Hair Loss and Hair Transplants Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I lose my hair?
As males age, there is a hormone conversion that takes place where the testosterone in the body turns into DHT. When this conversion affects the receptors on the scalp it causes sebum (mucous deposit) to build up. This sebum build up miniaturizes the hair follicle and eventually keeps it from making its way through. When we do a hair transplant, we take the hair from the back of the head. This hair is genetically pre-programmed not to be sensitive to the same conversion that is destroying the hair on the top of the head. So we take the good hair from the back of the head and put it on the top of the head where the blood supply is good and it grows normally. This hair will stay where it is placed for as long as it is genetically programmed to stay, which in most cases is permanent. Females can experience male pattern hair loss just as men do. However, there may be a much more serious reason for the female’s hair loss so it is imperative to do a full hair loss evaluation and work-up with your physician prior to having surgery.
Does the surgery hurt?
No! It is all done under local anesthesia, you will feel a few slight pinches but that is about it. You are awake throughout the entire procedure generally watching a movie or reading a magazine or if you chose sleeping.
How many surgeries will I need?
The number of surgeries needed will be discussed at the initial consultation. The number of needed surgeries will vary from patient to patient based on a multitude of factors. The two major determining factors will be the amount of pre-existing hair and your own personal expectations. However, the majority of patients only have one procedure.
How long is the procedure?
The procedure will last approximately three to five hours depending on the size of the surgery.
When will my hair grow?
The transplanted hair generally falls out and goes into a resting phase for about eight to twelve weeks. Then the hair grows at a pace of a half of an inch a month thereafter.
When can I return to work? How soon until I can exercise or do physical activity?
It is ok to go to work the following day after the procedure. It is highly recommended to not do any heavy lifting above fifteen pounds until the stitches have been removed which is eight to ten days after surgery.
What happens to my existing hair?
More often then not, nothing will happen to your existing hair. Usually on the day of the procedure some hairs are cut, but it is usually unnoticeable. There are some instances of temporary hair loss (shock) in the area that is being transplanted. If this does occur, the shocked hair will return at the same time as the transplanted hair, which is about eight to twelve weeks. In rare circumstance the shocked hair will not return. If this were to occur, that means that this hair was already on its way out and would have fallen out on its own over time. A hair transplant does not kill or harm pre-existing hair. The hair loss will not affect the overall results of the procedure, because we pretend as if there is not any hair in the area that we are working on, we build evenly so that way no matter what happens with the hair loss it does not effect the final outcome. It is obviously our first choice that you maintain as much of your own existing hair as possible.
Can you fix my hair line if I have plugs?
Absolutely! Plugs can easily be corrected by softening the hairline with micro grafts, and follicular units. We keep your existing grafts where they are and incorporate them in with the new softer grafts, restoring it to a natural look. In extreme cases they can be moved to where they are better suited. Please see our web page titled corrective surgery for further details and photographs.
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Dr. Brett Bolton
Dr. Bolton obtained his degree as Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa. Postgraduate training was completed at Palmetto General Hospital, Hialeah, Florida.
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