DERMATLANTA.COM > GRIFFIN CENTER OF HAIR RESTORATION AND RESEARCH > FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are Candidates For Hair Replacement?
Those who have experienced hair loss from scars left from accidents
or cosmetic procedures can benefit from natural hair replacement.
Other potential candidates are the majority of men with male patterned
hair loss and women suffering the onset of androgenic hair loss.
Of course, only after determining the cause of hair loss can surgery
be considered an option.
What Surgical Method Is Best For Me?
No single method is used on everyone. However, follicular grafting
is the best long-term answer for many. Each person's goals must
be assessed and a realistic plan carefully presented. You do have
options—maybe more than you realize. Times have changed. In
the past most patients received the old fashion round "plug"
grafts. Follicular grafting and some form of bald skin reductions
are the most frequently used techniques in this office, but extenders
and scalp lifts may be necessary in the carefully selected patient.
Dr. Griffin has been at the forefront of medical innovations focused
on producing a more natural, fine hairline. You, the patient, can
be the beneficiary of these advances. Our consultations are designed
to evaluate your options allowing you to make a more confident decision
to meet your goals.
I'm Just Starting To Bald. How Much Hair Will I Lose?
No one can make such a prediction—even after studying your
family tree. Because the expression of your genetic makeup is unpredictable,
the best prediction is only a guess. Generally, the younger you
start to bald (before 20), the more baldness you can expect. Creative
planning is essential so the young patient will not run out of hair
or limit his options as he grows older and balder. Unfortunately,
baldness is progressive and unpredictable.
Are All Transplants The Same?
Achieving a natural look with hair transplantation requires artistic
talents as well as meticulous surgical skills. Knowing when and
how to use each of these is the art of this surgical specialty.
The "toothbrush" look is definitely out - the shift from
plugs toward 100% follicular grafts is our standard approach. The
use of single hair grafts is now commonplace in every patient.
Who Is Best Suited For Hair Replacement?
Many factors are taken into consideration before a particular technique
is recommended. However, blondes, redheads, and gray-haired people
with medium textured, curly hair tend to be best suited for hair
replacement. The least suited candidate has black coarse hair with
fair skin in addition to extensive baldness and sparse donor areas.
Will I Be Able To Style My Hair Any Way I Want?
In the past, "combing over" to the side was the standard. Now, with multiple delicate follicular grafts, combing the hair back is possible. Your final goals are always considered in the planning process.
Will The Transplants Grow?
Even a burn victim's transplants grow. In transplants performed
for more than a decade, not one case failed to grow any hair. In
a session of 100 or more micrografts, only a few hairs did not grow
as expected. After transplanting, a small percentage of the old
hairs go into a resting phase and the new ones start to grow between
the second and fourth months. With follicular grafts, a large number
of hairs never go into a resting phase, especially if the patient
is using Rogaine.
Are Hair Transplants Painful?
Oral medications are very helpful in relieving pain and anxiety.
After the sedation and local anesthetic are given, the patient frequently
falls asleep, watches television, or listens to music while the
procedure is completed. Because follicular grafting is more tedious
than the plug procedures of the past, it takes more time.
When Can I Return To Work After Micrografting?
Most patients prefer to have surgery performed toward the end of the week and are ready for work after the weekend.
Strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided for several days after surgery. There are few instructions following surgery so a normal routine can be followed.