Hair Transplant FAQ: Ask Michael!

This is an often debated issue among hair transplant surgeons. Current data indicates that transplanting in the early stages of hair loss make it easier to conceal. This allows the patient to limit the appearance of thinning over time. We recommend a thorough in-office examination of all prospective patients, especially patients under the age of 24. If the patient is a minor, we require a parent or guardian to be a part of the consultation and final decision. For more hair transplant resources visit the rest of our site!

This is an often debated issue among hair transplant surgeons. Current data indicates that transplanting in the early stages of hair loss make it easier to conceal. This allows the patient to limit the appearance of thinning over time. We recommend a thorough in-office examination of all prospective patients, especially patients under the age of 24. If the patient is a minor, we require a parent or guardian to be a part of the consultation and final decision. For more hair transplant resources visit the rest of our site!

A graft can contain from 1 to 10 hairs in some cases. Most hair transplant clinics price their hair transplants by the graft. The problem with this approach is that since the numbers of hairs per graft can be over a large range, the patient doesn’t know how many hairs are being transplanted. Many clinics separate the tissue into  an unusually high number of 1 hair grafts in order to charge more.

The PAI Levels show number of hairs, not grafts, and the general area to be covered. This forthright approach is much less confusing to the patient. Generally, the PAI Levels tend to be less expensive per hair than other approaches. For more hair transplant resources visit the rest of our site!

One graft does not mean one hair.

Multi-Unit Hair Grafting: The PAI physician will harvest grafts containing 1 to 9 hairs, depending on the area of distribution (single hair grafts belong in the frontal hairline while a variety of graft sizes create density in the vertex and crown). Thus, 2,000 grafts could potentially yield up to 7,500 hairs depending on your density. This number of grafts, well distributed, will produce a natural hairline and the desired density and coverage.

ARTAS: The physician will harvest grafts with robotic assistance.  typically a graft contains anywhere from 1- 6 hairs.  Thus, 2,300 grafts could potentially yield up to 5,300 hairs again, depending on your density.

Multi-Unit Hair Grafting: One of the benefits of Multi-Unit Hair Grafting™ is that more hair can be moved in each procedure, thereby minimizing the number of procedures needed to achieve the patient’s desired results. This trademarked procedure allows up to twice the hair volume compared to a most traditional Follicular Unit Extraction and many FUT hair transplants. And is a much better value. Patients often find that only 1 or 2 procedures are required to meet their objectives even with significant hair loss.

ARTAS:   ARTAS is definitely suited for patients with less hair loss.  If you have limited hair loss, one procedure might meet your needs, however, for  those with advanced hair loss, it may take several procedures to achieve the look you want.

Generally, the hair begins to grow within 3-5 months after the procedure and the number of new hairs will continue to increase for 12 months. However, patients who have Enhanced Hair Growth Therapy or LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy) will often notice growth much faster.  Some patients notice growth immediately while most others will see growth in as little as 2 months.

One of our strong suits!  We like to see patients the day after, 10 to 12 days after, 4 to 6 months after and 12 months after.  None of these are required but are strongly recommended. If you live away from the office we can Skype / Face Time or just have you send pictures to update us on your hair growth progress.

We will also follow up with you periodically by phone, email or letter throughout the growth process to ensure best results. We strongly recommend patients consider a hair loss management (prevention routine) following the procedure to help maintain the non-transplanted hair. PAI offers FDA approved hair loss management options for hair loss prevention.

Generally, you can return to work within a day or two following your procedure depending on your type of work and comfort level. However, any strenuous exercising or lifting should not be attempted for 14 days after the procedure or until your sutures have been removed.  Some patients will decide to take a week off of work for esthetic reasons.  We can go over your specific situation with you when your in the office for your evaluation / consultation.