Follicle Transplant Surgery

Transplant patients can experience the skill and artistry of the doctor. When performed by an expert, transplant surgery is very easy for patients to undergo. Compared to other cosmetic surgery procedures, a follicle transplant is essentially worry free, and patients may return to their normal schedules within one or two days.

Transplant surgery is performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility. Patients receive local anesthesia with oral sedation, usually Valium, to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. IV sedation may also be used in certain circumstances.

Depending on the number of grafts transplanted, the procedure may take from four to six hours. Prior to surgery, the new hairline and areas of transplant are marked. Only the hair from the small donor area strip to be removed is trimmed. Local anesthesia is given, the thin donor strip is excised, and the area is sutured, bringing the two follicle-bearing edges back together. Follicles cover this line of incision, which is generally undetectable after healing.

The local anesthesia is then given for the transplant procedure. The section of follicle-bearing tissue is removed from the donor area and dissected under magnification into individual follicular units. The follicle transplant donor area on the back and sides of the head contains follicles that are genetically programmed not to shed. Adequate donor follicles are needed for a successful transplant.

Specialized instrumentation is used to create all the tiny needle holes or incisions with the proper angles and directions prior to graft placement. The follicular units are then strategically and artistically placed into the bald or thinning areas. The technology used at our facility is very advanced, yet proven to be effective.

Single grafts have the finest and softest appearance. Although they do not provide much density, they do provide the critical soft hairline that is the transition to thicker hair. These single follicular units are placed into the frontal zone with the precise angles and direction of naturally growing follicles to create a soft, natural-looking hairline. Reconstructing a new hairline, or zone, is different for every patient and requires artistry, as well as surgical skill.

When performing a transplant, it is critical to get it right the first time, which requires considerable forethought and planning. Additional follicular units containing two and three hairs are placed behind the hairline to provide a gradually increasing density and volume. At times, larger grafts containing four or more hairs may be used well behind the frontal hairline to blend naturally into areas of greater density. These larger grafts of four or five hairs are generally reserved for patients with blond or gray follicles and light skin, or dark follicles on a dark head where contrast between the follicles and skin is low. Transplant surgery of the crown also incorporates proper angles and directions to carefully recreate the natural swirl pattern that exists on the back of the head.

Following the transplant procedure at our center, careful postoperative instructions are given, including head elevation, medications, and limitations on strenuous activity. Depending on several factors, including extent of the procedure and the amount of oozing or drainage from the multiple graft sites, a light head dressing may be applied for one night only.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact our office today.

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