Hair Transplant FAQs
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What is a follicular unit hair transplant?
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Hair grows naturally in single groupings called follicular
units. Each follicular hair unit has from one to four separate individual
hairs growing from it. A follicular unit hair transplant is the most
natural and highest yielding type of hair transplant, because it
involves harvesting units from a donor site (at the back and/or
sides of the head), where hair is genetically programmed to
grow for your lifetime, and "transplanting" it in a balding area.
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What is a Microscopic Follicular Unit Hair Transplant?
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With today's technology, follicular units are prepared using
a high-powered, stereoscopic microscope to minimize any
potential damage to the natural hair groupings. Microscopes
are particularly effective for patients who have gray or lightcolored
hair, since the magnification makes them much
easier to see during dissection. Microscopic Follicular Unit Hair
Transplants typically yield a 95%+ success rate, higher
than hair transplants dissected with the naked eye or low level
magnification loupes.
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How many hair grafts will I need?
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This is based upon your level of hair loss and expectations
for your frontal hairline and/or hair density. Your physician
will work to understand your hair transplant expectations and
recommend the number of grafts that will best suit these goals.
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How long will the transplanted hair continue to grow?
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For the vast majority of patients, hair transplant results lasts a
lifetime.
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Is the hair transplant surgery going to hurt?
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A local anesthetic is administered in conjunction with a mild
sedative that should eliminate discomfort throughout the hair transplant
procedure.
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Is there any scarring after hair transplants?
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Modern hair transplant procedures are designed to produce
a very natural look. Special techniques used by highly skilled
physicians help to ensure that scarring is minimal. The healing
sites in the recipient areas are usually so small that scarring is
virtually undetectable.The fine cosmetic scar in the hair donor area
is covered by your existing hair.
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Are there any complications with hair transplantation?
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Typically, there are little to no complications involved in
a hair transplant surgery and an extremely high success
rate is achievable. Your physician will discuss possible
complications with you prior to your hair transplant procedure.
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How many procedures are necessary?
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Expectations vary from person to person with regard to
their hair restoration goals. The extent of your hair loss
and your desired density will determine the number of
hair transplant procedures necessary to achieve those goals.
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What do I need to do prior to hair transplant surgery?
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Generally, it is recommended that you get a good night's
rest, limit smoking and alcohol, and eat a healthy breakfast.
You will be asked not to take aspirin for several days prior
to your procedure. Detailed instructions will be provided
by the physician or medical staff.
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What happens during the hair transplant surgery?
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The procedure will take anywhere from 3-8 hours depending
upon the number of follicular units being transplanted. You
will be given a local anesthetic that should reduce or eliminate
any discomfort. You will actually watch a movie or listen to
music throughout the hair transplant surgery.
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What happens after the hair transplant surgery?
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After the procedure, you will be instructed to go home or to
your hotel room to relax. The physician or medical staff will
provide you with a complete post-operative care plan along
with any necessary medications. You will come back to the
office the next day and transplanted follicular units and the
donor site will be examined by the physician or medical staff.
You will receive some additional instructions for care at that
time. Your new hair will begin growing within 3 months.
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