The Hair Transplantation Procedure
After you receive a hair consultation, the doctor will discuss which methods are best for your hair loss. You will have to take a comprehensive blood test to determine if you are fit enough to undergo the procedure, once the results are in you are free to schedule the surgery. You will have to avoid all anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinners for a least one week prior to the surgery. We will take before and after pictures to document your progress after your hair transplant surgery. All procedures are done under local anesthesia. The patient is completely awake, can watch tv or talk with the doctor during the procedure. They will also be allowed to take breaks for lunch or use of the restroom during the procedure. There is minimal pain involved, Dr. Hong will offer you a mild sedative if you are very anxious. Local anesthesia is injected into the donor site and within minutes the area becomes numb. Hair is usually harvested from the areas of most hair density, usually the back of the head where most hair is genetically resistant to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), this area is known as the donor site. If you and your doctor chose Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) the hair follicles will be removed using shallow punches and there will be no sutures required. If you and your doctor chose Follicular Unit Transplant (Strip Method/FUT) you will need sutures after the strip is removed. Once removed the hair grafts are prepared into follicular units by the technicians, the doctor will prepare the recipient area by making tiny slits in the scalp. This is achieved by using the Lateral Slit Technique, which allows the doctor to have greater control of the angle at which the hair is implanted, maximum scalp coverage, and less scarring resulting in a more natural looking hairline with maximum density. At New York Hair Clinic we pay very close attention to detail and use an artful eye to create a natural looking hair transplant by focusing on the differences in hair density, the angle at which the neighboring hair follicles grow and the angle at which it is transplanted. Usually patients will see significant results with one precedure, but may need more depending on the severity of hair loss present and their desired hair density. After the surgery, patients will receive their post op instructions as well as medications to ensure they have a smooth and pain free recovery.
