FAQ

Current medications, herbs and shampoos can slow hair loss and re-grow some hair. Additionally. Dr. Law can perform hair restoration surgery to correct hair loss and create a natural looking hairline. Moreover, technology break through within the last ten years have led to many new options and techniques that make hair restoration safer and easier for patients with more results.

The ideal candidate for hair restoration surgery has healthy hair on the sides and back of the head. These are the sites that are used as donor areas ­ the areas from which grafts are taken. Patients with well-defined baldness, thinning hair, and those with limited hair loss due to scalp injuries or repeated cosmetic procedures are generally good candidates for hair replacement surgery. Anyone who has experienced permanent hair loss may be a candidate for hair restoration surgery, including:? Men with male pattern baldness? Women with thinning hair or female pattern baldness? Men and women with areas of scarring, hair loss from injuries or after face lift cosmetic surgery procedures? Men and women who want to thicken or restore eyebrows and eyelashes? Men who want to restore mustaches or beards? Children with hair loss secondary to scalp injury? Patients with prior hair restoration procedures? Men and women with hair systems or extensions.

It is not uncommon to use a combination of techniques to produce the best results. The type of hair replacement surgery chosen depends on the extent and pattern of hair loss, along with patient’s individual situation, lifestyle, and desire.

Hair Restoration Surgery is based on the principles of donor dominance, which means that hair from healthy donor sites will take root and grow normally when transplanted into balding, recipient areas of scalp. Hair restoration surgery first involves removing a small strip of hair bearing scalp from the back and sides of the head. This “donor region” contains hair which will grow throughout a lifetime. The area from which the strip is taken is carefully repaired, usually resulting in a very narrow incision line easily hidden amongst the hair. The harvest strip of hair bearing scalp is then microscopically divided by a skilled surgical team for replacement in the balding areas. These grafts may be processed into a variety of different sizes depending on each patient’s specific needs and conditions. In recent years, the use of very small grafts, particularly at the hairline, has become very popular. These follicular unit grafts grow out much like normal hair and are virtually undetectable. Double follicular unit grafts may be recommended to obtain more density behind the hair line in special cases.

The amount of coverage varies depending on the extent of baldness and the patients donor hair density. Within about one month, much of the transplanted hair is shed. About two months later, hair starts to grow and continues to grow at a normal rate. About six months after a hair transplant session, the transplanted hairs begin to take on a natural appearance and will continue to grow for a lifetime. The donor site from which the hair was taken shrinks to a small, barely noticeable incision line that is well hidden in the surrounding hair.

The procedure is performed using local anesthesia at the office of Dr. Law. This translates into added convenience and cost-effectiveness for the patients.

The number of sessions that are necessary depends on the individual patient’s physical characteristics, requirements, stage of hair loss and expectations. Multiple sessions at various intervals are usually required

In order to achieve maximum safety and the best-looking results, choose a hair restoration surgeon who is expert in the cause and treatment of hair loss. Hair restoration surgeons invented hair transplant procedures in the 1950’s, and the major textbooks have been authored by them. Since the success of the procedure greatly relies on the physician’s skills and artistry, it’s important to see a hair restoration surgeon with training and experience.

Patients may have hair restoration surgery at any age. It is often better to start when you are not completely bald so that you can use existing hair to help camouflage the hair.

After 24 hours, patients can resume their normal activities, unless this entails strenuous physical exercise. There may be some swelling around the eyes after three days, which can be minimized by ice compresses and sleeping in a semi-up-right position. Some crusting or small scabs may be present for seven to ten days, along with some itching at the treatment sites. Any numbness at the donor and recipient sites usually disappears within months.

As with all surgical procedures, there is always some risk. However, complications from the surgical treatment of hair loss are rare and generally minimal. Bleeding and infection are infrequent and minor. It’s a good idea to avoid aspirin or certain drugs before surgery. If you have specific concerns please discuss them with Dr. Law.