FAQs

Why does hair transplantation work?

Hair transplantation has been practiced since the 1950's and is a safe and proven process. The success of hair transplantation is based on the scientific fact that hair follicles at the back and sides of the scalp (donor area) are genetically programmed to permanently retain the capacity to grow hair. These follicles, when transplanted to bald or thinning area, take root and grow normal healthy permanent hair in their new location. The new hair will have the same strength, color , texture, and life span as your donor hair.

How is hair transplantation performed?

We perform all procedures in an operating room, fully equipped with monitoring equipment, emergency supplies, and sterile instruments. Prior to the procedure, photographs of your entire head will be taken and the doctor will carefully trace your hairline. Then, you will be given relaxing medication, only by mouth.
Once the relaxing medication has taken effect, a local anesthetic will be injected, first into your donor area, and then as a block to numb the forehead and front of your scalp. At this point, the entire top of your head will be numb. Therefore, in most instances, hair transplantation is no more painful or difficult to undergo than a long dental procedure, and is done while you are relaxing, listening to music or simply napping.
After your head is completely numb, a section of tissue is removed from the donor area which will be closed with stitches. There will be a linear scar, which will be hidden by your downward combed hair in the back. Then the tissue is dissected under microscopes into individual follicular units and placed into bald or thinning areas. Within 24 hours, small crusts will form on each graft, and fall out in the next 7-10 days. The grafted hairs will often start to grow within 3-4 months after the procedure and will continue to grow for a lifetime without any special care of any kind.

Is hair transplantation an extensive procedure?

No, Hair transplantation is a very safe, relatively minor surgical procedure which is performed on an out -patient basis under local anesthesia. Patients return home immediately after the procedure. No bandages are required , and patients may return to work as soon as the next day but we usually recommend them taking off a couple days off from work.

What is Follicular unit hair transplantation?

Hair naturally emerges from the scalp in clusters or groups of 1-4 hairs in each pore. Each grouping of hair is call "Follicular unit". Follicular units are a group of hair as it naturally occurs.
Follicular unit hair transplantation is the most advanced technique used in hair restoration surgery. By using this technique, follicular units are preserved in their natural composition to maximizes the supply of donor hair and contributes to the finest most natural looking result.

What percentage of transplanted hairs usually "take" or "grow"?

There is an over 90% take of all the grafts if great care and good techniques are followed in every step. To assure this, it is important that the patient carefully follows the post-operative instructions.

How many grafts are placed at each session?

The number of grafts placed at each session may vary depending on the extent of baldness and the graft type. At the time of your initial consultation the number of grafts you need is estimated. Cost is determined by these numbers.

How many sessions are necessary?

The number of sessions necessary to achieve a personally desired goal varies from person to person. It depends on the amount of your hair loss and expectations, most of our patients have an average of 1-3 sessions.

How long does the surgery take?

The length of surgery normally takes four to eight hours depending on how many grafts are being placed. During the procedure, you will be able to have as many frequent breaks as you need. Because patient care is always our top priority, it is important that each patient feel comfortable and relaxed. There will be no other hair transplant patient scheduled at the same time; therefore, our patients will receive the best medical attention from our doctor and his highly qualified staff one patient at a time.

How do I take care of my transplanted hair ?

Once your new hair grows, you just take care of it as you would your own hair. It can be washed, combed, cut, styled, permed or colored. You can swim, exercise or perform any activities without worrying that it is going to fall out because it is not a hair piece covering over your bald spot, it is your natural growing hair!

Are there any complications?

Complications are rare. Severe infection is highly unusual due to the abundant blood supply in the scalp, but minor infections can occur around a newly transplanted hair follicle, similar to an infected ingrown hair or pimple, and responds easily to antibiotics. Minor scars that occur in the donor scalp as a result of the removal of donor skin are narrow and can be easily hidden by the surrounding hair. The graft sites in the recipient frontal area heal with almost no visible scarring and are covered by the transplanted hair. Patients may experience mild swelling to the forehead area for a few days following surgery. In rare occasion, parts of the scalp can remain numb after each procedure but this usually disappears in 2-8 months after the surgery.

What causes scalp hair loss?

Hair loss can be a result from many factors. Some of these include thyroid disease, high fever, diet, childbirth, and certain medications. The most common form of scalp hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), and is not caused by poor circulation, clogged hair follicles, frequent shampooing, or the use of hats or helmets.
Male pattern hair loss is determined by a combination of heredity and male hormones called androgens which include testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The tendency for male and female pattern hair loss is genetically inherited from either side of the family and begins to develop after puberty. Hair on the scalp that is genetically affected by DHT (generally the front and top of the scalp), starts to shrink until it is lost. Whereas hair at the back and sides of the scalp is permanent because it is not affected by DHT.