Micro-Hair Restoration

Approximately one-half of the men in the U.S. are affected by hair loss, resulting in a thinning of the scalp hair or varying degrees of baldness. Hair loss is also very common in women. While some people are not concerned about their hair loss, others may feel a loss of self-esteem, become distressed and look for ways to correct their condition.

What causes hair loss?

Frequent shampooing, the wearing of hats and poor circulation are not the cause of hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is the leading cause of hair loss in men and women. In this condition, hormones combined with a hereditary predisposition produce thinning hair and pattern baldness. Less common causes of hair loss include high fever, severe infection, diet, certain medications, birth control pills, thyroid disease, childbirth, and cancer treatments. During the consultation, the cause of your hair loss will be evaluated, followed by a discussion of available treatment options. Male pattern baldness usually begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown and continues to progress over a lifetime. Female pattern baldness usually consists of thinning across the top of the scalp with preservation of the frontal hairline. Although the ultimate degree of baldness cannot be accurately predicted, the age of onset and the family history are important factors.

Restoring lost hair

Advanced surgical techniques provide the most natural-looking, permanent solution for those who are bald or have thinning hair. Topical and oral medications may benefit some people with early to moderate hair loss and may also be combined with micrograft hair restoration. This can be discussed during the consultation. Hair pieces are difficult to maintain and may present an unnatural appearance. While these solutions are acceptable for some people, Micro-Hair Transplants provide a more natural look.

What is Micro-Hair Transplant surgery like?

During your consultation, your doctor will explain which type of anesthesia is best suited for your procedure. Most Micro-Hair Transplant procedures are performed on an out-patient basis, using local or twilight anesthesia. Micro-Hair Transplantation is a progressive process requiring hundreds of micro-grafts, implanted during separate treatment sessions spaced several months apart. Each micro-graft may contain from one to three hairs. The micro-grafts are removed from a donor site located on the side or back of the head. Your doctor then meticulously implants them into the bald or thinning area taking extra care to ensure that the new hair grafts are placed randomly, and will grow in the same direction as the existing hair to avoid that "pluggy look". Micro-Hair Transplants produce a more natural appearance than previous techniques which use larger grafts or plugs of hair.

Will a hair transplant work for you?

While age is not a barrier to having hair transplantation, a conservative approach is indicated to produce results which appear natural for the rest of your life. You don't need to wait until you are bald to begin hair transplantation.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Dense growing hair in the donor sites.
• Realistic expectations of what the results will be.

What about after Micro-Hair Transplant surgery?

Most people do not have any significant pain after the surgery. Some itching and swelling can occur but is generally mild.

The transplanted hair falls out in about two weeks and generally begins to grow again in about three months. Once it has grown in, the next session can be performed. The number of sessions required to fill in a given area depends on the density which is desired. For most people, this means two or three sessions.

Once the transplant procedures are complete, no further treatments are necessary. The hair can be styled any way the person desires. Although hair transplantation is a substantial investment, the results are permanent and may be less expensive than other hair loss treatments when factored over a lifetime.
The improvement in self-image and confidence is well worth the cost for most people.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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