The Strip Extraction Method
Hairs on the sides and the back of the head are not affected by male pattern baldness. As a result a hair transplant surgeon can remove donor hair follicles from the sides and back and relocate them on the top of the scalp where hair loss has occurred and the newly transplanted hair will grow exactly as it had from the donor region.
The first step in the hair transplant process is the design of the hairline. This is an extremely important step in the process. We will sketch a suggestion for placement of the hairline and you are encouraged to participate in this decision process. A natural looking hairline is not an accident, but a plan well executed by our PHR team.
Next, the donor area is prepared. Hair in the back is lifted and a narrow strip of hair is trimmed. The hair from above will cover the area. Both the top and the back of the scalp is then anesthetized. You will be given an oral sedative prior to this process and there is very little discomfort associated.
Narrow strips are removed from the donor area and the hair from above and below are brought back together by the suturing process.. This process is very important as not all suture technique is the same. Our surgeons are trained in multi-layer closure leaving a very thin scar that is barely visible and is less prone to thickening. The stitches are covered by your hair and removed in one week to ten days.
Placement of Follicular Units
Your PHR team will next create the sites where the grafts will be placed. Tiny incisions are made at the hairline for the smallest 1 to 3 hair grafts. As the team works back we will place gradually larger grafts containing Follicular Unit Groups. This allows us to accomplish more density without sacrificing naturalness. During the entire procedure you will be alert; watching TV and chatting with the doctor and staff. Procedure time is usually between 3 to 6 hours and you may eat or drink during the procedure.
When your hair transplant has been completed you will be provided with post-operative instructions, medicines and shampoo. You will leave the office with a little or no bandage and will be able to shampoo your hair the next day.
Most patients resume normal activity in a day or two. Tiny crusts will form where the transplants have been placed and usually shed in 4 to 7 days. The small hairs in the newly transplanted grafts normally shed within 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure, and permanent hair growth begins in 8 to 12 weeks. You should expect significant cosmetic hair growth with in 6 months and full hair growth within 9 to 12 months.
Most patient's can be satisfied with one procedure to treat a specific area of hair loss. By using adjuvant medications such as Finasteride ( Propecia ) & Minoxidil ( Rogaine ) you can minimize loss of your existing hair to prevent the need for future procedures.