Q. How many of the grafts “take?”
A. According to the skill of the doctor/technician, the technique used, and proper evaluation of the patient, 98% is not unusual. Regarding technique, we feel that FUE (follicular unit extraction) gives the best chance for a successful “take.” We use NeoGraft technology, which is an automated FUE system.
Q. How long will the grafted follicles grow hair?
A. If the follicles are taken from an area that will not lose hair over the life time of the patient, the grafts will continue growing hair as they would have at the donor site. The best areas would naturally be in the back and sides of the scalp, as these are genetically coded to resist baldness. Skill in evaluating these areas is extremely important. It is much easier to predict such areas in someone who is in their forties than in their twenties. It is possible for such follicles to grow hair for a life time.
Q. Is there much pain involved?
A. The strip procedure can be painful post-operatively. The NeoGraft FUE procedure, according to our patients and my own experience as a patient, is mildly uncomfortable at most. Pain medication will be prescribed, but most patients take only one or two.
Q. When can you go back to work?
A. My NeoGraft FUE hair transplant was done on a Friday and I returned to see my patients Monday. Many patients go back to work the next day. I think two days is a better idea because of the possibility of swelling in the forehead from too much activity, which may also increase discomfort.
Q. Does the hairline look natural?
A. Again, according to the skill of the person performing the procedure, absolutely. We use single hair grafts for the hairline. The direction of growth is also extremely important, and grafts must be placed so they appear natural. Otherwise, the hair may grow, but the appearance will not look natural and/or your hair will not be manageable.
Q. What if the hairline is not a straight line?
A. It is not supposed to be a straight line. Natural hair lines are irregular in shape, and this must be planned ahead of time and drawn on the scalp just before the procedure.
Q. How long does it take for the hair to start growing?
A. Much of the follicles will shed their hairs after the procedure. The first hair growth in these follicles is between 3 and 4 months. At 6 months, 50% of them will start growing and at 1 year about 95% will have started growing. Full density will not be seen until at least 1 ½ years. However, even at 8-9 months you will have impressive density.