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	Dr. Robert Jones, MD

Dr. Jones is among the first physicians in North America to add micro follicular unit extraction (FUE) - scalpel-free hair transplants to his practice. He has been practicing from his hair transplant center in Oakville (near Toronto) Ontario for many years, but since he started using the micro follicular unit extraction technique he has become a leader in the field.

	Question Asked By

Sam
2005-05-14

	Question Topic

Cicatricial Alopecia (Can I still get HT?) Please read my whole story...

	Question

Hi Dr. Jones,

Several months ago I was diagnosed with cicatricial alopecia, most likely in the form of lichen planopilaris.

I've lost a fair amount of hair on my legs as a result. On my scalp I have a typical Norwood 3V shedding pattern, but my dermatologist, who specializes in hair-related illnesses, suggested that I most likely have cicatricial alopecia of the scalp as well.

He really put a good scare into me and suggested that I may go completely bald all over my body.

Anyway, I checked with my dad and sure enough he has lost hair in EXACTLY the same locations on his legs and he described having similar symptoms to me at around the same age (I'm 31 years old). He is 58 years old and a Norwood 6, but just last year he received a hair transplant from Hasson and Wong that looks of about 3000 grafts his hairline looks AMAZING now. Anyway, my dad said not to worry about my hair loss being anything other than androgenetic alopecia because he said he experienced exactly what I am experiencing now.

Considering that my dermatologist says I have cicactricial alopecia, but my father's situation seems to suggest that I have inherited the exact same pattern of hair loss as him, do you think it's safe that I get a hair transplant to fill in my crown and restore my hair line? I'd love to get one, it's just that I'm holding back because of the fear that the cicatricial alopecia will damage the transplanted hairs. Could my dermatologist be wrong? He did a biopsy but said the results were not 100% conclusive. He just had a strong hunch that it was cicatricial alopecia. Any light you can shed on this predicament would be greatly appreciated.

Sam

	Answer

Hi Sam, If the biopsy was negative then I think the diagnosis is still up in the air. Difficult for me to diagnose without being able to see you, get a second opinion, Dr. Robert Jones

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