Frequently Asked Hair Transplant Questions
Our hair transplant frequently asked questions (FAQs) is a comprehensive resource for those considering hair restoration. We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding the procedures, including information on candidacy, types of procedures, recovery, and potential risks. This list also includes detailed answers to questions regarding the cost of hair transplant surgery, alternatives to the procedure, and our World Class surgeon, Dr. Katona. Whether you are curious about hair restoration, hair transplant repair, eyebrow or beard transplants, or concerned about future maintenance, our FAQ page ensures you have all the information needed to move forward with confidence.
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure in which hair follicles, typically from the back or sides of the scalp, are transplanted to areas of the scalp that are bald or experiencing hair loss. The goal of the procedure is to restore the natural appearance of hair in the affected areas, resulting in a fuller head of hair and increased self-confidence. There are generally two main types of hair transplant procedures. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as strip harvesting, involves removing a strip of hair-bearing skin from the scalp and dissecting the follicles under a microscope before transplanting them to the recipient area. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) involves extracting individual follicular units directly from the scalp and transplanting them to the recipient area. Both methods require careful planning and skilled execution to ensure natural-looking results with minimum scarring and downtime.
Two of the most important factors for determining whether someone is a good hair transplant candidate are the amount of hair they’ve already lost and the amount of donor hair they have available to transplant to the thinning areas of their head. This is usually determined based on their specific hair loss classification.
Typically men and women who are in good health and are taking measures that slow down the rate of hair loss will be more likely to qualify.
In order to find out more information and if you qualify for FUE hair restoration book your free consultation with leading hair restoration, Dr. Katona!
The Follicular unit extraction, also known as follicular transfer, is one of two primary methods of obtaining hair follicles that naturally occur in groups of one to four hairs. The way these hairs are extracted is through the use of micro-punches which leaves almost no sign of extraction. These hair follicles are then transferred to the part of the head where the hair is thinner or absent. This replaces the old follicles with new ones that are still able to grow and within a few months that hair will start growing in a healthy manner.
FUE is a highly advanced and intricate, surgical procedure to restore hair loss. Unlike FUT-STRIP treatment, FUE does not leave a linear scar.
It also can be done manually or robotically. A manual transplant is done using a handheld device to extract the follicles while the robotic procedure uses a device that’s guided by the physician which allows for greater precision and accuracy.
The length of a hair transplant procedure depends on the extent of the hair loss and the number of hair follicles being transplanted. A typical session can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
The actual FUE surgery shouldn’t hurt at all, as most patients report minimal discomfort or pain during the procedure itself due to the administration of local anesthesia. After the procedure is completed, some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. The scalp may also feel tender or sore for a few days, but this usually subsides relatively quickly. Following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions, including avoiding activities that can cause physical stress to the scalp, can help minimize discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.
The recovery time for a hair transplant can vary depending on the individual, the type of transplant, and the extent of the procedure. Generally, patients can expect to return to work and normal activities within a few days to a week or two. The scabs that form in the donor and recipient areas will typically fall off within 7 to 10 days. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the treated areas, which usually subsides within a few days. Strenuous activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, should be avoided for at least a week after the procedure to allow time for the hair grafts to set in place. It may take a few months for the transplanted hair to begin growing, and the full results may not be visible for up to a year after the procedure. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
Hair transplants are often considered a permanent solution for hair loss, but it is important to understand that individual results may vary based on a patient’s genetics, hair characteristics, and lifestyle habits. During the procedure, healthy hair follicles are harvested from the patient’s scalp or donor area and transplanted to the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. These transplanted hairs are typically resistant to the hormone that causes hair loss and will continue to grow naturally like the rest of the patient’s hair. However, natural hair loss may continue to occur in the non-transplanted areas of the scalp. This often necessitates ongoing maintenance to maintain the overall appearance of the transplanted hair. Depending on the rate of the patient’s natural hair loss, new hair loss may occur, requiring additional procedures to restore the hair volume. While hair transplants may not be considered a permanent solution that will last forever, they can provide long-lasting and satisfying results with proper care and maintenance.
Hair transplant surgery has become an increasingly popular way to combat hair loss. While generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that patients should be aware of. These can include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the treated areas, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. Bleeding and infection may also occur, though they are not common. FUT method, in particular, may leave a linear scar in the donor area, which may not be ideal for some patients seeking a more discreet surgery. Temporary hair shedding, known as “shock loss,” can also occur after the transplant, but this is usually a normal process that subsides with time. Patients should also be aware that the results of the surgery may not look entirely natural, as this depends on the surgeon’s skill, experience, and the quality of the donor hair available. It is important to discuss the potential side effects of hair transplant surgery with a qualified surgeon and carefully follow all post-surgical instructions to minimize the risk of complications.
The cost of a hair transplant may be estimated based on the number of grafts required. The estimated cost of the procedure for grafts can vary from $4,000 to over $16,000. In cases where the patient has extensive hair loss and a large number of grafts is needed for a full restoration, the cost may be at the higher end of the range.
It is important to note that some clinics offer low-cost hair transplants as a lure for potential patients. However, be aware that such clinics may not provide the best results due to lower skill levels and safety standards. It is always recommended to choose a reputable hair transplant specialist with a track record of excellent results and patient satisfaction.
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure for hair loss in which hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) are transplanted to the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. There are primarily two techniques used for hair transplant – Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
The FUE technique is usually preferred over FUT because it does not involve the removal of a strip of skin from the donor area. This means that there is no linear scar, and there is less pain and downtime associated with the procedure. However, FUE is a technically difficult procedure and can be more time-consuming and expensive than FUT, especially for larger areas of baldness. Finally, it is important to note that as with any surgical procedure, there may be some risks and possible complications associated with the FUE procedure, so it is important to choose an experienced and qualified surgeon to perform the procedure.
It is important to research and find a qualified hair transplant surgeon who has experience and a good reputation. Look for surgeons who are board-certified and have testimonials, reviews, and before-and-after photos to show their work.
We specialize in FUE hair restoration procedures exclusively. As hair transplant specialists, we believe it is important to focus exclusively on hair restoration procedures to ensure the highest level of expertise and effectiveness. By dedicating ourselves completely to this area of cosmetic medicine, we have honed our skills and stayed up to date with the latest advances in hair transplant technology and techniques, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. While we understand that some patients may be interested in other cosmetic procedures, such as facial plastics or dermatology treatments, we believe that it is essential to focus on one specialty to achieve the highest level of success. This exclusive focus allows us to prioritize the individualized care and attention that each patient deserves, allowing us to deliver the best possible hair restoration results.
Dr. Katona will carefully assess patients individually and advise hair loss medications based on several factors. The extent and type of hair loss, the patient’s age, overall health, and medical history, and any planned procedures are taken into account. Finasteride or Minoxidil may be prescribed to help stabilize hair loss and maintain hair growth.
Yes! Dr. Katona has performed FUE surgery on the most publicized and recognizable African-Americans. Dr. Katona’s experience with a diverse range of patients, including African-American patients, has shown that precise incisions, a steady hand, and appropriate equipment can result in successful transplantation from donor sites to balding areas.
Hair restoration results can last permanently through an FUE procedure. The hair is genetically programmed to not fall out and has a 90% success rate.
Before booking a FUE or any other kind of hair restoration procedure, a thorough evaluation is necessary as you will be screened for the type of hair loss you’re experiencing. You also need to get evaluated to tell whether or not you have a sufficient amount of donor hair to have a successful procedure.
This is another question whose answer will vary by the type of procedure you have. For a FUE procedure, especially with a robotic procedure like RHRLI does with ARTAS®, recovery time is quick because it’s a minimally invasive process that does not involve stitches or incisions.