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Hair Transplant

INTRODUCTION

Hair loss can be one of the most embarrassing problems for both men and women, with ramifications stretching from self-image problems to worries about first impressions and social interactions. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem and can be addressed with hair transplantation. This procedure can be quite rewarding for anyone who has suffered from hair loss on the scalp or other facial areas. Hair transplants allow your own natural hair to grow where you’d like it to, bringing with it a renewed sense of self-confidence and a fresh ability to enjoy your life.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?

While each patient’s experience and reasons for undergoing elective surgery are unique, there are some commonalities among patients who decide to have hair transplant performed. These include feeling self-conscious about their appearance, being teased or called unflattering names.

Whatever your personal experiences and reasons behind considering the surgery, Dr. Bitar & Dr. Lickstein will work with you to understand your goals and help you decide if the procedure is the best option for you. They will do a thorough and complete consultation with you so you will understand all the options open to you and what kind of results you can realistically expect.

For many patients, the procedure results in increased confidence, happiness with their appearance, and a major improvement in their quality and enjoyment of life.

Ideal candidates are healthy men and women who have been losing their hair for five or more years, or have lost their hair due to a burn, trauma, or a surgical procedure such as a face lift. As well have an understanding that treatment may take months or more, and that it will take some time for the new hair to grow in. Once you have been evaluated, you will receive professional advice on the correct method to treat your hair loss.

Good candidates for the hair transplant procedure will meet the following requirements:

• non-smokers
• at least eighteen years of age
• have realistic goals and results in mind

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate and if hair transplant is the best option for you is to make an appointment with Dr. Bitar & Dr. Lickstein to discuss your options and goals.

HOW WE PERFORM THE PROCEDURE

The Bitar Institute offers two primary methods for hair replacement. The traditional hair transplant procedure is the strip method. In this method, a strip of hair-bearing skin is harvested from the back of the head and then cut units containing just a single hair follicle, a naturally-occurring group of one to four hairs. These single-follicle units are then transplanted into the bald areas.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) incorporates the latest minimally invasive technology and advanced grafting techniques. The method uses a precision tool to harvest single hair follicles from areas with the thickest hair and then individually transplanted to the recipient’s thinned area. There are no linear scars and no stitches are required, so the donor area will be minimally noticeable within few days.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

We believe a well-prepared patient leads to a successful surgery and recovery. Whether you are flying in internationally or a local, our staff strives to give you a great experience. During your initial call to our office, one of our patient care coordinators will discuss the different options available to improve the areas of your concern. A consultation is scheduled with the doctor who best fits your personal situation. The doctor will review your medical history, spend the appropriate time to review all surgical and non-surgical options, and discuss whether surgery can be performed in-office under local sedation or at the hospital under general anesthesia. In sharing our before and after photos, you get a better sense in the quality of surgery our doctors offer and what outcome you can expect to achieve. We will review pre- and post-operative care so you can be prepared for what your role is in surgery. You will be asked to stop smoking two weeks prior to and post-surgery. Next, we see you for a pre-op appointment two weeks prior to surgery to discuss any questions you may have and review surgery details, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

If you have gray hair and you color it, make sure it gets colored within 3 days prior to your procedure to permit better visualization of the hairs. Your hair in the donor area will be trimmed quite short to permit the extraction of hairs.

PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION

Your hair transplant procedure will take place at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Fairfax, VA. You will be attended by a professional and experienced team in a comfortable operating room with a television and floor-to-ceiling windows, specifically designed with the hair transplant patient in mind.
After arriving at the Institute, the doctor will review with you the details of your procedure. Your scalp will be cleaned and the hair trimmed in order to allow the plan to be drawn onto your scalp to ensure precise execution. The harvesting location will be numbed with a local anesthetic, and you will receive an oral sedative to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

Once the anesthetic takes effect, hair will be harvested. If you are a candidate for the FUE method, follicles will be harvested individually with tiny holes, while the strip method will require an incision in the posterior scalp. The length of this incision will vary depending on how much hair is required for the transplant. After the incision is closed, the follicles will be prepared under a microscope while the transplant site is numbed.
When the follicles are ready, they will be inserted in a natural fashion across the transplant site. Individual hair follicles will be carefully transplanted then dressings will be placed on the area. The entire procedure will be complete in two to eight hours depending on the extent of the hair loss.

RECOVERY

For the first few days after your hair transplant, you will experience minor discomfort, but pain medications will be given to mitigate this. Ice packs can also be used to minimize discomfort in the donor area, but the transplant site should not be touched. There may also be bruising or scabbing for several days after the transplant. You will need to avoid showering or exercise for the first three days. Also avoid alcohol, vitamins, or aspirin for the first three days, as these could cause bleeding. You should keep your head elevated at night for the first week. Any sutures will be removed within seven to 12 days. Most patients can return to work within one to three days after a FUE hair transplant, while patients who have used the strip method should wait for five to seven days. The healing process will begin immediately, with final results visible within one to two weeks.

RESULTS TO EXPECT: Once the hair begins to grow, you will experience a more youthful look with a fuller, thicker hairline. Any need for a hairpiece or wig will be reduced or eliminated entirely, and the results are completely permanent.

MAXIMIZING POSITIVE OUTCOMES

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best surgical experience possible, emphasizing patient safety while trying to optimize surgical results. This is a process that includes comprehensive pre-operative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful post operative care regimen emphasizing patient comfort and promoting recovery.

There are a number of strategies which the Institute has adapted to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose general health and lifestyle choices permit healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a preoperative assessment that includes a thoughtful history and physical exam, as well as targeted laboratory tests.

We operate at accredited hospitals and surgicenters that have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of care, employing board certified anesthesiologists and nurses. We adhere to well established surgical principles designed to ensure patient safety and have developed policies and protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Our surgeons are committed to continuing education, honing their skills and introducing new techniques always with the aim of improving safety and surgical results.

We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is committed to our patients’ well being and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical results.

HAIR RESTORATION FAQS

How much hair is transplanted at once? Is there a minimum or maximum?

You can expect to have one to two thousand hair follicles to be transplanted in one sitting for an average receding hairline. However, all cases are different. Since the procedure will be tailored specifically to the patient’s needs, the amount of hair follicles moved can vary.

How long will it be before my hair looks presentable?

It depends on the method used and on how short the hair must be trimmed. If the strip method is used, the incision may be obvious for as long as two weeks, while the harvest area is presentable within 5-7 days using the FUE method. Depending on how close the hair has been cropped, the donor site should look good anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks after the procedure.

Can a hair transplant be used for facial hair?
Yes. In fact, a hair transplant may be your only option for permanent facial hair loss, since creams and medications typically do not work on the face. In most cases, transplants from the scalp can work very well on the face.

Will a hair transplant change my hair texture?

No. Hair texture and color are governed by DNA, so your hair will remain the same after it is moved from the donor site to the recipient site.

Can a hair transplant be used to lower a naturally high hairline?

Yes, although it is important to note that lowering a hairline requires careful thought, as it can require a large amount of donor follicles as well as the understanding that the results will be permanent, even if you change your mind about your new look.

WHY CHOOSE BITAR COSMETIC SURGERY INSTITUTE?

Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar and Dr. Larry Lickstein are distinguished board certified plastic surgeons, with over 30 years of combined experience, who exclusively perform cosmetic surgery. Our doctors stay on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to offer the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, they are able to achieve beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical options, from skin care, injectables, lasers, in-office or hospital options to provide a versatile approach to fit individual patient needs. Your aesthetic goals are our priority and each procedure is customized to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

For more information about this procedure, call our office at 703-206-0506.

Content on this website is for information only and should not be used to diagnose or treat your plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery problems. Please contact your plastic surgeon with all questions and concerns.