Hair Restoration

Our hair grows from tiny structures in the scalp known as hair follicles. These follicles have a cycle of growth and rest. During the growth phase, follicles produce new hair strands and in the rest phase, hair is shed. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent. Excessive permanent hair loss on the head is commonly referred to as baldness. It can manifest in different patterns, such as the proliferation of bald patches or a gradual thinning on top of the head.

Progressive hair loss is extremely common, affecting up to 80% of men and 50% of women over their lifetime. Hair loss can cause significant psychological distress for many individuals.

The most common hair restoration procedure is a hair transplant, which works by moving hair follicles from areas of healthy growth (like the back or sides of the head) to areas where hair may be thinning or receding. This redistribution of hair follicles helps to fill in the empty spaces and create a fuller look. It can also help create a more youthful-looking appearance.

There are non-surgical hair restoration procedures and oral medications that work for some people by either encouraging or stimulating hair growth. Your surgeon or dermatologist may recommend laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) as a way to improve thinning hair. These treatments are great alternatives for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for transplantation because of a lack of donor hair, early stage of hair loss, or a personal preference to avoid surgery. Even if a hair transplant is performed, these treatments are often used as a supplement to promote hair growth in the following months.

FDA-approved medications like minoxidil (Rogaine®) and finasteride (Propecia®) are often combined with hair transplants, PRP therapy, or used alone. They stimulate follicles and extend their growth phase, effectively slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth.

The ideal approach for you depends on various factors, including your age, the degree of hair loss, the cause of hair loss, personal preference, and availability and quality of hair to transfer.

If you have significant hair loss — typically over 50 percent of the hair on your head — no precluding conditions, and adequate sites of donation, a hair transplant may be recommended.

There are two primary methods used for hair transplants.

• Follicular unit transplantation (FUT): In FUT, also referred to as the “strip technique,” the surgeon removes a strip of the scalp where hair is growing, likely from the back or side of the head, then extracts and implants individual hair follicles into the balding parts of your scalp. While efficient and cost-effective, this strip technique may leave a thin, potentially visible scar if you shave your scalp in the future.
• Follicular unit extraction (FUE): FUE is a “scarless” technique in which individual hair follicles are removed from the back of your scalp and transplanted to the top or front of your scalp. This can be done manually, with a NeoGraft® machine, or robotically using the ARTAS® systems. Although the cost and time required to perform FUE is more than traditional FUT methods, this approach has the advantage of avoiding a scar on the back or side of the scalp.

There are also two widely used non-surgical techniques that can enhance hair quality and density. They can be utilized independently or as complementary treatments to a hair transplant.

• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): LLLT uses red light wavelengths to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. This treatment can be administered at home using handheld devices or performed in clinics.
• Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP): With this therapy, a small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma. This PRP, rich in growth factors, is then injected into the scalp in areas of hair thinning or loss. The growth factors stimulate dormant hair follicles, promoting new hair growth.

Speak to your physician about what methods make the most sense for you, given your goals, concerns and the current stage of hair loss you’re experiencing. Be sure to discuss risks and benefits of various procedures and make sure you understand the extent and timeline of possible results.

Before you go

It is crucial for you to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation before proceeding with hair restoration. This evaluation helps identify and address any underlying medical conditions or medications contributing to your hair loss. By determining the cause and pattern of hair loss, your physician can ensure your overall health and the suitability of a proposed treatment.

Moreover, the evaluation allows your physician to set realistic expectations by assessing factors like hair density, quality, and donor availability, ultimately guiding the development of a personalized treatment plan.

Be sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your physician, such as avoiding certain medications and having a light meal on the day of the procedure.

During the procedure

During a hair transplant, local anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. To begin, the physician will meticulously extract follicular units from a donor area. Depending on the technique, this will be done either through surgically removing a strip of donor hair, using the NeoGraft® device, or with the advanced ARTAS® robotic system.

Over several hours, the surgeon will skillfully implant the harvested grafts into the recipient area where your hair is thinning or balding. You can take breaks as needed, and you’ll remain awake throughout this delicate process. Once complete, you’ll receive thorough aftercare instructions before returning home the same day to begin your recovery. Some surgeons will choose to do hair transplants in two stages for individuals with significant hair loss.

Hair Restoration Aftercare 

Following the procedure, there is typically mild discomfort and soreness in both the donor and recipient areas. The treated areas may appear crusty and your face may be slightly swollen around the forehead, but this is normal. You may receive a prescription for medication to help manage the pain during the initial recovery period.

You should receive specific instructions on post-procedure care, such as how to wash your hair, to avoid strenuous activities and to protect your scalp from sun exposure. Be sure to follow these instructions closely.

The transplanted hair follicles undergo a healing process following transplantation, and hair may shed in the first few weeks following surgery. This is normal, and new growth typically begins within a few months, as the transplanted hair thickens and matures. Full results may take several months to a year to appear.

A successful hair transplant should be long-lasting, typically more than 20 years to life. The transplanted hair is your own healthy hair, which means it behaves normally and maintains longevity, but it is still subject to the natural aging processes and the same risks that can cause hair loss prior to surgery.