Here are some common questions and their answers concerning hair loss and hair transplants.

What causes hair loss?
The most common cause of hair loss is inheritance. Men and women inherit the gene
for hair loss from either or both parents.  Men are most commonly affected by the
inherited gene as the  hormone, testosterone, activates the genetic program causing
loss of hair follicles. Currently there is no known method of stopping this type of hair loss.
The age of onset, extent, and rate of hair loss vary from person to person. Severe
illness, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiency can accelerate this process.  When applied
incorrectly, permanent hair color and chemical  relaxers damage the hair and follicle to
the extent that hair  loss can be permanent. Causes of hair loss do not include wearing
a hat, excessive shampooing, lack of blood flow, or clogged pores.

Does hair transplants really work?
Yes. The transplanted hair is removed from one area of the body (donor site) and
transferred to another (recipient site). The transferred tissue is not "rejected" as it is
not foreign tissue. The transplanted hair maintains it's own characteristics; color, texture,
growth rate, and curl, after transplantation and regrowth. The vitality of the grafted follicle is
maintained  by the rich blood supply to the scalp. Originally, large circular grafts containing
15-20 hairs were transplanted resulting in  noticeable and unnatural results. Over years,
instruments and techniques have been developed that allow us to achieve truly natural results
by transplanting small grafts very close together. We have found that hair grows from the
scalp in groups of one, two, and three hair follicles. We transfer these groups of follicles after
eliminating the excess surrounding fatty tissue. This allows the grafts to be placed closer
together resulting in a denser and more natural result.

What can be expected after hair restoration surgery?
The post-operative course will depend on adherence to the instructions given after surgery.
Small scabs will form on the scalp at the graft sites. Generally speaking, these scabs
disappear in 4-7days.  Shampooing can be resumed 24 hours after surgery. The suture
(stitch) used in the donor area is undetectable as it is completely covered by your existing
hair. An appointment will be made for the suture to be removed one week after surgery. It is
advisable to take at least two days off work after surgery. A baseball type cap can be worn
at anytime after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least five
days after surgery. Typically the grafted hair will shed in 2-4 weeks.  New growth will begin
in 3-4 months and length will increase approximately 1/2 inch per month.

Are hair transplants painful?
Most people are surprised at how little pain there is during the procedure. Some discomfort
is to be expected as the anesthetic is injected into the scalp. Once the skin is anesthetized,
there is no pain. If the numbing medicine wears off during the course of the procedure, more
is injected to re-anesthatize the area.

What will it look like after the procedure?
The grafts form small scabs in the days after the procedure. If one has enough surrounding
hair, these scabs can be camouflaged with creative styling. If not, the small scabs may be
visible but do not attract much attention. By keeping the scalp moist, the scabs usually
come off in about a week or so.

When can I go back to work?
Depending on the type of procedure you have done and the type of work you do, it is often
possible to go back to work the next day. Your hair restoration surgeon will discuss this
with you during the consultation.

Are hair transplants expensive?
Hair transplantation is more expensive than a hair piece or some alternative treatments.
However considering that the results are permanent, most people consider it a good
investment in their future happiness.

How many sessions will be required?
The number of the sessions will depend on the 1) area of scalp treated 2) the number
and size of grafts used and 3 )the density which the patient desires 4) the individual
characteristics  of the patient, e.g. coarse hair will provide a more dense look than
fine hair. The estimate of the number of sessions can be discussed during the
consultation with your surgeon.