Hair isn’t something that we just wash, brush and comb.
It’s an important part of your attire. But sometimes
we’re not fully satisfied with our hair. Luckily today
you have a number of hair transplant options to make that improvement.
Hair transplantation produces permanent results.
Although it’s your own hair, it’s still a surgical
procedure. It’s important to know that not everybody
qualifies for a hair transplant. You need to be well informed
and ask many questions before undergoing a hair transplant.
Time is absolutely necessary so don’t expect immediate
results. You must be patient. Your age at the time of hair
transplant will need careful consideration. The younger you
are the most conservative the initial approach needs to be.
Whatever is being done today, must also look good in the future.
It’s extremely important to focus on results.
It’s also important to understand the
theory behind hair transplants. Roots moved from a hair-bearing
area of the body to a bald site will take hold and grow. In
common male-patterned baldness a rim of hair persists, even
in the most advanced cases, around the sides of the head.
If these follicles are transplanted from this hairy fringe
to a bald area, they will root and grow. The hair to be transplanted
during Hair Replacement, must come from the patient’s OWN scalp. Therefore, not
all individuals are good candidates for this procedure. You
must be realistic as you cannot expect more than what your
donor hair can contribute. By nature, hair growth is very
slow.
Because of significant surgical advances with
improved results, interest in hair replacement surgery has
increased significantly during the past decade. Hair loss
affects two out of every three men, and one in five women.
For men, heredity is the major factor in hair loss. For women,
hormonal changes, including those that occur in menopause,
are mainly responsible for female “pattern changes,”
which include thinning and loss. Accidents, burns and disease
can also trigger hair loss. The key factor in hair replacement
is the presence of donor hair on the side or the back scalp,
which is then used to replace hair where loss has occurred.
Total baldness makes replacement surgery impossible.
Hair quality is another factor. Light-colored hair, as well
as coarse-textured hair, produce a look of greater density
than fine or dark hair.
The most commonly known hair replacement surgery
requires taking a strip of hair-bearing scalp from the back
of the head. The strip is then divided into several hundred
smaller grafts. These grafts are then inserted into tiny slits
in the scalp, and must be placed in such a way that hair all
grows in the same, natural direction. This is known as mini
and micro-grafting.
Skin flap surgery is another efficient technique
used to cover balding areas. After a piece of bald scalp is
removed, a section of hair-covered scalp is moved and sutured
into place. Scars are generally covered by new hair growth.
Bald spots at the crown of the head can be covered by removing
the hairless area of skin and then stretching the hair-covered
scalp adjacent to the bald spot over the opening. This is
known as scalp reduction surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Transplants
How successful are hair
transplants?
Our state of the art Hair Transplant technique is extremely successful. Between
90-95% take rate for successful hair transplants.
Are all hair transplants
alike?
Definitely not. Hair replacement techniques and skills vary greatly just as
each patients needs vary.
How much hair can one
expect from a hair transplant?
That varies with the quality and density of the donor site
in each individual patient.
Will the grafts you take
from the donor site leave the donor site bald?
No. After the graft is removed, Dr. Nassif will close the
donor site leaving only a tiny scar that will be hard to find.
Remarkably, often more than 1000 grafts can be taken from
the back of the head without ruining the cosmetic appearance
of the hair.
Will the hair look very
natural?
If done properly by a skilled surgeon, such as Dr. Nassif
the results are quite acceptable.
Are there different types
of grafts?
Yes, with our hair replacement technique, mini-grafts, micro-grafts and individual
hair grafts are used for transplantation.
How soon after a transplant
can one expect hair?
New growth is seen 16 weeks after a hair transplant.
Is the procedure painful?
In the hands of Dr. Nassif, who is a very experienced and
caring surgeon, a transplant will cause very little discomfort.
Is it done under anesthesia?
The procedure can be done under a local anesthesia, or a mild
sedation can be given for the transplant.
Can transplanted hair
be colored, straightened, or permed?
Yes.
Do you have to go to
the hospital for a hair transplant?
No. We perform hair transplants in our outpatient surgical
procedure.
Can a hair piece be worn
after an operation?
Yes. A hair piece can provide an excellent cosmetic screen
when a patient’s hair loss is extensive and the donor
site cannot yield enough graphs for complete coverage. Transplanted
hair may be used as a frontal hair line to enhance the natural
appearance of the hair piece.
Can other people be donors?
No. Presently, this method is considered experimental.
What about the prescription
medication Rogaine?
Rogaine is approved for male and female pattern hair loss.
It can be beneficial, however, it is not the perfect solution
for everyone with hair loss. It can be beneficial in promoting
and maintaining new hair growth. This can be used independent
or in conjunction with hair transplantation.
Is everybody a candidate for hair transplant?
Unfortunately, there are some patients who have expectations
that are unrealistic based on the size of the bald area and
the amount of donor hair available to transplant. Dr. Nassif
will provide you with an evaluation and will help you explore
your options. However, after your evaluation it can be determined
if Propecia, hair transplantation, or both, can improve your
hair loss problem.
How much time does a
hair transplant session take?
With proper care, about 2 ½ to 4 hours.
How long will I be at
the surgery center the day of the surgery?
In most cases, you will remain at our surgery center for at
least 30 to 60 minutes after completion of the surgery.
How long will it take
before my hair grows?
It may begin to grow between 12 to 16 weeks after the hair
transplant. Hair grows at an average of ½ inch per
month.
Can women have a hair transplant?
Yes, however, evaluation would be indicated prior to hair
transplantation.
Paul
S. Nassif, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a world-renowned facial plastic
and reconstructive surgeon whose work has been featured on numerous international
and national television and print media. He has been featured on such programs
as NBC World Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, ABC World
News Tonight with Peter Jennings, CBS’ The Early Show, CNN,
MSNBC, E!, EXTRA!, VH1, BBC, The Learning Channel and Discovery Health.
Dr. Nassif has also been quoted in such publications as the New York
Times, Associated Press (world-wide), The Wall Street
Journal, USA Today, and Los Angeles Times among others.
For a complete list of his media work, go to the Media section. |
Top notch Los Angeles hair tranplant.
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