17 Feb Hair Restoration for Hair Loss and Thinning: It isn’t What it Used to Be
Hair loss and thinning can happen to men and women alike, and can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics. RefinedMD offers both non-surgical hair restoration options as well as surgical treatments depending on the severity of hair loss and your goals. Dr. Sudeep Roy specializes in surgical hair restoration for more severe cases, so patients know they’re in great hands.
The first step in hair restoration is determining the cause. In order to qualify for SmartGraft or NeoGraft (the two types of hair restoration techniques available at RefinedMD), you must have ample amount of hair on other parts of the head or body to transplant. These techniques use follicular unit extraction (FUE), which means single hair follicles are taken from the patient’s own donor site and then transplanted to the desired site. This process is much less invasive than old-fashioned hair transplants, and many people are pleasantly surprised to find out that they actually do have enough donor hair follicles to achieve their goals.
However, in the cases of some alopecia—such as alopecia universalis where there is no hair on the body—SmartGraft and NeoGraft are not possible. The good news is that this type of alopecia is rare. In most instances, you’ll have some degree of scalp or body hair that can be used for FUE. Just keep in mind that bodily hair doesn’t grow as long as the hair on your head and is often a different texture. That makes it a good fit for a lot of men or women who prefer short haircuts, but bodily hair is not a good fit for those who want a long, luscious mane.
Understanding Your Hair Transplant Options
Both SmartGraft and NeoGraft work similarly. Both extract single hair follicles and transplant them to the desired location. The difference is in the technology and machinery. SmartGraft is automated, which means the process is much faster. It’s a good choice for patients who want a larger amount of follicles transplanted. Considering how FUE works, it’s easy to see why this process can take a long time. However, both SmartGraft and NeoGraft are pain-free. They’re so minimally invasive that you’ll be awake during the procedure and able to watch the process.
NeoGraft is a manual approach to FUE, and as such it takes much longer. However, some people prefer it because it can become more customized. It’s a good choice for those who are having a smaller amount of hair follicles transplanted or for anyone who wants a personalized approach to their FUE. NeoGraft is often a costlier endeavor since it takes longer and is manual, but those who opt for it think it’s well worth it. The total cost of either type of FUE is dependent on the amount of hair follicles to be transplanted and will be discussed during your consultation.
What to Expect after FUE
A lot of people think they’ll instantly have the hair of their dreams after FUE, but keep in mind it’s a process. Your hair has its own unique cycle, and hair transplantation won’t interrupt it. This means it might look like you have a fair amount of “new hair” after SmartGraft or NeoGraft, but in reality those transplanted hairs need to undergo a complete cycle before they become a permanent part of your new hairline. Don’t worry if you notice these new hairs “falling out” in the weeks following hair transplantation. It’s necessary so they can become part of your new, permanent hairline.
You’ll see full, long-lasting results in up to three months following your FUE treatment. Just like your real hair (because it is your real hair!), if you prefer longer locks then you’ll need to allow time for growth. Taking supplements such as biotin can help with the growth rate of hair, allowing you to achieve the look you want quicker.
We’ve come a long way since the days of invasive hair transplants that required shaving large patches of scalp or the entire head. It’s time to say goodbye to thinning and balding and get back the hairline of your youth. Call RefinedMD at (408) 688-2082 to schedule your consultation for SmartGraft or NeoGraft today.