The technique that we employ is referred to as follicular unit grafting. This technique provides extraordinary naturalness. It allows the patient to have only one session and still have a natural appearance. With follicular unit grafting we isolate the naturally occurring hair groupings (hairs grow in groups of 1, 2, 3 or 4 hairs). The donor area is taken from the back of the head using magnification to avoid follicle damage. The procedure takes several hours depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. For a 2000 graft case the average time is about 6 hours. Patients are given local anesthesia (like a dentist uses) and an oral sedative and rest or watch movies/TV/Blackberry/ iPhone/iPad. Anesthetizing the areas is the only painful part of the session and the above technique usually causes less discomfort than a visit to the dentist. Bandages are avoided altogether. The following day the patient returns to have the areas checked and shampooed. After the procedure patients have crusting and mild redness in the recipient area that can last 7-10 days and it is normal for the transplanted hairs to “fall out” in the first few weeks. The hairs then recycle and begin growing in about three to four months. The results are often not visible for six months or somewhat longer with final results evident at 12 months. The results are permanent.
