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What does hair restoration or transplantation involve?
Hair transplantation involves taking mini (four to seven hairs) or micro (one to three hairs) grafts from the back and sides of the scalp and replacing them into the bald area. What many patients do not realize until speaking with surgeons from Skin & Vein is that the hair from the back and sides of the head is genetically programmed in the root to grow for a lifetime. This means that hair restoration is a permanent form of treatment. Just as important, the donor site from which the transplanted hair was taken will not become bald. Once relocated to the balding area, transplanted hair will retain the same color, texture and growth rate as the area from which it was taken.
 Will it look natural?
Smaller grafts are spread out more evenly, thus giving a natural-looking hairline. Surgeons at Skin & Vein closely study each patient's hair topography. By controlling the size of graft, distribution and precise direction of natural hair growth, transplanted hair becomes virtually indistinguishable. This customized approach creates the most aesthetically-pleasing appearance possible.
Am I a candidate for natural hair transplantation?
With advances in technology, options are now available for candidates who were once refused transplantations due to extensive hair loss. Both male and female patients of Skin & Vein regularly experience a renewed sense of confidence and contentment from this healthy, natural solution to baldness. Your surgeon should be aware of any medical condition or disorder, such as: heart disease, anemia or bleeding abnormalities, epilepsy, allergies or drug reactions, nervous or eating disorders, and all medications being taken.
 How many sessions will be necessary and when can I expect to see results?
This varies with each patient, depending on the extensiveness of hair loss. One hundred to 800 grafts of various sizes can be transplanted at each session, which takes up to three hours to complete. During your initial consultation, a surgeon from Skin & Vein will estimate the anticipated number of sessions.
How long does it take for the transplanted hair to grow?
Transplanted hair needs time to "rest" after surgery. It will usually shed after four weeks with new growth appearing approximately 12 weeks later at a rate of 1/4 inch per month. If more than one session is required, we typically schedule patients to come back for their second session in three months.
How long will the procedure last?
Unlike topical treatments in which the user must apply the treatment on an ongoing basis for hair growth to continue, transplanted hair lasts a lifetime.
Is the procedure painful?
Hair transplantation is relatively painless. Using a local anesthetic, the procedure is performed by skilled surgeons at Skin & Vein in the comfort of our office. Patients remain fully alert throughout the surgery and can usually return to work within 24 hours. Mild discomfort may occur after the procedure when the anesthesia wears off. This is easily remedied with a mild analgesic.
Is there any risk involved?
With any surgical procedure, there is some risk involved. Fortunately, complications are rare and can usually be avoided with adherence to the pre-operative instructions and a thorough medical review of all patients. Some of the complications that may occur, but are rare, include:
• Bleeding - which is easily controlled by pressure
• Infection and Swelling - which are medication controlled
• Temporary Numbness - which will resolve typically within three to six months.
There is generally a 95 percent graft survival rate.
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