Table Of Contents
How Does Hair Transplant Work?
Hair follicles at the back and sides of the scalp are usually resistant to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss in certain regions. By relocating these resilient follicles to thinning or bald areas, they maintain their original characteristics and continue to grow healthy hair in the new location. This principle underpins the durability and natural appearance of hair transplant results.
Hair transplants have a strong track record for success, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Welter. Most patients enjoy significant improvements in hair density and coverage, with results that look and feel natural. Unlike topical treatments, transplanted hair is permanent and continues to grow for a lifetime, provided there is no underlying condition affecting overall hair health.
Types of Hair Transplant Surgery
Modern hair restoration offers several techniques to meet different needs and hair types:
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
This method involves removing a thin strip of scalp from the donor area, typically the back of the head. The strip is carefully dissected into individual follicular units, which are then transplanted into thinning or balding regions. FUT allows for the transplantation of a large number of grafts in a single session, making it an efficient option for patients seeking significant coverage. However, this procedure typically leaves a linear scar at the donor site that can be concealed by surrounding hair. This technique is also commonly referred to as follicular unit strip surgery.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Also known as follicular unit excision, this procedure is a minimally invasive form of hair replacement surgery. Instead of removing a strip of scalp, individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area and transplanted to thinning or bald spots. FUE leaves tiny, dot-like scars that are usually unnoticeable, allowing quicker healing and less post-operative discomfort than FUT.
Micro FUE™
An advanced form of FUE that uses ultra-fine instruments and specialized techniques to harvest and implant individual follicles. This method allows for higher precision, less trauma to the scalp, and improved healing times. Micro FUE™ is especially beneficial for patients who want a natural-looking hairline with minimal scarring.
ARTAS Robotic System
This cutting-edge system utilizes robotic technology to assist with follicle harvesting, providing accuracy and consistency throughout the procedure. The ARTAS system helps optimize the selection and extraction of healthy follicles from the hair-bearing scalp, improving graft survival rates and overall outcomes.
Neograft™
A semi-automated FUE device that streamlines both hair graft extraction and implantation, reducing manual labor and improving procedural efficiency. Neograft™ allows surgeons to transplant precise amounts of hair based on how much hair the patient needs restored, ensuring natural density and coverage while minimizing trauma to the donor area.
What Is Flap Surgery and Is It Still Used to Combat Hair Loss?
Flap surgery is a hair restoration technique that involves moving a larger section of hair-bearing scalp from a donor area to a bald or thinning region, keeping the tissue’s blood supply intact. Unlike most hair transplants, which move individual follicular units or small grafts, flap surgery transfers an entire strip of scalp to cover a larger area in a single procedure. While this method can provide immediate coverage, it is more invasive and carries a higher risk of complications and scarring. Due to advances in less invasive techniques like FUT and FUE, flap surgery is now rarely used and considered outdated for most patients seeking hair restoration today.
Preparing for Hair Restoration
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, your scalp is examined, your medical history is reviewed, and your goals are discussed. The surgeon will assess the extent of hair loss, donor hair quality, and overall suitability for surgery. Preparation may include avoiding certain medications, undergoing blood tests or scalp evaluations, and receiving instructions regarding smoking, alcohol, and hair care. The surgeon will plan your hairline and determine graft numbers.
- Sinus issues can lead to snoring and sleep apnea by causing nasal blockages that disrupt normal breathing.
Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) Procedure
1. Preparation
Dr. Welter performs hair transplant surgery after a thorough skin consultation to assess the condition of the scalp and determine the best approach. The patient’s medical history is reviewed during this stage, and the donor and recipient areas are carefully evaluated to ensure optimal results.
2. Anesthesia
To ensure comfort throughout the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb both the donor and recipient sites. This allows the patient to remain awake and pain-free while Dr. Welter performs the hair transplant surgery.
3. Extraction of Follicular Units
Using specialized micro-punch tools, individual follicular units are carefully extracted one by one from the donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp. This precise method minimizes trauma and preserves the health of each follicle for transplantation.
4. Recipient Site Creation
Next, tiny incisions are made in the bald or thinning areas where the extracted follicles will be implanted. These sites are strategically placed to mimic natural hair growth patterns, ensuring a natural appearance once the transplanted hair begins to grow.
5. Implantation of Follicles
Finally, the harvested follicular units are gently implanted into the prepared recipient sites. Dr. Welter carefully positions each graft to achieve optimal density and direction, enhancing the overall aesthetic outcome.
Recovery After Hair Replacement
Immediately after surgery, you may notice mild swelling, redness, or tiny scabs where grafts were placed. These effects typically resolve within a week. Gentle care is essential to protect the new grafts during the early stages of healing.
Aftercare Tips
- Follow Instructions: Use any prescribed medications and follow all care directions.
- Avoid Scratching or Rubbing: Let scabs fall off naturally.
- Gentle Shampooing: Begin as directed by your surgeon.
- Limit Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous exercise for the first week.
- Protect from the Sun: Wear a loose hat outdoors if advised.
Recovery Timeline
- First 1–2 Weeks: Most discomfort and scabbing subside.
- 2–4 Weeks: Transplanted hair may shed (this is normal and temporary).
- 3–6 Months: New hair growth begins to appear.
- 6–12 Months: Visible, substantial results develop as hair thickens and matures.
Your final outcome becomes apparent within a year, with hair that continues to grow. You can cut and style it however you want.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Hair Transplantation?
Not every person with hair loss is a suitable candidate for transplantation. The candidates typically have:
- Stable Donor Hair: Adequate hair on the back or sides of the scalp for transplantation.
- Patterned Hair Loss: Male or female pattern baldness with well-defined thinning areas.
- Good General Health: No medical conditions that impair healing.
- Realistic Expectations: Understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
Certain conditions, such as insufficient donor hair, active scalp disease, or unrealistic expectations, may limit eligibility. A thorough consultation is essential to determine candidacy and set appropriate expectations.
What Is the Difference Between Female and Male Pattern Baldness?
The difference between female and male baldness is mainly in the pattern and progression of hair loss. Male pattern baldness typically begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, often leading to a bald scalp over time. In contrast, female pattern hair loss usually presents as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp without forming a completely bald scalp. Female pattern hair loss tends to progress more gradually and rarely results in total baldness, making the pattern less obvious but still distressing for many women. Understanding these differences is essential for diagnosing and choosing the most effective treatment options.
Benefits of Hair Transplant Procedures
Hair transplant surgery offers several advantages:
- Natural, Permanent Results:Transplanted hair grows, sheds, and feels like your own hair.
- Minimal Ongoing Maintenance: No special shampoos, wigs, or adhesives are needed.
- Improved Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance.
- Customization: Procedures are tailored to match your hairline, facial features, and desired density.
- Versatility: Suitable for scalp, eyebrows, beard, and other areas.
What Is Body Hair Transplantation?
Body hair transplantation is a specialized procedure in which hair follicles are harvested from areas of the body with hair-bearing skin, such as the chest, back, arms, or beard, and transplanted to the scalp or other regions experiencing hair loss. This technique is typically considered when scalp donor hair is insufficient or has already been depleted.
As part of the broader field of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, body hair transplantation offers an alternative for patients who continue to lose hair but still desire fuller coverage. While body hair’s texture and growth characteristics may differ from scalp hair, it can still provide valuable improvement in density and appearance when carefully matched and transplanted by an experienced surgeon.
Alternatives to Hair Transplant Surgery
Not everyone is ready or eligible for surgery. There are several non-surgical options for hair restoration:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):: PRP uses your own blood’s growth factors to stimulate follicles.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy: Devices designed to support hair growth.
- Topical Treatments:: Prescription or over-the-counter solutions.
- Scalp Micropigmentation: Cosmetic tattooing that mimics hair follicles for the look of a fuller scalp.
- Nutritional Supplements: Certain vitamins and supplements support hair health.
These hair growth treatments can be used alone or in combination with surgical options, depending on your goals and needs.
Consider consulting our hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Ryan Welter, for expert evaluation and personalized treatment. Dr. Welter offers a range of advanced hair restoration options and tailors each approach to the individual needs of every patient. If you want to learn more about how hair transplants work or explore your options for hair restoration, scheduling a consultation is a great first step.
Conclusion
Hair transplantation involves redistributing your own healthy follicles to restore natural hair growth in thinning or bald areas. With ongoing advancements and options tailored to your needs, hair transplantation offers a proven, lasting solution for hair loss. Schedule a consultation today to receive professional guidance and excellent treatment!
Ready to Live
with New Hair ?
with New Hair ?
June 16, 2025
