Surgical Hair Restoration

The occipital scalp (back of the head) is the usual donor site for hair transplantation. An ellipse of hair bearing scalp is removed. The incision is closed in layers. The final layer is sutured with a fine “trichophytic” closure. This allows hair to grow through the scar making it less visible. Ultimately, a thin scar with hair growth through the scar is the final outcome.

The hair bearing scalp that has been removed is then carefully dissected into tiny groups of hair follicles using a special blade designed specifically for hair restoration. Individual or double hair follicles are used for the most visible areas for a natural looking hairline.

The areas of scalp that are to receive the hair grafts are then anesthetized, tiny incisions are made and the grafts individually placed.

Of course, the process is time consuming and can take 5-8 hours to complete the whole process. Generally, an oral relaxant (Valium or equivalent) and local anesthesia is very well tolerated with minimal discomfort.

Post Procedure:

Daily shower and shampoo is encouraged from day one. Sutures are removed in 7-10 days. The initial healing phase is about 7 days.

The rate of hair growth is quite variable. Some patients have full growth within 6-8 months. However, it can take 12-18 months for full hair growth in some individuals.

Some patients go through a shedding process (Telogen Effluvium or Shock Loss) that is due to the shock and stress of going through a surgical procedure. Although women are more prone to this phenomenon, it can happen to men as well. It will resolve itself and the hair completely regrows in 3-9 months.

Secondary hair transplantation for even thicker hair can be considered in 12 months.

Non-surgical therapies for hair loss should be continued after hair transplantation. The laser hair comb, Rogaine, Propecia, and spironolactone all have different mechanisms of action that are important to slow the progression of hair thinning and loss in the native hair that remains.