Monday 26 May 2014

Hair Loss and Insensitive Jokes

If you are balding or have thinning hair it’s highly likely that you’ve been subjected to the odd tasteless joke and tacky innuendo.

These clichéd jokes and insensitive labels, about a disorder which affects up to 70 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women at some stage of their lives, are simply dismissed as harmless banter.

But, according to a leading researcher and hair restoration specialist these remarks can exacerbate the feelings of vulnerability, loss of self identity and self esteem that hair loss can evoke.

The psychological effects of hair loss, particularly among young men, are greatly underestimated says renowned hair restoration physician Dr Jennifer Martinick.

Dr Jennifer Martinick, the 2012 president of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), says feelings of isolation, depression and poor self esteem are common among men with male pattern baldness.

“I’ve come across situations where some men, particularly young men, are so deeply depressed about their hair loss that they stop socialising and taking part in any activities that will put them in the spotlight,” Dr Martinick says.

“This limits their quality of life and often prevents them from achieving their potential in their personal and working lives.”

Dr Martinick, has spent many years refining the Martinick Transplant Technique ™ - a transplant technique that is internationally recognised as the gold standard in hair transplants.

Martinick Hair Restoration’s physician says proven treatments for hair loss include clinically approved oral medications, topical solutions, low frequency laser therapy and a hair transplant.

Transplanting different groupings of hair follicles together – something unique to the Martinick Transplant Technique ™ - has the advantage of creating a more natural and denser looking head of hair.

Dr Martinick says many of her patients tell her they view permanent hair restoration as a valuable personal investment in themselves that will pay lasting dividends.

She says along with the obvious benefits of having their hair permanently restored, patients speak about other changes they have made in their lives. 

“It’s amazing to hear the many stories that patients share,” Dr Martinick says.

‘Patients have spoken about going back to study, finding life-long partners or starting up successful new business ventures.”  

Dr Martinick says a common problem among young men with male pattern baldness is they often don’t notice the early stages of hair loss.

She advises these men to seek treatment as early as possible to prevent further hair loss and, in the event that they may eventually choose to have a hair transplant, ensure they preserve precious donor follicles.

While there has been remarkable evolution of hair transplants over the past decade, it is important to be aware that not all hair transplants are the same, Dr Martinick says.

She advises anyone considering a hair transplant to conduct thorough research before committing to surgery.

For enquiries phone (08) 9389 6000 or visit www.martinickhair.com.au