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Micro-Hair restoration is a technique of transplanting hair from one area to another to create the appearance of a natural hairline and to add volume to areas where there is little or no hair. Dr. Prasad's background of microsurgery combined with his years of experience as a facial cosmetic surgeon has helped many men and women improve their appearance significantly and avoid the typical "pluggy" look.
FAQs about hair transplant
What causes hair loss?
The most common cause of hair loss is inherited. Men and women inherit the gene for hair loss from either or both parents. Men are more commonly affected since the same gene codes for the hormone, testosterone. Testosterone activates the genetic program which causes loss of hair follicles. Currently there is no known method of stopping this type of hair loss. The age of onset, extent, and rate of hair loss vary from person to person. Severe illness, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiency can accelerate this process. When applied incorrectly, permanent hair color and chemical relaxers damage the hair and follicle to the extent that hair loss can be permanent. Causes of hair loss do not include wearing a hat, excessive shampooing, lack of blood flow, or clogged pores.
What is hair transplantation?
Even in the most extreme balding patterns, a permanent rim of hair exists on the sides and back of the head. This hair seems to be unaffected by the balding process. In multiple hair or follicular unit hair restoration, a strip of skin containing this permanent hair is removed from the back of the head. Because the skin of the scalp is flexible, the scalp can be stitched together again after strip is removed without obvious scarring. The hair follicles are then carefully removed from that piece of skin and placed in very small surgical sites made in the thinning/balding areas in the scalp. Once transplanted, this hair behaves as originally programmed and after a dormant period of 3-6 months, should grow throughout the natural life of the person, .
How much hair do I need?
We will suggest how many grafts may be available for the first procedure. This will be based on the present hair loss pattern, what it may become in the future, and how much donor hair is available. Available donor hair is measured by donor density, which is the number of hair follicles per square centimeter on a person's scalp. People who have high donor density need fewer follicular units usually containing multiple hairs, and people with low donor density need a lot of hair units which means that more harvesting is required. If an individual has a very loose scalp, a larger donor strip can be removed while individuals with a tight scalp will have a smaller donor strip. When an individual has a relatively small amount of hair that can be moved, Dr. Prasad will use his experience to distribute the available hair in ways that maximize the best average. Subsequent procedures may be necessary if greater fullness is desired.
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What is the difference between density and fullness?
The word fullness rather than density more accurately describes the visual phenomenon in which we perceive someone with thick hair vs thin hair. The concept of fullness is broader and more inclusive. Density, the number of hair follicles per square centimeter, is only one of several factors that are responsible for the visual impression of hair that appears "thick". Other factors include hair shaft diameter, color, texture, and curl, which may be of equal or even greater importance than density in contributing to the visual appearance of a "full" head of hair.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for hair transplant?
Most men in good general health are candidates for hair transplantation. Education is the key to ensure that the supply to demand ratio is equal to the patient's expectation. Understanding limitations of individual traits and characteristics such as color and type (fine, medium, coarse) and pattern of thinning/balding are also important .
Do hair transplants really work?
Yes. The transplanted hair is removed from one area of the body (donor site) and transferred to another area (recipient site). The transferred tissue is not "rejected" since it is not foreign tissue. The transplanted hair maintains its own characteristics; color, texture, growth rate, and curl, after transplantation and regrowth. The vitality of the grafted follicle is maintained by the rich blood supply to the scalp. In the past, large circular grafts containing 15-20 hairs were transplanted resulting in noticeable and unnatural results. Over years, instruments and techniques have been developed that allow us to achieve truly natural results by transplanting small grafts very close together. We have found that hair grows from the scalp in groups of one, two, and three hair follicles (follicular units). We transfer these groups of follicles after eliminating the excess surrounding tissue. This allows the grafts to be placed closer together resulting in a denser and more natural result.
What can be expected after hair restoration surgery?
The post-operative course will depend on adherence to the instructions given after surgery. Small scabs will form on the scalp at the graft sites. Generally speaking, these scabs disappear in 4-7 days. Shampooing can be resumed 24 hours after surgery. The sutures (stitches) used in the donor area are undetectable since they are completely covered by existing hair. An appointment will be made for the sutures to be removed one week after surgery. It is advisable to take at least two days off work after surgery. A baseball type cap can be worn at anytime after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least five days after surgery. Typically the grafted hair will shed in 2-4 weeks. New growth will begin in 3-4 months and length will increase approximately 1/2 inch per month.
Are hair transplants painful?
Most people are surprised at how little pain is experienced during the procedure. Some discomfort is to be expected as the anesthetic is injected into the scalp. Once the skin is anesthetized, there is no pain. If the numbing medicine wears off during the course of the procedure, more is injected to re-anesthetize the area. There are very few side effects to local anesthesia.
What will it look like after the procedure?
The grafts form small scabs in the days after the procedure. If one has enough surrounding hair, these scabs can be camouflaged with creative styling. If not, the small scabs may be visible but do not attract much attention. By keeping the scalp moist, the scabs usually come off in about a week or so.
When can I go back to work?
Depending on the type of procedure you have done and the type of work you do, it is often possible to go back to work the next day. Dr Prasad will discuss this during the consultation.
Are hair transplants expensive?
Hair transplantation is more expensive than a hair piece or some alternative treatments. However considering that the results are permanent, most people consider it a good investment in their future happiness.
How many sessions will be required?
The number of the sessions will depend on the following:
1) area of scalp treated
2) the number and size of grafts used
3 )the density which the patient desires
4) the individual characteristics of the patient, e.g. coarse hair will provide a more dense look than fine hair.
The estimate of the number of sessions can be discussed during the consultation with Dr Prasad.
I've had previous hair transplant and am unhappy. Is it possible to have my results improved?
It is possible to improve the results of transplants done with older techniques. The options can be discussed with Dr. Prasad during the consultation.
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| Before (plug technique) |
After (natural hairline with follicular unit grafts) |
