International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery Hosts 16th Annual Meeting in Montreal

World's Leading Hair Restoration Physicians Gather to Present Latest Research, Scientific Advances in Diagnosing and Treating Hair Loss

From promising new research in cell therapy demonstrating how cloned hair in the laboratory can be duplicated to replace lost hair in ongoing human clinical trials to the psychological impact of using longer hair in hair restoration surgery to give patients a "sneak peak" of how their replaced hair will eventually look, the latest technological breakthroughs in diagnosing, treating and preventing hair loss will be presented by the world's foremost hair restoration experts at the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery's (ISHRS) 16th Annual Scientific Meeting.

More than 500 physicians and surgical assistants from around the world dedicated to advancing the art and science of hair restoration are expected to attend this premier educational event, September 3-7, 2008, at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

"Exciting new research in the field of hair restoration surgery is poised to dramatically expand our options in treating hair loss within the next fivey ears," said Bessam K. Farjo, MD, president of the ISHRS. "This meeting brings together the world's leading pioneers in hair restoration surgery to provide a Continuing Medical Educational program that offers an unmatched learning opportunity, including hands-on training, live patient demonstrations, expert panels and guest speakers."

A sampling of the hot topics to be presented at the ISHRS Annual Meeting include:

-- Genetic testing for androgenetic alopecia could allow physicians to diagnose hair loss in its early stages and start treating the condition before baldness occurs

-- New research suggesting that various growth factors and anti-oxidants may play a role in reversing hair loss caused by factors such as toxins,
pollution and oxidative stress

-- Best practices in transplanting facial hair for patients suffering from hair loss as a result of an accident or a serious burn, including cultural considerations for patients who live in areas of the world where a lack of facial hair - such as a moustache - is considered shameful

-- A new method for measuring hair growth parameters could be useful for the diagnosis of female pattern hair loss and for the correct evaluation of
the supply of donor hair

-- How common hair care techniques and cosmetic products can cause significant hair damage, and even hair loss, in women

One of this year's featured guest speakers is J. Kevin Thompson, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla., who will speak on "Body Dysmorphic Disorder: How to Identify and Deal with Such Patients." Dr. Thompson's research interests for the past 25 years have concentrated on body image disturbances and eating disorders. 

He has published over 100 journal articles, 20 chapters, and six books on these topics. Dr. Thompson's presentation will take place during the meeting's Opening Session on Thursday, September 4, at 1:30 p.m.

For a complete copy of the program, visit http://www.ishrs.org. Media interested in attending the meeting can register for complimentary press passes by contacting Karen Sideris at kmssgs @ msn.com.

In order to demonstrate the virtually indistinguishable appearance of today's hair transplants from everyday hair, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) invites the public to take the "Hair Transplant Challenge." This new online survey is designed to test a person's ability to correctly identify hair transplant patients from fake patients in a series of photos and knowledge on hair loss and hair restoration procedures. To take
part in the survey, go to www.ishrs.org/survey. 

The survey will be available until January 1, 2009.

Founded in 1993, the ISHRS is a non-profit medical association dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of hair restoration. 

With a membership of over 750 physicians worldwide, the ISHRS provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair loss and restoration surgery and serves as a resource for the public on the latest medical and surgical hair restoration treatments for hair loss. 

For more information and to locate a physician, visit www.ishrs.org.