Skin ExpertsSkin TreatmentsHair Transplants

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What should first be done before considering a hair transplant?

Before the procedure, an ASDS doctor will review the patient’s medical history. This is the time for the doctor and patient to discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. Patients should:

  • Avoid smoking two weeks before surgery.
  • Prepare to have someone drive home since most procedures are outpatient.
  • Prepare to take it easy for a day or two following surgery, with assistance if necessary.
  • Be aware that local anesthesia and, in some cases, sedation will be administered.

Hair Transplants

What are hair transplants?

In punch transplanting, a plug containing hair follicles is removed from a part of the scalp where hair is more dense and transplanted to the treatment area. Hair transplantation has a high success rate as long as there is enough donor hair. This procedure does not have any long-term or major side effects.

Before (left) and after (right) - front of scalp after hair transplant.

Photo courtesy of N. Sadick

Before (left) and after (right) - top of head after hair transplant.

Photo courtesy of N. Sadick

Before (left) and after (right) - top of head after hair transplant.

Before (left) and after (right) - top of head after hair transplant.

Photo courtesy of N. Sadick

Before (left) and after (right) 1600 ARTAS Grafts - top of head after hair transplant.

Before (left) and after (right) 1600 ARTAS Grafts - top of head after hair transplant.

Photo courtesy of N. Sadick

Who is not a candidate for a hair transplant?

Candidates must have healthy hair growth at the sides and back of the scalp to serve as donor sites. Hair color, condition and texture also are considerations.

What can I expect after having had a hair transplant?

  • The success and amount of hair coverage on a treated area depends on how many hair follicles remain healthy after being transplanted.
  • Often hair will fall out of a transplanted follicle, but a new hair will eventually grow to take its place.
  • They will probably need several surgeries to get the hair coverage they want.
  • Healing between surgeries usually takes several months.

When are hair transplants appropriate?

The procedure is appropriate for the following conditions:

  • Hair loss 
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Wide scarring
  • Follicle grafts won't "take."
  • Unnatural look, especially if grafted hair lies next to a patch that continues to thin out; additional surgery may be required in this situation.