks. Numbness in scalp has slowly decreased. At 3 weeks the bald spot changed: disperse dark follicles appeared, along with about 10 1/16 spikes and about 10 1/4 hairs appeared(were hard to see growing because I am blond). The 1/4 hairs have grown, but the spikes and follicles just sit there. I know that sometimes the hair does not grow back after surgery. From what I have described, am I in the clear? Is my hair going to grow back? Or, do I have to wait and see if the follicles will grow?

  Answer:  yes, all due to short term restricted blood flow and should all come back, can use Rogaine to speed it up. JG 11.12.07

• doctor Garcia.., regarding premature gey hair (i had it little since 14 years old and have it more now on 32 years now), what brand of hair colouring can you reccomend that will not make worse of my hair, the kindest stuff? thank you doc...

  Answer:  sorry but no preference or knowledge. JG 10.30.07

• I have had hair transplants roughly 3 months ago...Is it OK to dye the hair or use Grecian formula?

  Answer:  yes, OK to do so. JG 10.16.07

• If your hair is basically cut the same length but when you shed hair some of the hair is short and some of it is long, is this a good indication that you have alopecia?

  Answer:  I do not think it is a direct indicator of allopecia. JG 10.4.07

• Dr. Garcia: I am a 50 year old male from Chicago who is balding. I am originally from the Hollywood Park neighborhood of Chicago, with which you may be familiar. I was just wondering if you still listen to the music of Queen. Oh, and about those hair transplants........

  Answer:  I do not have technicians for the hair transplants at present and I just turned 50 myself, I remember many great days at Hollywood Park. As to Queen, yup, lots of the time, I like the old stuff myself. Best of luck. Glad you found me. JG 9.19.07

• hi doc, its lovy again..., appreciate your time to answer my question before. If you may, please suggest the brand for hair treatment for my hair problems (dandruff, hair weakness / loss when wet, premature greying), and would be very happy if you could suggest complete range for the shampoo, conditioner, hair colour brand with no peroxide, and do i need hair tonic and hair supplements (to take with meal)? Also what brand do you suggest for them, i usually have allergic to seafood such as calamary, lobster, etc, but ok with fish. Thanking you in advance doctor, sorry for troubling with the asking for complete brand suggestion for all types of the treatment and medicine, thank you once again....

  Answer:  I am sorry but I really do not know enough to tell you what to use in that realm, I persoanlly use Aveda products. JG 9.17.07

• hi doc...., i am lovy, female, 32 yrs, i had premature greying since i was 17 years, begin with 1 or two and now can be seen quite clearly. Salon said i also have dandruff but i dont see them and also dont feel itchy... my hair fall (hair loss) so much when wet (when i wash it),.... and not so much when it dry. how should i take care of my hair to make it on better condition? thank you very much.....

  Answer:  well a good protein intact and shampoos that are not harsh and if you decide to use hair color use something with little to no peroxide. JG 9.16.07

• Hi doc. I recently read an article about hair cloning to treat hair loss. What light could you shed and when do you see this as a viable option. Thank you

  Answer:  still years away I am afraid. JG 8.26.07

• I had liposuction to my u/l abs and hips and flanks 4 weeks ago. My question is that it seems like some places on the abs seem a little irregular and I can`t move the skin upwards like I could before to make my stomack look smooth like I could before. Also, I seem to feel a little numbness on the lower abs and a little pouchiness. When will this resolve. Also, he put some of the fat in my hands. It seems like I have irregular areas and some lumps in my hands, and the hands are a little gray. Will this resolve in time? and will it smooth out, or am I stuck with lumpy hands? Could resty be injected at a later date in between the indentations to smooth the areas out? Thanks for your advice.

  Answer:  all normal and all of it will get better but it will take time, the areas where it is stuck will get better with massage and stretching and the little lumps will slowly be dissolved by your body. I personally think most of the fat in the hands will dissolve if you give it time. JG 8.15.07

• hi doc... it`s me with the 4yr old alopecia daughter again... thank-you for answering my question. i was just curious though, if you have any suggestions of possible treatment for her.

  Answer:  well treating the underlying cause, but in many cases it is just termed alopecia areata and no treatment is offered. I have seen some patients respond to steroid creams or injections, but it is hard to say what could work without a definitive diagnosis I am afraid. JG 8.13.07

• Dr. Garcia , Does rogaine really work?

  Answer:  yes.JG 8.10.07

• I have really fine hair all my life, what can I do to have ticker hair?

  Answer:  the size of the shaft of the follicle is determined by genetics and although things can be applied to make your hair look thicker, it is basically just something that sticks to the shaft to make it look thicker but it really does not do it, just an illusion and temporary. JG 7.15.07

• Dr Garcia I just checked the area where I had transplants done (april 29) and see/feel some growth. I guess I hoped for more obvious growth but will have to be patient. How long will it take for the ScalpMed to work? Thanks!

  Answer:  should see something in 6-8 weeks. JG 7.11.07

• Dr Garcia i had hair transplants done April 29 and haven`t noticed the growth yet. Can I start using Scalpmed now? how long will I have to use it before I notice growth/ Or should I wait longer to start? Thanks

  Answer:  yes, you can use the ScalpMed now, it is unusual that there has not been any growth yet, usually at about 2-3 months there should be something, I suggest you go back to the surgeon and see what is going on. JG 7.7.07

• Dear Dr. Garcia, Does ScalpMed use the same ingredient that Rogaine does-if so-what makes them different? Or if not, what is the main ingredient? Do you forsee a hair loss cure within the next few years? Curis I read discontinued their hair loss trials and Aderans doesn`t show any updates...what do you think will happen-can you give this 28year old female any hope? Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer questions from strangers!!!

  Answer:  it does but it is dissolved in a different carrier to assist in penetration and has other ingredients in it.I think in the coming years more specific medications will be developed that will control DHT caused hair loss without the other side effect, but we are realistically years away due to the FDA testing required. In females there are more options actually, usually if they are on oral contraceptives stopping those helps as the synthetic progesterones behave like testosterone and elevate DHT levels, making sure your progesterone levels are good with natural progesterone also helps, along with avoiding some of the hair products that can damage your hair and making sure your thyroid is well balanced. Thanks for visiting. JG 7.1.07

• Hi Dr Garcia, I`m not sure if you cover this area, but I am planning on having my thick, coarse and wavy/curly (but not TOO curly) hair chemically straightened. I`ve heard that this can permanently cause hair loss. If I go to a professional (like Vidal Sassoon Salon) and have it done properly, can chemical straightening still cause permanent hair loss over time?

  Answer:  it can but in experienced hands the risk is less. JG 6.13.07

• Hi Doc. About 14 months ago I started using Propecia when I first noticed that my hair was starting to thin. I have since also started using Scalpmed once per day as well. I have experienced some nice restoration and I was wondering if I should expect my hair to remain consistant now as long as I stay on this course of treatment? Also, is there any news about hair cloning, such as when it should be available, and in your opinion does it look promising? Thank you.

  Answer:  I think with continued use it should be maintianed. Hair cloning will be here in the future, a great option, but still years away I am afraid. JG 2.21.06

• After reading so much about Scalpmed and on recommendations from a friend who has tried it, I ordered a six month package. I started using it twice daily but had applied for just two days and started getting palpitations of the heart.So stopped the application,but still having palpitations (100)and my B.P. is 140/100. That has got me worried .I have had no problems what so ever with my heart before. I dont have access to a doctor /physician right now as I am working in the sea.I am 45years old and this palpitations have got me scared.Its been 2 days now since they started ,though i can feel thye have reduced a bit right now. I am on no other medication at all.Now tell me how safe I am ,am I in danger that requires immediate cardiological attention ? Does Scalpmed cause heart trouble? And how bad is it ? Should I reduce the dosage to once per day ? I had been using it just after my bath, does that matter? Can I continue the madication later? Would appriciate a quick reply to all these at your earliest on my email,Please.

  Answer:  I do not think you are in any imminent damage, heart irregularities can happen with minoxidil which is in the product but if it does it lowers blood pressure, not raises it. In either way, that length of treatment would allow all of the medicine to be out of you body in less than 24 hours, so there might be something else going on besides the product. I think you should contact the ScalpMed people, since the company is not minne and request a refund and just to be safe, not use the product until your medical issues can be worked up. JG 2.20.07

• How safe is it to use Scalpmed while breastfeeding? Right now while I`m pregnant my hair thickness is good, but am expecting to loose a lot of hair (as I did with my first)and return to my pre-pregnancy fine thinning hair after my twins are born.

  Answer:  it has not been tested on women that are breast feeding so I would wait. JG 2.16.07

• Hi dr.Garcia, sorry for bothering you again,you have been recommending scalpmed for hairloss. i contacted the company and unfortunatly they dont ship to egypt.Do you know any other alternative products that are as effective,how about if i used rogaine 5% for men, will it be harmful since im a woman? if not, could you please name a few products that are as effective as scalpmed and will re-grow my hair and make it as thick as it use to be? last product i used was villa borghenni

  Answer:  well, although in most cases women do not need that strong of a dose of Rogaine, it has been used by some women with stronger and quicker results yes. JG 11.28.06

• Dr Garcia i went for a consult to the Bosley chain and liked the dr I saw. Many people told me to stay away from chains because they aren`t as good as individual drs who have a good rep. What is your opinion?

  Answer:  well, chains have many different doctors so as long as you liked the doctor you met and he or she is the one that is going to do the surgery I feel it is OK. JG 11.19.06

• I have been prescribed Alpicort F for hair loss. I am 46, and started experiencing hair loss due to low iron. That problem was corrected. My dermatologist says that this is Alopecia due to androgen, as a result of the body balancing estrogen and androgen as part of menopause. He says that his will equalize in 2 -3 years. I am post menopause for 2 years. I am hypothyroid, but my blood tests show I am in normal range with medication. There is no history on my mother or father`s side of baldness. 1) Do you agree that hair loss will as a result of equalization of androgen and estrogen? 2) Can I take Minoxidil with Alpicort F. thanks for you answer.

  Answer:  I think you can take the minoxidil and the problem is not with testosterone and estrogen, but with testosterone and progesterone. JG 11.16.06

• I hope you got to see my questions about scalp med because it was directed to another area and the answer that was posted did not fit my question. If you start the product and get the results you wanted from scalp med and then stop using the product do you lose all the new hair growth and thickeness?

  Answer:  yes, you lose it if you stop it. JG 11.14.06

• Dr. Garicia, My husband has been using Rogaine on his hair for several years now. However, his hair is starting to gray. Can he use Rogaine and Grecian formula at the same time? Are all Grecian formulas the same? Does it matter which one he buys? Thanks!

  Answer:  I think Just For Men gives better color but it can be used together. JG 11.14.06

• hi doctor, I start using rogain in the past 3 weeks and now I have itching with no redness or inflamation. what do you suggest. I had hair transplant like almost 5 years ago. my scalp was itching but not every day. after using rogain it increased. I appreciat your input in this matter. thank you

  Answer:  very common with the Rogaine due to the liquid it is dissolved in, I might suggest stopping it and changing over to Propecia or a product called ScalpMed available at www.ScalpMed.com as it has much less irritation then Rogaine. JG 11.14.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, When a hair falls out, is it replaced right away with a new one or is there sometimes a resting period before the new one comes in. Is it true that every three to four years a lot of hair is lost and new ones form? Thank You.

  Answer:  there is usually a resting period that can at times last a number of months. We lose about 150 hairs per day and as we age the regrowth slows. JG 11.9.06

• Hi Dr.Garcia, I was wondering what vitamins will help with my hair getting thinner. It seems like the past month it has started getting thinner.The only thing I do is color my hair. But the top of my head seems sore sometimes. I use hair spray and hot rollers qd. Could it be the rollers or hair color, spray causing it. Can I make a appointment with you and do you eval for that kind of problem? Thank You for your help.

  Answer:  I suggest all the B vitamins and as to the pain, it is hard for me to tell. I do not think the rollers should do that unless you wind them too tight. Probably best to see a dermatologist. JG 11.9.06

• My hair at the crown has been thining since I was 25. I am now 41 and currently on Yasmin to control my mood swings. Yasmin has been very helpful but I noticed in the past year my hair if falling out quicker. Do you think Yasmin has anything to do with it and if so, do you think your product will help me if I continue with Yasmin?

  Answer:  it does happen that with some birth control pills that hair does fall out as it is a hormone, might need to consider something else for your moods. JG 11.8.06

• MY DAUGHTER PULLED OUT 30TRANSPLANTED HAIRS WILL THEY GROW BACK AND HOW LONG?

  Answer:  if the bulb at the bottom is out they will not grow, if the bulb is stil there they will grow back but it might take 6-8monhts or so. JG 11.7.06

• dr. gacia, i have very fine hair, but that didnt stop me from useing chemical relaxers on my hair, i stopped useing them now, but lost alot of hair, i used everything you can imagine to grow my hair back (pills,tonic`s,menoxidil)..but its still very thin. does that mean i destroyed my hair follicles, and that ill never have my thick hair again? thank you for devoting your time for us

  Answer:  no way to tell if the follicles are destroyed without a biopsy I am afriad. It is possible though. JG 11.2.06

• What are your thoughts on the Jan Marni eyelash system?

  Answer:  have recently started using it and it appers to have a good result. JG 11.1.06

• what are your thoughts on osmotics fns eyelash growth product?

  Answer:  sorry but no expereince with it. JG 11.1.06

• Dear Dr. Garcia, I am 57 years old and have noticed that the past few weeks my hair is getting thinner all over, but mainly on the top for some reason. First it started breaking off a few months ago, so I started using a good shampoo and conditioner and that helped. But I noticed the top is getting thin. I Am under alot of stress everyday with my job. Could that make it thin out and if it is stress related will it come back? Are the shampoos good that help a person regrow their hair. If you stop taking it will your hair fall out? I have hypothyroidism. I had a level done 2 months ago and it was ok. Thank you

  Answer:  well, the causes are many, it could be the stress and yes, any product that helps the falling out stop or reverse will lose all of those regrowth follicles if you stop using it. JG 10.25.06

• Hi Dr. I am using Rogain two times a day but it makes my scalp dry. can i use it once a day and what kind of shampoo you are recommending with using rogain. thank you

  Answer:  baby shampoo, or the shampoo at www.ScalpMed. com. Irritation of the scalp with Rogaine is common due to the alcohol, the ScalpMed hair product might be easier to tolerate. I think cutting back to once per day might help but it also might affect how effective it will be. JG 10.24.06

• thanks for responding my question. what about the bulb of my hair which is falling down i am not asking about the hair. when i touch my scalp i feel them and it come to my hand. what is the reason for that and what should i do about that. i am scared of losing all the hair bulb which hair grows from it. I appreciat if make a command about this issue. thanks

  Answer:  I think you need to see a dermatologist to find out if there is some autoimmune issue going on, the bulbs should not be falling out. JG 10.22.06

• sorry that is not 45 years. it is 5 years ago. thanks Sayed

  Answer:  I figured it was 4-5 years. JG 10.21.06

• Hi Dr Garcia, I am 37 years old male and i had hair transplant 45 years ago with around 900 grafts. after transplant i lost all my existing hairs and left with the ones i transplanted. is it normal? and also my other question is in the past months one day after washing my hair when i touch my scalp my hairs bulb ( the materials which hair grows from it ) falling. what is it and why and what should i do about it. it is like around 10 per day. please answer my question and i appreciate it. thanks Said

  Answer:  the transplanted hairs retain their original tendency but the hairs that were in the area where you received the grafts unfortunately continue to respond to the hormone DHT which causes them to fall out. The hair transplant process does not stop the original hairs from falling out. It is normal to lose 50-150 hairs per day. May consider using some hair loss product such as ScalpMed or Rogaine to slow the loss down. JG 10.21.06

• my hubby had surgery on his head and they shaved his head when he was like 21 doing this. His hair came back darker and much thicker. I am wondering when people shave their heads, does it grow back thicker and darker? (if the hair is healthy but thinner.... whats the percent if it does. do you know?

  Answer:  shaving the hair and then having it grow back thicker is not the usual scenario I am afraid. JG 10.17.06

• Hi Doc. About two years ago I noticed the top portion of my hair starting to thin. Not the crown; more towards the front. I have been using Propecia for about nine months and Scalpmed once per day for about four months. It seems like this has stopped the thinning, but it is somewhat hard to tell. I was wondering if you thought this course of treatment was a good plan? Also, I have heard abour hair cloning and was curious if you knew much about it and when it may become available? Thank you.

  Answer:  I think that is a good plan, yes. As to hair cloning, it is being done in experiments so far only and we are years away before practical use I am afraid. JG 10.4.06

• Dr. Garcia: My uncle suffers from Discoid Lupus which has effected the the top of his head as well as a spot on his left cheek (size of a dollar coin. In addition, he also has Type 2 diabetes, Hypertension & Macropteinuria. I wanted to get your advice on if he is a suitable patient for the product/service on this website? My uncle is from London, England but is staying with me in Canada for the next few weeks. Thanks in advace.

  Answer:  Well, it all depends on what he is interested in, if you are speaking of the hormone balancing, he might be a candidate, we can alwwys see him and get some blood tests, none of that should affect the other health issues, the diabetes might get better though. JG 9.26.06

• Dr Garcia Rograin feels like jello in my hair, mushy sort of. how is scalpmed? Thanks again!

  Answer:  it might feel a little greasy in some but not all patients. JG 9.17.06

• Hi Doc. I just order my Scalpmed last week and am looking forward to giving it a go. I was wondering about how fast does hair grow? Also, my hair has only been thinning for a couple of years now would that have any effect on how well the product works? Thank you.

  Answer:  usually you should see the growth in 8 weeks. The less severe the hair loss the better it should work. Best of luck. JG 5.7.06

• Hi Doc. Putting aside the side effects how effective do you feel Propecia is for stopping hair loss? Thanks

  Answer:  fair. JG 5.7.06

• Dr. garcia I've been using scalpmed and propecia for 4 months w/ excelent results, and as i have grown my hair to about an inch now. The product seems to get mixed in to my hair more and more as my hair gets longer. What do you reccomend ? Also after 4 months, how much longer do I use the product before I can get a hair transplant in the front to add density where the treatments are not working as well as the top ? thanks 4 your time, P.Z.

  Answer:  You can proceed with the transplants now if desired. As to applying the ScalpMed with longer hair you will need to rub it a little more aggressively. JG 5.7.06

• What is a good vitamin for hair growth (length and thickness)?

  Answer:  the B vitamins in general are good but adequate protein is more important. JG 5.5.06

• I am interested in the Scalp Med for hair loss. Is this an internet scam or does this really work? I am an African-American woman and I have some thinning hair. It just started to thin two years ago. Some hair therapy for some races work and for African-American women it does not. I need a relaxer to straighten my hair so would Scalp Med be a wise decision. I do understand your 100 percent guarantee refund policy, but I do not want to get to the last of the two-month supply and it start working. I would have to purchase another two-month supply after that and I just want to test it out. What would you recommend?

  Answer:  I have used it on my patients for over two years with great results. It is not my company though, I just use it on my patients. JG 5.5.06

• is it safe to apply scalpmed i.e your hair loss cream during pregnancy without any side effect on me and my baby. himani_140101@yahoo.co.in may 5th 2006

  Answer:  I wouls say no. JG 5.4.06

• Hi Doc. Is there any regular store products which can help with male hair loss? My hair has been thinning for the past two years, and Ive been on Propecia for about four months now. I recently ordered the Scalpmed, and was wondering if there is anything else I could do to help. Thank you for the advice.

  Answer:  I think the things you are on are the best out there. JG 5.4.06

• Hi Doc. After the first two months of being on Scalpmed should I expect to see some growth? If not then does that mean that it isn't likely to work for me? Thank you.

  Answer:  if you do not see growth by then you may not see it. JG 5.2.06

• I am 47 years old and have almost no eyelashes anymore. It has progressively gotton worse over the past few years. I am embarrassed about them. I have tried wearing false eyelashes but I never get them to look natural with the glue and they are uncomfortable. Is there a surgury to restore eyelashes? DN 5/2/06

  Answer:  hair transplants can be done but you need to see someone with lots of experience doing them. JG 5.2.06

• Hi Doc. I recently saw the Scalp Med advertisement on television and was quite impressed. I did notice that a disclaimer stated that the results on the patients in the ad were not typical. In your experience what has been a more typical result. Are most patients generally happy with the result, and how long does it usually take to see the results? thank you.

  Answer:  In the patients I have treated the vast majority are happy, I would say over 80% or more, just that some get more hair then others. JG 4.30.06

• I have a condition called ectodermia dysplasia. Will scalp med work for me? dat - 4/28/06

  Answer:  We have not used it on any patients with ectodermia so I am not sure, sorry. JG 4.30.06

• Hello, Dr. Gracia. I'm bald on the top of my scalp, but here's the thing, my hair does not fall out it's actually strong. What happens is that I have the habit of plunking my hair out one by one. Now if I use your scalpmed product will my new hair fall out once I decide to stop using scalpmed, even if my hair never had hair loss problems in the first place? Should I be worried Dr?

  Answer:  Any hair that grows with Scalpmed will most likely fall out once you stop the product. I think you just need to stop plucking. JG 4.28.06

• I am 45 - female. Always had long thick hair. Is it too soon to use Rogaine 4 weeks post Brow lift / mid face lift? I have a dime size bald spot on my head and scattered loss / thinning. Will all new hair fall out when Rogaine is stopped or will my natural new hair growth remain? LA

  Answer:  you situation is different from hormonal loss. It is a temporary thing and will grow on its own in time but Rogaine at this time will certainly speed the process up and is safe to use at this point. All the best. JG 4.23.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, i'm a male and i'm experience balding on both front side of my hairs while i'm still young... i started noticing it when i was ONLY 20 yrs. old...seeing my hairs falling little by little in the showers or on my pillow when i woke up from a sleep... but now that i'm 22 yrs. old right now... i can totally see no hairs on the front side of my head... but i do see little thin hairs... like baby hairs (thin, small and light color hairs that u can only see if you look real up close)... so my question is why am I experience it at a young age? could it be cause of the straighten iron machine thing that i used to straghting my hairs (only the top front and side)? cause I used it when I was around 18-20 yrs. old and burned my head at times cause of the heat or the steamer that made the hairs straighten... i really want my hairs to be fully grow back on the front side of my head again... so after seeing all the commercials and ads... both herbal pills, spray, and hairs translans... which product or etc. would you recommend me to try that you know that it works or work on most peoples who tried it and have success with the fully hairs growed back again and no more balding. So is there any side affects to any of the product if i try them out since most product either said that there's no side affects on their product or just not tell the viewers or their customers? i don't really want to go through hairs transplan... plus it's expensive... so if i try out let's say SCALP MED.. and somehow the product seem to work and later grow all my hairs back to the front side of my head... so does it mean that i still have to continue taking SCALP MED. to keep my hairs growing and have fully hairs? and what if SCALP MED. doesn't help me get my hairs to grow fully back to the front side or see no growing results at all when i do try it. And if later on I have no choice and goes for HAIRS TRANSPLAN. So is hairs transplan a ONE TIME thing? like once it being transplan the hairs then grow fully agian... it then keep on growing and stay fully as long as you live? like stay growing health for a life-time? and does Hairs Transplan give you a guarantee that it will work and have NATURAL LOOKS? Can you also give me a percentage in all products and hairs transplan in a gaurantee or mostly like to work help get my hairs to grow fully back again if i try them out? ...well i think that's all... atleast for now hahaha... please reply me back and let me know your asnwer. Thankyou.

  Answer:  the hair straightening probably has nothing to do with it, you are just genetically susceptible to the DHT hormone effects on your hair follicles. If you use any topical like ScalpMed which is what I use on my patients, when you stop using it, the hair will fall out again, yes. As to transplants, they are a one time thing. Hair transplants cannot be guaranteed to grow although typically about 95% of implants do grow and if done buy an experiecned surgeon, they should look natural. JG 4.23.06

• Thanks for all the previous answers, Doctor. One more quick feedback request- I almost 54 (male), and have thin, yet mostly full head of hair, with a recent 5 month out translpant where some, but not all the hairs have come in. My loss seems to be more from aging / dryness / chemicals in products I used / less blood flow. I mentioned I used propecia three times a week,and you thought that scalpmed might help me. This may sound crazy, but wouldn't what scalpmed /rogaine for women more target my problems than scalpmed /rogaine for men?? What is the diference? Also, for the almost constant dryness battle, I sometimes put jojoba oil with a dash of tree oil into my scalp in the evening. I also use shampoo and conditioner that is supposed to help. Will the scalpmed products help with the dryness problem? Any other recommendation? EJA 04/19

  Answer:  If you are a male I would use the male formula, it is stronegr and the product is generally not absorbed into the system. The ScalpMed product line I believe will help those scalp problems too. JG 4.19.06

• Hello Dr. garcia; Could you please tell me what the average time range is for hair transplant surgery? Do they typically use a general or local? Finally, how long does it usually take to see the end results? thank you

  Answer:  typically done under local and the length of time depends on how many grafts are placed, so it can vary from 2-8 hours. New hair will grow in a few weeks but final result is probably 10 months away or so. JG 4.19.06

• Thanks for all the answers! I had a hair transplant 5 months ago(54 years old), and was recommended to use propecia and rogaine. As I was not excited about putting these droppers onto my hair twice a day, I only used propecia. I had sexual side effects, so the doctor has me using it three times a week, which fixed the problem. Is it still doing some good? A good amount of hair has come in, but not all of it. Would using Scalpmed help the rest come in and keep what I have? I had frontal hair loss more from chemicals in the hair (using alcohol based products) than normal hair loss patterns. I read the rogaine bottle and it seemed that it was for normal loss patterns only, and just the back of the head. Also, once you use a product like Scalpmed or rogaine, do you lose something more if you stop, or are you just back where you started?? Your advise is very welcome.

  Answer:  it is still doing some good but not as much as taking it daily. ScalpMed and Rogaine work better for the crown but can also help in the front in your case, I think its worth a try. If it works and you stop, it will all go away though, at least what the medication made grow, but not the transplants. JG 4.18.06

• Dear Dr. Garcia, Minoxidil in Scalpmed helps me a lot. But I have to use it on everyday basis. It helps people who are not totaly bold as probably that angry person with bad manners and bad English is. (Can you block his/her messages as spam?). Our devotion to your site will never flag. Hope you're having a nice Easter.

  Answer:  thank you for the kind words of encouragement, hopefully the person will read the info I have posted. I am glad that you are having a good response with the ScalpMed too! JG 4.16.05

• You indicated in your statement earlier that I should contact Scalpmed company directly if I have any furthur questions. I would like to have this company address and phone number so I could contact them directly as you told me. This is second time that I ask you. You are wrong about FDA. Why don't you go on line www.fda.gov and find out regarding cosmetic requirement for consumer safety? You can also go on line E-bay is selling scalpmed products $60 cheaper than you are trying to sell on TV and on line. As the matter of fact, I am in medical field. The consumers should learn the different between the facts and scam. There is no such chemical will stop hair loss. Hair loss causes by genetic and some internal illness/hormone imbalance. There is no cure.

  Answer:  I never have said that there is a permanent cure for hair loss. You can contact ScalpMed through their website. As to the FDA website you refer to, I will copy here what it says forgeneral benefit.Best of luck. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html CFSAN/Office of Cosmetics and Colors March 3, 2005 FDA Authority Over Cosmetics What does the law say about cosmetic safety and labeling? The two most important laws pertaining to cosmetics marketed in the United States are the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). FDA's legal authority over cosmetics is different from other products regulated by the agency, such as drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives. However, FDA may pursue enforcement action against violative products, or against firms or individuals who violate the law. Who is responsible for substantiating the safety of cosmetics? Cosmetic firms are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing. Failure to adequately substantiate the safety of a cosmetic product or its ingredients prior to marketing causes the product to be misbranded unless the following warning statement appears conspicuously on the principal display panel of the product's label: Warning--The safety of this product has not been determined. (21 CFR 740.10) In addition, regulations prohibit or restrict the use of several ingredients in cosmetic products and require warning statements on the labels of certain types of cosmetics. In general, except for color additives and those ingredients which are prohibited or restricted from use in cosmetics by regulation, a manufacturer may use any ingredient in the formulation of a cosmetic provided that the ingredient and the finished cosmetic are safe, the product is properly labeled, and the use of the ingredient does not otherwise cause the cosmetic to be adulterated or misbranded under the laws that FDA enforces. Can FDA order the recall of a hazardous cosmetic from the market? Recalls of cosmetics are voluntary actions taken by manufacturers or distributors to remove from the marketplace products that represent a hazard or gross deception, or that are somehow defective. FDA categorizes a firm's action as a recall (as opposed to a market withdrawal) when it determines that the product hazard or defect represents a violation of the FD&C Act. FDA is not authorized to require recalls of cosmetics but does monitor companies that conduct a product recall and may request a product recall if the firm is not willing to remove dangerous products from the market without FDA's written request. Recalls are addressed in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), sections 7.40 through 7.59. The FD&C Act does not subject cosmetics to FDA premarket approval in order to be marketed legally. However, FDA collects samples for examination and analysis as part of its plant inspections, import inspections, and follow-up to complaints of adverse reactions. FDA may also conduct research on cosmetic products and ingredients to address safety concerns. Must cosmetic manufacturers register with FDA? Manufacturers are not required to register their cosmetic establishments, file data on ingredients, or report cosmetic-related injuries to FDA. However, companies are encouraged to register their establishments and file Cosmetic Product Ingredient Statements with FDA's Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP). JG 4.16.06

• Hi Doc. Are hair plugs still used for restoration? Thanks

  Answer:  Oh yes, thousands of patients done every year. JG 4.15.06

• I watched your advertise on TV about scalpmed products last night. It indicated FDA approval. I searched FDA safety approval list. None of your products were on FDA lists. I read your answer that cosmetic don't need FDA approval. It just not true. All cosmetic need consumer safety label and FDA approval before release to the market. Why did you advertise that scalpmed has FDA approval label? Drugs, Devices, Foods, and cosmetic need FDA approval. You gave me the wrong information about your product and FDA. Safe cosmetic need FDA approval.

  Answer:  well it fisrt of all is not my poduct, I sell it and have used it for my patients but it is not mine, If you have any further questions I suggest that you contact the company, but the FDA approves food and drugs, not cosmetics. ScalpMed does contain a product that used to be a prescription drug, minoxidil, and it is FDA approved. Within the FDA, the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) also oversees the safety and labeling of cosmetic products. The FDA is only able to regulate cosmetics after products are released to the marketplace. Neither cosmetic products nor cosmetic ingredients are reviewed or approved by the FDA before they are sold to the public. Although the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act does not specifically mandate animal testing for cosmetic safety, the FDA strongly urges cosmetic manufacturers to conduct whatever tests are appropriate to establish that their cosmetics are safe. In the United States, manufacturers bear a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumer use. In fact, cosmetic products that have not been adequately tested for safety must have warning statement on the front label which reads, WARNING—The safety of this product has not been determined. Unlike drugs, pre-market approval for cosmetics is not required by the FDA. However, if a safety problem with a cosmetic product arises after it's been marketed, the FDA can take action to obtain the manufacturer's safety data on the product. Because there is not yet enough information on alternatives to animal testing to validate their use in ensuring human safety, the FDA at this point will only accept animal safety data. The FDA continues to work with other governments and private organizations to develop validated alternatives to animal testing in assessing cosmetic safety, and considerable progress has been made in some areas. Nevertheless, until a method has been proven to be reliable and accepted by the scientific community, FDA believes that the use of animals remains necessary to ensure the safety of cosmetic ingredients and products. JG 4.15.06

• It is my understanding that propecia and minoxidil both can benefit hair loss but in different ways. Scalpmeds main growth agent is minoxidil. Is there a reason that you would advise any one to risk stop taking propecia for any reason other than to stop sexual side effects, since it likely benefits hair loss in a different way. Also what is your belief as to why scalpmed works better than other 5% minoxidil products as to growth of new hair. thanks john

  Answer:  mostly becasue of the sexual side effects but if desired one could continue. Most people that I have taken care of that were taking Propecia when they started ScalpMed we stoped the Propecia and they did better. The reason I think ScalpMed works better is the delivery system they use to get it into the follicle and also the other ingredients in it that help blood flow and to remove the blocking of oil inJG 4.15.06 the hair follicles. JG 4.15.06

• I have been checking FDA approval lists. I could not find Scalp Med from FDA approval lists. Could you tell me when FDA approve Scalp Med in safety lists?

  Answer:  it is a cosmetic so it does not need FDA approval. JG 4.14.06

• Hello Dr.Garcia. I know that scalpmed supposedly helps with thickness but I want to know if it is effective in growing hair quickly as well?

  Answer:  I do not think it will make the hair grow any faster then it did when you had hair in that location. JG 4.14.06

• WHAT PRODUCT CAN I USED FOR BALDNESS.FALLEN AND THINING HAIR DUE TO ILLNESS SUCH AS LUPUS, AND MENAPAUSE. WHAT TO USED ON LESION (FACE) CAUSED BY LUPUS/

  Answer:  you can try ScalpMed, available at www.ScalpMed.com JG 4.13.06

• Dear Doctor Garcia, I lost my hair due to excessive chemical damage and last time i emailed you said that you have seen great results with ppl like me however, I also noticed u mentioned it mostly works on ppl with hormone problems. So does that mean I should not use it since my hair loss was not harmonal? Second, how long should I use it to see maximum results and if my hair loss was not due to genes can i eventually stop using scalp med once the hair has recovered? Please respond soon. Thank You SG

  Answer:  It is intended for hormonal hair loss but it has worked on others with no hormone basis for the hair loss so I think its worth a try. Maximum results may take 8-12 months but if it is going to work you should see growth in two months. I cannot say what will happen if you stop using it, possibly it will grow on its own, but if it works and the chemical damage was permanent, you may need to continue to use it. JG 4.13.06

• Hi Doc. Is Scalpmed pretty simple to use, and would you say that it is effective? Thank you. - KW

  Answer:  yes, simple to use and I think it is the most efective over the counter product out there. JG 4.12.06

• Can Scalp Med be purchased anywhere else on line cheaper that at your website?

  Answer:  just at the ScalpMed website. www.ScalpMed.com JG 4.12.06

• Hello Dr. Garcia. My question is in regards to scalpmed. So far I have only heard stories about the thickness that is achieved from using scalpmed. I want to know if it grows hair fast as well?, because my goal is to have thick, long hair.

  Answer:  I cannot speak to the speed at which the hair grows, just more of it in general. JG 4.12.06

• 4/11-Hello Dr. Garcia. I'm 23 Blk male with gradually noticable thinning.I just recieved my package of Scalpmed. After reading the instructions for it, I was wondering if you knew how long do I need the application in my hair(does it dry quickly) and is it ok to use styling products in my hair afterwards? I've also been to a consultation for hair transplant surgery. With a short hair cut, the doctors told me my donor area was slighty too thin to work with. If I use scalpmed and regain full regrowth could hair transplantation still be an option? Also, does ethnicity play any part in the progression of Scalpmed? Thanks, Great site!

  Answer:  you need to wait about 10-15 minutes for it to dry and you can apply the styling products only after it is dry. I think a re-evaluation after the ScalpMed with the transplant doctor is warranted and race does not factor into the efectiveness of the ScalpMed. Best of luck. JG 4.11.06

• Good Evening Dr. Garcia, I need to know if your Scalp Med treatment will work for a patient with alopecia arata. A group of patients with this diagnosis wants to know. thank you Monica Landazury. monicalandazury62@yahoo.com 04/10/06

  Answer:  it is intended for hormonal hair loss but may work on alopecia areata as well as it does increase blood flow to the follicle. JG 4.11.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I read that Rogaine can make hair grow on your face..Will Scalpmed do the same? I'm a woman so that would be scary. Are there any serious side effects associated with Scalpmed? Thank you.

  Answer:  I have never seen that happen with the strength normally sold, it did happen when the active ingredients were given in high doses years ago by mouth as it was used as a high blood pressure medicine in the 80's. In the two years I have sold the products I have not had any reports of serious side effects. JG 4.9.06

• What is the difference between scalpmed and rogaine...there is a huge price difference. Thanks.

  Answer:  ScalpMed has many other ingredients besides minoxidil and is sold as a group of products, not just a spray, and it also does not irritate and dry the scalp like rogaine does. JG 4.9.06

• I have tried so many products and all of them are not delivering what they have promised to deliver. If your product is really effective why not give three to five well known balding Hollywwod actors like Bruce Willis a year supply of Scalp Med and see if it really works. I challenge you.

  Answer:  Well, most celebrities get paid for their endorsement and ScalpMed, which is not my company, does not pay for any endorsements.If any celebrity wants to try the product, they are free to purchase it but the company does not solicit celebrities or anyone else for that matter in that way. As to seeing results on a celebrity versus a normal everyday working person, here is my question to you. Why do you believe results and testimonial on a celebrity more then you do a regular person? JG 4.8.06

• Hi Doc. Great site. I've noticed my hair thinning over the past couple of years. I've been on Propecia, but I don't think that this will offer much help in terms of regrowth. Honestly, id Scalpmed the way to go, or should I just spring for the transplant? Thanks for the advice.

  Answer:  ScalpMed is a good option but it certainly will not give you what transplants will do since you will need to continue using the ScalpMed product for it to work, but it is a good way to make hair grow after a transplant or it can help some hair grow so the amount of transplants can be decreased. JG 4.8.06

• How can i wear my hair during this treatment? I have balding on the top and thinning on the sides, so i'm wearing a weave. Can i use this product wearing a weave? pm 04/06/06

  Answer:  as long as you can apply the product to the scalp with the weave on it is OK, but if the weave will not allow the prodcut to get to the scalp, then it will not work. JG 4.6.06

• Hi Doc. I'm interested in trying Scalpmed, but I'm currently taking Propecia. Would you recommend for me to stop with the Propecia or continue with it while I'm trying Scalpmed? Thank you

  Answer:  you can continue it as long as the Propecia is not causing side effects, but most patietns do not need the Propecia once on the SccalpMed. JG 4.5.06

• Hi Doc. What would you say is the success rate with Scalpmed? Do patients usually see a little or moderate growth? thanks

  Answer:  it varies, most see significant growth, but that all depends on what one considers little and moderate, results vary from patient to patient. JG 4.5.06

• Dr Garcia I have been losing my hair for over a period of 20 years. Some parts of my scalp looks smooth as if the hair shaft have completely closed down. Is there any hope in restoring my hair? 04/04/06

  Answer:  if the follicle is not active the pore can close but there is still a chance of regrowth. JG 4.4.06

• Hello, my name is k.b I experience soreness of the scalp mostly in the crown. The soreness subsides after washing Do you think this could be a cause for thinning hair and hair breakage? I am 36 and african american I have all broken short edges. I have no chemiclas in my hair and do not know why my hair is thinning and breaking. The sor scalp can be very annoyimg any advise. 4/4/06

  Answer:  hair loss typically is not related to any pain, so I am unsure what is the cause. May want to see a dermatologist. JG 4.4.06

• Hi Doc. Great site! Ive noticed my hair thinning for the past couple of years. Id rather not go through a transplant and Scalpmed looks intriguing. Ive also heard a lot about Avacor. Whats your take on this product. How do you feel it stacks up to Scalpmed? Thanks and all the best.

  Answer:  I think Scalpmed is much better than Avacor. JG 4.4.06

• Hi Doc. Would using Propecia along with Scalpmed be safe? Would I experience a better result using both rather than just one. What are the side effects of Scalpmed? It looks very interesting. Thanks

  Answer:  It is probably safe. I cannot say that you will have a better response though. The most common side effect of the ScalpMed is scalp irritation. All the best. JG 4.4.06

• Hi Doc. Would taking Proscar (5mg finasteride) have the same effect on hair loss as Propecia (1mg finasteride). If so could the Proscar pill be split in half? Thanks

  Answer:  yes but it is a much higher dose than Propecia, may not need that much and the higher the dose the greater the chance of sexual side effects. JG 4.3.06

• Hi Doc. This site is Great! Ive been experiencing some hair thinning over the past two years. The loss has occurred on the top of my head. The crown and hair lines have remained the same however. Ive been on Propecia for the past four months with hopes of slowing the loss down. The thinning isnt too bad yet but it is noticeable. Do you feel that a transplant is a good option? I have blond hair and a pretty thick donor site. Also, do you know the average cost per graft? Thanks for the help.

  Answer:  prices vary from surgeon to surgeon but from what you are describing the transplants seem like a good option. JG 4.3.06

• What do you think of the scalpmed and propecia being used together ? I am looking to taper myself off the scalpmed once i've reached maximum regrowth, and continue the propecia to maintain the new grown and thicker hair. thankx 4 you time P.Z. 4/2/06

  Answer:  as long as you are not having any side effects from the Propecia, it is OK to use. JG 4.3.06

• Dr. garcia I started using scalpmed 3 months ago, and after a month noticed a tremendous amount of baby hairs growing all over the top of my head. I added propecia 2 months ago and have seen great results, people are amazed. I plan to use this combo of S.med and Prop. until I get maximum results, so maybe another 6 months or so. Once that point is reached and I possibly get a hair transplant with you to add density to the front will the Propecia help maintain the hair I grew from scalpmed so i can possibly stop scalmed

  Answer:  it should, glad all is going well. JG 4.3.06

• Dr. Garcia, I am interested in buying your hair loss product, but I wanted to know if it's any thing like rogaine? If I was ever to stop using the product once the hairs have grown in, will the hairs start to fall out again? I guess what I want to know is, do I have to keep using your product for me to always have hair? Please let me know, I will appreciate you e-mailing me back! Thank You!! J.R.S. 4/1/06

  Answer:  Yes, the product needs to be used and when you stop, your hair loss will return, it is not a permanent growth. JG 4.2.06

• Hi Doc. Do you offer hair transplant therapy or have any experience? If so who would you say is the best candidate? thanks

  Answer:  I have done transplants, am not offering at the present time as I am looking for new technicians and the best candidates are those with loss in the crown and a very thick donor site on the back of their head, and those with either grey or light colored hair. JG 4.2.06

• Dr. Garcia I know that the Scalp Med product isn't yours but to you recommend it or is it just like all the others with false claims. thank you

  Answer:  I think it is much better and more effective than the other products out there, it is the only product that I recommend as for OTC products. JG 4.1.06

• Hi Doc. In your opinion how effective is Propecia? thanks

  Answer:  slows loss, has side efects,not impressive in my opinion in view of the side efects. JG 4.1.06

• Hi Doc. How long does it typically take for hair transplants to take hold and develop? What type of hair loss would a patient have to have to be a good candidate? thanks

  Answer:  they take hold in a couple of weeks but maximum ingrowth will take 6-10 months. Any hair loss pattern is OK to tranplant, you just want to make sure you have a good donor site. JG 3.31.06

• Dear DR. your site is a great source of knowledge.I am really impressed with ur expertise and honest opinion.You are a wonderful person.My question is about MEDSCALP.I visited the website.IS that ur company and how much u satisfied with the products for hair growth and thickening??I am thinking to buy for my husban but need ur experience and opinion on this product.Does it really work amazingly for bald ppls and thickening the hair??thanks.

  Answer:  It is not my compnay but I do sell their prodcuts, feel it is a very good product, better than the others out there, and most of the patients on the website are patients from my clinic. Best of luck. JG 3.31.06

• Hi Doc. Are there any side effects to taking Propecia? Thanks - JH

  Answer:  impotence, loss of sex drive and depression. JG 3.31.06

• Hi doc. how long does scalpmed take before it stops hair from falling out and shedding? How long does it take for hair to generally grow back? I'm 20 year old male and my hair has definately thinned a good deal but my hairline hasn't receeded much. What does that tell you, as well?

  Answer:  most people see changes in about two months, but it continues to get better with time after that if it works. JG 3.30.06

• Dr. Garcia, I have been using Scalpmed for 3 weeks. I have also been using Procerin for 3 weeks. This past week I have been shedding hair at a ridiculous rate, to the point where I can actually see a difference. Would it be from either one of these products? If not, what would it be from? If so, is that a good or bad sign that I'm shedding? Thank you so much.

  Answer:  I do not think you should mix those two and I am unsure what has caused it but I have not seen that effect in my patients who use ScalpMed. I suggest stopping them both and then waiting a few weeks and then restarting only one and seeing what happens. JG 3.29.06

• Hi Doc. How successful are hair transplants and how exactly do they work. Ive been experiencing some thinning of my hair for the past few year at the top of my head. Ive been on propecia for the last 3 months, but I realize that this doesnt really regrow it only helps stop more hair loss. Also how expensive can transplants run. thanks- TL

  Answer:  I would estimate that they work about 90% of the time or more, depending on the patient. The fees for transplants varies from surgeon to surgeon so you need to make a consultation to see what it would cost you. JG 3.29.06

• Hello, I have tried Propecia and saw no difference and like everyone else, ScalpMed looks way too good so I went ahead and bought some and have only been on it for a couple of days. I was just curious if the patients on the infomercial like Sherida Devine really grew all their hair back with only ScalpMed? And I was curious if you thought hair transplants were really the only sure answer?

  Answer:  Yes, hair transplants are the only for sure correection and the patients on the infomercial only used ScalpMed, not surgey or any other treatment. JG 3.28.06

• I just started using ScalpMed 2 weeks ago. Can you tell me if coarse black hair is slow to grow- Does texture make a difference? MW 3/27/2006

  Answer:  texture does not make much of a difference. JG 3.27.06

• how can i stop hair lost. i have no hair at the back of my head sp can you help me or not

  Answer:  it all depends on what is casuing the hair loss, if it is hormonally controlled and is in the crown, then ScalpMed may help. JG 3.26.06

• Hello DR. I recently watched on TV(scalp med) about the spray which grows the sclap hair.It was really impressive and an African lady had grow her hair and was telling about this amazing product.I am really intrested if u please tell more about this spray or medicine???i could not watch the whole programm and caught on end.Kindly give me details and if its really work?how long it takes to get the results??Do u recommened it??....That would be a great help...thank u so much.

  Answer:  i feel that it works very well and most people see some growth in two months or so. The website is www.ScalpMed.com for more information and photos. Best of luck. JG 3.26.06

• How does one find out if hair loss is hormonal? Is there a hormone test to be taken to find out if your balance is correct ? My hair seems to be THinning. On the OTHER hand, I find that I have excess body hair and a minor acne prob. IS ALL THIS just a HORMONAL problem that a test will figure out for me? will being on birth control reverse hair loss? I am taking sprironolactin for excess hair..and dynacin for acne. THANK you much for your time. Again, will taking a hormone test get to the bottom of it all?

  Answer:  what you are describing sounds like hormonal hair loss. Some birth control pills help with hair loss and some make it worse, even causing it. Getting a hormone level will help but if your genetic make up is that you are sensitive to hormone even a normal or low level can casue the hair loss. You may also want to be worked up for polycystic ovary syndrome, that can also cause hair loss. JG 3.26.06

• I am a 22 year old female. I have noticed my hair thining a lot. I've been on and off birth control, so that might be effecting the hair loss. I was thinking of using ScalpMed, but after research it seems that Scalp Med is affective if the hair loss is due to hormonal imbalances. But how do I find out for sure if the problem is hormonal?

  Answer:  if your hair loss was affected by the changes in birth control pills, then it is hormonal and ScalpMed should help, you will also need to speak with your gynecologist and see if they can put you on birth control pills with low progestins. JG 3.25.06

• Hi DR. Garcia, I had a question regarding scalp med. Does the application applied work with with alopecia areata that is patchy baldness, that has light hair follices there will it regrow and fill in the patches. Thanks Shawn

  Answer:  we have had patients with alopecia areata show good results but it is most effective for hormonal influence hair loss. JG 3.25.06

• Dr. Garcia: I have been using Rogaine (Minoxidil 5%) for about 5 years. Although it has helped stop hairloss, I still occasionally see some thinning of my hair. I have heard that if a person stops using Rogaine, a person will lose what they would have lost had they not even been on Rogaine before. My Rogaine bottle says to not use Rogaine if you are using other medicines on the scalp. That being said, is it safe to stop using Rogaine and begin using Scalp Med? Am I at risk of losing lots of hair by stopping the use of Rogaine and beginning Scalp Med? The more information you can give me, the better. BHB 3/23/06

  Answer:  I suggest stopping the Rogaine and not mixing them together. There should not be an visible lapse of the hair. The effects of Rogaine do not affect hair loss that fast as the hair grows and falls out slowly. Best of luck. JG 3.23.06

• Can scalpmed help with regrowing receding hairlines and temples???...I for instance have peach fuzz at the ends of my hairline so can it regrow that as well????

  Answer:  it works best for the back of the scalp but it can also help with frontal hair loss. JG 3.20.06

• Hi there Dr.! I have been suffering from hair loss for 5 years and have been using a lot of treatments. I have spent over 5 grands on the treatments but no avail whatsoever. I have to wear a cap everytime I go outside or socialize. Used Scalpmed for 4 months but so far the results are still zero. Even though Scalpmed claims that results can be seen in 2 months. I have followed all the guidelines and procedures but it didn't work at all. Will really appreciate for reply.

  Answer:  the product does not work on 100% of the patients, epsecially if it is not due to hormonal issues. If you still have some of it you can call them and ask for a refund on the unused portion is alI can suggest, sorry. JG 3.20.06

• hello! I have been reading your ASK DR.GARCIA for some time now. Very informative. My concern is Hair los. For the part 4-6 months I have noticed my hair thinning out. I was looking to see what or where i could go for help. I just saw the commercial for SCALPMED and was happy to see that you recommend it. I have come to trust your opinion very much when you talk about which lasers or procedures work or don't. My question: Do you think ScalpMed will work for me? I am 45 years old. Thanks!!

  Answer:  if it is hormonal in origin it should, worth a try, and thanks for visiting. JG 3.18.06

• In your professional opinion, what is the best solution/ treatment for balding in males?

  Answer:  hair transplants are the most definitive. JG 3.18.06

• March 17, 2006 Dear, Dr. Garcia Hi~ This is K. And I'm a woman, I'm 22 years old. I've been having stress for a long tme, and I have lost my hair... :( Not the whole hair, just on the top. and the size of that is almost as the 25 cents coin. I watched the product, scalp med. on TV. And I'm really interested in that product. Is it gonna help my hair regrow again??? I'll wait for your answer.. my email is kirakirasky@hotmail.com Thank you.

  Answer:  it will if the stress has been controlled, it will take a couple of months to see the growth occur, but it also is not guaranteed to work on everybody. JG 3.17.06

• I am a 60 year old woman who has thinning hair on top for many years. I have thyroid disease for almost 20 years and am regulated on synthroid from the start. I started scalpmed a week ago. Do you think that I may have some results with it? I am also taking hair vitamins, I am on a mission to regain some of my hair back. Thanks for taking my question. PB

  Answer:  Most of the time as long as the thyroid issue has been resolved you should see growth in about 2 months. JG 3.17.06

• Don C. Thank you Dr. Garcia for answering my question regarding the blog of Doctor Rassman. You must understand Dr. many people have been duped into spending their hard earned cash and getting their hopes up-just to find another scam-so of course people will be wary especially at that price-far more than Rogaine-and incidentally lets try to buy the product itself without the cortex enlarger-it would be a nice option for those who only want the ScalpMed. Did you read how one person had claimed that they had a hard time returning the product-missing by 2 days- awe come on...that's just petty. Anyway, I would like to know if once stress subsides due for example to deaths in my family-does your hair return if you had lost some? I am taking GNC Megamen and GNC Nourishhair vitamins along with regular treatments of minoxodil-scalpmed. maybe it is the fact that i have grown used to my hair thinning but after looking at photos in general of my hair in 2004-when the deaths occurred-I see my hair fuller now. I do not use the cortex enlarger supplied by scalpmed-just the vitamin regimen and minoxidil-either from rogaine but more recently from Scalpmed. The second question I have is how many months does one have to use scalpMed to fully appreciate the full extent of change versus maintenance?

  Answer:  If it is strictly due to stress it should as long as there is not another medical or hormonal issue but the hair will take months to grow back and there has to be proper nutrition, especially in terms of protein intake. I do not think the cortex enlarger is needed, it just gives those that are thin and want a faster appearance of thickening an option. In my experience most patients that are going to see improvements start seeing them at about two months and final thickness is usually found after one year, again depending on how fast their hair grows, some people normally have to get their hair cut every month while others can go much longer, so that plays into it too. I can appreciate your comments about the Rassman site and I think people are certainly entitled to thir opinion and I agree that things from a customer service point can always be made better but I think it overall is a good product, I wish I could tell you it will work on all patients to the same degree but that is impossible, and that is for any product, prescription or not. All the best to you. JG 3.16.06

• does scalp med have any side affects at all for sperm count for men

  Answer:  none of the ingredients have been reported to cause that to the best of my knowledge. JG 3.16.06

• How many months would you say one should dedicate to the product scalpmed-for maximum results-before maintenance is instituted? Have you heard about the product/results of Spectral DNC it goes on light-it is not oily like scalpmed-and yes scalpmed is oily-no matter what they say. I have been using scalpmed for 1 1/2 months and have found little change to my current hairline-however it is maintaining what Rogaine had sparked.

  Answer:  I would give it two to three months but it might take longer if your hair has a long cycle. All I can say is you can always stop it and see what happens. I have no personal experience with Spectral DNC. Best of luck. JG 3.15.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia Is there anything that you can suggest that can for hair re-growth for alopecia. I have tried steroids but that has not helped. I was wondering if there is any other scalp lotion or spray similar to the ScaplMed that might help with alopecia thanks

  Answer:  I am sorry but at the present I do not. JG 3.15.06

• my daughter is 10 years old and she has alopecia areata. she is completely bold. is your product safe to use and what are the chances that she will grow hair on her scapl. thank you

  Answer:  It is not my product but I do sell it in my office. I think it might as we have had patients with alopecia areata use it with some improvement but it is meant for hormone induced hair loss and that is not the cause in alopecia areata. JG 3.16.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia I have alopecia areata and I was wondering if the Scalp Med product would help me with regrowing hair? Thanks

  Answer:  I have seen it work on alopecia areata although it is intended for hormonal hair loss. Alopecia areata has a different cause and although ScalpMed may help I think it may not give you as dramatic of an improvement as in hormonal based hair loss. JG 3.16.06

• E. Washburn........ Hi, in regards to ScalpMed, I just need to ask, I know it's not your product, but are you paid or compensated by them in any way at all? One other question...I myself think that ScalpMed is legit. However, I've read things online where people say that they're suspicious of the company because they can't find where an actual ScalpMed office is. Their website address is just a P.O. Box in Culver City, CA. Do they have an actual Las Vegas office, or an office anywhere else? Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Take care!

  Answer:  I sell the product in my office and am the only one that sells it that way so I do make a profit form my product sales but not from any other product sales. As to their office, that is where they receive and send out the products . I have read all of the comments on the message boards about that issue and I am really not quite sure what the big deal is since they do not see actual patients in person nor receive visitors, just like Amazon.com. They did to my knowledge have an office in Las Vegas a few years ago but I order my product from their phone lines and it is shipped here. JG 3.7.06

• Jim in California. Dr. Garcia, hi. Great site. I have a question for you. Actually, 2 questions. I'm very interested in trying ScalpMed. I tried Rogaine, but it is so irritating on my scalp that I really don't want to continue. There's so much flaking and itching, I can't imagine having that for the rest of my life. Also, the warning label on Rogaine says that it may cause Rapid heart beat, elevated pulse, chest pains...I think I may be experiencing that a bit, but i'm not 100% sure. It's hard to tell whether it's real, or if it's all in my head! Anyway, my question in regards to that is this: If Rogaine caused a rapid heartbeat or chest pains, would ScalpMed cause that? Do you know exactly what the ingredient in Rogaine is that might potentially cause that? If it's Minoxidil, then I guess ScalpMed might also be bad for me. What are your thoughts on this? My 2nd question is this: In another person's question, you had said that ScalpMed doesn't need an FDA approval because it's a topical application, not a medication. But isn't Rogaine a topical application? They got an FDA approval.

  Answer:  if it was the active ingredient in the Rogaine it could. The itching and all the other irritations are due to the other ingredients in Rogaine and they are not in ScalpMed. There are reports in a very few patients of those symptoms with Minoxidil and that is why the warnings are in the Rogaine product. Minoxidil is an FDA approved material and was a prescription and so was approved by the FDA. It is now over the counter so it does not need approval the way it did before and that is why ScalpMed which is a topical and not considered in the same class as a prescription mediction does not apply for FDA approval the way drugs normally do. I know the company though is doing clinical trials with ScalpMed at present and plans to present it to the government agenies to get their seal of approval but that is not needed to sell what is considered an OTC product. Hope I have not confused things more than they were. JG 3.7.06

• My hair loss started soon after the birth of my first child my child is now 13 and my hair loss became worse after three more pregnancies. Do you think that a transplant would be recommended my youngest is now 8 and my hair loss is all over now mainly on top.

  Answer:  A hair transplant can certainly help if you have enough donor site. JG 3.6.06

• Dr. Garcia I would like to know if i start using Scalp Med and I see results will this be a life long procedure? Will I have to purchase this product the rest of my life? TI

  Answer:  unfortunately yes, because the cause of the hair loss is being controlled but not stopped. JG 3.4.06

• Is it harmful to use rogaine if you do not have any thinning yet, but beleive that you could develop some in the future due to your family history? Thanks

  Answer:  I do not think it would be harmful. JG 3.4.06

• Hi, I am 25 years old and my hair has fallen out due to wearing hair weaves,mostly around the sides. Do you think scalpmed will give me good results?

  Answer:  I think it would be worth a try. JG 3.3.06

• Dr Garcia, I posted a question last week but go no answer so I am posting it again. I have been told I have scarring alopecia and would like to know if you know anything about scarring alopecia and if you do, is it true that my hair will never grow again. I am a cancer survivor and believe my hair loss is due to the aydramycin drug I was administered for seven months. Do you belive that scalpmed could help me? PDR, 3/2/05

  Answer:  well, I have never heard of a contra-indication of minoxidil after chemothrapy unless the chemo has damaged your heart and even then, it can be used as long as the blood pressure is checked. ScalpMed may help but it does contain a product like minoxidil so you need to get that issue cleared up with your oncologist before trying it. Wish I could tell you more. JG 2.23.06

• Why is there a seperate rogaine for men and women if the both contain the same ingredient at the same concentration (I'm refering to the regular strength).

  Answer:  mostly marketing. Also before they used to use a weaker concentration for women. JG 3.2.06

• Don 03/01/06 Hi Dr. Garcia are you aware there is a blog site that reflects people's opinion of ScalpMed both good and bad-pre-dominantly bad. Sherida devine has also commented on it. http://www.baldingblog.com/2005/10/05/scalpmed/ check it out and let me know what you think. I myself am still waiting for the results after only 1 month and prior use of rogaine extra strength 5% I had noticed new hairs along the front of my hairline prior to using scalpmed. I have been solely using scalpmed since its arrival-we'll see. I would like to know what you think after reading this blog site.

  Answer:  well, let me say first that one needs to be very careful with blogs of all types because anyone can post whatever they want and there is no way to prove anything, good or bad. Having said that, it is not an uncommon thing for other companies that make competing products to pay people to post bad reviews, this information I have gotten not only form ScalpMed but also from people in the marketing field. As to Sherida, I personally saw her results as she was treated in my clinic and came to see me for the transplants and we put her on ScalpMed instead. As to Dr Rassman, I personally have known him for quite some time, I respect him greatly,he actually used to sublease space from me many moons ago and I think it is great for him to provide a place where people can post their statements, but like I said above there are no controls on blogs, that is the nature of it. The company has a money back guarantee, so you can always return it. I am amazed though at the number of negative comments by people that have never even tried it. JG 3.1.06

• Is hair loss caused by certain medications usually reversible? Thanks

  Answer:  hair loss due to medications in most cases is reversible when the medicine is stopped, but it might take a long time to come back, months. JG 3.1.06

• I'm a 24 year old male and I've recently noticed that my hair is starting to thin out at the front (the area directly above the CENTRE of my forehead). The temples and everywhere else is still very full. I haven't noticed much hair loss in the bath, and I don't have a family history of baldness. What could be causing this? Is it normal for that area to be thinner than the other areas? Thanks

  Answer:  it most likey is male pattern hair loss and can occur in many different patterns. As long as you are not having some allergic reaction or hair loss due to some medication, then starting a hair regrowth product would be reasonable. JG 3.1.06

• Dear Doc Garcia, I am a young woman who lost her hair due to excessive chemical damage. Can a product like scalp med help me regain the hair which was lost? Please reply soon! Thanks SG

  Answer:  I have seen nice results with ScalpMed on women like yourself, yes. JG 2.27.06

• Dr. Garcia: I started using Scalpmed today. Is it safe to use with Betaval (a topical steroid) that my dermatologist recommended to stop hairloss? And have you seen very good results for women under 45 years old using Scalpmed? Thank you. B M.W.

  Answer:  I strongly suggest you stop the steroid, unless you have an allergic conditon causing the hair loss it will not help and can thin the scalp out. I would not mix them together. I have seen good results with women using it at all ages. JG 2.26.06

• Dr. Garcia Just read your website and think it's just great. My question is bout hair loss, I'm 56 yr. old male with thinning blond hair. It's been getting worse every year. I just seen an ad about scalpmed and it was followed by an ad for follicare. I know the two are not related, but which one is really the best for me. Thank You. RFW

  Answer:  In my experience using ScalpMed on my patients I feel ScalpMed is a superior product. JG 2.26.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, My problem is I am type 1 Diabetic and my hair has fallen out in the top of head so bad that it feels like a baby's bottom. Will I be wasting my time by purchasing ScalpMed, when my dermatologist has told me that my hair is not going to grow back. Please reply back !!! Thanks in advance DEE !!!!!!

  Answer:  I think it is worth using. JG 2.26.06

• Hello Dr. Garcia. I am 21 years old and already going through hair loss. Would Scalpmed help with receding hair lines or just the thickness of the hair? ES 2-23-06

  Answer:  should help with both I think. JG 2.23.06

• Dr. Garcia, I have been told that I have scarring alopecia which is something I have never heard of. I know of many forms of aolopecia but not this one. I have also been told that because my hair follicles are scarred over that my hair will never grow again. The little that I have will eventually fall out and it will never grow back. I asked if there was a cause for this and I was told just things that our hair go through can cause this. I believed my hair loss was due to damaging chemotherapy I had back in 1998. I was given a drug call adramycin (not sure I spelled it correctly) but at the time I was taking it I was told it could cause severe hair loss and it may or may not come back. Since that time my hair did come back for a brief time but fell out again and I was told by my oncologist that it was normal given the circumstances. My dermatologist doesn't think my hair loss is a result of the chemotherapy but couldn't tell me what the cause was. At this point I am so frustrated. I have tried just about everything. I am told not to try anything with minoxidil in it becasue of my cancer history. My question to use is this: Do you think your product can help me based on my history of hair loss. I have already spent so much money on hair restoration products, wigs, weaves, extensions and the like and I don't want to spend anymore money unnecessairly. So please be honest with me. From you medical opinion do you think I can be helped. My situation looks much like the African American woman's hair in the testimonials, only the hair she had is longer than what I have. Pleae help me if you can. Thanks, PDR 2/22/06

  Answer:  well, I have never heard of a contra-indication of minoxidil after chemothrapy unless the chemo has damaged your heart and even then, it can be used as long as the blood pressure is checked. ScalpMed may help but it does contain a product like minoxidil so you need to get that issue cleared up with your oncologist before trying it. Wish I could tell you more. JG 2.23.06

• Dr Garcia, From what I've read, most people having allergic reactions to minoxidil solutions, are reacting to the propylene glycol. Do you know if the scalpmed preparations contain PPG? I couldn't find a list of ingredients for the products on their website. Also, as regards the before and after photos, have these patients undergone hair transplantation in addition to using the scalpmed products? Thank you for any info you might share; I love your website!

  Answer:  ScalpMed does not contain any PPG. As to the photos, none of those patients have undergone any hair transplantations or weaves. Thanks for the kind words too. JG 2.21.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I wanted to ask you if the product, ScalpMed, was so great, then how can the media pass it?? Do you let your patients try ScalpMed?? Is ScalpMed really that effective as it says it is?? I'm really interested in buying it and trying it, it's just to good to be true. I'm just really impressed, and I'm wondering why dont the millions of men, that are experiencing baldness try this great product , rather than hair transplant or any other surgeries that are painful and expensive?? thank You for your time and patience! :)

  Answer:  Patients can try the ScalpMed and the company, not us since it is not my company, offers a money back guaranteee. As to the media passing on it, I am not sure what you mean by that. As to why the men are not tying it, in my discussions with the company they are selling it at an increasing volume, but it takes time for the word to get out. Most of the patients seen in the informercial were from my clinic and I can attest to the product's effectiveness. Hope that helps. JG 2.20.06

• Hey Dr.Garcia, Your website looks awesome by the way...I wanted to ask you a question regarding ScalMed, I wanted to know if it was okay to continue using a blow dyer or any similar hair products or even exercising while on ScalMed?? Thank You !!! and Have a great Day!!

  Answer:  yes, blow dryers are OK and thanks for the kind words. JG 2.20.06

• I am a heart valve replacement patient and take 10mgs of coumadin daily. I also take .625mgs of synthroid daily. My question, is it safe for me to take the scalp treatment for loss of hair? Thank you, JBI 2/19/06

  Answer:  Should not be a problem. JG 2.19.06

• Dr. Garcia, Do you use your own products, such as the scalp med?

  Answer:  I have not had to as I am not losing my hair. JG 2.19.06

• hello Dr. Garcia.... im a 21 year old male, in the last 5 years my hair has gotten very thin and fine, i do have hair on my scalp, all though i keep it shaved cause it's to thin but ive noticed if i look carefully there's little spaces between each hair, ive used many different product's nothin has worked for me, my question is would your product make my hair thicker and fuller... thank you M.DeFranco Feb/19/2006

  Answer:  we have had good results with the ScalpMed product. JG 2.19.06

• Hi! I'm Andy. I just had transplant surgery. My doctor only touched up the hairline and about 3 inches back. I have horrible horseshoe thinning. My scalp itches now pretty bad as i am using rogaine. would scalpmed be safe to use on my transplanted area if i had it done 3 months ago? THANKS!

  Answer:  Yes, we use ScalpMed on transplanted areas and it has not shown the irritation that Rogaine does. JG 2.18.06

• What is the composition of Scalp Med for Women. Can the major content posted? PS

  Answer:  the ingredients in terms of what the company feels they can post is listed on the website. It is not my company so I cannot speak for them but there are a number of different ingredients, not just one. JG 2.16.06

• Hello Dr. Garcia, I am interesting in trying out your product from scalp-med. I am bi-racial women and was born with thick long hair, over the years it has thinned and broked off I think from wearing weaves, will your product promote not only thickness of the hair but length also?

  Answer:  You can purchase it at www.ScalpMed.com. It should work well for you. Best of luck. JG 2.14.06

• does scalpmed really work for women.i have thinning hair which may be caused because of medication I take for throid.The medication is levothyroxin 125mg tab one per day.thank you for the information. rosa

  Answer:  yes it does. The thyroid medicine actually helps the hair to grow, it might be because the dose is not high enough. A low thyroid is what causes the hair loss. The thyroid needs to be balanced for the ScalpMed to work as well as it can. JG 2.12.06

• dr garcia quier saber siel tratameinto para la calvicie que stan ofreciendo scalpmed ralmente trabaja porque estoy ya canasado de comprar productos que dsicen lo mismo. jaimegilp@hotmail.com

  Answer:  si, los resultados son de verdad, son pacientes mios. Buena suerte. JG 2.13.06

• dr garcia quier saber siel tratameinto para la calvicie que stan ofreciendo scalpmed ralmente trabaja porque estoy ya canasado de comprar productos que dsicen lo mismo.

  Answer:  si, los pacientes que ves en el programa son mios y el producto trabaja muy bien. JG 2.12.06

• Hi, I am a male 30 years old. I have lost a great amount of weight 20lbs in about 2 months. I failed to eat properly and even probably ate food with too much vitamin A. I also played a lot of sports during the time which aggravated the weigh loss further. How long would it take to grow my hair back once I start to gain some weight back. Also, if I use ScalpMed to grow back my hair, once it grows back, and I maintain a good weight and nutrition level, would I have to continue to use ScalpMed to continue the hair growth? Thanks

  Answer:  You may and may not need to continue using the ScalpMed, it will vary in your particular case. You should see hair growth in the first couple of months with the ScalpMed. JG 2.12.06

• Dear Doctor garcia, I had recently read that ScalpMed is affiliated with the same people who brought us Avacor-which turned out to be a poor product. I need an answer-is it true? Secondly my regimen of rogaine extra strength combined with GNC nourihhair vitamins have been producing stronger hair-less fall out and even groth along the front of the hairline. ScalpMed just arrived Have yet to use but plan to. Isn't that cool news about recent ovccurrences with that regimen?

  Answer:  I can tell you with absolute certainty that ScalpMed is not a product from Avacor, totally false. I think the vitamins are OK to take with the ScalpMed but I think you should stop the Rogaine as ScalpMed has a form of that medicine but has less irritation and less drying of the scalp. Best of luck. JG 2.11.06

• Dear Doctor garcia, I had recently read that ScalpMed is affiliated with the same people who brought us Avacor-which turned out to be a poor product. I need an answer-is it true? Secondly my regimen of rogaine extra strength combined with GNC nourihhair vitamins have been producing stronger hair-less fall out and even groth along the front of the hairline. ScalpMed just arrived Have yet to use but plan to. Isn't that cool news about recent ovccurrences with that regimen?

  Answer:  I can tell you with absolute certainty that ScalpMed is not a product from Avacor, totally false. I think the vitamins are OK to take with the ScalpMed but I think you should stop the Rogaine as ScalpMed has a form of that medicine but has less irritation and less drying of the scalp. Best of luck. JG 2.11.06

• Dr. Garcia, I am thinking of buying scalpmed to stop my hair loss and regrow them but I am a truck driver, is it save to be behind the wheel while the medication is in my system or should I pull over and not drive until the medication is completely out of my body? dizziness???

  Answer:  no problems with dizziness or other such things. You can drive or use heavy machinery right after application. All the best. JG 2.9.06

• If I use scalpmed will it also increase my hair growth on my healthy folliceles?? by the way your website is very impressive!!:)

  Answer:  thank you for the kind words and ScalpMed can thicken the present hair you have, yes. JG 2.9.06

• I assume ScalpMed is a prescription? How much is it and how long does it last? Does it work in female temple receding hairline? how long before seeing results, or for hair to start coming back there? thanks!

  Answer:  no, it is not a prescription. The fees and the duration of each bottle is on the company's website, www.ScalpMed.com. Typically people see hair growth changes in about 2 months. JG 2.8.06

• I have been using ScalpMed for 3 weeks now, and noticed some fine hairs ( like those on your arms)sprouting out. Will these hairs eventually get thicker?

  Answer:  yes, they will get thicker in time. JG 2.8.06

• Dr. Garcia, I am a 24 year old male with some what thinning hair at the crown male pattern. I work out 4 times a week and am worried that with extended use my estrogen levels can become elevated. This would be extremely undesirable for me because im at about 10 percent body fat and would not want any of the negative side effects associated with high estrogen levels. Can scalp med give me gyno?(bitch tit)

  Answer:  The effects of the ScalpMed are only local, there is essentially no absoprtion into the bloodstream so no chance of the estrogen side effects of gyno. JG 2.6.06

• Why does hair generally fall off after you blow dry, or straighten your hair with an iron, even though hair feels healthy??? and can Scalpmed help grow the hair back to it's original condition??

  Answer:  ScalpMed does help hormone dependent hair loss be regained. As to why the hair falls off duirng those times it is because of the slight pulling during the process causing some breaking of the hair and also some pulling out at the follicles. The average person can normally lose up to 150 hairs or more in one day. JG 2.6.06

• How long does it generally take for one to see results from using Scalmed?? And is there a possibility that you can post some pictures of people who have have used Scalmed, and benefited from it?? Thank You!!

  Answer:  in general, 2- 3 months is what I have seen for patients. The pictures are posted on the www.ScalpMed.com website for both men and women. JG 2.6.06

• Dear Dr. Garcia, a friend of mine in her 60's had hair loss problems. She claims when she began to use baby shampoo the problem went away. I know my Grandmother also used baby shampoo. What are your thoughts on that? Is it better for hair loss cause it would be milder? Thank-you.

  Answer:  It is mild and at times a harsh shampoo can cause problems so it won't hurt to try it. JG 2.6.06

• Hello: I had trasplants over 10 years ago. Now I am trying Propecia to get some hair back were trasplants failed. Can I use Scalp Med as well as Propecia? What would you recommend? Jaime 02-06-05

  Answer:  You could but I don't think you will need the Propecia. JG 2.6.06

• Hi Dr.,I live in mississauga,canada.i saw your comm. on TV. Got impressed. I have this heredetry baldness for past 10 yrs. What guarantee u provide me, Sir? I am not a rich man, can't afford the treatment, if it doesn't work. I am an Indian(from India), tried 100 types of oils, medicines. Shouls i believe in your comm. Tell me, Sir. Thanks. R.S.

  Answer:  It is not my company nor my guarantee but I do sell the product to my patients. The company gives you a money back guarantee if you see no improvement after 2 months I believe. I have had very good results in my patients. JG 2.5.06

• Why wouldn't the transplanted hair from a hair transplant fall out and develope a male pattern again shortly after? What are the success rates from a normal transplant , will it fall out again with 5-10-20 years?

  Answer:  the hair transplanted is normally taken from an area that is not hormone dependant so it should stay, success rates are usually over 90%. JG 2.5.06

• My son, 17 recently had surgery, torn acl. For some reason his hair is begining to thin. Can the recent surgery or stress cause this? His mother's side of the family has good hair, mine, not so good. Any ideals? RA Feb 3 06

  Answer:  not uncommon from the stress of the surgry and should all come back when the stress is over. JG 2.4.06

• Lately I have had some hair thinning problems because of the meds I have been taking for high blood pressure. I was wondering you know anything about scalpmed and are there any side effects if I use this product. Oh I am a female and was in a stressful job which could have started the hair problems. Tis jan 31 06

  Answer:  ScalpMed should be OK for you to use and should not cause any problems but I would check your blood pressure at home to make sure all is OK if you decide to try the medicine. It does contain small amounts of minoxidil in it and could potentially lower your blood pressure so I would recommend checking it to make sure. Best of luck. JG 1.30.06

• What is the average cost for hair transplant surgery? (Top only?)

  Answer:  prices vary form surgeon to surgeon and also on how many grafts are done. JG 1.30.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I am a 31 years old woman that asked you a question two days ago, about hair lost, in fact my hair lost is not severe it is moderate or less, but I don´t have much hair and it is very thin and moderate oily, you told me that there are products that you could recommend me, I live in Mexico now, in fact, but could you tell me about that products? can I get them by internet?, are they scalpmed products?, Thank you for your time.

  Answer:  Yes, they are the ScalpMed products. They are not for sale in Mexico yet though. JG 1.30.06

• Dr Garcia, 1-I am 50-yrs old INDIAN man.I used to have very thick healthy hair in my ypoung age .My hair falling from 5-6yrs and now i m not bald but have very thin hair on middle of my head.What u suggest for me to grow and thick my hair??How long should i use and see the visible difference?? 2.My 25yrs old son has very fine and thin hair ,do u think any of product can work for him to thickened his hair.??please advice.THANKS.

  Answer:  I would suggess ScalpMed, availbale at www.ScalpMed.com JG 1.30.06

• Hello Dr. Garcia, I am an African American woman with Alopecia at the front of my scalp. If ScalpMed does not work for me what solutions can you offer for me?

  Answer:  single unit hair transplants. JG 1.30.06

• Hi Dr Garcia: I am worry about something, I am a woman of 31 years old, a year ago I was suffering because I was loosing hair, not too much, so I went to Svenson capilar center, I noticed it became better, not so oily I got about 30 ampules of treatment and then i didn´t come back againg, the treatments were so expensive, about 1,500 dlls each box of ampules, but I came back this year because I noticed i was loosing hair again but not as much as the first time, I went just to three sessions and they wanted to sell me the ampules again in a suspicious way, like hidding something, the ampules price was 1,000dlls, but i didn´t trust in them at all, something told me that they were not sincere, then i saw that they had a National problem in Spain, now, I am worry about their treatments could make my hair fall more, It hasn´t happened at the moment, my hair loose is still moderate and I just took three ampules but..., what do you think about this thing i am worry about?, do you know about them?, would you recommend me any product for a moderate or less hair lost?. I will apprecciate if you could answer me. Thank you

  Answer:  I don't think there is any major problem, if anything bad were going to happen it would have occured by now. I am sorry but there are products out there I could recommend but they are not for sale in Spain yet. JG 1.29.06

• Dr.Garcia,I am a 23yr. old female who just became pregnant.I have been using your product with satisfying results.I would like to continue its use even with my pregnancy, however, I have read that you do not recomend continued use in such a case.I have also read it on the Nutrisol-RF bottle, but not on the Cortex enlarger thickening hair spray. Could the Nutrisol have that much of a side effect that I should completely stop using it? what might they be? and would I still be able to use the other products of scalpmed besides Nutrisol? Thanks for your response.

  Answer:  Typically hair growth is better during pregnancy due to the hormones so I think you can stop them and then restart after the pregnancy. Cortex enlarger and thickening spray are OK to continue. Congratualtions on the baby too. JG 1.29.06

• are there any independent studies that evaluate scalp med? richard garcia

  Answer:  not at present nothing has been published but the company is submitting the product for federal approval so it is actually in progress as we speak. JG 1.28.06

• Dr. Garcia, how would you compare scalpmed with finasteride and hairgenesis?

  Answer:  I personally think it is better than both. JG 12.7.06

• Dr. Garcia, once scalpmed has restored my hair will I need to continue using the product to maintain the regrowth?

  Answer:  yes, you do. JG 1.27.06

• Dr. Garcia I did not see any AfroAmerican photos on the web site for scalmed. Have there been any clincial studies on them?

  Answer:  one of the most dramatic results are in the women's section and she is African-American, but yes it works on all races. JG 1.27.06

• HELLO DR.GARCIA. I HAD HAIR TRANSPLANTAION ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO. IT LOOKS OKAY NOW BUT IF I CHOOSE TO REMOVE THE HAIR, CAN IT BE REMOVED PERMANANTLY WITH LASER AND THE SKIN SMOOTHED? THANKS

  Answer:  hair removal may work but it wil take numerous sessions, the scarring will depend on what the scalp looks like now, the hair removal laser should not cause any new scarring. JG 1.24.06

• Hi I've been using scalpmed for 3 months and i'm very happy with results. But I'm worried obout the diminuition of spermatozoo like propecia does. Please give me an answer. Thanks

  Answer:  has no effects like Propecia. JG 1.23.06

• I have read many years ago that a solution of minoxidol and retin-A is more than twice as effective at treating alopecia than minoxidol alone. Does scalpmed contain retin-A?

  Answer:  Retin-A is a prescription medication and is not in ScalpMed but it does contain ingredients similar to it that do assist in penetration. JG 1.22.06

• I would like to know if I have to stop ScalpMed if I am getting a rhino...and how long after post-op should I continue with scalpmed?

  Answer:  no need to stop it. JG 1.20.06

• Can scalpmed be used when taking high blood pressure medication and cholesterol medication? I am currently taking Toprol, Lotrel and Advicor. LP 01/18/06.

  Answer:  there should not be any cross reactivity with the ScalpMed product and your medications that would be of any significnace. JG 1.18.06

• Jan 18th, 2006 D.C. New Jersey Dear Dr. Garcia, When I read about the many people who have diseases and their poor children who are severely afflicted it makes me feel so vain by comparison-since my need is purely aesthetic. I am still somewhat traumatized by the loss. I am 44, single and naturally would like to look my best, to hopefully meet a great lady. I am experiencing male pattern baldness and am hesitant to get painful hair transpalnts-according to a doctor who specializes in this he told me not to bother with Rogaine, nor propecia-that i will need 1-2 operations to fix my eroding hair line. I have heard from others who have had the surgery that once the anesthesia wares off the swelling takes place and becomes painful. This is something I would like to avoid. Why is it so much harder to regrow hair in the front? and or top? Why is it that the FDA is saying that they do dot support fully the scalpmed medication? Another surgeon came out saying this based on his own research. Why haven't your patients allowed the results of their hair los to be on this blog-before and after pictures-I believe we would all like to see that. I do not mean the website-that I have seen and have also noticed that the shades of the hair has grown darker-in almost all the after pictures. Don't get me wrong I want this product to be the panacea to mine and everyone else's problems. I am just concerned about the medical risk factor-long term, for this reason I have not subscribed to Propecia-a systemic drug. Doctor, we need your help and appreciate your time. can a 44 year old man who as been losing his hair fro the last 10 years-(Istill have cover) be assured that this will help regrow hair that has been lost as long as that?

  Answer:  The FDA may be saying that because they do not approve products like ScalpMed since they do not need FDA approval so they may not want to endorse something they have no authority over, as to frontal hair loss, it is difficult as the hair there is more sensitive to androgens, much more than in the back. As to the surgery, it can feel uncomfortable, but it is temporary. The picturs of my patients are on the ScalpMed website. Actually most of those patiens there are mine. As to the product, it has a money back guarantee, so no harm in trying it. JG 1.17.06

• While using ScalpMed should I stay away from hair products like gels, etc? Is hair colouring okay?

  Answer:  both are OK to do. JG 1.16.06

• Dr. Garcia- Does someone who is iron deficient (slight anemia) need to bring up their levels of iron before trying Scalpmed? It was suggested that she go on a regimen of iron supplements before trying Rogaine. She thinks she is more interested in Scalpmed. Please advise. Thank you.

  Answer:  it would help so more oxygen will be delivered to the skin. JG 1.15.06

• I had hair transplant surgery (micrografts) last year. The surgeon did a great job, but the hairline extends too far back above the temples. Can you do something for this? Scalp advancement? I am looking for a more oval shape. thanks tom

  Answer:  I think more transplants would be the best option I feel. JG 1.14.-06

• Dear Dr. Garcia, Thank you for your response. Are the ingredients in Scal Med different from Minoxadil? Thank you. Nadine

  Answer:  It has Minoxidil along with many other agents. JG 1.14.06

• does scalp med have fda approval and is it patented? thanks

  Answer:  it uses FDA approved substances but it is not been submitted to the FDA for approval as it is not a medication, it is a topical agent that does not require it. JG 1.14.06

• Dear Dr. Garcia, Although I have a lot of hair and everyone thinks I'm nuts when I mention it, but I've noticed that over the last couple of years, my hair has been thinning. I've noticed that everytime I touch my hair, hair follicles fall out. I am post menopausal and am on thyroid medication. Could hair dyes cause this problem and is there any medication to help restore my hair growth? Thank you. Nadine

  Answer:  I think ScalpMed can help, available at www.ScalpMed.com. JG 1.14.06

• i,m interested in your product.But why does your product say it doesnt treat or cure.im sceptacle.p.s should I Be!

  Answer:  it says that because it is an over the counter product and only medications that are prescription say that they can cure or treat a disease. The product has a money back guarantee if you are referring to the ScalpMed so if you try it and don't think it works you can always return it. JG 1.13.06

• will i lose my hair if i stop useing this product

  Answer:  it will go back to the way it was before the ScalpMed. JG 1.11.06

• Is ScalpMed a cream or a pill?

  Answer:  it is a liquid spray. JG 1.10.06

• Dr. Garcia if I was diagnosed with the condition called folliculitis decalvans and with Lupus can ScalpMed really help me? I've tried so many things and I can't afford to waste anymore money.

  Answer:  I think it might but your condition is more severe than androgenic hair loss whcih is what ScalpMed is better for. JG 1.10.06

• How much hair must have been lost for scap med to be effective and does age play a role in determining if the product is going to work? EJL

  Answer:  Actually the less you have lost the better and quicker you will look better. The younger you are I feel the better the results although older individuals do have very good results too. JG 1.9.06

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I have very minor hairloss on the top of my head and a slowly receding hairline (about an inch back on both sides) I just ordered scalpmed hoping it will help me grow back what i lost. I been on propecia for six months and noticed no more hair loss. I also use nanogen (they are fibers to cover up hair loss). Could i use the nanogen with the scalpmed? Also if the scalpmed grows my hair back could the propecia maintain the hair I grew back or would I have to continue taking scalpmed? best regards, Nick

  Answer:  You can use the nanaogen without any problem and could stay on the Propecia as long as you are not having any sexual side effects, if you are, you can stop it once you start the ScalpMed. JG 1.8.06

• You said that MedScalp is as good or better than Propecia, Propecia doesn't really make hair grow, if MS is as good then it is also as bad as Propecia, won't yo agree??

  Answer:  no I don't agree. Propecia has a percentage of sexual side effects that do not occur with ScalpMed, ScalpMed does not work like Propecia in terms of its method of function so your point does not apply. JG 1.7.06

• I've read several articles about hypothyroidism and menopausal women and hair loss, and I've been experiencing a great deal of hair loss/thinning for several months. I didn't understand why my hair was getting thinner and thinner. I also know that stress can be a contributing factor in hair loss. Dr. Garcia I've been experiencing a great deal of hair loss as well as thinning areas specifically on the crown of my head and on the sides. Will your product, Scalpmed help restore my thinning hair and when will I see positive/noticeable results. I am taking pharmaceutical grade nutrients to restore the hormonal imbalance. PLEASE HELP!!!!P.W. 1/5/06

  Answer:  ScalpMed should help but low thyroid and low progesterone in women can cause thinng hair. JG 1.5.06

• Hi Dr Garcia, Can Alopecia Ariotta be treated scalp med products?

  Answer:  it is most effective on androgenic alopecia but may work to some degree on alopecia areata also. JG 1.5.06

• what are the precentage,s of the scalp med working ?

  Answer:  in my personal experience, between 75-90%. JG 1.4.06

• Dear Dr. Garcia: I have lost a significant amount of hair from the frontal area, side area, and from the lower bottom of my head. This hair problem made me become a real introverted person. I have lost my entire teenage life and young adult life to being embarressed to be seen in public without a wig or weave. I've tried everything from minoxidil to all types of remedies. The real sad thing is that I've suffered with hair lost for over 15 years. I'm about to graduate from graduate school now and I really would like to look my best for graduation in May 2006. Right now I wear wigs because I've lost significant amount of hair during the years and I can't let anyone see how I really look. I need help and a new look that's natural. Do you think I should get a hair transplant, and how much would it cost? I really would like to attend graduation because I've worked so hard during the years. Now I would like to shine with a new youthful look that's not going to clean out my pocket. Please help me if you can and if you have an office in New York city can you please send me a name and number of a contact person. Your attention to the above is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Chelle2k@msn.com

  Answer:  You might benefit from the transplants but you also may not have enough donor sites to adequately cover the area where you have lost the hair. I would go see an experienced surgeon in your area, best of luck and congratulations on graduate school. JG 1.2.06

• What if you are losing hair at a young age (17), is it ok to use the product.

  Answer:  yes, still OK. JG 1.2.06

• Dear Dr. Garcia, are the ingrediants used in Scalmed safe and natural..(if you'r familiar with them). Thanks! and Happy New Year as well!

  Answer:  yes, they are safe, and the medication in it is approved for over the counter sale. JG 1.2.06

• HAPPPYYYYYY NEEWWW YEARRR!!!!! Dear Dr. Garcia, How did u get involved with scalpmed?? and how long does hair usually grow back after it fell off?? Thank You so much:)

  Answer:  I was approached by the company when they relocated to Las Vegas from New York to use their product on my patients. It varies as to the time for hair regrowth, but on average I would say you should see something in a couple of months. JG 1.2.06

• Once the hair is thin...and u treat it quickly can the hair restore and become thik again.

  Answer:  if it was thick before, ScalpMed should help to make it thicker again, yes. JG 12.31.05

• Hello Dr. I visited ur calp med website and need to ask a question. My 25yrs son is not bald but has very fine thin hair.He is very concerned and want to see them thick and full..Is the scalp med will work for him to grow thicker/fuller and healthy shinny hair and how long it will take to see the diiference??plz help.

  Answer:  It helps hair grow but if he always had thin hair, even as a child it will not get thicker, just more shafts will grow. As a person gets older their hair thins before it falls out and ScalpMed will help that, but not hair that was always fine. JG 12.30.05

• DOC. I am a 26 year old black man. I am starting mild thining in the front of my scalp. Do you think scalp med will help me being that I only saw it advertised to white people or will it work for everyone? HELP please!!!!

  Answer:  no, it works on all races. JG 12.28.05

• Hi Doctor Garcia, I am 27 years old and I am beginning to see hair loos in my folicles, since you discovered Scalp Med. Do you recommended for someone my age, and do you think it will work?

  Answer:  I think ScalpMed should work for you in controlling and hopefully reversing what you have going on. I did not formualte it though, that was Shane Malek at ScalpMed, I do sell it in my office though and have treated many patients over the last few years with it. JG 12.28.05

• Would you recommend Scalmed to your family and friends?

  Answer:  without a doubt, I already do. JG 12.28.05

• I have been bald in the top of my head for years now. How effective would your product help to restore some hair in the top of my head. I am literally bald. I wear a piece glued on my scalp. I used Rogaine a few years back with some results, but the alcohol in the product caused my hair to become dry and brittle. Thank you! Deirdre Edwards

  Answer:  I certainly think it would help at least some. JG 12.27.05

• Dear Dr. Garcia I’m 18 years old and lately I have been experiencing hair loss due to using a hair straightener for about 4-5 months. I can’t believe what it has done to my hair; I’m worried that the hair that fell won’t grow back to its original condition. A couple of days ago I saw the infomercial on Scalmed and it really fascinated me what it can do to the hair. I wanted to no will my hair grow back with using Scalmed or do you know any natural hair treatments like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or even Henna that can replenish and restore the damaged hair follicle. I’m a little afraid of using things I’m not sure of and I haven't spoke to anyone that has tried this product. Thank you so much for giving people an opportunity to ask you diverse questions on hair and treatments…it means a lot because I learn from questions and answers.

  Answer:  In my experience with women having the same problem, the Scalpmed does help, as long as you stop with the other procedures. Best of luck. JG 12.25.05

• Is Scalp Med safe to use with Kevis shampoo?

  Answer:  I would stop the Kevis, it will not be needed and the Shampoo available form ScalpMed is better. JG 12.23.05

• Dear Dr. Garcia, you must be a wonderful doctor to take the time to answer concerns of so many people. My son, a young physician, has had success with Propecia for hair loss. After reading about ScalpMed, would he get greater results, and also if he switched to it, would there be some hairloss in that period? How long has ScalpMed been on the market? I know that the ingredients of Propecia have been around for over 30 years affecting male hormones.

  Answer:  I think the results will be at least as good if not better with less potential side effects. I think a switch would lead to very little if any hair loss during the transition. ScalpMed has been sold for over ten years, not under this name, but the newest and most effective formula has been sold in my clinic for a little over two years now.JG 12.21.05

• Can I use scalpmed if i am diabetic.

  Answer:  yes, it is safe to use. JG 12.21.05

• Hello Dr. Garcia I just received the Scalpmed system and I want to know if my hair in the front will grow back to the temples. I am 22yrs. old I started experiencing hair loss at 20. Will the product help me grow back my hair?

  Answer:  It is the best product out there in terms of growning hair back. The effects come faster and stronger in the back but it works on the front too. Best of luck. JG 12.15.05

• Dr. Garcia would you advise if there are any problems with using Scalpmed if you have had a stent?

  Answer:  It should not affect that. JG 12.13.05

• I have been taking the 5-A Reductase Inhibitor Avodart 0.5 mg for exactly 1 year.I am certainly seeing extremely good results.This is supposedly the strongest Rx med available for almost complete eradication of DHT.I am having zero side effects whatsoever.Would taking your product,along with A'dart produce even more regrowth,or should I do one or the other but not both? Thanks!! HW

  Answer:  It certainly will help I believe for the hair to regrow when used with ScalpMed. JG 12.7.05

• DR. garcia what do you know or recommend about scalpmed?IS IT A BETTER PRODUCT THAN MINOXIDIL OR PROPECIA?

  Answer:  I think it is better than minoxidil that is presently sold and I think it is as effective and probably better than Propecia and in the patients that have come to see me who were on Propecia, switching to ScalpMed resolved their sexual side effects. I have not had any patients on ScalpMed that have complained about any sexual side effects. JG 12.6.05

• Dear Dr. Garcia, What a wonderful and caring doctor you are! Thank you so much for taking time to help. When my son was 24, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. He was successfully treated with chemotherapy and radiation and is not 29 and healthy! He had already started losing his hair before he was diagnosed and was using minoxidal to successfully stop the hair loss. However, post treatment, he had a low platelet count and research revealed that minoxidil can contribute to this, so he stopped using it and his platelet count did improve. He is now balding quite a bit and it is so sad to see him suffer with this after what he has been through. Here is my question: You have written that ScalpMed's delivery system prevents the minoxidil from entering the blood stream. Do you thing it would be safe for him to use it? Thank you so much for your help!

  Answer:  Thanks you for the kind words. I think it would certainly be worth trying, the amount of minoxidil absorption is almost undectable and I think would be OK. All my best. JG 12.4.05

• Hi Dr G, i was just wonderg whether scalpmed can grow hair in areas which have ever had hair before, to bring the hairline lower for example. Or does it only work where hair has grown naturally. I have a high forehead but the scarring from surgery concerns me, any ideas? Thanks

  Answer:  no, only get the hair to grow that once was. sorry. JG 12.01.05

• Dr. Garcia, I underwent hair transplant surgery about a year ago and I am relatively pleased with my results(FYI I did not have the procedure done by you. I live in the midwest)I am considering a second procedure, but would rather not. My problem area is mainly in the front of my hairline. Does scalpmed work for frontal balding? D.V. 12.1.05

  Answer:  It works best for the back, so my honest opinion is if it is a significant amount you desire in the front I would go with the transplants, if it is mild then ScalpMed would be a good choice. JG 12.01.05

• Dear Dr. Garcia, I know that you suggest Scalp Med for thinning hair (I have thinning all over due to a chronic virus). Doesn't Minoxidil cause low blood pressure and heart arrythmias (or make arrythmias worse in people that have them already)? I spoke to three pharmacists about using Scalp Med (Minoxidil) and all three told me the same thing about the side effects I mentioned above. Also, they told me that the new hair will fall out again when stopping the use of Minoxidil. What are your opinions on long-term use of Minoxidil and what are the main health concerns in using Scalp Med? How does this drug interact with other pharmaceutical drugs someone may be taking? I do not want to cause my arrythmias to get worse or cause low blood pressure! Thank you for your honest answers. Carrie 11/30/05

  Answer:  it can when taken orally but not a big problem here as it doesn't get into the blood supply too well with their delivery mechanism. They are correct that the new hair will fall out when you stop the product. I personally think it is a safe product but in people with low blood presure or heart problesm, they should consult their doctor or try it and if they get dizzy they can stop it and return it. Systemic absorption of the Minoxidil has been looked at in this product and not found to penetrate into the blood system to any significant amount, therefore interactions with other medications should be rare. JG 11.30.05

• recently i have had some hair loss, due to too much vitamin a and other factors. I am a woman in my late 20's, which would be the best hair product to use?? What do you recommend? I was going to try Rogaine, Scalp Med, Nioxin?? Which is the best hair loss treatment for women??

  Answer:  I feel Scalpmed is the best. JG 11.30.05

• Hello Dr. Garcia. After viewing the infomercial, in your experience, are there any potential allergic reaction(s) to the scalp med regimen, especially for someone who is hypersensitive and is allergy prone? Also, if someone were to experience a reaction to the products, could it cause further hair loss or problems, and what should they do in addition to discontinuing use? In addition, for those individuals who did not benefit from using the product, did any experience a reaction to the product(s)? Finally, I was also wondering if it would be possible to get a list of the ingredients in the scalp med product? I sincerely appreciate your time in answering my questions? Thank you so much. SB 11/30/05

  Answer:  It is always a possiblity, yes. An allergic reaction to the product would subside as soon as the product is stopped so it should not permanently affect hair growth from an allergy point of view. Some people will use Benadryl or other allergy medicine when they are allergic to some product. None of the patients I have seen had an allergic reaction. The ingredients I believe are listed on their website, www.ScalpMed.com under each product description. JG 11.30.05

• Hi Dr. Garcia I just sent an previous email. I forgot to ask this question. Why with a product that has such awesome results, one does not see more stars who are losing their hair contact you are other companies or facilities to correct a problem that has a bonafied solution. I realized that you are not ones spokes person. But I just do not understand it. The entertainment industries thrives on beauty. Prehaps there are more people in the entertainment industry that uses these types of products or gone through hair transplants and it is priveledge information.

  Answer:  Many celebrities do not like to say they have flaws is one problem, and also many of the people who endorse products expect big paychecks to endorse products and ScalpMed does not pay for endorsements. JG 11.30.05

• I'm an African American woman who is fifty-one. As I went through the menopause I begun to notice that my hair was thinning. I saw your info commercial about three weeks ago. I was impressed by Sherida Davis' testimony. My mother and younger sister have hair loss. And another sister has hair loss due to medication. My mother's head looked like Sherida. I have always had thick healthy hair. I have done some reserach as to what the culprit is when one loses their hair. I want to order your products. Is it a 30 day or 60 day gurantee refund. Having investigated I know that one would not see the results in less than at least sixty days or longer. The result that Sherida has was over a period of several months. Does this product began to work immedately but one does not see the results for a few months. My head does not look like any of the women in the info commercial. At this time it is not obivous but I know because of the density of hair. I pray that this will work. Sherida results are so awesome. I thank God for your intrest and knowledge. God does heal people through medicine as well as through one praying for a miracle. Either way it is a miracle. I know that I will be able to show you my miracle.

  Answer:  it is not my product although I use it on my patients. I beleive the refund is at least 30 days but may be longer, their customer service number can answer that question. As to it working on hair loss from medication, if the medicine is stil being used the results will not be as good as if they are off of it. Some patients see improvements in one month. Best of luck. JG 11.30.05

• Dr. Garcia, I asked the question about the scar in my scalp. You answered not really. Do you mean the scar should not be pink at this point? What causes that? Should I be concerned? Thank you

  Answer:  It is pink because it is hypertrophic and that is why I would suggest some injections or a scar revison if the tissue is loose. It is not a dangerous thing though. JG 11.29.05

• I am a 25 yrs old female. I have hereditary hair loss, and it is starting to become noticable at the top. I am trying to find solutions before I look like my mom. From your experience with Scalpmed, how successful is the use of Scalpmed in growing hair in terms of the percentage of patients that you see. Also, the testamonials from scalpmed.com, did any one of them had hair transplant or is it simply the miracles of scalpmed? Thank you so much.

  Answer:  I think ScalpMed works in the vast majority of patients, I would guess about 85-90% or so, possibly higher. All of the patients seen on ScalpMed.com were patients in my clinic and none had hair transplants. JG 11.29.05

• Dr. Garcia, I am a 34 year old female that has suffered from AGA for 8 years. I still have hair but it has thinned all over my head. I've tried minoxidil 5%, eucalpil, revivogen, tricomin, lasercomb, etc. and nothing has worked. I would like to know if in your experience patitens like me have benefited from Scalpmed? Thank you very much!!

  Answer:  Well we have had a small series of women with different causes of hair loss that have had very nice results. I think it would be worth trying. JG 11.29.05

• DR GARCIA, YOU STATE IN YOUR WARRANTY ON YOUR PRODUCT ABOUT YOUR MONEY BACK IF YOU TRIED FOR A SPECIFIED TIME PERIOD. WHAT IS CONSIDERED A SPECIFIED TIME PERIOD OR HOW LONG.

  Answer:  I can only imagine you are speaking about ScalpMed but it is not my product although I sell it in my office. If you call their customer service number available on their website, www.ScalpMed.com, they can tell you but I think it is anytime within the described use time. JG 11.27.05

• Dear Dr. Garcia, thanks for being here for us. What are the side effects of scalpmed? It almost sounds too good to be true - no sexual side effects, no itching or flaking, etc. Is there a risk of facial hair growth? Should a woman not take it during pregnancy? Will it damage healthy hair? Will it speed up hair thinning/loss once one stops using it? THANKS!

  Answer:  Side effects are in a small proportion of people some itching, in others it does not work as well as others depending on the cause of the hair loss. I have used it in my patients for over two years and have not had anyone have a side effect yet. I have not had anyone grow facial hair either. I do think you need to stop it when trying to get pregnant or while pregnant as we have not tested it in those patients. It will not affect normal hair but if you stop using it your hair will go back to the way it was before using it so it will look like you are losing faster as all you have regained will be lost. JG 11.26.05

• I understand that Scalp Med is not your product. Can you provide me with a telephone number where I can get more information and order the product? Thanks!

  Answer:  Customer Service 800-203-2719, ionfo at www.ScalpMed.com. Best of luck. JG 11.24.05

• my daughter is 25 and losing her hair due to a disease called poly cystic ovarian syndrome. do you think scalp med will work for her?

  Answer:  I think it will help along with getting her hormones under control and some Metformin. JG 11.21.05

• Dear Dr. Garcia, what do you think would be good topically on the scalp for hair preservation from DHT, and what taken internally to stop or to slow androgen activity in a womans body?

  Answer:  I think the products available from www.ScalpMed.com are really good for your problem. JG 11.21.05

• Hi, I am from Ontario, Canada. Can you please tell me how I can get Scalpmed in Canada. I don't see it offered here!

  Answer:  The company is at the present time working with the Canadian government to allow them to import it there, hopefully in the next month or so. So try again in a few weeks, sorry. JG 11.20.05

• Dr.Garcia, I was just curious what the cost of an eyelash transplant would be. If you could give an estiamate for me that would be most helpful and appreciated.Thanks! Amanda

  Answer:  Ball park about $2500. JG 11.19.05

• how much money does it cost for surgical hair restoration

  Answer:  I could quote you fees but that varies greatly form doctor to doctor. I suggest you get a fee quote from the doctor you are considering perform the procedure. I can only quote fees for people that are going to have me do their surgery. If you desire that fee quote, contact us via email at drgarcia@lvcosmeticsurgery.com rather than the message board. Thank you. JG 11.17.05

• if i am a woman with thinning hair, should'nt I use the male products which are stronger for a faster result, ie. rogaine? im, bel air, calif. great infomercial!

  Answer:  well, some women unknowing to us have done so but the FDA feels that women need a smaller dose as they have less androgens, their opinion, and we are bound by their limitations, but you are likely correct from what we have seen. JG 11.17.05

• Dr.Garcia, I saw your scalpmed commercial and I would very much like to try this product but before I do I have a question for you.Will it be okay to take scalpmed with a ointment called Protopic.You see I have a skin condition called Vitiligo and I rubbed this protopic on my arms and legs and then get into a booth that gives out uv rays to darken my skin.Please let me know and thanks very much.11-16-05(RV)

  Answer:  Should not interact with the medication you are using. Best of luck. JG 11.16.05

• What percentage of minoxidil does scalp med have

  Answer:  between 2-5% depending on male versus female formulas. JG 11.16.05

• What is your opinion of scalpmed vs propecia?? They cant be used together correct? which is better for someone who has had hair transplants? thanks...

  Answer:  I do not think you will need to use the Propecia but they can be used together. As long as you are not having any sexual side effects from the Propecia, then I think you can continue it. Either one or both work well for transplant patients. JG 11.14.05

• Hello! I am an African American Black Women, My hair have been thining for some time I've tried Rogain, forencence light and a lot of over the counter products. I've even let theperm grown out of my head inorder to tried to save my hair. I'm very please of my hair being in the natural state but I'm worry about losing my hair it continues to thin and fall out when I comb it, I've even thought about wearing weaves, wigs something? My Mother saw your product on T.V. and suggest I tried your Scalp Med Product so I order it. The question I have is does your product contain alcohol? because I'''ve notice that when I use products that contain alcohol my hair gets worst it becomes dry and the ends of my hair break off leaving dry and britter hair? Sincerley, Trying to hold on!

  Answer:  There is nothing in it that will dry your scalp out. I use the product on my patients but it is not my company. JG 11.14.05

• Dr.Garcia, Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.I am a 49 yrmale with male pattern baldness and have looked and looked thru the internet for a safe and hopefully solution for my hair loss.I just saw your scalpmed commercial and I think this might work for me but I do take Lovastatin and Paxil as my daily medicine and I am wondering if these medicines will be okay with scalpmed.Please let me know as I am looking forward to trying this new product.Thank-You very much and May God bless you. Ray

  Answer:  Those medications should not affect the ScalpMed product. Best of luck. JG 11.13.05

• Hi Dr. Garcia, i just have 1 quick question. Just like the person below, I am having a problem with my frontal area (not vertex area). Will minoxidil cause more hairloss if we use it for the front area? Because it says on the label that when you forst begin to use vitadil 5A extra strength for men, your hair loss may increase temporarily for up to 2 weeks .

  Answer:  Minoxidil wil not cause hair loss long term. JG 11.12.05

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I have another questions regarding this product called scalpmed. Last time I asked you if scalpmed works for the frontal area and receding hairline (not the vertex area)and you said yes. But when I receieved the package, it says that (the vitadil 5A) Vertex only...it is not intended for frontal baldness or a receiding hairline . I don't have a problem with my vertex area, just the frontal area that i'm having problems with. So will this product really work for the frontal area? or the Nutrisol Rm is the solution to treat receiding hairline for the frontal area? if not I want to refund it before I open up the label. And my other question is Do you use the scalpmed cosmetics (the one for cortex enlargement) along with the other products? I mean do you spray all of them together at the same time after you clean your scalp? If not, how do you use the scalpmed cosmetic product? Because they do not give you the instructions on how to use it. That is all Thank You.

  Answer:  I personally do not use the products as I do not need them. As to the sprays, the are applied one at a time. The Vitadil is more for the vertex, so if you are concerned I certanly think the best thing is to return it. As I had said before, the effects on the front are less, the vertex more dramatically. JG 11.12.05

• Dr. Garcia, My 12 year old daughter has Alopecia Areata. She got cortisone injections which seemed to help for a short time but are very painful. Would Scalpmed work on her Alopecia? What is the treatment and what pills do you have to take? Are they safe for children? Please let us know if Scalpmed would work or if you know of any other treatments that work specifically for Alopecia. Thank you very much. MK 11-12-05 rominhm@stis.net

  Answer:  I do not believe the company has done extensive testing on children but as long as the cause of the alopecia has been controlled it should help.I think ScalpMed would be worth trying. The only other option there is would be hair transplants.

• Hi, does seborrhoic dermatitis cause hair loss?? Also, if i was told i have this, is it the same as exzema? What is good treatment for seborrhoic dermatitis??

  Answer:  Any dermatitis can cause hair loss. I would suggest seeing a dermatologist for the skin condition in terms of therapies. JG 11.11.05

• I saw on television about medscalp....do you have to take the pills for it to work? I would rather use just the product on my head.DD

  Answer:  the product works better if you take the pills along with it. JG 11.11.05

• Hi Dr. Garcia, im 23 y/o and i begin to fall my hair 2 yrs.now, and my father and grandfather are bald so its heriditary for me, i used minoxidil for 6 months and iv noticed it worsens my hair loss and im having flaky and itchiness on my scalp its realy bad.Iv seen about SCALPMED and wanted to try it, will it work on hereditary hairfall,will it take away the itchiness and what other vit. can i take with scalpmed to make it more effective?how long do i need to use it to see some results? thanks for helping many people like me who search for answers,,,tc

  Answer:  ScalpMed takes the redness and itchyness away and we have found it to be more effective than minoxidil alone. I think if you are concerned it is worth trying. It works best for heriditary hair loss. Most patients see results after a couple of months. If you are taking ScalpMed you do not need the minoxidil any longer. JG 11.07.05

• Dr.Garcia: I have been considering hair transplant for the frontal area for 2 years now. Since taking Propesia the hair is been growing back to the point that there is no area that is just bold like the size of a quarter. the question i am having is that will hair transplant damage the growing hair all around the area were the garfts will be planted? another question will taking Saw Palmeto help hair growth? Can you recommend a great hair transplant surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area? and the last q. should i skip the idea of hair transplant & do the scalpmed instead? To be honest I am very skeptical of scalpmed that will grow hair like that all over the scalp. if that is the case then the cure for baldness is been discovered & should have made headline news all around the world. thanks for your time. you have a very informative web site. god bless. sha. 11/7/05

  Answer:  Hair transplants may put the surrounding hairs into shock for a couple of months but no permanent effects. There are benefits from taking good quality Saw Plametto I feel. I am unfamilair with those doing hair transplants in the SF area, sorry. As to ScalpMed, it works in the front but better in the back, but some people don't want to continue using it so they opt for the surgery, it is a personal choice. JG 11.07.05

• Dr. Garcia, My daughter was diagnos with cancer 2 years ago and received radiation on a part of her head and because of that her hair is not growing back and we want to know if Scalp Med will work on her? Could you send us more information about this product as soon as possible so I can ask her Oncologist if this product will be safe for her. Thank you, Lesbia Rodriguez greensneakers92@yahoo.com

  Answer:  It might be worth a try but if the radiation caused the hair loss, more than likely the loss is due to poor blood supply to the scalp and it may not work. JG 11.06.05

• Dr. Garcia, There was a question that would you have to use your hair product to keep the new hair growth, your answer was if you stopped using the product your hair would fall out again, so how is your product any better than what is out there if you have to continue using it always?

  Answer:  It is more effective in re-establishing hair growth than other products out there, but it is not my product, we use it in my clinic.JG 11.06.05

• Dr. Garcia, There was a question that would you have to use your hair product to keep the new hair growth, your answer was if you stopped using the product your hair would fall out again, so how is your product any better than what is out there if you have to continue using always?

  Answer:  It is more effective in re-establishing hair growth than other products out there, but it is not my product, we use it in my clinic.JG 11.06.05

• Hello Doctor, If I decide to start using Scalpmed, should I suspend the use of Propecia which is what I am currently using. Thank you.

  Answer:  Yes, you should stop the Propecia. JG 11.06.05

• A few months ago, i noticed my hair had thinned some in the scalp probably due to high dosage birth control pills and too much vitamin A. I quit the pills and the vitamins, and started using NIOXIN products and spray to help grow hair so it would be thicker again. I have noticed the hair is thicker. Still want it real thick as before. Is it ok to try Scalp Med for awhile even though I ve been using Nioxin? Or should i stick with what I am doing? If Scalp Med isnt what i wanted can I send it back and get my money back?? The products cost over 100.00 and they said it was 30 free trial?

  Answer:  I think ScalpMed will be more effecive. I believe they have a money back guarantee, correct. JG 11.02.05

• Recently I have noticed that my hair has thinned a little bit through the scalp. It has been a sudden hair loss. if i use scalp med, the minoxydyl will Not cause any more hair loss will it, considering that I will be used the product for sudden hair loss??

  Answer:  I do not think the ScalpMed will cause any further hair loss in your case. JG 11.02.05

• Why do products containing Minoxidyl say NOT to take if you have had sudden hair loss?? Such as hair loss due to diet and overuse of Vitamin A??? So people with sudden thinning hair, with over use of Vitamin A, what should they take??? It sounds like products with Minoxidyl will NOT be safe???? Will Minoxydyl cause hair loss? Confused, let us know what to use for sudden hair loss of scalp due to diet and too much Vitamin A????

  Answer:  It is because if you have sudden hair loss there may be something going on that caused the hair loss and unless that is stopped or corrected the product may not help. Also need proper nutrition and adequate protein intake for hair ot grow. JG 11.02.05

• Just stop taking teh Vitmain A and then you can use the hair products.Hi, I have had some thinning hair through the scalp lately. It is due to taking too much Vitamin A. Im scared to use Minoxydl because it says do not use if sudden hair loss like mine or for Using too much Vitamin A. Would Nioxin be safer?? Would the Minoxydl cause Hair Loss??? Will there be any side affects? Concerned cause dont want it to cause hair loss. What do you think I should do?????

  Answer:  just stop taking the vitamin and then its Ok to start the hair products. JG 11.02.05

• Dr.Garcia I am a 47 year old female that has been suffering from hair loss for the past 4 years.I've tried rogain which worked a little but caused itching and flaking. I would like to continue the rogain can you tell me how to stop the itching and flaking also what can you tell me about scalp med and does it really work.

  Answer:  I think ScalpMed would relieve the itching and be at least effective if not more potent for your hair problem than Rogaine alone. JG 11.02.05

• For the past 2 years every time i rub my head with my hand hair falls in large amounts. Do you think scalp med would stop my hair lose and regrow hair?

  Answer:  It certainly is worth trying. JG 11.01.05

• I would like to know if scalpmed. is a product one must take forever or just to regrowth satisfaction is achieved?

  Answer:  If you stop taking the product then if whatever was causing the hair loss continues then it will recurr and you may lose the improvement you achieved. JG 10.31.05

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I just have a few questions regarding this product called Scalpmed. Well first of all, is it ok if I use scalpmed when I'm excercising? Cause I work out at night after I take a shower. Will the medication react with my sweat?. And out of how many of your patients get the wanted result by using this product? that is all. Thank You.

  Answer:  It is OK to use the product while exercising, yes, but it would probably work better if you did not sweat as the sweat may lift the product out of the folicle. In my experience with the product, all the patients have had a response, some much more than others, but all of them have had some improvement or stabilization of hair loss. JG 10.31.05

• I have a follow up question on Scalpmed. Before I buy this product which I see you indorse If the active ingredient is mainly minoxidil with other items why does it cost so much? I sent and email to there customer reps asking what Vitadil-5A and Vitadil-2A were and all I got back was a note saying Our product contains the highest level of Minoxidil approved by the FDA I know you do not work for this company but you might have some insight into the product and how it's manufactured. thank you, Steve

  Answer:  It is because of the other products that go with it, that assist in the penetration of the Minoxidil and improve the results, including the pharmaceutical grade supplements. JG 10.30.05

• Hi Dr. Garcia, I am in Canada and on Scalp \med website, there's no service to Canada. How can I order the product? And could you pls explain what are the effects of Cortex Enlarger. Is it true that once you use it you would have to use it more and more frequently? Thanks

  Answer:  I will have to contact the company as I sell it in my office but I buy the product myself from ScalpMed. I will look into the possibility of shipping you the product and getting it through Canadian customs too. Cortex Enlarger is a temporary follicle thickener that can be applied while one waits for the hair to regrow, I have not seen it where it has to be used more and more after initial use, but people do like the thicker hair appearnce. Actually not all of my patients use the Cortex product, just the ones who are really thin. JG 10.25.05

• Dr. Garcia, I just received the 6 month supply of Scalpmed in the mail. It says to use twice a day, once in AM, and once before bed. My wife wants to be the one to apply it to my crown area where I am really thinning. However I get up for work at 6AM and she does not have to get up until 8. My question is, since you have to use it 2X a day, does it have to be morning and night, or could my wife put in on like when I get home from work at 5:30PM and then again at 10PM before bed. Or is it really meant to be morning and night? She hates the fact of having to get up so early in the AM to do it. Also, does it get rubbed in in the crown area where my problem is, should I rub it in the rest of my top of my scalp also? Also after it is rubbed in, is it okay to blow dry my hair if it has to be done in the AM?

  Answer:  Rub it in over the crown mostly but all over too to some degree. It is not hard to do it yoruself if you use a mirror in your hand and look at your crown in a bathroom mirror. It is best to separate the applications by more than just a few hours though. You need to wait a few minutes after appllying it to blow it dry. JG 10.24.05

• Dr. Garcia, Will Scalp mem work for the front area? I have a receeding hair line which has been receeding for about 3 years.Whould you recommend this product for my condition?Thanks, Brian

  Answer:  I thinks it works well for the front, better than anything else out there. It works awesome for the back. I would recomend it to you yes. JG 10.22.05

• If one is fortunate enough to get hair regrowth from Scalpmed, how long do you have to continue treatment? MB 10/20/05

  Answer:  you need to contiue it, if you stop, your hair will fall out and go back to the way it was. JG 10.21.05

• Does Scalpmed have any medical side effects? Some like Rogain warn against usage for people with certain conditions - such as heart conditions. Is Scalpmed safe or is it similar to Rogain? Thanks John Peterson

  Answer:  It does have minoxidil in it and patients with heart conditions years and years ago were treated for high blood pressure with that drug but although possible, just like rogaine, I have not seen one in over 2 years of patients. I thinnk it is better that Rogaine because you do not get the flaky scalp and irritation. JG 10.20.05

• Hi Dr Garcia, Awesome website!! Do you know anything about the Hairmax laser comb for men & women with thinning hair? I know it's a low level laser therapy to make hair thicker, fuller and healthier. In your opinion do you believe this to be true? Can it make hairloss permanently worse? Does it stop hairloss and grow hair? Do you recommend this product vs topical lotions for thinning hair? Thank you for your opinion! I need all the help I can get!

  Answer:  Some people swear by it but medical evidence is scant. I do not think it will make hair loss worse though. I do not think it will affect the hair in a positive way though. I recommend ScalpMed products for the hair, it is what we use in our clinic, available at www.ScalpMed.com. Best of luck and thanks for the kind words. JG 10.20.05

• Dr. Garcia I am a 19 year old male from Mission BC. I have a reasonably full head of hair. However I am noticing that my hair is beginning to thin and is beginning to fall out also. Last week I had the opportunity to watch the Scalp-Med infomercial in which I noticed that you had many positive comments regarding the product. I would like to know whether or not this product would have sexual side effects for a person my age? In addition if I try this product for a two-six month period and stop using it after will my hair loss be more extensive than before using the product? Lastly would you advise using this product? Thank-You so much for your time and concern (excellent site) I.B 10/18/05

  Answer:  I have treated close to one hundred patients and none have had any sexual side effects, in fact the ones that had sexual side effects with Propecia when switched to ScalpMed erased the problems. If you stop using the product the speed of your hair loss goes back to what it was, you will start losing hair again, but it will not be any faster then before. At times people think that because they get used to seeing a fuller head of hair but it does not speed up the loss when stopped. I am a true believer in the product. Thanks for the kind words too. JG 10.18.05

• I realize hair from your head is used for eyelash transplants. On one eye, there is two or three eyelashes missing in the center. However, I have too many eyelshes or clumps of eyelashes in some areas that don't need to be there. instead of using transplanting hair from the head, could you pluck out eyelashes where there's too many and implant it? Also, does hair taken from the head transplanted to either the eyelash or eyebrow area grow in kinky or not as straight? Speaking of kinky eyebrows, do you know why some eyebrow hairs I have that used to be straight are now kinky (stick out) so I have to pluck them?

  Answer:  I think the scarring from cutting the eyelash out would not make it a wise decision and just plucking it out will not work. The transplanted scalp hair will grow in the way it did on your head. I can''t tell you why your eyelashes have changed, sorry. JG 10.17.05

• Why can ScalpMed work better than Rogaine when it has the same active ingredient? I understand that ScalpMed has a very high percentage of minoxidyl, but women can have bad side affects by using a high amount, so how can ScalpMed still be safe for women?

  Answer:  It works better becasue of the delivery system and the other ingredients. As to the side effects from monoxidil in women if you could be more specific about the side effects you refer to I can speak more directly to that. JG 10.17.05

• Dear Dr. Garcia, I hope this is not a stupid question: Is there a procedure like a permanent surgical eyelash implant / transplant? If possible, what will be the cost? Any information regarding this procedure will be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million

  Answer:  You can have scalp hairs implanted, we do this for burn victims but the hair is not like eyelash hairs and will need to be trimmed. The cost depends greatly on the time and the surgeon, my fees will not be valid for other doctors, but I would guess about $2000. JG 10.13.05

• Dr. Garcia, I saw you on the scalp med infomercial on television. I am 19 years old and live in British Columbia, Canada. The infomercial, however, did not inform the listeners on the contents of the product and how it works. Is this a legitimate solution especially for someone my age. My head is not bald but i do notice that my hair is falling out quite substantially, even when i run my hands through my hair. Could you please advise me based on your professional opinion. thank you so much Bally Sahota email 1: iq_sahota86@msn.com email 2: iq_eng86@hotmail.com

  Answer:  In my opinion it works better than any other topical both prescripton or OTC, it has minoxidil in it but it has better penetration than the the material you can buy now. It also has other agents in it besides the minoxidil. I think it is a very legit product. JG 10.10.05

• I've used rograine etc and nothing happened. How good is Scalpmed?

  Answer:  The delivery mechanism in ScalpMed I believe makes it more effective, and it has other products besides the Rogaine that help. JG 10.7.05

• I was in a terrible car accident years ago, I suffered a head injury, over time my eyebrows wouldn't grow back, I would like to know the cost to do eyebrow inplants and if you do it, and how is it done. I really need some answers I don't even want to leave my home home I look like a freak.mp 10/06/2005

  Answer:  hair transplants are taken from the back of your scalp and then implanted into the old eyebrow site, it is done under local anesthesia and costs are about $2000. You will have to trim the hairs though as they will grow like scalp hair in the future. JG 10.6.05

• I asked you about the ScalpMed products earlier..and before I spend the money to order them..I'd just like to know if the results are really as good as they seem to be. I know Rogaine takes close to a year to produce any visable results. Is Scalpmed really capable of giving you results in a few months if it is right for a person?

  Answer:  I can tell you that the pictures on the website are all true as I have personally have seen all of these patients before and after starting the products. JG 10.3.05

• Dr Garcia. Thank you very much for this website. it means a lot to be able to have an expert to aks these questions. I am male, 42. I have had 2 hair transplants so far, the last one 3 years ago. They have not worked as expected. I wish I had not gone through the pain and expence. I think maybe I should shave my head like other guys do, and get on with life that way. Due to the surgery I have 2 large scars on my occipital area. Is it possible to have the scars removed (revised) or would they always be visible? Thank you Antonio

  Answer:  I am afraid they will laways be visible if you shave your head. JG 10.3.05

• Hello Dr Garcia I have just seen an infomercial for a product called ScalpMed. You state on it that you recommend the product. I am a 44 y/o female and experiencing thinning at the top of my head..its devastating to me. I started using Rogaine about 6 weeks ago and it is very oily and makes my scalp itch. I see that the main ingredient in Scalpmed is also minoxidil, so how will it differ or be any better than Rogaine? Also, would would the effect be if a female used the stronger male solution? Would you suggest trying Scalpmed before considering transplantation? I'd appreciate your help. GRJ/10/03/05

  Answer:  The delivery mechanism in ScalpMed is totally different and does not make your scalp oily, which is normally a big probelm with regular Minoxidil.I don't think a female needs to use the male version but some have. I always have my patients on ScalpMed before transplantation and also after to get their grafts to grow faster. JG 10.3.05

• Hi Dr Garcia, I am a 26 yr old female. I grew up with beautiful thick gorgeous hair in my teens and since my 20's I have been experiencing hair thinning and even notice the part of my hair on top of my head is getting wider and uneven! I have seen 2 dermotologists and they both mention rogaine. Before I want to try rogaine... The dermotologist prescribed SPIRONOLACTONE (pill form) for hair thinning and breakouts of blimishs on my skin (another one of my problems). Since one mth has passed the medicine has cleared my skin but I'm not noticing much results with my hair. I believe I have inherited hair thinning from my mother who has extremely thin hair BUT is there anything I can do while I am still young to prevent from getting thinner hair and to restore my hair & scalp back to what I had before thinning?! Thank You So Very Much!!!

  Answer:  The hair takes longer to come back than the skin. I also like a product called ScalpMed at www.scalpmed.com JG 9.28.05

• Dear Dr Garcia, Do Nisim products-the shampoo, conditioner and scalp treatment-effective in treating male pattern baldness or are they a waste of money? Thank you.

  Answer:  I personally do not think they are worth the money. JG 9.18.05

• HI dr garcia i wonder that you could help me my son used to take cannabis due to this he has lost his hair in front of his forehead is there anythere thing that could recomend ? and is there anything that can be done through diet vitimins and products thanks

  Answer:  I think a product called Scalpmed is great, better then the other topical options. Otherwise there are hair transplants that could be done but I always try the topicals first. It is available at www.scalpmed.com JG 9.17.05

• Dr Garcia, I am a 45 year old male, have always been troubled by my big forehead bone, which now is more noticiable due to my receeding hairline. In order to be suitable for the reverse forehead lift, would i need to have a high hair density on the top of my head? I would be very interested in having the procedure if i am suitable. regards Fernando

  Answer:  well on the reverse forehead the scalp is pulled forward so it would bring the hair more to the front. Hair transplants can always be done at a later date in front of the scar and that would further reduce the height of the forehead. So I think you are a candidate, pictures would help too. JG 8.18.05

• 2 Questions: Are hair transplants successful in black patients? Are the incesions more noticable in these patients? Can this procedure be performed with the use of a donor, and will that hair grow for the patient? Does the donor also need to be black? I guess I lied about the 2 question thing. Ha ha ha P.S hello from Nova Scotia Canada!

  Answer:  The incisions are not more noticeable where the hair is placed, but the donor site can be more easily seen in some patients, yes. The hair has to come from the same patient for it to work. And hello back NS! JG 7.11.05

• Hello Dr. Garcia: First of all I would like to thank you for such an informative website and to thank you for answering these many questions. My problem is this....When thin eyebrows were in I plucked mine extremely thin....20 years later they never grew in completely & I've been using eyebrow pencil. I would like to know how successful a transplant is in this area....scarring? Downtime? How natural does it look & how often have you perfomed this? Thank you! Debra 7/7/05

  Answer:  Transplants work well but it is scalp hair so it will need to be trimmed. The hairs will not start growing for a few months, and the swelling from the surgery takes a couple of weeks to go down. You cannot wear makeup over it for two weeks. I have only perforemd it a handful of times as it is not a frequent request, most are done for burns or accident sequelae. JG 7.6.05

• Thank you for answering my question so quickly. I do have another question though. What about grafting/hair transplant for the face and neck area, is this possible or any other options you can think of? Thanks.

  Answer:  Hair transplants can be done to areas like the upper lip or sideburns, but it would be very difficult if not impossible to cover the beard area and even if we did, the hair is not the same type of hair as normally grows on your face. JG 5.27.05

• I'm in my mid 20's and have been trying to grow a beard for over a month now to help conceal my acne scars both raised and depressed on my face and neck. I have managed to grow some but it's very sporadic at best. Do you know if it's possible to use something like rogaine on the face and neck? Is their any medicine you use to stimulate hair growth on the face and neck at your office? Thanks.

  Answer:  The Rogaine will not be very effective on your face I am afraid. There really is no medicine that will work on the type of hair on your face. Genetically some men do not have many hair follicles in certain areas and may not be able to grow a beard. JG 5.27.05

• Dr. Garcia - Regarding hair transplants, what do you charge per graft - I would like a quote on 1,000-2,000 grafts - Thanks, Russ

  Answer:  we quote by the size of the donor site. We take a strip which is 1.25 centimeters wide and then there are three lengths, the longer the strip, the more the cost. We do not quote per hair follicle as that will vary greatly from patient to patient how many grafts you can get from a square inch of scalp. We then implant all the grafts that come in that strip. First time patients wil have more dense donor sites than people who have had the procedure done before and have scarring and less density. The three strip prices are $3,000,$5,000, and $7000. JG 5.23.05

• I am looking for some help with my bottom eyelashes. I have alway been missing some of my eyelashes on the bottom.It is not just a little it is hole spots on the bottom of my eyelashes. I need to know who can help me? Do I need a hair inplant or is there some kind of item I can use? Please help me with this. Thank you, PH (5/18/05).

  Answer:  Hair transplants are probably the only option but they are tedious and do not always work due to the thin tissue. JG 5.18.05

• I am a female with a very large forehead - it is natural, not the result of hair loss / a receding hairline. Would the micro hair grafts or reverse forehead lift still be an option for me? And how many cm can the hairline be moved down?

  Answer:  Both the hair grafts and reverse forehead are options. As to how much you can bring it down, it varies, but an approximate amount is about one finger breadth. So if you need more than that, I would suggest the reverse forehead initially, and then if needed the hair grafts after to bring it down even more. JG 5.7.05

• Dr. Garcia. Regarding the side burns. The cost of $3,000 you quoted me, is it for both side burns or just one?. Also can you tell me the approximate density in mm (milimeters). I assume the more dense, the less the mm. G.

  Answer:  It is for both sides, as to the density, it depends on how dense your hair is in the back of your head and over how large of an area we place the hair grafts into. So the denser yoru hair is in the back and the smaller the area of sideburn we transplant, then the denser it will be. JG 1.20.05

• Dr. Garcia, regarding the side burns and the cost you quoted. I think this would be something for me. What are the possible side effects and dangers?. How long and wide would they be? Do you offer a posible digital interpretation? and what do I do from here?. G.

  Answer:  Side effects would be that they are not as dense as you want and we would need to do more grafts. The other thing is that there will be a very thin scar in the back of the head where we take the grafts from. The length and width of the sideburn is determiend by you before we place the grafts. We do not offer digital imaging at present. If you want to proceed, then you need to call our office nad be seen in consultation, the number is 1-888-FACES-89. Please tell them we have been chatting on the website and they will get you in as soon as they can. JG 1.19.05

• Dr. Garcia, thank you for taking the time to awnser my questions. One additional question in regard to the side burns. After they are in place, can I shaved them normally?. Will they grow back stronger? and have you performed any side burn or beard transplants in the past?. G.

  Answer:  Yes, you can shave them, although you may find one of the beard moustache trimmer more effective and convenient. They will grow the same way the hair on your head grows, the density will depend on how many hairs we put into the area, and we do them frequently for people after previous surgeries and on burn victims, not as commonly on people that just want denser side burns. JG 1.18.05

• Thank you for responding the side burn and/or beard question. Can you advice on approximate costs and down time. G.

  Answer:  Costs would be about $3000 for the sideburns and downtime would be about 1 week. JG 1.18.05

• Dr. Gracia, I asked you a question regarding hair transplants for the face like a beard. You mentioned it would take alot of hair. What about just sideburns ?. Would they look OK and grow like normal hair ?. G.

  Answer:  They would look OK, but the texture of the hair would be different, not bristle-like, and would probably not stand up as well as a normal beard, more like scalp hair, but would look better than no side burn I guess. JG 1.18.05

• Dr. Garcia , Is it possible to have a hair transplant from the scalp to the face for a beard and/or sideburns ?. If so, will the hair frow normally and how will it look?. G.

  Answer:  Well,although possible, the hair quality is different and will be visible as different. Can it be done, yes, but you would need a fair amount of hair transplants to achieve good density for a beard and there might not be enough for it, a moustache, possibly, or side burns. JG 1.17.05

• Dr. Garcia, I want to thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to address questions; your promptness is also appreciated. You recently responded to my question regarding vertical facelifts. I have had two facelifts and neither were like what Dr. Renato Calabria describes on his website; only 2 hairline incisions, work is done through the mouth and quick recovery time of approximately 1 week. I am interested in this type of facelift and an endoscopic browlift. I have consulted with you before and feel confident that with you performing the surgery I would have exceptional results. Do you do that same type of procedure? Minimal down time is very important to me (recovery from previous face lifts was 4-6 weeks). Thank you again for your courtesy.

  Answer:  First, it is my pleasue to answer the questions. You all keep me on my toes! Well, let me say first that the procedure described in Dr. Calabria's website involves lifting of the tissues of the cheek and no skin removal. There is a risk of injury to the nerves of the cheek that can persist for a number of weeks although rarely permanent. Unfortunately, although minimal downtime is what may be promoted for this procedure, it is not minimal in any fashion. Actually the swelling persists for 4-6 weeks as the muscles and tissue of the cheeks has to be lifted off the bone and this causes a large amount of swelling. By an interesting coincidence, Dr. Calabria has been in the news for promoting his vertical facelift as he apparently claimed he did one on Sharon Stone and she has field a lawsuit against him as she says he never did any surgery on her. There are some newer suture lifting procedures where stitches are placed just below the skin to lift tissue and have minimal downtime, but the results, according to one of the inventors of the procedure are only 10-12 months, and sometimes the sutures can be seen underneath the skin. There is a lot of hype there trying to capitalize on people's desire for quick fixes, but most if not all of them turn out to be not worth the time nor money. Especially in your case, as you have had two facelifts before, there will be scar tissue in your face which will slow the resolution of the swelling for a longer time period than for an initial procedure. JG 12.20.04

• Is it possible to have hair transplants placed in scar tissue to disguise scarring, or do they have to placed around the scar.

  Answer:  No, we actually place them right into the scar as they do quite well. It is a common place for hair transplants. JG 12.17.04

• Could you please give me a short breakdown of costs for hair replacement surgery?

  Answer:  We charge by the size of the donor area, or the area where we take the hair grafts from. Soem doctors charge by the graft number but it is nearly impossible to estimate the exact number of grafts you will get from a donor site, and since once the hair is harvested, the incision is closed and it is impractical to go back and re-open the incision. We have mini, standard, and mega session. They are all 1.25 centimeters in width, and the lengths are 10, 15, and 22 centimeters respectively. Someone who has had previous hair grafts done will have less density in the donor area so they will yield less hairs from the standard donor area versus another person without prior surgery. Also there are variations in hair densities between patients, although we can get an approximation of that with our capilloscope before the surgery. The fees, all inclusieve, are $3000, $5000, and $7000 for the sessions, and they are performed under local with sedation like a twilight sleep. JG 12.7.04

• hi doc what exactly are the micro hair grafts that you perform on your patients with big foreheads? and also can you explain what the other surgery you perform on your patients with big foreheads?

  Answer:  Well the other surgery involves making an incision at the hairline, lifting the scalp up posteriorly, then pulling it forward and down and then removing the forehead skin that is covered and suturing the incision closed. That leaves a small white scar right at the hairline, but is quick. The micro grafts involve taking a strip of hair from the back of the head, that area is closed, then the hairs are divided so that there are single hair follicle units, then slits are made in front of your present hairline and the hair grafts are placed into the slits so they look natural and avoid the corn row or Barbie Doll hair appearance of the older hair transplants. JG 12.1.04

• hi doc I was wondering what are the prices for both surgerys that you perform on your patients with big foreheads?because I have a big forehead and I am not sure what surgery would be the best for me. I also know that after the surgery a scar is left. Would I be able to get treatment for the scar to make it clear up? and I was also wondering if you had any pictures of patients that have chose to get the surgery because I would like to know what I will look like after the surgery. 12/1/04

  Answer:  The forehead surgery is $6250, and the hair grafts is about the same as we need a larger than normal amount of hair to get good density. There are lasers that are used at times to fade the redness in the scars, but there will always be a faint pale line there. As to pictures, we do have some, but the patients have not given us permission to use them on the internet, so we have them in the office. JG 12.1.04

• Hi doc,I was wondering what surgery would be the bestfor me?I have a big forehead and I am always teased and now I have become very desperate.My friends tell me that my big forehead is just unique and that god gave me it for a reason.I wear bangs to cover it up but I get sick and tired of wearing bangs I want to be able to pull my hair back without anyone teasing me about my forehead!Now I have very very low self esteem amd I dont kno what to do.I'm lost.

  Answer:  Option one is micro hair gafts to lower the hairline. Option two is a reverse forehead surgery where the forehead is pulled down rather than up. The second leaves a small white scar at the hairline whereas the hair grafts do not, yet still look natural. The hair grows slowly over a period of a few months where the forehead surgery result is faster. JG 11.29.04

• Hi Dr. Garcia! I was wondering if you could do a hairline reshapement, or reduction. Similar to a forehead lift.

  Answer:  It can be done by either a reverse forehead lift where the hairline is brought down instead of up, or by hair transplants where single hairs are placed to shrink the effective height of the forehead. JG 11.24.04

• Dear Dr. Garcia, I am an African American male with a receding hairline at the temple and the forehead. I was wondering if there is the reverse forehead lift and or brow lift could be used to lower my hairline and reduce the receding part at the temples? I plan to use propecia long term to prevent further hair loss.

  Answer:  A reverse forehead lift can be done but the hairline may look un-naturaly straight, and then there will always be a scar. Your better option may be micro hair grafts to re-establish the hair in that area. African American patients do quite well and there is little chance of visible scarring. We do the micro grafting here and can do a free hair evaluation if you are in the area with a microscope to see how your scalp and hair look. JG 10.20.04

• DR Garcia am 38 male with problem of hair i lost part of the front and now i start loss on the back i read about rogaine and i dont think is my solution. will I need a transplant or is there another medication for hair loss. thanks Jorge Kusanovic Oklahoma City

  Answer:  We have some other topical products that work for most of our patients, but hair transplants may be the answer. Photos could help us tell how large of a session you would need. Typically when we have pateints from out of town that come in for transplants, they stay about 3-4 days. JG 6.13.04

• hi, i was wondering on the cost of hair transplants

  Answer:  The cost varies on how large of an area we remove to use for transplanting. The fees can vary between $3000 to $7500. That includes everything except your postoperative medications, and we do our surgery under intravenous sedation, not just local anesthesia. It roughly turns out to be about $5 per transplant and we do the new micro transplants where a single hair is placed, avoiding the corn row look. I would welcome you to make a consultation so we can customize your plan. JG 5.18.04

• Dr. Garcia, I'm confused on some of the hair transplant methods. I've been doing alot of research and have stumbled across various methods. Woods, FUE, FUT for examples all claim to keep recipient hair sites small because they use needles like 18 or 20 gauge. Some claim no incisions at all. My head is shaved so I would like to get a transplant without everyone knowing. If the incisions are small I could go on a vacation and come back without anyone knowing. Can you shed some light on this and tell me what I can expect from one of your transplants. Thanks for your time

  Answer:  The recipient sites in 2 weeks have lost their swelling and are difficult to see. The larger challenge will be the donor site from where the hair units are taken which will leave a long scar on the posterior most aspect of your scalp. The scar wil be red for a few months and easily seen if you shave your head or wear your hair military style. You may need to consider letting your hair grow to hide it. Otherwise, the needle site is the preferred way. Some doctors state that since its a needle slit that it is not an incision. In truth it is, although since no scalp is being removed where the new hair is being placed, you see no scar at the recipient site.

• Dr. Garcia, Can you please tell me if I will have scarring from a hair transplant you perform it. I have been researching and have found technology that eliminates the cutting out of a donor site called I think micro grafts. 9-16-03 thanks

  Answer:  The new micro grafts we perform involve the placing of single hairs into a slit created by a needle. This alleviates the depression or doll-like hair from older years. The slits remove no scalp, actually just pushing the scalp open long enough to place the single hairs. The donor site from where the hair is harvested will have an incision which is a straight line and will be hidden by the hair above. The cost and time to perform the procedure depends greatly on the number of grafts placed. We offer capilloscope examination of your hair in our office where your hair density can be examined to give you more information regarding your own pre-existing hair if you like.

• Is there a way to get rid of scarring due to hair transplants? C.T. 6-7-03

  Answer:  Well, I need to know where the scarring is, at the transplant site, or the donor site. Each area would be handled differently. It may be best to send me a picture or come in for a consultation, as the options will vary depending on what it all looks like, but in general, lasers are sometiems useful, or dermabrasions, or surgical removal.

The above is intended for educational and discussion purposes only. It does not constitute a formal medical evaluation nor consultation. No doctor-patient relationship has been formalized by this communication. If you desire such, please feel free to call and schedule an appointment. Otherwise, please be advised that all information that has been given here should be cleared with your primary care physician before changing or instituting any therapy. Explanation of off-label use of substances may be discussed here in but does not reflect an endorsement nor promotion of such off-label use.

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