Some patients may experience minor, temporary hair loss around the donor area (the area from which hair was removed) after hair transplantation. In general, this hair loss is not severe if it occurs at all. Because hair loss is a progressive condition, it is possible that you may lose more hair over time. We can plan ahead for this when we perform your procedure. If necessary, you can have additional hair transplantation surgery at a later time.
Local anesthesia and sedative pills help make hair transplantation more comfortable. We take all measures to minimize your discomfort with the procedure.
Hair transplants have an extremely high success rate.
A follicular unit is a natural grouping of one to 4 hairs that is moved from a donor site to a balding recipient site during hair transplantation. Because follicular units occur naturally, on the scalp, transplanting follicular units of the transplanted hair usually provides natural pattern, density, and destination of the transplanted hair.
Follicular units are naturally occurring groups of one to three hairs. Plugs are typically round shaped areas of hair that are removed from the scalp and grafted into a new area. Plugs have a tendency to appear unnatural, doll hair- like, while follicular units are often virtually undetectable following surgery.
Micrografts are typically single grafts containing 2-3 follicular units. The hair follicles are taken from areas where hair remains (typically the sides and back of the head) and are inserted into tiny slits in the balding area. Micro grafts are usually considered to be inferior to follicular unit transplants, because they cluster the natural follicular units. The result can create graft compression which tends to look less realistic. Follicular units can be placed closer together, performed with a greater number of grafts “megasessions,” and tend to heal more quickly.
Many factors play a role in hair loss. Age, genetics, illness, and stress can all increase hair loss. Male pattern baldness is associated with increased levels of a certain androgen (hormone) called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). As levels of DHT increase, hair loss follows in genetically prone individuals. In fact, many hair loss drugs, including Propecia, work by inhibiting the conversion of DHT from testosterone.
Propecia has been shown to slow hair loss in the majority of men who take it. It actually causes new hair growth in more than half. You may find that combining Propecia with hair transplantation provides the best results. Dr. Samuels can explain the benefits and drawbacks of Propecia, and help you determine whether it is right for you.