WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:

HAIR RESTORATION

What is hair restoration?

• Hair restoration is the implantation of hair on the scalp from a donor site. It is the most effective and permanent solution to male pattern hair loss as well as for many women who suffer hair loss.
• The goal is to provide a natural look that is appropriate for the patient’s age, and to fill in areas of baldness.
• The donor hair is taken from the back of your scalp. This site is then stitched up. There is a scar but it is well hidden by your hair, unless you wear your hair very short.
• Unlike in the past where hair transplants used “plugs” which were noticeable, we use micro hair grafts and follicular units. We implant hairs on your scalp in a more natural pattern so that it is very difficult to tell that you had a  hair transplant.
• Because the hair is taken from an area that is not susceptible to baldness, the hair that is transplanted should remain in place for several decades.
• Depending on the needs of the patient, 500-1500 grafts may be placed.
• Because the hair is cult very short when transplanted as well as the healing period, it will require approximately 6 months to see the results.
• Because of the natural cycle of hair growth and the adjustment that is required of the transplanted hair, it is normal to have shedding of hair 4-6 weeks after the procedure. The hair regrows.
• Generally 80-85% of the transplanted hair grafts will survive.
• On some patients, more than one round of hair transplants may be needed. The second round typically occurs  6-9 months after the first transplant. 

Who is it for?

• It is for most men who have male pattern baldness
• Because hair loss may continue into the 30’s, it is not recommended for individuals below the age of 30.
• Your surgeon will determine if you have a large enough donor site for a successful transplant for your individual needs.
• Hair restoration can be very satisfying for those women with hair loss in a local area such as the central scalp. If the hair loss is diffuse, you may not be a candidate.

Who is it for?

• It is for most men who have male pattern baldness
• Because hair loss may continue into the 30’s, it is not recommended for individuals below the age of 30.
• Dr. Gladstone will determine if you have a large enough donor site for a successful transplant for your individual needs.
• Hair restoration can be very satisfying for those women with hair loss in a local area such as the central scalp. If the hair loss is diffuse, you may not be a candidate. 

What to expect on the day of your procedure

• One month before your surgery, your surgeon may recommend the use of rogaine or propecia which may increase the survivability of the hair grafts.
• Two weeks before the procedure you must stop all Aspirin and medications such as Advil/Ibuprofen/Gingko Biloba/Vitamin E since they increase the risk of bleeding.
• Expect the procedure to last 4-6 hours.
• You should eat breakfast/lunch since the procedure is under local anesthesia
• Your should wear comfortable clothes to your procedure
• You should arrive one hour before the procedure. You will receive relaxation and pain medication. You must have someone drive you home.
• Your surgeon will take photos of your scalp and then mark both the donor and recipient sites where the hairs will be placed.
• Your surgeon and his team will then anesthetize both areas.
• Your surgeon will then remove the hairs from the donor site and put stitches and staples in—the staples result in better scarring and do not hurt.
• Your surgeon and his team will then divide the hairs and prepare them for the grafting. This can require 2 hours or more to complete.
• Your surgeon will then create the implantation sites on your scalp
• Your surgeon and his team will then implant the hairs. This can require 2 hours or more to complete.
• A bandage will be placed on your head after the procedure.

Follow up Visits
The day after the procedure (unless it is on the weekend)
Twelve days
One month
Six months
Recipient Site—hair grafts

• After 24 hours, please take off bandage (if it is on the weekend). You may need to soak it to remove it. If you have an appointment with your surgeon, he or she will do it.
• Then splash water on the graft sites with cupped hands from the shower or from the sink.
• Please do not touch grafts
• Do this once per day
• On Day number 3, you may wash you hair. Please use baby shampoo. Gently dab the shampoo on your scalp. Please do not rub it in. You should rinse as instructed above. This method of shampooing should be followed for the first two weeks. Even after the two weeks, you should be gentle when shampooing your hair.
• You will be able to rinse your hair grafts with the shower head after the staples are removed.
• Please do not blow dry hair for one month.

Donor Site (sutures & staples)

• After 24 hours, clean with diluted hydrogen peroxide (half water) with a Q tip.
• Then apply polysporin (not neosporin)
• Do this once per day until the staples are removed.
• Staples will be removed in 12 days.

You will be sore. Please take the vicodin as needed. If you feel that you can take Tylenol rather than vicodin then please do so.

• Please call your surgeon if:
• You are bleeding
• You are running a fever
• If you have questions, call 650-723-6661, and then ask for your surgeon.