Hair Transplantation Services
Procedure
Hair transplant surgery involves removing thin strips of skin containing hair follicles from the back of scalp and replacing them in tiny holes in the bald or thinned area. Holes are carefully created through the use of a laser to create a natural appearance for each patient's individual needs. The grafted hair falls out after the procedure but then grows back and should last as long as the hair from the area in which is was taken.
Hair transplantation began as a simple procedure where circles of skin from the back of the scalp were excised as single arbitrary units and implanted on the bald skin at the crown and hairline. This overly simplistic approach led to unsatisfactory cosmetic results that were clearly evident when considering the entire hairline was composed of connecting circles. Additionally, scarring on the back of the scalp could become very noticeable.
Procedures have improved to a new standard where great care and planning by Dr. Neiman ensures a natural-looking hairline, as well as a full head of hair. These two goals are achieved through two different methods of grafting: mini-grafting and micro-grafting.
Micro-Grafting
In order to create a natural looking hairline, the hair placement by Dr. Neiman must be both precise and slightly irregular. No person has a hairline of rigid angles or a conformed strip of hair, and Dr. Neiman is well aware of this. This is why when preparing the donor grafts from the hair at the back of your scalp, Dr. Neiman cuts very fine micro-grafts which consist of just one to four hairs each. These small grafts can be implanted at the desired hairline in a natural-looking fashion due to their small size.
Mini-Grafting
Although the fine nature of micro-grafts is quite natural-looking, they are also less voluminous. With less than five hairs per graft, it would take many hours to transplant a full head of hair, risking safety of the excised donor tissue and recently transplanted tissue. For this, Dr. Neiman cuts mini-grafts of about five to twelve hairs each that can be used for the bulk of the balding skin, but behind the micro-grafts. This way, the fullness of the scalp is attained without sacrificing the meticulous work done with the hairline.
Commonly Asked Questions
Who is an ideal candidate for hair restoration surgery?
Nearly any patient with baldness or thinning hair can undergo hair restoration surgery. Ideal candidates for this procedure have healthy areas of hair on the sides and/or back of the head that can serve as donor areas for this procedure. Patients with hair loss caused by scalp injuries or certain cosmetic procedures often have larger areas of potential donor hair, as hair loss may be restricted to smaller areas.
How is the hair restoration procedure performed?
Hair restoration involves removing hair-bearing strips of the scalp from the back and sides of the head, which are then harvested into individual grafts of hair that are precisely placed in the targeted area. Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area, into which the grafts are placed. Hair grafts will continue to grow as normal hair in their new location. Graft size can be customized depending on each patient's individual needs and goals.
What happens after surgery?
After hair restoration surgery, patients can usually return to work and other regular activities within 24 hours, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for longer. There may be some swelling around the eyes, or itching and crusting at the treatment site. These symptoms usually subside within seven to 10 days.
What results can be expected?
The results of hair restoration surgery appear gradually as the transplanted hair falls out and then regrows to restore a natural appearance. Hair growth usually begins after three months and will continue to grow as normal hair. The incisions will fade over time to become less noticeable as well. Desired results may be achieved after approximately six months, although this varies from patient to patient.
How many procedures are needed?
The number of procedures needed depends on the extent of hair loss, as well as the patient's physical characteristics and goals for treatment. For some patients, a single session may be all that's needed, while others will require more. Dr. Neiman will determine how many treatments are needed for each individual patient.
Are there any risks associated with hair restoration?
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with hair restoration, which may include bleeding or infection, among others. These risks are considered rare and can be further reduced by following the doctor's instructions before and after treatment.
