FAQ
Q: How do I know hair restoration is the right decision for me?
A: If you have noticed an extreme amount of hair loss, or are feeling embarrassed and self conscious with a receding hairline it is worthwhile for you to seek a physician’s opinion on your options.
Q: I’ve seen people who have had hair transplantation years ago and it’s obvious – will I have the same challenge?
A: No. The methods used for today’s hair restoration are greatly advanced from those of just a few years ago. The appearance of “plugs” or “cornrows” isn’t a concern any longer as individual hairs and follicular units are transplanted and a natural hairline is followed. This meticulous technique lessens the potential for any tell tale signs.
Q: How should I select a physician to do my hair restoration?
A: There are many physicians who offer hair transplantation. When choosing the doctor to perform your procedure you should look for a board certified specialist who has trained extensively and has experience with the process. Ask to see before and after pictures from past patients. A plastic surgeon like Dr. Frank Fechner has experience dealing with hair restoration as well as training with facial plastic surgery and scar treatment.
Q: What do I need to do in advance of surgery?
A: If you are using Rogaine in advance of the surgery, you should stop 2 days prior to the procedure and you may resume using it 7 days after. If you are taking Propecia there is not a problem with you continuing it as prescribed before and after the medical procedure. You need to stop smoking, curb drinking in the days preceding the surgery and disclose all medicines and supplements you are currently taking to Dr. Fechner so that he can instruct you as to any adjustments needed. You should arrange for transportation home after your hair restoration procedure, as you will be mildly sedated making it unsafe for you to operate a vehicle.
Q: Will people know I’ve had a hair transplant?
A: In the days immediately following the procedure you may have scabs and redness at the harvest site as well as the transplantation area. Today’s hair restoration process is much more intricate, and when done well by a licensed professional like Dr. Fechner, the scarring is usually minimal. In the days following surgery however, you are able to wear a cap or hat or cover the areas if you are self conscious.
Q: How long will I need to take off from work and exercise?
A: Dr. Fechner recommends that you wait 14 days before exercising strenuously, but if your body needs more – listen to it! Most patients are able to return to work in 7 days.
Q: Should I plan on having a friend or relative drive me home?
A: Yes. The hair restoration process is done in office, under local anesthesia and a sedative – it is not safe for you to operate a motor vehicle in the immediate hours after.
Q: Will I need to have more than one procedure?
A: That depends mainly on the extent of hair loss and your personal goals. Many are pleased with the results after one transplantation session, but you can have 2-3 more to fill in the hair line and increase density if necessary. As further hair loss happens over time following hair grafting, a follow up session may be desirable years after the initial treatment.
Q: Will my transplanted hair be permanent?
A: The transplanted hair will have the same traits as your own hair of the harvest site. If the hair adjacent to the harvest site is maintained, so will band will be the transplanted hair.
Q: How much of the transplanted hair will re-grow?
A: As long as adequate and delicate technique has been used, studies show that about 95% of the transplanted hair will grow in its new location.
Q: Is it possible that I’ll have scars at the harvest area or the newly planted areas?
A: You certainly will have a scar at the harvest site, but the severity of the scar line will be lessened based on the detailed process Dr. Fechner uses to excise the donation site. Dr. Fechner uses relatively small needles to create the transplantation sites leading routinely to barely noticeable marks. His expertise in plastic surgery of the face affords Dr. Fechner’s patients the very best in wound closure, giving them an excellent chance of limited scarring issues. You will be advised to wear sunscreen and keep your head out of sun for the months following the hair grafting procedure, which will also improve your likelihood of protecting yourself from pigmentation.
Q: How long will it be before I will see my new hair grow?
A: It will take approximately 2-3 months for the transplanted hair to grow, and in about 5-6 months you should have enough new growth to begin styling.
Q: How do I need to care for my transplanted hair?
A: You can begin rinsing your hair as soon as the day following your hair restoration procedure. Hair washing has to wait 72 hours. You may wear a hat immediately and should plan on staying out of the sun or wearing a sunscreen with high SPF in the months following your procedure.
