Hair transplantation involves removing hair follicles from the back of the scalp and transplanting them to balding areas. There are two main types of hair transplant procedures: strip harvesting and FUE. Neograft uses an automated FUE method that is minimally traumatic. A hair transplant takes 4-8 hours under local anesthesia. Recovery takes about a week and new hair growth is visible in 3-6 months. Multiple procedures may be needed for full coverage. Medical treatments like Propecia and Rogaine can also help with hair loss but a transplant provides a permanent solution. Costs range from $4,000-20,000 depending on the patient's needs and gender.
2. Anatomy of Hair
The “hair” is a really tough protein
called keratin (not living tissue).
Hair is anchored to the skin inside of
the follicle.
The follicle has living tissue at the
base (the bulb) that forms the hair.
The bulb also has blood vessels that
delivers blood and hormones to the
hair follicle.
3. How a Hair Normally Grows
Three stages of hair growth:
Anagen- the growth phase that usually lasts
2-9 years. The longer the hair stays in the
growth phase the longer the hair.
Catagen- the transitional phase where no
growth occurs and the follicle shrinks, hair
detaches from bulb. Lasts 2-4 weeks.
Telogen- the resting phase that lasts 3-4
months. Hair stops growing, new hair grows
and pushes the old one out towards the end,
causing old one to fall out.
At any point in time, you have hair in all three
phases on your scalp.
4. Medical Causes of Hair Loss
Thyroid problems
Childbirth Birth control pills
Crash diets Traction (pulling) Stress
Menopause
Autoimmune Ringworm
5. Hair Loss in Men and Women
Causes of hair loss are different
in men and women.
Pattern of hair loss is different in
men and women.
Hair transplant can be done in
men and women.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Male Pattern Baldness
6. Female Pattern Baldness
Female pattern
baldness occurs
all over the head
evenly from inside
to out (aka global
thinning).
7. Cause of Male Pattern Baldness
Androgenic Alopecia- genetically inherited
hair loss. Usually starts in the front of the
head, working its way back (male pattern
baldness).
A hormone called “DHT” that causes the
hair follicle to shrink and hair to become
dormant. DHT is a potent form of
testosterone effects the prostate, skin and
hair. sensitivity to DHT causes hair loss, not
high levels of DHT.
Some men’s hair is more sensitive to DHT
than others. This is determined by your
genetics.
DHT is made from testosterone or DHEA by
an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. High
levels of 5-alpha reductase can also cause
hair loss.
8. Male Pattern Baldness
Norwood scale measures
severity of hair loss.
Starts at age 18-22.
Hair loss starts in front, 2nd
area starts at top of head,
meet in middle.
Easier to transplant
because back of head
usually stays thick. This is
some of the “strongest” hair
on our bodies
9. Medical Treatments for Hair Loss
Propecia (Finasteride)
Only works in men.
Attacks 5 alpha reductase to decrease formation
of DHT.
Side effects: erectile dysfunction, breast cancer,
decreased sex drive.
Works for as long as you take it, but will lose hair
again when stop.
Does not cause hair to regrow
Rogaine (Minoxidil)
Works in both men and women.
Is available OTC as a generic. Is a liquid topical
solution.
Is a VASODILATOR (increases size of blood
vessels).
“Fools” hair into growing faster (more blood
supply).
Must apply forever or will go back to where hair
loss would have been (go backwards if you stop).
10. Low Level Light Therapy
Works in 85% of cases using biostimulation.
Requires multiple treatments a week over
the course 6 months to a year.
Slow and takes discipline.
Must have some hair left in follicles for it to
work (doesn’t work if you are bald).
Good alternative for women who are not
candidates for hair transplant (global
thinning).
Works VERY WELL in conjunction with hair
transplant.
11. PRP
A proven therapy for hair loss that works by
delivering growth factors directly to the follicles
Requires multiple treatments (6-10) over the
course 6 months to a year.
PRP is derived from your own blood, required a
blood draw for every treatment.
Must have some hair left in follicles for it to work
(doesn’t work if you are bald).
Good alternative for women who are not
candidates for hair transplant (global thinning).
Works VERY WELL in conjunction with hair
transplant.
12. Hair Transplant
Two types of hair transplant procedures:
STRIP method- remove a strip of hair
from back of scalp, cut the strip using a
microscope into individual hair follicles,
and then transplant one follicle at a time.
FUE (follicular unit extraction) – one
follicle at a time is removed, and then
transplanted one follicle at a time.
13. NEOGRAFT
State of the art for hair
transplant
FUE (no incision) method
Minimal trauma to hair
follicles removed ensures
better graft take
Most efficient FUE method-
decreases surgical time by
automating part of the
process
15. The Procedure
Takes 4-8 hours depending on how much hair you are going to
transplant.
Done with local anesthesia. You will be awake, and can watch a
movie, take a nap, etc. You will have lunch in the middle of a long
procedure.
The procedure is outpatient (you will go home to recover).
Looks like a sunburn rash on your head for about 5-7 days.
Minimal discomfort after procedure.
Must wear a cap for about a week, and stay out of sun and pool for
1 month. Ok to wash head gently with soap (no scrubbing).
After the procedure heals you will look the same as before (hairs in
telogen resting phase). Transplanting “seeds” the head, not grown
hair.
Hair takes 3-6 months to start growing again. Over 90% “take” of
hair is expected. 6-8 months for total hair growth.
16. Realistic Expectations
May require 2-3 procedures to
get the maximal results
(density).
We are limited by the amount
of hair you have.
Results take time, and require
patience.
Some of the hair may not
“take”.
Your head will feel “tight” and
you may develop a headache
for a few days afterwards.
28. Next Steps
Step 1: We need a medical information form filled out and 2 pictures of your head (top and front)
Step 2: Doctor visit or call to go over candidacy, # of grafts, questions
Step 3: Coordinator will deliver a detailed price quote and schedule a date for you
Step 4: Visit or call to go over instructions and sign consent forms
Step 5: Day of surgery!
