How is hair transplantation different now?
Hair transplantation has been performed since the 1950s, but techniques have come a long way. Formerly, an entire patch of “bald resistant” hair from the back of the head was removed and transplanted in its entirety on the balding area. This created two problems. First, when the skin on the back of the scalp was stretched back together and stitched, it created an unsightly scar where hair would not regrow. This scar could be seen when the person was swimming and in other situations. Second, the transplanted hair patches looked unnatural.
The NeoGraft procedure uses the follicular unit extraction (FUE) method for hair transplantation. This involves taking individual follicles from the back of the scalp and transplanting them into the balding areas. The result is natural looking and effective.
How is FUE done?
In follicular unit extraction, the back of your head is first shaved and then numbed. This is the area where your hair is still growing normally and isn’t prone to balding. Dr. Kearney then removes hair follicles one by one from this area. Each follicle contains from 1-4 hairs. He uses the NeoGraft Automated Hair Transplantation system for this.
Next, Dr. Kearney cleans and numbs the area where you want hair restored. The same NeoGraft tool that removed the hair now is used to insert the follicles into the area where hair loss is occurring. As you would assume, this is a time consuming process, taking anywhere from four to eight hours.
When will the hair start to grow?
After about two to three weeks, your transplanted hair will fall out, but it’s not a reason for concern. This is simply the follicles’ reaction to the trauma. Of your transplanted follicles, around 60 percent will successfully take hold and start growing new hair within six to nine months.
Would FUE work for me?
The question of whether you could have FUE transplantation with Dr. Kearney depends on if you still have hair growing on the back of your head, the area usually immune to male pattern balding. If so, then you could probably have FUE and a return to a fuller head of hair.
Interested in getting your hair back? Call Dr. Kearney at (858) 677-9352 and schedule a consultation for NeoGraft hair transplantation.
