Microfollicular Unit Transplantation
Receding hairline. Bald spot. Thinning. No matter how you try to sugarcoat the words, they all mean the same thing: you’re going bald. And for most men and women, the reality of baldness is frightening, depressing, and confidence-depleting. But thanks to a revolutionary outpatient procedure designed to combat hair loss safely, effectively, and permanently, there is no need to go through life embarrassed or depressed because of hair loss. Called microfollicular unit transplantation, this modern technique allows for thousands of hairs to be transplanted from donor sites, producing natural-looking results with minimal side effects . No one even has to know.
What Microfollicular Unit Transplantation is
During microfollicular unit transplantation, a narrow strip of skin with hair-producing follicles is removed from the donor site, which is typically located on the back and sides of the head. The open edges of the donor site are then stitched closed in a fine line. Next, the strip, which can contain up to 2,000 hairs, is then fashioned into a series of tiny grafts that contain naturally occurring follicle patterns (called follicular units). Each follicular unit is inserted individually into the treated area through a tiny, needle prick-sized opening. The follicles and hairs will be placed so that they mimic your natural growth patterns as closely as possible. Though the hairs will fall out after a few weeks, they will eventually grow back—and may even last a lifetime.
This minimally invasive technique allows for extremely natural-looking results, better use of donor hair, a shorter surgery time, and faster recovery. And the best part is, your new head of hair can last indefinitely!
Why it's effective
Hair loss is caused by hair follicle sensitivity to the naturally occurring hormone DHT. DHT is toxic to some but not all follicles, causing them to shrivel up and stop producing hairs forever. The unaffected follicles show no reaction to DHT and continue producing hair throughout one’s lifetime. It’s these resistant follicles that allow hair transplantation to work. Here’s why:
Even if they suffer from hair loss, most patients have a sufficient amount of these permanent follicles—typically on the back of the head and above the ears. These follicles will continue to sprout hairs even if they are transplanted to another area—such as a bald spot or receding hairline. And since these healthy follicles are plentiful, Dr. Katz can transplant them to thinning regions without problem—leaving the treated areas looking natural and lush.
Why it looks natural
The key here is to recreate a natural-looking hairline that simulates the original one. Dr. Katz is expertly trained to leave no tell-tale signs of hair transplantation. That way, you can comb or cut your hair in any style you wish—there’s no need to cover up obvious treated areas. No one has to know you underwent the procedure!
Considering microfollicular unit hair transplantation?
If so, we can help you find the answers you are looking for. Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions about the procedure:
Q: What is a hair transplant?
A: A hair transplant refers to when healthy hair follicles are removed from donor sites (usually on the back of the head or above the ears) and relocated to balding or thinning areas. Once inserted, the follicles will continue to grow as they did in their original areas. In fact, when hair transplants are performed properly, their results can last indefinitely!
Q: Who is a good candidate for a hair transplant?
A: The best candidates are those who:
--Are in good mental and physical health
--Have realistic expectations
--Are fully aware of the risks, complications, and what’s involved
--Are non-smokers
--Have healthy donor sites
Of course, Dr. Katz will meet with you personally to discuss your particular case. An extremely ethical physician, Dr. Katz will not perform a procedure that could jeopardize a patient’s health. While he is committed to obtaining optimal results, he will not treat anyone with unrealistic expectations or existing medical conditions without first contacting their physicians. To find out if you are a good candidate, please contact us today.
Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Microfollicular unit transplantation is generally performed under local anesthesia, so pain during surgery is rare. After surgery, most patients experience mild discomfort, which can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.
Q: What can I expect during my recovery period?
A: Following your surgery, you may experience soreness, swelling, and occasional headaches, but most side effects subside after a few days. You will need to leave the treated area bandaged overnight; scabs will form but should disappear within days. In addition, you will be instructed in shampoo techniques to begin the very next day after the procedure. You may then resume all light day-to-day activities.
After the surgery some of the grafted hairs may fall out, but they will start growing back after three months. After three full months, you may repeat the procedure to add even more hair to the treated areas.
Although complications are quite uncommon, it is imperative that you contact Dr. Katz immediately should they arise. Unlike many physicians, he will not direct you to an emergency room or put your call through to an answering service or nurse. Instead, he will give you his personal cell phone number. If by chance he leaves town during your recovery, a board certified, extensively trained physician will be on hand to see you. After all, your health and safety are Dr. Katz’s top priorities.
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