What is a Hair transplant

A hair transplant is also known as hair transplant surgery or hair transplantation. It is a surgical procedure that treats hair loss, most often genetic male pattern hair loss.

Live hair follicles can be moved from the sides or back of the head and placed in areas that have lost their hair. These follicles are a permanent fixture to the new location because they come from your body. These follicles come from the back and sides of the scalp, and are known as the “permanent donors zone.” They are genetically immune to hair loss and can grow and thrive in any location.

Follicular unit transplantation is a modern method of hair transplantation. This is because permanent follicles can be moved as “follicular unites” or natural follicle groups. The new hairs are then transplanted exactly as they grow naturally in the scalp. The results of hair transplants today are very natural and do not resemble those of years past.

These permanent follicular units, which are grafted from back to scalp to the bald regions, “anchor” in the new position and enter a brief resting phase. The follicles begin to grow new hair several months later. The follicles undergo a 9-month “maturation” period. Each follicle’s hair shafts become thicker, more healthy, and more natural during this period. They reach their maximum potential 12 months later. Once the hair has fully grown, patients can enjoy the new hair and continue to treat it as any other follicle. They can be cut, dyed and styled however they wish.

A hair transplant is minimally invasive. Local anesthesia (also known as “numbing medication”) can be used. Patients are awake throughout the procedure. Patients usually feel very comfortable during the procedure, which takes approximately 6 hours. Patients report feeling very comfortable during the numbing procedure, which leaves them with no discomfort for the rest of their lives. Patients report feeling “back-to-normal” in a few days, and most return to their daily lives within 10-14 days. For more information, please visit our other sections on hair transplants or book an in-office consultation.