What is hair transplantation?

Hair loss can be emotionally distressful to men. Most loss is due to hormonal changes that slow down or stop hair growth and a family history of baldness. There are some medical causes for hair loss that must be investigated because the treatment is different. Hair transplantation involves removal of a strip of hair bearing scalp (donor strip) from the back of the head. The donor strip is prepared to produce mini grafts (2-3 hairs) and micro grafts (1-2 hairs). The mini and micro-grafts produce a more natural look to the result unlike the older technique of using plugs (4-5 hairs) to graft. The area of bald scalp is prepared for the grafts by making small slits in a natural pattern. The slits will receive the grafts. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and requires several hours to complete. Generally, several surgical sessions may be needed to achieve satisfactory fullness-and a healing interval of several months is usually recommended between each session.

Who is a good candidate?

Good candidates are men who demonstrate:

• Non medical causes of male pattern baldness
• Decreased self-confidence due to hair loss
• Adequate amount of donor hair of good quality
• Non-smokers
• Overall good health

What to expect during your consultation

Dr. Stephenson will evaluate your overall health. More specifically, he will evaluate the amount and quality of donor hair available as well as the specific pattern of male-pattern baldness that is present. This evaluation will help him to develop your individual plan. Occasionally, more sophisticated procedures are needed, such as scalp tissue expansion, scalp flaps and scalp reduction, are needed before hair transplant surgery. He will also review the risks involved in hair transplant surgery. Dr. Stephenson encourages you to discuss any areas of your appearance that concern you as well what you hope to accomplish with surgery. This will help him understand your goals/expectations and whether these expectations can be realistically achieved.

Hair transplantation Recovery

Swelling and bruising are expected after hair transplant surgery. The swelling and bruising will start to resolve during the first three to five days after surgery, although this will vary between patients. You may gently wash your hair within two to three days following surgery. Stitches from the donor area will be removed in about 10 days. Strenuous activity increases blood flow to the scalp and may cause your transplants or incisions to bleed, you may be instructed to avoid vigorous exercise and contact sports for at least three weeks.

View 3D Animation of Hair Transplant Surgery

Hair Transplants

Scalp Reduction

Scalp Expansion

HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY CREDENTIALS

Credentials matter. Dr. Stephenson has received extensive additional training in hair transplant surgery. Prior to launching his own practice Dr. Stephenson performed hair transplant surgery with one of the major hair transplant clinics in Atlanta. Additionally, Dr. Stephenson is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Stephenson will be happy to discuss how hair transplant surgery may be beneficial to you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephenson at Signature Plastic Surgery, call (770) 466-4700.