Real Hair Transplant Stories from Real People

Hair Transplant Basics

Follicular Unit Micrografting

Transplanting of follicular unit micrografts is the most commonly chosen hair restoration procedure. In Dr. Epstein's hands, this technique results in hairlines that both look and function naturally, with minimal interference in lifestyle. Hair grafting has been performed for more than 30 years, but it is only in the past five years that technological advancements, as well as a greater appreciation of hairline aesthetics, have made the results of this procedure virtually undetectable.

Since 1993, Dr. Epstein has been using only the most modern techniques, which includes the removal of only a single strip of donor hairs from the back of the head with each session, plastic surgery closure of the donor area resulting in a single fine line from where the hairs were removed, proper hairline placement, and the use of exclusively micrografts and, in select patients, minigrafts. Since 1999, Dr. Epstein has been a leader in the most modern technique of microscopic follicular unit grafting. By taking hairs from the back of the head from areas that are not susceptible to ever going bald, and transplanting those hairs into bald or thinning areas on the top and front of the head, a permanent and natural-appearing full head of hair can be attained using the individual's own hairs.

				Before.

				8 months after one procedure of 2100 grafts.

		Donor strip is removed from back of head and site is stitched closed.

		After closure, donor site is totally disguised by surrounding hair. Grafts are cut from the donor strip under the microscope... then implanted in tiny recipient sites close together.

		Results after one session... and thicker, natural appearing hair after second session.

Each follicular unit micrograft contains one to three, occasionally four hairs. Usually a combination of these different sized grafts is used in the hair restoration, with the one-hair grafts going up front in an irregular pattern along the hairline, and the two-, three- and four-hair grafts placed further behind to create more density. To attain the most natural result each graft contains a single follicular unit, the collection of usually two to three hairs all within a tiny bunch, which is the way that hair grows in most individuals. By transplanting using follicular units, the way hair grows naturally, the results of the hair transplantation are virtually undetectable. Precise planting of the transplants in a random pattern results in a hairline that does not look like a line. Follicular unit grafting is the most advanced procedure, requiring a team of trained assistants to cut each graft under the microscope.

100 grafts to as many as 3000 grafts can be transplanted in a single, virtually painless, procedure lasting only several hours. The procedure is performed in the office, in a sterile, safe, yet comfortable environment. The majority of individuals choose to have the procedure performed under local anesthesia with a mild short-acting sedative. For the small number of more anxious patients, heavier sedation is available. To achieve anesthesia painlessly, the Wand, a computer-controlled device, is used. Whatever the type of anesthesia, patients report the procedure to be comfortable and enjoyable, and whatever discomfort is felt, it is much less than going to the dentist and is a small price to pay to have a lifetime of growing hair.

Patients leave the FHR bandage-free. Antibiotics and medicine to reduce the chance of swelling are taken the first three days after the procedure. Mild pain pills are taken, if at all, the first night or two to make sleeping more comfortable; any discomfort is from the donor site where the stitches are located. The day after the procedure patients return to the office to have their hair shampooed and combed, and can return to work and most regular activities. Weight-lifting, heavy exercise, and swimming can be resumed after one week, once the stitches used to close the donor site have been removed.

One day after the procedure,
there are tiny crusts around each graft.

One week after the procedure,
the small hairs can be seen growing from the scalp.

The transplanted hair begins to grow in two to three months. To help accelerate the growth of the transplants, Dr. Epstein places most of his patients on minoxidil 5%, to be applied nightly until the hairs begin to grow. In a small number of patients, many of the hairs begin to grow immediately after transplantation, providing even more rapid results. In many patients, a second, and occasionally a third, procedure is performed as soon as four to six months later to further increase the density of the hair. In some patients, subsequent procedures are only performed after there has been more hair loss in the future, after a period of several years. Except in the minority of cases, hair loss is progressive for the rest of an individual’s lifetime. Any hair restoration process performed by Dr. Epstein will include planning for this future hair loss, making the results of the hair transplant look good today, as well as in the years to come.

The Art of Hair Transplantation

Hair restoration, much like other plastic surgery, is an art. It requires a surgeon with a trained hand to create the most natural appearing result that mimics mother nature and is undetectable to even the most critical eye. The Foundation for Hair Restoration was created by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS, one of the country's most prominent experts in hair restoration, in order to assure patients of receiving the most natural-appearing, state-of-the-art hair restorations.

At the Foundation, the emphasis is on establishing a solid doctor-patient relationship, which will help guide the patient through the entire hair restoration process. Each step of the way, from the initial consultation, to the actual procedure(s), and follow-up care, is performed personally by Dr. Epstein. An individualized treatment plan is assured for every patient, because Dr. Epstein is one of only a handful of hair restoration surgeons able to offer his patients all the procedures available.

The procedures available include follicular unit micrograft transplants, which for nearly all individuals is the best procedure to obtain the most natural appearing results. Dr. Epstein also is a leader in procedures for repairing the undesirable results from prior hair transplants as well as the scarring and hair distortion from prior facial plastic surgery (see articles). And while rarely performed, Dr. Epstein is experienced in repairing the unnatural results of prior bald scalp reductions and scalp flap surgery. While most of his patients are men, Dr. Epstein is a recognized expert in the treatment of hair loss in women (see articles).

The decision to take action against hair loss can be, for some individuals, a difficult one. By choosing the most qualified hair restoration expert, the decision becomes an easier one to make. Hair restoration lasts a lifetime. Make sure it gets done by an expert, someone who, through his experience and the quality of the hair restorations performed on his patients, inspires confidence.