HAIR TRANSPLANTS: Hair transplantation usually consists of removing 10 to 14 hairs as "grafts" from the hair bearing scalp on the back and sides of the head and moving them to bald areas. This technique is actually designed to transplant the roots of the hair so that once the transplanted roots are established, they produce hairs for as long as they would have at the original sites. Following the transplant, the transplanted shaft of hair will fall out. However, the follicle remains in place and new hair begins to grow in six to twelve weeks. Repeated procedures create more hair density in the desired areas. Mini-grafts (consisting of three to five hairs) and micro-grafts (consisting of one to two hairs) may be used to give a more soft and subtle look to the frontal hairline. These techniques help to avoid the "doll's head" appearance. Because these small grafts consist of only a few hairs each, the result is a much more natural look.

SCALP REDUCTION: Bald areas on the crown, top or back of the head are removed and the adjacent hair-bearing scalp is stretched over the area. Two or more procedures are usually required to achieve the desired result. These procedures are separated by several months, which allows the scalp to soften and loosen.

SCALP FLAPS: Areas of hair-bearing scalp are transposed from the back and sides of the head to the bald area. The use of scalp flaps allows for the transfer of a larger amount of hair, which continues growing after it is transferred.

During a consultation, Dr. English will examine the hair and scalp and discuss the medical history of the client. A decision regarding the best procedure or combination of procedures will be based upon these observations and the goals of the client. The ideal candidate for hair replacement has wavy or curly hair. However, the client who has thin hair may also be a good candidate for hair replacement if certain other parameters exist.

Understanding the procedure
At English Plastic Surgery Center and Surgi-Spa, hair replacement is carried out under local anesthesia with I.V. sedation. Following the surgery, a turban-type dressing is placed around the head. This dressing is removed in the office the following morning. The discomfort following hair transplantation is usually minimal. Oral medications help the client rest comfortably for the first few days after surgery.

The placement of incisions is dependent upon the procedure that is being used. In all cases, the scars are generally quite acceptable because of their location and the coverage provided by adjacent hair.

Understanding the recovery
The swelling and bruising that may result from hair replacement procedures is usually gone within two to six weeks. Stitches that do not dissolve are removed at the follow-up visit one-week after surgery. Following the procedures, most patients return to work, school or travel within a few days. The surgical areas can be camouflaged with adjacent hair, a hat or a hairpiece.

Visits to the hair salon or barber can be resumed three weeks after surgery. Because areas around the donor and recipient sites remain numb for several weeks or months, caution must be used with curling irons and hair dryers. Perms and hair color must be avoided for at least six weeks after surgery. Styling is the key to obtaining the best possible result once the hair replacement procedures are completed.

Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR).