The Art and Science of Hair Restoration: A Journey to Confidence - by Diane Pinson

 

The Hair Restoration Process: Step by Step

From the moment a patient arrives to the post-procedure care, each step is carefully designed to ensure optimal results and patient comfort.  Upon arrival, we prioritize the patient’s well-being by ensuring they have had a nourishing breakfast to maintain their comfort throughout the procedure. The journey begins in the consultation room, where we take detailed photographs to document the starting point and discuss the patient’s goals.

A crucial part of this step is designing a natural-looking hairline that is age-appropriate and harmonious with the patient’s facial structure. The hairline is carefully marked, considering the original hairline and adjusting based on the patient’s age to achieve a realistic and flattering result. Once the patient approves the plan, we administer medication such as Valium or Versed to help them remain relaxed during the procedure.

For men, we shave only the donor area at the back of the head, blending it into a fade for a natural appearance post-procedure. For women, we take a different approach—shaving only a small portion of the donor area while keeping the longer hair intact to conceal the shaved section. This allows women to maintain their usual hairstyle throughout the process.

Follicle Extraction (Harvesting)

The next phase takes place in the surgery room, where the patient is positioned face down for follicle extraction, also known as harvesting. I prefer using the SAFE System, a technology designed to minimize trauma and maximize the survival rate of extracted follicles. Unlike other extraction methods, this system uses a blunt punch that carefully oscillates around each follicle, preserving the integrity of surrounding hairs and reducing the risk of transection.

The punch size is carefully selected based on the diameter of the hair, not the depth. For scalp hair, we typically use a 1.0 or 1.2 mm punch, while finer areas such as the eyebrows require a smaller punch (usually 0.9 mm) to accommodate the delicate nature of the hair. Each follicle is extracted with precision and placed in a saline dish on ice to preserve its viability. Throughout the process, we meticulously follow the natural direction of hair growth to ensure optimal survival and seamless results.

Eyebrow Hair Transplants: A Specialized Technique

Eyebrow transplants demand even greater precision than scalp procedures. Each follicle must be implanted at the correct angle and density to replicate the natural eyebrow growth pattern. Using a smaller punch size (typically 0.9 mm), we extract the follicles and implant them at a low, flat angle, ensuring they align naturally against the skin.

The natural growth pattern of eyebrows varies across different sections, requiring careful placement to create a soft, realistic arch. Unlike microblading, which is semi-permanent, eyebrow transplants offer a permanent, natural solution using the patient’s own hair.

Creating Recipient Sites and Graft Placement

Once the necessary number of grafts has been harvested, we transition to the critical step of creating recipient sites. This phase is as important as extraction, as the placement, density, and angle of the new hair must mimic natural growth patterns.

One of the most common mistakes in hair restoration is placing grafts too closely together, which can compromise blood supply. To ensure long-term survival, each graft must be spaced appropriately, allowing optimal circulation. Additionally, the incisions must be made at the correct angle to prevent hair from growing in unnatural directions. For eyebrow transplants, positioning is even more meticulous, ensuring the implanted hair seamlessly blends with the natural brow hair.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Patients also have the option of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which is highly beneficial in stimulating healing, strengthening hair follicles, and promoting better graft survival. I prefer incorporating PRP immediately after extraction to maximize its regenerative effects on the transplanted follicles.

Post-Procedure Care and Hair Growth Timeline

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and successful results. Each patient receives a comprehensive aftercare kit with detailed instructions, and we maintain continuous follow-ups at three, six, and twelve months post-procedure. For patients who cannot visit in person, virtual consultations are available to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Hair typically begins to grow within a few months, with full results visible at 12 to 18 months. Women may experience a slightly longer growth timeline compared to men. To support long-term hair health and prevent further loss, we may recommend additional treatments or medications tailored to the patient’s needs.

A Collaborative Effort for Natural, Lasting Results

Successful hair restoration requires a combination of advanced technology, skilled technique, and a dedicated team. By utilizing the SAFE System, carefully planning extraction and placement, and ensuring proper aftercare, we achieve natural-looking results that restore confidence and self-esteem.

Revolutionizing Musculoskeletal Treatment: The Power of SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

An Interview with Gerhard Kinas (Founder of Kinas Medical Technologies) by: Graciella Davi / Lennard Goetze

Shockwave therapy, a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment (sometimes also referred to as acoustic wave therapy) has emerged as a game-changer in musculoskeletal care. Known as The Miracle Wave®, this FDA-approved acoustic therapy is backed by decades of research and is widely used to aid in pain management and tissue regeneration. We sat down with Gerhard Kinas, founder of Kinas Medical Technologies, to discuss the evolution, applications, and future potential of this groundbreaking technology.

The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy
Originally developed in the 1980s for breaking up kidney stones in urology, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has since demonstrated remarkable benefits in musculoskeletal healing. "Shockwave therapy has been found to remodel dysfunctional tissue, aiding in tendon injuries, bone healing, and other chronic pain conditions," Kinas explains. Over time, its applications have expanded, proving effective for various orthopedic and sports-related conditions.

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Common Applications and Clinical Benefits
Shockwave therapy is widely used to accelerate healing in chronic tendon injuries, including plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, and tennis elbow. "Tendons, due to their limited blood supply, often take a long time to heal. Shockwave therapy stimulates the body's own growth factors and stem cells, expediting the regeneration process," says Kinas.

The technology gained significant traction in sports medicine, with Kinas himself introducing it at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Today, over 60 professional sports teams across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL use shockwave therapy to keep athletes in peak condition.

Regulatory Approval and Technological Differentiation
Shockwave therapy is categorized into focused and radial shockwaves, each with distinct uses. Focused shockwaves, similar to lithotripsy but at lower energy levels, are FDA-approved for specific conditions like plantar fasciitis and diabetic foot ulcers. Radial pressure waves, while not FDA-approved for specific medical indications, are registered for improving blood circulation and relieving muscle tension. "Healthcare providers leverage both technologies for a wide range of pain conditions, ensuring tailored treatment for their patients," Kinas notes.

Scientific Backing and Industry Recognition
With over 9,000 published research papers, shockwave therapy is one of the most extensively studied treatment modalities in regenerative medicine. "It surpasses laser and extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) in published research, underscoring its credibility and effectiveness," Kinas affirms.

The Evolution and Future of Shockwave Therapy
The journey of shockwave therapy began with its unexpected benefits in orthopedic healing. Initially explored for hip implant procedures, researchers discovered its ability to enhance bone regeneration and reduce pain. This discovery paved the way for broader applications, including treatment for frozen shoulder, epicondylitis, and other conditions where conventional therapies had fallen short. 

Kinas Medical continues to innovate, integrating shockwave therapy with complementary technologies like Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT), a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the body's natural healing processes), and on the future horizon Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS), a series of single, ultrashort, and high pressure pulses for non-invasive brain stimulation currently CE approved in Europe only.

Expanding into Preventive Medicine
Beyond pain management, shockwave therapy is being explored for preventive care and performance enhancement. "We envision a future where this technology is not just used for treating injuries but also for preventing them," says Kinas. Research into applications for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, is ongoing, though regulatory clearance in the U.S. is still in progress.

Conclusion
Shockwave therapy has established itself as a powerful tool in modern medicine, offering a non-invasive, research-backed solution for chronic pain and tissue regeneration. Under the leadership of Gerhard Kinas, Kinas Medical is at the forefront of advancing this technology, ensuring that patients and healthcare providers continue to benefit from its transformative potential. As research progresses, shockwave therapy is set to redefine the future of musculoskeletal and regenerative medicine.

With over 35 years of experience, GERHARD KINAS has led the expansion of shockwave therapy and other advanced technologies to healthcare providers across the U.S. Early in his career at STORZ MEDICAL AG, he worked directly with product development teams to advance the technology. In 2000, Gerhard founded Kinas Medical Technologies to provide practitioners with clinically proven, non-invasive solutions. Today, Kinas Medical continues to drive healthcare innovation, offering technologies that help providers deliver healing amplified® to their patients, improve outcomes, and support practice growth.

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A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER
The concept of non-invasive health and medical innovations has paved the movement that harnessed the functional medicine community since the '60's -or earlier. Recognizing the science behind SHOCKWAVE helped set the stage to the continued movement that drives today's conventional and personalized /alternative care, pursuing quantitative response to a vast array of disorders. Learning Gerhard Kinas' restorative solutions is an inspiring view of this development for clinicians and researchers alike. Not only does this solution expand our choices for pain management, but it is also (now) being poised as a remarkable preventive option.   In addition, knowing about their exploration to address Alzheimer's disease is astonishing to say the least.  Regarding scientific evolution, our academic publishing and clinical team highly supports the expansion of this science and applauds the development behind Kinas Medical's shockwave therapy as a viable innovation for consideration in the wellness society.                - R. Bard, MD (Founder, AngioMedical Publishing)