What is Hair Transplant?
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which hair from the back and sides of the scalp is moved to the bald areas.

Who is a good candidate for hair transplants?
We have determined that the best candidates for hair replacement and hair transplants are those patients who:
- are in good mental and physical health
- have realistic expectations
- are fully aware of the risks, complications, and what's involved
- are non-smokers
- have healthy donor sites

How long will the transplanted hair last?
Transplanted hair should grow normally in the recipient area as long as it would in the donor site from which it was taken.

Do all transplanted hair grafts grow?
In almost all cases, the vast majority of transplanted grafts should yield growing hair. Pre- and post-operative instructions are provided to minimize the risk of graft injury and subsequent compromised growth. It is important to realize that the number of hairs growing from each graft will vary, depending on the density of the hair at the donor site and on the size of the graft selected.

Are hair replacement procedures painful?
Micro-follicular unit transplantation is generally performed under local anesthesia, so pain during surgery is rare. After surgery, most patients experience mild discomfort, which can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.

How is this surgical hair restoration procedure performed?
Hair Transplantation is a minor office procedure, which requires only local anesthetic. There is initially some discomfort associated with the administration of the anesthesia, but this is of very short duration. We have developed techniques to reduce this discomfort, and most patients tolerate this brief period very well.

The donor area (the back or sides of the scalp) as well as the recipient area (the bald or thinning area) are made numb with the local anesthetic. Up until several years ago, round grafts (plugs) were always used throughout the hair transplant process. The desired number of round grafts were removed from the donor area and then transferred to the bald area. Today these larger grafts have been mostly replaced by smaller grafts (follicular units, micro, mini or slit grafts), since these grafts produce a much more natural transition from thinning or baldness to increased hair growth. In most cases, where very small grafts are used, this surgery can be accomplished almost undetectably. Specific recommendations are discussed at a personal consultation.

When smaller grafts are to be transplanted, the following technique is used:
The hair to be transplanted is trimmed close to the scalp, and the desired amount of donor skin and hair are then removed. This donor site is then sutured closed, generally resulting in a fine scar which is only detectable on close inspection. The donor hair-bearing skin is then divided into very small pieces, which contain 1 to 3 hair strands. These grafts are then rapidly inserted into small openings made in the recipient area

How long does it take for transplanted hair to grow?
The transplanted hair generally sheds within the first 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure and new hair begins to grow approximately 2 to 4 months later. The hair then grows at the normal rate of 1/2 inch each month. The transition from thinning or baldness to greater fullness of hair is very gradual.

How long after a hair transplant would I be able to go back to work?
Depending on the type of procedure you have done and the type of work you do, it is often possible to go back to work in 1 or 2 days.

What can I expect during my recovery period?
Following your surgery, you may experience soreness, swelling, and occasional headaches, but most side effects subside after a few days. You will need to leave the treated area bandaged overnight; scabs will form but should disappear within days. In addition, you will be instructed in shampoo techniques to begin the very next day after the procedure. You may then resume all light day-to-day activities. If you must, return for a checkup after your hair replacement or hair transplant procedure.

After the surgery, some of the grafted hairs may fall out, but they will start growing back after 3 months. After 3 full months, you may repeat the procedure to add even more hair to the treated areas.

More About Hair Transplant
More Before and After Photos