Follicular Unit Transplantation

Over 50 million people in the U.S. have moderate to severe hair loss. With the latest techniques to create natural looking hair, hair restoration surgery (also known as a hair transplant) has become one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures for men in the United States. In addition to her male patients, an increasing number of women consult with Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon Dr. Anita Mandal for hair grafts (follicular unit grafts & follicular unit hair transplantation) in her Palm Beach Gardens practice.

Advantages of Surgical Hair Replacement

Compared to the regular upkeep of a hairpiece or the temporary results and potential side effects of drug therapy, hair restoration is permanent and requires no special maintenance. If you are experiencing hair loss, hair thinning, a receding hairline or more extensive balding, you may be a candidate for F.U.E., neografts or other hair restoration techniques.

Because each patient is unique, Dr. Mandal tailors recommendations to the individual’s needs. Everyone has differences in their pattern of hair loss, hair texture, thickness and color.

Modern Techniques

Unlike earlier methods in which large groupings of hair follicles were transplanted, often giving the unnatural appearance of “hair plugs,” the latest follicular unit grafting techniques give your new hair a more natural look. The procedure involves taking very small hair units known as follicular units that consist of 1 to 4 hairs and transplanting them into the area of hair loss. Depending on the degree of hair loss, hair replacement can be done in stages consisting of several 500 graft mini-sessions. Alternatively, a single mega-session of up to 2,000 to 2,500 grafts, followed by a second touch up session if needed for fine tuning, can also be performed. The latter approach is not only more cost effective, but also avoids multiple sessions. The entire process is an office based procedure performed under local anesthesia.

Click here to see our Hair Replacement Scalp Before & After Gallery

Treatment

A thin strip of hair-bearing skin is taken from the back of your head using the strip method and other strip techniques, and prepared into viable grafts under the microscope, taking great care to preserve the viability of the hair transplant follicles. Next, tiny slits are made in the part of the scalp with hair loss. The grafts are carefully inserted, use special micro-forceps, into these slits. The smaller grafts containing 1 to 2 hairs are placed in front to create a new hairline or added to an existing hairline where the hair tends to be finer. Slightly thicker grafts containing 3 to 4 hairs are placed behind the hairline in areas where the scalp requires more density.

Results

After the procedure, patients typically go home with a head dressing which is removed in 24 hours. Postoperative swelling and discomfort are minimal to none. You may have some scabbing around the grafts, but this resolves quickly. Gentle hair washing along with most regular activities can be resumed in a few days. Sutures used to close the incision on the back of the head are removed at 10 days. Full hair growth can be seen at 4 to 6 months and the transplanted hair grafts are permanent.

Because the grafts are so small, the graft sites are unnoticeable. Also, once healed, the incision on the back of the head is virtually undetectable. The results are impressive and above all, natural and youthful looking. Dr. Mandal’s eye for detail and technical precision can provide a rewarding experience that leaves you with a youthful appearance.