By the age of 35, two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss. By the age of 50 approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair.
Hair Transplant and Hair Restoration Questions: Answered!
What is NeoGraft?
NeoGraft is a new automated hair transplant system which facilitates the harvesting of follicles during a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant, dramatically improving the accuracy and speed over previously used manual extraction instruments.
Neograft Benefits!
• No sutures or staples
• Local anesthesia
• 1mm incisions that leave little or no scar
• Natural results – both men and women can wear their hair short afterwards
• Quick recovery and return to normal activites
• Fewer restrictions on post-op activities
• Minimal post-op pain
How do I know I’m a good candidate?
Patients who would like the option of wearing a very short haircut in the back or sides of their scalp, or those who want the least amount of activity restriction (e.g. athletes) after their hair transplant procedure, may be good candidates for FUE. The NeoGraft FUE System can also be used for ‘scar camouflage’ procedures for patients who have had prior linear harvests, as well as for body hair transplants.
Candidates for hair restoration surgery are those individuals in good health with moderate hair loss and sufficient donor hair on the back of the scalp to transplant into the balding areas. Those with more donor hair, greater hair density and fullness can typically expect fuller results. It is also important that you have reasonable cosmetic goals. Hair transplantation can achieve very good, natural results but cannot restore your hair to the density you had as a teenager. Dr Lundeby will assess the amount of coverage needed to give you the appearance you desire.
How is NeoGraft performed?
NeoGraft® uses controlled pneumatic pressure to slide out the graft smoothly, so there is no pulling or twisting that can risk damaging the graft. Your grafts can be re-implanted sooner, keeping them more robust and resulting in a natural looking hairline.
How soon will I see results?
The science behind grafting is simple. Hair follicles are taken from the hair in the back of the head that naturally continues to grow. The follicles that hold your transplanted hair are living tissues that grow cyclically. Once the normal hair follicle has been implanted into the balding area, the grafted hair will stay in place for about two to three weeks before shedding – this is normal and an important part of the new growth process. After shedding, the new growth will begin in 3-4 months and your hair will continue to grow normally. More importantly, your results will look healthy and natural.
How long will the hair last?
Hair loss does not stop after transplantation – some people will need continued maintenance and further sessions will likely be required, particularly if your balding pattern continues with age. Progressive hair loss or the desire for more density may require more transplants. An estimate of balding pattern and the number of procedures needed will be discussed during the consultation with your doctor.
What is an “FUE” hair transplant?
“F.U.E.” or “Follicular-Unit Extraction” is an advanced, minimally-invasive hair transplant method which allows for the harvesting of individual follicles from the donor area without a scalpel incision or the necessary stitches, and therefore leaves no linear scar.
What are some benefits of NeoGraft over manual FUE techniques?
The highly ergonomic mechanical NeoGraft system works as a natural extension of the surgeons’ hand, allowing for faster and more accurate harvesting of hair follicles. NeoGraft patients now reach their goal with less time in the procedure room or fewer FUE procedures altogether.
Is FUE/NeoGraft suitable for both men and women?
Yes. Because FUE/NeoGraft is a minimally-invasive procedure, it is a viable option for both men and women looking to restore their own living and growing hair with transplantation.
Do I have to get a total ‘buzz cut’ to have an FUE/NeoGraft procedure?
No, not if your wear your hair long. If your donor hair is long enough, harvesting using the FUE/NeoGraft can be done by shaving small areas which can be covered by your other, existing hair. If you wear your hair short, it helps to shave it close for maximum yield. It looks more natural sooner as the transplanted grafts are short as well.
Why Do Men Go Bald?
Whether your hair loss can be fixed by topical solutions or a minimally invasive transplant, knowledge is the key to understanding male hair loss. Learn more about the hair follicle, male pattern baldness, and find out which stage of hair loss you may be suffering from.
How Hair Grows
Hair grows about an inch every couple of months and each hair sits in a cavity called a follicle. Hair typically grows for 2 to 6 years, remains at the final length for a short period, and then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any one time, about 85% of the hair on your head is in a growing phase and 15% is not.
Hair grows in naturally occurring bundles of one to four follicles called follicular units. Permanent hair loss occurs in men when follicles containing genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone or DHT are triggered to atrophy or shrink over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. The end result is a very small follicle with no hair inside. Ordinarily, hair should grow back. However, in men who are balding, the follicle fails to grow a new hair.
This genetic hair loss typically presents itself in a defined pattern called Male Pattern Hair Loss and can begin anytime after puberty.
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. It is usually diagnosed based on the appearance and pattern of the hair loss. Male pattern baldness is usually identified by the conversion of thick terminal hairs into short, thin, vellus-like hairs.
This reduction process (where hairs that were once thick become thin and very short relative to the previously thick terminal hair) increases the scalp transparency and lack of visual density in AGA. These vellus hairs are then lost over time to reveal a naked scalp. In addition, in AGA the normal 90% anagen to 10% telogen ratio is changed over to 80% anagen and 20% telogen. Although there is no increase in telogen, the shortening of the anagen phase leads to an increase in telogen hairs. About 25% of men who suffer from male pattern baldness begin the thinning process before they reach 21.
The genetic progression of male pattern baldness or androgrenetic alopecia is generally classified on the Hamilton–Norwood scale. The scale ranges from stages I to VII. This measurement scale was first introduced by James Hamilton in the 1950s and later revised and updated by Dr. O’Tar Norwood in the 1970s. Today it is simply referred to as the Norwood scale.
Female Hair Loss? Is this common?
Is female hair loss rare? According to the American Association of Dermatologist (AAD) hair loss for women is common. Hereditary hair loss affects 30 million American women and women make up nearly half of hair loss sufferers.
What is a normal amount of hair loss for females? The average person, female or male, loses 50 to 100 hairs per day. If you suspect you are losing more than the average, take note of the amount of hair shedding on your pillow in the morning, your brush after combing your hair and drain after showering. It is important to seek medical attention for guidance and diagnosis if you notice anything out of the normal.
What are the leading causes of female hair loss? One leading cause is a hereditary condition known as andrognetic alopecia. Many women experience this type of hair thinning with age, but it can happen at any time. Other causes of female hair loss are medical conditions, stress and even weight loss. There is a vast range of medical conditions that can contribute to hair loss, from pregnancy to thyroid disorders. It is important to consult with your doctor at the first onset of hair loss for these reasons.
Is it normal to not feel like myself? In quality-of-life studies, women experiencing hair loss reported a higher incidence of behavior that interfered with their daily lives — including a significant loss of self-esteem, being introverted, feeling less attractive and tense feelings in public places.
How can NeoGraft help?
We want to offer support, guidance, resources and services that best fit your individual hair loss journey. If you are an ideal candidate for the NeoGraft procedure, you will be able to replenish your head of hair with your own hair, naturally. We also have products specifically designed for female hair loss and most importantly Shape Cosmetic Surgery is ready to help you feel like you again.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Spokane/Tri Cities Hair restoration surgeon Dr. Lundeby, please send an email or call Shape Cosmetic Surgery & Med Spa, PLLC at 509-458-7546
