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Do Hair Transplants Work For African-American Hair?

african-american hair transplant maxim

Hair transplants do work for African-American patients, and there are surgical and non-surgical options available for patients regardless of their ethnicity. This is because hair transplant procedures like FUE and FUT utilize the patient’s own, naturally growing hair as the donor tissue for the areas in which hair has thinned or loss has occurred.

Every patient poses unique challenges with regard to their hair loss, and the unique characteristics of each individual hair transplant patient’s hair follicles does play a role in determining how much coverage is possible through the procedures that are available. For African-American patients, the typically curly hair follicles present challenges for the doctor but also offer benefits not available to patients of other ethnic backgrounds.

The typically curly hair follicles of an African-American hair transplant patient make it possible for the hair transplant surgeon to cover a larger area without requiring more follicular unit grafts to be utilized. It is also easier to craft a natural-looking hairline since a straight or slightly curved hairline is in keeping with the preferred hairstyle of most African-American patients. These are substantial benefits for African-American patients undergoing surgical procedures like FUE or FUT.

Although African-American patients enjoy the aforementioned benefits when undergoing a surgical hair transplant procedure, it is important to note that there are also some challenges that these patients will face. The same qualities that provide greater coverage for the patient — thicker, curlier hair follicles — also make it more difficult for the doctor to remove each follicular graft without damaging the follicle. Hair transplant surgeons at MAXIM Hair Restoration centers in Manhattan, Washington D.C., Houston, Dallas, Philippines; Dubai, generally recommend the strip method (FUT) for African-American hair transplant patients.  The hair transplant surgeons have to exercise much greater caution when excising the follicular units from the donor site, as there is an increased risk of damage to the root of the follicle that could lead to graft failure.

African-American hair transplant patients should therefore seek an experienced and skilled hair transplant surgeon with previous experience working with other patients with similar hair follicle characteristics. Even though there are additional challenges created by the thicker and curlier hair follicles, a skilled surgeon is more than capable of excising hair follicles in a way that ensures viability for transplantation into the recipient site.

Patients should ask for examples of hair transplants completed for previous African-American patients, as previous and successfully completed hair transplants will demonstrate that the doctor is familiar with the unique challenges posed by the typical characteristics associated with African-American hair.

Which procedure is best for African-Americans: FUT or FUE?

In most cases, the unique characteristics of the patient’s hair loss will determine the most ideal hair transplant procedure. Surgical options like FUT or FUE are usually considered in terms of the total amount of coverage required and the patient’s individual preferences regarding the recovery period associated with each. This is true for most African-American hair transplant patients as well, but the challenges associated with the removal of the donor tissue may dictate which procedure is most ideal.

Since African-American hair transplant patients tend to have thicker and curlier hair follicles, some doctors will recommend the FUT procedure in order to make it easier to secure the largest number of follicles without damaging the root of the follicle. This ensures that the follicular unit grafts are more likely to be viable for transplant once they are inserted into the incisions made in the recipient site. Other hair transplant doctors might argue that since the FUE procedure allows for the individual removal of follicular unit grafts, it is easier to account for the curvature of the root and ensure the viability of the graft for transplant.

Also at issue is the type of hairstyle usually preferred by African-American hair transplant patients. Most African-American males prefer a short, close-cropped hairstyle that would make it difficult to obscure the scar left behind by the FUT procedure. Since the FUE procedure is known as a no linear incision, no-suture option, patients do not have to worry about a visible scar being left behind as a result of undergoing the hair transplant procedure. Also, the thick, curly hair follicles offer better coverage than other types of hair follicles, which makes the FUE procedure a more viable option despite the limited number of grafts that can be transplanted during a single session of FUE.

What are the challenges with African-American hair transplants?

african-american Hair Follicle maxim

Prospective hair transplant patients all bring unique challenges that a hair transplant surgeon must be able to overcome. African-American hair transplant patients pose a challenge for hair transplant doctors due to the typical characteristics associated with their hair follicles, which tend to be thicker and tightly curled. The curvature of this type of hair extends into the root of the hair follicle, which makes it more difficult for a hair transplant doctor to remove for the purpose of transplantation into the recipient site.

The curvature of the root must be accounted for during the excision of donor tissue, otherwise the doctor risks damaging the root of the follicle in a way that could reduce the viability of the transplanted graft once it is transplanted into the surgical incision created in the recipient site. While the curvature of the hair is a challenge associated with hair transplant process, experienced doctors at hair transplant clinics in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, understand how to account for the unique characteristics of African-American hair follicles and can still create a natural-looking hairline and a thicker head of hair through the use of a surgical hair transplant procedure such as FUT or FUE.

African-American hair transplant patients are not limited to surgical options for hair restoration, as a number of non-surgical options could be effective in generating the permanent solution being sought by the patient. Patients who prefer to maintain a shorter hairstyle could be ideal candidates for scalp micropigmentation, a non-surgical procedure in which special pigments are inserted at a shallow depth just below the skin to replicate the appearance of naturally growing hair. This pigment can be inserted in a way that looks like stubble or short hair, which is ideal for patients who prefer a close-cropped hairstyle.

As is the case with every prospective hair transplant patient, it is best to consult with an experienced and highly skilled hair transplant surgeon before making any decision regarding a hair transplant or a specific hair transplant procedure. Each patient is unique and should be evaluated by a professional in order to determine the most ideal course of action based on their unique hair loss characteristics and their individual hair restoration goals. Most reputable hair transplant clinics offer free consultation, and these consultations can be performed in-person or, if it is more convenient for the patient, via a host of digital methods like email or videoconferencing.

What Can Go Wrong With Hair Transplant?

There are few circumstances in which something can go wrong with a hair transplant, especially if the patient is in good health and follows the pre- and post-operative instructions provided by their hair transplant surgeon in New York City; Greenwich,Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan.  In the overwhelming majority of hair transplants, the end result should closely align with what was discussed during the initial consultation between the doctor and patient. It is also during this time that the doctor will be able to outline any potential issues that could arise due to circumstances unique to the patient. A relative lack of available donor tissue, for example, could make it difficult to deliver the appropriate degree of coverage in the recipient site.

Can a Hair Transplant Go Wrong?

It is very rare for an entire hair transplant to “fail,” but it is possible that a small percentage of the transplanted follicular units will not take root and will therefore not produce new hair growth. Skilled surgeons in New York City; Greenwich,Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, TexasManila, PhilippinesDubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan,  are able to ensure this occurs with no more than five percent of the follicular unit grafts, with the majority of patients experiencing closer to a 100-percent success rate as a result of the transplant.

This is especially the case with surgeons who work with a team of nurses and surgical assistants, as desiccation is the most common reason for a follicular unit to fail. This occurs when the follicular unit grafts spend too much time outside of the body, which is why doctors use advanced technologies designed to preserve the follicular units and work with a team of medical professionals to ensure the procedure is performed in the most efficient manner possible.

It is worth noting that even though there is a difference between a “failed” transplant and one that does not meet a patient’s expectations, the cause is of little consolation to a dissatisfied patient. Fortunately, it is possible for patients who have experienced a “failed” hair transplant or can go wrong and to address any problems or to revise any issues associated with scarring.

Common problems with hair transplants

It is hardly accurate to refer to any problem with a hair transplant as “common” without adding a qualifier like “relatively.” With the continued advance of new technologies and procedures, hair transplants are remarkably effective and yield consistent, predictable results. This is especially true for patients who select an experienced doctor and a reputable hair transplant clinic.

The most common issue encountered during the hair transplant process has to do with factors outside of the control of the doctor, such as the availability of sufficient donor tissue. The problem is often exacerbated when a patient is seeking to achieve substantial coverage through a single hair transplant procedure, as it is simply not possible to cover large areas of the patient’s scalp without the availability of donor tissue.

Even though doctors in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan,  are able to obscure the visibility of the scar, patients who have undergone FUT procedures in the past sometimes wish to have the scar revised or corrected through an additional procedure. Patients who underwent an FUT procedure long before recent advances in medical technology or who wish to switch to a shorter hairstyle tend to be chief among those who seek scar revision procedures, as the horizontal scar left behind following an FUT procedure is now quite easy to cover up with the patient’s own, naturally growing hair.

The best way to address any potential problem with a hair transplant is to seek out the assistance of an experienced and reputable hair transplant surgeon who possesses a clear track record of success performing hair transplant procedures. This includes problems associated with a lack of adequate coverage or problems associated with a failed hair transplant in which far too many grafts failed to take root in the patient’s recipient site.

How to address problems with a hair transplant?

Patients with inadequate coverage but sufficient donor tissue available can easily address their hair transplant issue with additional sessions of FUE or FUT. Of course, patients requiring multiple sessions of hair restoration should have been informed of the need for more than one transplant right from the outset during the initial consultation process, but, unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Patients who are dissatisfied with the result of their hair transplant due to the failure of the grafts to take root can also undergo additional sessions to achieve the coverage they initially sought, provided, of course, that there is sufficient donor tissue still available for use in future sessions. These patients should also seek out the expertise of an experienced hair transplant surgeon at a hair transplant clinic in Houston, New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, to identify the cause of the initial hair transplant failure in order to avoid a reoccurrence of the issue.

Can a hair transplant scar be revised or corrected?

Each and every patient who undergoes any medical procedure is unique and may therefore heal differently than others. This simple fact might cause the horizontal scar left behind by FUT to be more visible than they hoped, especially in patients who underwent FUT or other hair restoration procedures many years before medical technology made it possible to leave a far less noticeable scar behind. Patients with a visible hair transplant scar have several options available for hair transplant scar revision or correction, including each of the following:

The most effective course of action for hair transplant scar revision or correction will depend on a number of different circumstances, so it is always best for the patient to discuss the various options with a skilled hair transplant surgeon via an initial consultation at a hair transplant clinic in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan.  A scar that appears concave, for example, may be best addressed through the use of dermal fillers. A thick or raised scar may benefit most from a cortisone injection.

What is Scalp Micropigmentation 

Scalp micropigmentation is an increasingly popular option for hair transplant scar revision or correction, as this process is perhaps the most versatile and most effective of all the aforementioned options. This non-invasive, non-surgical option involves the injection of a specialized pigment at a shallow depth, which recreates the appearance of naturally growing hair and therefore obscures the scar so that it is no longer noticeable.

How does a good surgeon correct a wrong hair transplant?

Hair transplant procedures are designed with the goal of providing the patient with a natural-looking hairline and thick head of hair that restores a sense of self-confidence and improves the patient’s self-esteem. A bad hair transplant does not accomplish any of this, and in many cases will make the patient feel less confident than ever before. This is why it is so important to seek out the assistance of an experienced and exceptional hair transplant surgeon right from the beginning so that it is not necessary to consider how one can go about correcting a bad hair transplant.

Contact your Hair Transplant Specialist; MAXIM Hair Restoration

Patients who are dissatisfied with a bad hair transplant have many options available to them, all of which can completely transform a bad hair transplant into the exceptional hair transplant they sought in the first place. Assuming there is more than enough donor tissue available, a hair transplant surgeon at a reputable hair transplant clinic in New York City; Greenwich,Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, can perform an FUE or FUT procedure to address the lack of coverage yielded by the first hair transplant.

These same procedures can be used to address issues associated with a hair transplant that does not appear as natural as it should, as a good hair transplant surgeon understands how to artistically craft a hairline so that it is so natural-looking that the transplanted grafts are indistinguishable from the patient’s own natural hair.

Some patients may have experienced additional hair loss since undergoing a hair transplant procedure, which can make a good hair transplant look bad. Although it is recommended that patients wait until their hair loss has stabilized before undergoing a hair transplant, it is sometimes the case that hair transplants are performed while a patient’s hair loss is still ongoing. A good hair transplant surgeon can use the FUT or FUE procedures to ensure that any new hair loss is properly addressed and that the original hair transplant procedure is corrected when it’s wrong.

What is a Hair Transplant?

The decision to undergo a hair transplant is not an easy one, nor it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Patients should know all the pros and cons of different hair transplant procedures. So, they can make careful and informed decisions. More importantly, should they also know what is hair transplant?

Besides, they should also consider their own specific goals. Above all, what they hope to achieve by undergoing the procedure. Having a specific goal in mind serves as a guide during your decision-making process.

What is Hair Transplant?

A hair transplant is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure to treat hair loss. Also, it increases the hair density of a balding scalp. The hair transplant surgeon will remove hair follicles from the donor area. Then, they will transplant it to the scalp with thinning hair. 

Hair transplant procedures have come a long way and benefited from innovations. It helps hair transplant surgeons in creating completely natural-looking transplanted hairlines. 

There are still pros and cons associated with hair transplants. Even so, there are many advancements and pioneering techniques used. Thus, prospective patients should be aware of these things. Also, they should understand the various pros and cons of hair restoration.

Once they understand what a hair transplant is, then, they can make an informed decision. Also, this helps them ensure they will achieve the specific outcome they are seeking.

Different Types of Hair Transplant

Losing your hair is like losing your self-esteem as well. That is why many patients want to undergo hair restoration treatment. This is due to the reason that they want to restore their sense of confidence. 

With new procedures and technologies, hair transplants can successfully create a natural-looking hairline. Various hair restoration methods allow you to achieve a thicker and full head of hair. This hair transplantation method includes:

The transplanted hair blends seamlessly with the patient’s naturally occurring hair. This is because the procedures rely on donor tissue taken from the actual patient.

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)
fue hair transplant

What is Hair Transplant: The Procedures

There are a few cons associated with hair restoration procedures. Notably, the majority of these drawbacks relate to the patient’s expectations.

What is a hair transplant does not mean that it will restore the hairline they have during their early 20s. Moreover, it will not restore the hair density they have during their younger years. Also, it is unlikely that progressive hair loss will be able to stop through a hair transplant.

Thus, the surgeon will not recommend it until the patient’s hair loss has stabilized. Moreover, these hair transplant doctors have hair transplant clinic in:

  • New York City
  • Greenwich
  • Connecticut
  • Chicago
  • Illinois
  • Washington D.C. 
  • Northern Virginia
  • Houston and Dallas, Texas
  • Manila, Philippines
  • Dubai and Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
  • Karachi, Pakistan

Patients should know that a hair transplant aims to improve the existing hairline. It also improves hair density while using the patient’s limited supply of donor tissue.

So, a patient with suitable expectations is far more likely to be satisfied with the outcome. That is because they know what a hair transplant can and cannot achieve. During the initial consultation, the patient should ask any questions about hair transplants. By doing so, the doctor will be able to outline what procedure is right for the patient.

At that time, the doctor will be outlining the limitations tied to each procedure as well. Thus, it will help the patient understand what to expect with the procedure.

Benefits of Hair Transplants

The benefits of hair restoration are difficult to quantify. This is because many patients undergo hair transplants to gain back their self-esteem.

An improved hairline and a thicker head of hair contribute to a more youthful appearance. For that reason, a hair transplant influences their confidence and boosts self-esteem. Thus, it can generate untold benefits of hair transplantation. Also, this includes a multitude of aspects of one’s personal and professional life.

hair transplant benefits

Who are the Patients need Hair Loss Treatments?

Patients report feeling energized after experiencing the improvements from the procedure. Also, they often feel that they enjoy an increase in positive interactions with:

  • Friends
  • Family
  • Colleagues
  • Acquaintances
  • Strangers

 Who are the best candidates for hair transplants?

Anyone experiencing hair loss can be a good candidate for hair transplants. Potential patients that work from sales and marketing can be a candidate as well.

Moreover, patients from different countries around the world are eligible for hair transplants. This includes places like:

  • New York City
  • Greenwich, Connecticut
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Washington D.C.
  • Northern Virginia
  • Houston and Dallas, Texas
  • Manila, Philippines
  • Dubai and Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
  • Karachi, Pakistan

There is little or no evidence revealing the fact that a patient undergoes the procedure. So, the patient can choose who they wish to inform about undergoing a hair transplant. This is especially the case with procedures like FUE. FUE offers a no-scar, no-suture hair restoration technique.  

Even with FUT, the scar is less noticeable. The small horizontal scar that is left behind can be easily obscured by the patient’s hair.

The brief recovery period associated with both FUE and FUT is also beneficial to the patient. After a hair transplant, there will be little to no interruption to the patient’s schedule. Following FUE, the patient can return to normal activities the next day.

But in a FUT hair transplant, the patients will need to tone down in their activities. Yet, it will be no more than a few days before they can resume regular activity. Thus, it’ll take a few weeks before a patient can resume doing strenuous activity.

What is Hair Transplant: The Limitations

Are you weighing the pros and cons of a hair transplant procedure? First, you must understand that there are limitations to what these procedures can do. 

Since there are limitations, the patient’s big expectations may be hard to achieve. As such, they are likely to be unhappy with the work of even the most exceptional hair transplant surgeon.

So, it is vital to clearly understand what a hair transplant can and cannot do before making a decision.

What is a hair transplant surgery and how does it work?

In a hair typical transplant procedure, the surgeon will use hair from the patient’s donor site. They do this to generate an appropriate amount of coverage in the recipient site. The recipient site is the place in which hair loss or thinning hair is most clear.

How to achieve adequate coverage with a limited supply of DHT-resistant donor tissue? 

To do this, the hair transplant surgeon needs to restore 25% of the total hair follicles. This hair graft otherwise is naturally growing in the donor tissue. 

Hair transplant doctors around the world use this 25% figure. Since 25% has shown to create more than adequate coverage in areas affected by hair loss. Moreover, the surgeon will not need to overuse the available donor tissue.

What do we aim for in this surgical procedure?

The primary goal of a hair transplant is to improve the patient’s existing hairline. Also, this is to enhance the density of the patient’s hair. Patients shouldn’t expect their hairline and hair density will be completely restored. Thus, the shape, form, and hair volume while they wear young will not be the same though.

So, the patient should have appropriate expectations when considering a hair transplantation procedure.

What to Expect After a Hair Transplant?

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss everything with the patient. Thus, they will cover what you should expect throughout every stage of the process. This includes the:

  • Pre-operative stages
  • Post-operative stages

Notably, these post-operative expectations will depend upon the specific hair transplant procedure. This is due to the reason that the recovery process of FUE is different from FUT. Also, the patient must follow the instructions that the doctor provides.  

Otherwise, there is a negative impact on the overall efficacy of hair restoration. Surely, you wouldn’t want that to happen after your hair restoration treatment, right? That is why you should not ignore the doctor’s post-operative guidelines.

What to expect?

What is Hair Transplant: The Maintenance Process

After completing the FUE hair transplant, patients can expect a quick recovery process. Thus, they will be able to resume normal activities on the day after the procedure. This is because the FUE hair transplant procedure is a no linear scar and no-suture procedure. 

However, the FUT procedure will need a slightly longer recovery process. So, many patients take one or two days off following the completion of the procedure. After a few days of taking it easy, the patient can resume their normal activities. However, they should still exercise a bit of extra caution during the first week to 10 days.

In both procedures, the patient can expect the transplanted hair to fall out after 2-3 weeks. Moreover, you don’t have to panic seeing your hair is shedding. Falling out transplanted hair is completely normal and is no cause for concern. 

Within the first 2-4 weeks after the procedure, the transplanted hair will start to fall. Usually, 10%-15% of these hairs will be in the “SHEDDING” phase. Don’t think that your hair follicles are damaged, that’s why your hair is falling out. It naturally happens because it is making way for the new hairs to grow. 

Also, expect that the transplanted grafts will begin to grow new hair after about four months. Thus, these new hair growths are stronger, healthier, and thicker. 

So, the patient can have a clear idea about the coverage the hair restoration has yielded after 6 months.

What is Hair Transplant: THE SIX-MONTH MARK

Do you want to achieve greater hair density? Then, the ideal time to know if you need additional sessions is 6 months after the procedure. 

If you want to undergo multiple FUT sessions, 6 months is also the appropriate time to meet your doctor. By that time, your hair transplant surgeon can make a plan for your next FUT hair transplant sessions.

When you are seeking big improvements to the volume of your hair, 1-2 sessions should be enough. Still, the transplanted hair needs to grow after the initial procedure. So, the doctor can decide whether your session is really enough.

What kind of results should I expect?

Hair restoration is capable of improving the overall appearance of one’s hair. This is through the enhancement of the existing hairline. As well as, through the density added to areas in which hair loss or thinning hair has become noticeable. 

Yes, it is possible to achieve marked improvements. Patients should also know that there are limits to what the procedure can achieve. Thus, they should set realistic expectations based on those limits.

kind of results

Also, few factors will determine the result of a hair transplantation procedure. The amount of viable donor tissue will play a significant role in how much the procedure can cover.

Also, some patients may not have enough DHT-resistant donor tissue. Thus, they cannot generate the level of coverage the patients need. Even if there’s enough tissue available, the patient is not willing to have many sessions.

Thus, many factors will influence the possible results the surgery can achieve. Despite that, patients can still expect to see the results outlined by their doctor. Patients can discuss their specific goals with the doctor during the initial consultation. Also, this is the time to know how to go best about achieving these goals.

Contact Hair Loss Specialist near You

Many factors will influence the possible results hair transplantation can achieve. Despite that, patients can still expect to see the results outlined by their doctor.  Patients can discuss their specific goals with the doctor during the initial consultation.

Your hair transplant surgeon may recommend strategies to supplement the surgical procedure. Also, the hair transplant can be in conjunction with a non-surgical hair transplant procedure. FUE and FUT may enjoy the use of a topical solution once the grafts have taken root. Also, some patients have achieved the coverage they are seeking. They achieve this with a hair transplantation procedure together with a scalp micropigmentation.

What is a FUE hair transplant?

What is a FUE hair transplant?

An FUE hair transplant is also a more time-consuming option due to the fact that individual follicular units are excised and then transplanted into the recipient site. A session in which 1,500 to 2,000 grafts are transplanted will take much more time during an FUE session as opposed to an FUT session, but it is also possible for multiple sessions to be performed on consecutive days due to the speedier recovery process associated with FUE.

What is a FUE hair transplant?

FUE is an acronym commonly used to refer to Follicular Unit Extraction, which is a type of advanced hair transplant procedure in which individual follicular units are taken from the donor area and transplanted into the recipient site. Due to the fact that the FUE procedure involves the excision of individual follicular units as opposed to the surgical removal of a strip of donor tissue, Follicular Unit Extractions are known as a no linear scar, no-suture option.

The subtle differences between FUE and FUT often lead to a number of questions from patients, with the questions that follow representing the most commonly posed:

  • What is an FUE mega session?
  • How long does it take to complete a session of FUE?
  • How long is the recovery period for FUE?
  • Which procedure is better: FUT or FUE?

Patients should recognize that there are advantages and disadvantages inherent in any hair restoration procedure, and it is often a matter of identifying one’s own priorities and preferences when it comes to determining which procedure is best. The answers to each of the questions referenced above will certainly help any patient determine the most ideal procedure based on his or her own specific hair restoration needs.

Looking for FUE Hair Transplant Surgeon?

It is also worth noting that there is no way to overstate the importance of seeking out a hair transplant surgeon capable of performing the most advanced and innovative hair transplant procedures while using the latest developments in medical technology. An experienced surgeon will be able to ensure that the patient benefits from the hair transplant procedure to the greatest degree possible by artfully crafting a new and natural-looking hairline while restoring volume and thickness to the patient’s hair.

Few things are more important than working with a hair transplant doctor who engenders a sense of confidence and trust in the patient, so it is imperative that anyone considering a hair transplant works diligently to identify a highly qualified surgeon and a reputable hair transplant clinic before going forward with a procedure.

FUE Hair Transplant is available at MAXIM Hair Restoration and other providers in New York City, Greenwich, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan.

What is a FUE Hair Transplant mega session?

An FUE mega session is a version of the standard Follicular Unit Extraction in which the patient has as many as 4,000 individual follicular grafts transplanted at once. This is more than double the number of follicular grafts typically transplanted during the traditional FUE procedure, as most FUE transplants involve 1,000 to 2,000 grafts. For patients seeking to restore a great deal of volume to the areas of their scalp adversely affected by hair loss, multiple sessions of the traditional FUE procedure might be necessary.

fue hair cycle

With the availability of the FUE mega session, patients in need of extensive coverage and a natural-looking hairline can opt for a single session of FUE rather than undergoing multiple procedures. For patients with substantial hair loss, a mega session will reduce the subsequent sessions of FUE required to generate the amount of coverage being sought. As an additional benefit, FUE is known for its status as a no-scar, no-suture procedure, allowing patients a faster recovery time in which they may return to normal activities as soon as the day following the procedure.

It is always best for patients to consider the totality of available options before making a decision regarding a hair transplant procedure. Patients seeking to restore significant hair density through a no-scar, no-suture procedure may find that an FUE mega session is the best option available. It is then critical for the patient to select a facility that specializes in hair transplant procedures and is capable of performing an FUE transplant involving up to 4,000 individual follicular grafts.

FUE mega session is available in New York City, Greenwich, Connecticut, Chicago, Illinois, Washington DC/Northern Virginia, Houston, Dallas, Texas, Manila, Philippines, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., and Karachi, Pakistan.

How long does FUE Hair Transplant take?

The length of time required to complete an FUE procedure will vary considerably depending on several critical factors, with the number of follicular units being transplanted being the most influential component. As a general rule, however, an FUE procedure will require more time to complete than a FUT procedure due to the number of follicular units included in each graft (FUT procedures utilize follicular units that include between one and three follicles per graft; FUE procedures utilize follicular units featuring one follicle per graft).

Patients undergoing an FUE transplant at a hair transplant clinic in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, can expect a single session of the procedure to require up to eight hours to complete. This is the case even with an experienced doctor supported by a team of nurses and surgical assistants, as the simple fact of the matter is that it requires a great deal of time to transplant anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 grafts (or up to 4,000 follicular unit grafts in a mega session). The trade-off for the length of time required for a single session of FUE is the reduced recovery time and the lack of a scar or the need for sutures.

Which procedure is better: FUT or FUE?  

During the course of an initial consultation at a hair transplant clinic in New York City; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, hair transplant surgeons are often asked which procedure is better: FUT or FUE? Without any information about the patient and his or her specific hair transplant needs, it is simply not possible to determine which procedure is the best since both offer benefits that each patient will view quite differently. This is why it is advisable for patients to schedule an initial consultation with a skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeon to discuss which treatment options are most ideal based on the individual patient’s unique hair restoration needs.

A patient whose priority is to restore the greatest possible volume in the most economical way might prefer the FUT procedure as opposed to the FUE procedure. On the other hand, a patient whose priority is to avoid scarring and who does not wish to have their normal activities interrupted by the need to recover from the procedure might prefer the FUE procedure to the FUT procedure. An experienced hair transplant surgeon can play a vital role in helping the patient determine which procedure most closely aligns with their priorities and with the goals they hope to achieve through a hair transplant procedure.

Procedure between FUE and FUT

When choosing between the FUT procedure and the FUE procedure, patients should understand the specific qualities that differentiate the two procedures since both are effective hair restoration options. The FUT procedure allows patients to have a greater number of grafts transplanted during a single session, but the recovery time is slightly longer than FUE. Doctors performing the FUT procedure usually recommend a period of six months between sessions of FUT, so a patient requiring more than 3,000 grafts (up to 5,000 individual follicles or more) will have to wait a bit longer to see the final result of their hair transplant.

The FUE procedure allows the patient to undergo multiple procedures on consecutive days due to the fact that the FUE procedure does not involve the excision of a strip of donor tissue. Since individual follicular units are surgically removed from the donor site, there is no horizontal scar and patients can return for additional procedures on the days that follow the initial procedure. Patients also have the option of undergoing a mega session of FUE in which up to 4,000 follicular unit grafts are transplanted during a single session.

Many of the benefits associated with FUE also result in its status as the more time-intensive procedure when compared to FUT. As a result of the time required to complete each session, FUE tends to be the costlier option when compared to FUT. Ultimately, it will be up to the patient and the doctor to select the procedure that best meets the patient’s individual needs and priorities, as each patient will value the benefits of each procedure quite differently.

What Is A Hair Transplant Graft?

Patients considering a hair transplant must understand that there are several terms that carry very different definitions despite appearing to be some what inter-changeable like hair graft.

What Is A Hair Transplant Graft?

The term “hair transplant graft” is one of the most commonly misunderstood, which is quite problematic considering the fact that the majority of hair transplant clinics charge according to the number of grafts transplanted.

During a hair transplant procedure like FUT, for example, the hair transplant doctors in New York; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, will create a hair transplant graft from the strip of surgically removed donor tissue. Each graft may contain between one and three follicles, which can then be surgically transplanted into the patient’s recipient site. Since hair naturally occurs in similar groupings of hair follicles, hair transplant grafts make it possible to closely replicate a patient’s naturally occurring hair in the areas most affected by thinning hair or hair loss.

It is important to note that hair transplant grafts typically include the majority of the dermis and epidermis that surrounds the hair follicle. This is done to ensure that the graft — which is taken from an area of the scalp resistant to DHT, the hormone most often responsible for causing hair loss — is likely to survive the transplantation process and contribute to the creation of a natural-looking hairline along with vast improvements in the fullness of the patient’s hair.

The term “hair transplant graft” is not the only term commonly misunderstood or improperly applied, so clarification of each of the following terms is necessary so patients can feel confident that they are fully informed regarding all aspects of the hair restoration process:

  • Hair follicle
  • Micro graft
  • Mini graft

With an understanding of the subtle differences in commonly used hair restoration terms, patients can confidently pursue the best procedure based on their unique individual needs.

What is a hair graft follicle?

A hair follicle is a narrow and tube-shaped cavity that contains the actual root of the hair. This cavity is located within the skin’s corium and the epidermis, and it is from this cavity that individual hairs emerge and grow. A hair follicle is made up of several different structures, including each of the following:

  • Bulge
  • Papilla
  • Matrix
  • Root sheath

In addition to these structures, a hair follicle is affected by several other associated structures, including the arrector pili muscles, apocrine sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and the infundibulum, which is the “cup” in which the hair follicle grows.

Hair follicles go through a repeating cycle of growth that includes the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases,  are responsible for the continued growth and production of hair. As damage accumulates in these due to the natural aging process, the hair follicle itself begins to age and becomes more susceptible to hair loss associated with the hormone DHT.

During the hair restoration process at a hair transplant clinic in Houston, New York; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, hair follicles are surgically excised — sometimes in groups of two to three follicles — from areas of the scalp that are most resistant to the effects of DHT. When these DHT-resistant follicles are transplanted into the areas that have already been adversely affected by DHT, the follicles begin to cycle through the typical anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. This results in renewed hair growth in areas of the scalp previously displaying evidence of hair loss or thinning hair caused by DHT.

What is a Hair micro graft?

A micro graft is a small piece of donor tissue prepared by the hair restoration surgeon for the purpose of a hair transplant procedure. Micro grafts usually contain multiple hair follicles — typically between one and two total follicles — that can then be transplanted into a surgical incision created by the doctor in the patient’s recipient site. The micro grafts are placed with a great deal of precision throughout the recipient site to ensure that the transplanted follicles yield the greatest amount of coverage possible and contribute to the creation of a natural-looking hairline and the restoration of a thick head of hair.

Micro grafts are utilized in a number of hair restoration procedures, including FUT — also known as strip hair restoration. Once the strip of donor tissue has been surgically removed from the scalp, the hair transplant surgeon in New York; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan.  will begin a process in which the micro grafts are created using the excised strip of donor tissue. These micro grafts can then be inserted into the small incisions already made in the recipient site. With each graft containing one or two hair follicles, a micro graft typically measures about 1.5 millimeters.

What is a Hair mini graft?

Mini grafts are a type of donor tissue utilized in hair transplants, with each mini graft possessing multiple follicles. These mini grafts — which typically include three to five hair follicles — are designed to yield greater coverage and volume when utilized in a hair transplant. Although a mini graft is slightly larger than a micro graft, both types of grafts are quite similar and serve a critical purpose in the hair transplantation process.

Hair transplant surgeons in New York; Greenwich, Connecticut; Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, often utilize mini grafts during the hair transplant process while using the strip hair restoration technique. Mini grafts, just like micro grafts, are created from the excised strip of donor tissue and subsequently transplanted into the small, pre-made surgical incisions created by the doctor in the patient’s recipient site. Since the mini grafts are slightly larger than the micro grafts, the doctor is able to ensure the grafts yield the appropriate amount of coverage and restore a great deal of volume to the areas in which the patient is experiencing thinning hair or hair loss.

WHAT DOES HAIR RESTORATION MEAN?

If you want hair restoration, it can be hard to know which one is right for your needs. Hair restoration can be confusing. There are different types and procedures. So what does hair restoration mean?

What is hair restoration?

Hair restoration is a hair loss treatment that helps people who are balding. There are many different procedures to help people with hair loss. They can be used when referring to many different procedures that include:

People often get confused about the different procedures because hair restoration covers everything.  People might not know which procedures can be used to treat hair loss.

So, what does it mean? 

The term can be used to describe any type of medical procedure that makes you look better. One way is to do something about your hairline and get more hair so it looks natural. This includes:

Also, there are many other procedures available including topical or oral solutions like:

  • Rogaine
  • Propecia

Additionally, it is not limited to addressing hair loss or thinning hair that occurs on the scalp. Also, facial and body hair transplants fall under the definition of hair restoration.

What does surgical hair restoration?

Surgical hair restoration includes some of the most popular and effective procedures like:

  • FUT Hair Restoration
  • FUE  Hair Restoration
surgical hair restoration

Surgical hair restoration procedures are available in:

  • New York
  • Greenwich
  • Connecticut
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Washington D.C.
  • Northern Virginia
  • Houston and Dallas, Texas
  • Manila, Philippines
  • Dubai and Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
  • Karachi, Pakistan

As a surgical procedure, both options involve the use of a local anesthetic. Also, you may need some downtime after a hair transplant. Still, this will depend on the specific procedure you have selected.

The surgeon administers local anesthesia to the patient for FUT and FUE procedures. It is important when the surgeon harvests hair follicles from the donor site. Also, it prepares the recipient site for the procedure.

What does FUT hair transplant mean?

In the FUT procedure, the doctor can transplant a large number of follicular units in one session.  Yet, the recovery time of this surgical hair transplant procedure is much longer.  The FUT is a little longer than the recovery needed following an FUE session.

As a surgical procedure, the FUT hair transplant leaves a horizontal scar at the donor’s area. Even if the scar remains on the scalp, the surgeon ensures that it’ll not be visible. Also, your naturally occurring hair will be enough to cover the scar.

What does FUE hair transplant mean?

Not all surgical hair transplant procedures leave a scar. In fact, FUE is a technique that does not make any linear scars. It extracts and transplants individual follicles. The procedure is more time-consuming, yet recovery is quick. Also, you can have FUE hair transplant sessions in a row.

What is Non-surgical Hair Restoration?

Due to advances in hair restoration, there are many non-surgical options. Some of these are oral or topical solutions. These include Propecia and Rogaine. You can also use them to protect your scalp from more hair loss.

Aside from these medications, patients can also choose non-invasive and non-surgical methods. Scalp micropigmentation is both a non-invasive and non-surgical hair transplant treatment.

non surgical hair restoration

What is Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)?

Scalp Micropigmentation is a new procedure in the field of hair restoration. It can be used to replace hair that has been lost. This is a cost-effective option for people who do not want surgery. SMP is an effective choice for those looking to supplement a FUT or FUE procedure. Aside from being non-invasive, you can see the immediate results that SMP brings.

One thing that might work for you is scalp micropigmentation. This procedure, also known as SMP, involves implanting ink into the skin of your scalp to give the appearance of hair follicles. It takes less time to get results and it’s similar in that your hair will grow back thicker.

The Process of Non-Surgical Hair Restoration

In SMP, the technician uses sophisticated and digitally controlled needles. It helps the technician in delivering the specialized pigment at a shallow depth. So, the microdots will replicate the appearance of stubble or cropped hair. 

SMP does not rely on the availability of enough donor hair. So, there is no limit on hair density. Through the use of scalp micropigmentation, the technician can create a hairline. SMP does not need any surgery to get hair follicles. You also do not need to transplant hair follicular units. There is no scarring left behind by scalp micropigmentation. You will also not have to take care of your head after the procedure is done.

Non-surgical hair restoration options may be ideal for many patients.

Consult with the hair restoration expert near you

Prospective patients should talk to a doctor who has been trained to do hair transplants. They can then learn about the different options and decide which one is best for them. A consultation is when you get to talk about what hair transplant procedure would work best for you. You will know what the doctor thinks will work best, and he can find out the root cause of your hair loss during the appointment. Doctors can tell you what kind of surgery to have. They may even suggest that you do both surgeries. This is best for getting your hair transplant goals.

What does Strip Hair Restoration mean?

A strip hair restoration is also called a follicular unit transplant. This is one of the most effective surgical options to get a natural-looking hairline. It can also help restore volume to areas with thinning or lost hair. A strip hair transplant involves using incisions to harvest and transplant follicular units as part of the surgery. As a surgical procedure, it requires the use of a local anesthetic.

The doctor will remove the horizontal hair strip from the donor area. So, they can secure the follicular units from the lower part of the back of the head. This is why the FUT hair transplant procedure is commonly known as a strip hair transplant. The doctors will choose the donor site based on the chance of getting the greatest number of grafts.  Also, they ensure the horizontal scars created by FUT can be obscure by the remaining hair.

After removing, the doctor will dissect the strip into follicular units. These units will then be transplanted into the recipient site.

How do FUT works? 

FUT Hair transplant is one of the best ways to fix hair loss. This is because it allows the doctor to place 3,000 grafts in one surgery session. The surgery lasts about four hours total. This means you can get 9,000 follicles transplanted onto your balding scalp area.

Furthermore, you may need to take it easy for a few days after the FUT hair transplantation procedure. Also, it takes about six months before you can see the positive results of the procedure. Thus, it may take up to a year before you see the density you wanted.

What does FUE Hair Restoration mean?

FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is like the FUT procedure. It is also an effective surgical hair restoration option in treating hair loss.

When a person gets the FUE procedure, they will get a local anesthetic. This is so that the doctor can remove individual follicular units from the donor site. Hair grafts are then transplanted to the recipient site.

Since the hair grafts are individually removed from the donor area, there will be no linear scar.

FUE is a surgical procedure. Hair grafts are transplanted one at a time, so it is more time-consuming than FUT. The transplantation of hair grafts is in a limited number as well. Even though FUE is a surgical procedure, it is possible to have many sessions on consecutive days. So, the FUE procedure can let you get the hair that you want in just one day.

FUE is a type of hair transplant that will allow you to return to your normal activities faster. Many people can resume their work the day after the procedure.

FUE is a popular option among patients because it does not leave a linear scar and you do not need stitches. The results are also very good for the patient. FUE and FUT are essentially and equally effective in delivering the final result. However, they both depend on what you want or need as a patient. For example, if you want your hair to grow quickly after surgery, then the FUE method would be best for that.

It is best to discuss your hair restoration goal with your doctor So, you can achieve your wants and needs with regard to the process. It includes everything from the pre- to the post-operative hair restoration stage.

What is Robotic Hair Restoration?

Robotic hair restoration meaning refers to any procedures that use some automated system. A robotic or automated system is used in conjunction with surgical options like FUT or FUE. Often, doctors use Robotic hair restoration in a complementary way. In short, robotics can apply to the different processes of hair  restoration including:

  • Extraction
  • Dissection
  • Storage
  • Transplantation of follicular unit into the recipient site

Furthermore, the tools and technologies that may be used in hair restoration include:

  • Pneumatic tools
  • Refrigerated storage systems

Thus, it aims to secure and preserve the greatest possible volume of viable donor tissue.  It helps the doctor from the harvesting up to the transplantation to the recipient area.

The advanced technology has been beneficial for hair transplant doctors and patients. These automated systems need the presence of experienced and skilled hair transplant surgeons. So, they can oversee and operate the automated aspects of the procedure.

Many doctors believe that automation has benefits. But there are also many other surgeons who prefer to do a manual hair transplant. At this point, you can choose to use robotic or automated systems. They are both good.

WHAT DOES A HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGEON DO?

A Hair Transplant Surgeon with responsibilities that require a delicate balance of science and art, and being hair transplant surgeons possess a unique skill set that makes it possible to address issues associated with thinning hair or the various stages of hair loss. Through the use of any number of hair restoration techniques and procedures, these skilled doctors can create a natural-looking hairline and restore a great deal of thickness and volume to a patient suffering from hair loss or thinning hair. Hair transplant surgeons are trained to perform a wide range of procedures that include both surgical and non-surgical options, and patients can expect their doctor to be involved throughout the entirety of the process, from the initial evaluation to the post-operative follow-up.

Looking for a Hair Transplant Surgeon?

During the initial consultation at a hair transplant clinic in New York, Greenwich, Connecticut: Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, doctors will review the patient’s hair restoration goals and will explain the different procedures that are available along with a recommendation regarding which ones are most ideal based on a number of factors unique to the individual patient. At this point the doctor may recommend a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), or one of the many other available surgical and non-surgical options, all of which yield exceptional results for patients seeking the restoration of thick head of hair along with a natural-looking and artfully crafted hairline.

It is at this point that the doctor and patient will agree upon a specific course of action and schedule a date for the procedure, and the doctor can be expected to furnish detailed instructions regarding how to properly prepare for the day of the procedure to ensure that best possible outcome is achieved. This will include an overview of what the patient can and cannot do in the days leading up to the procedure as well as on the actual day of the procedure.

Hair Transplant Surgeon

The doctor’s responsibilities on the day of the procedure will vary considerably based on the extent of the hair loss or thinning hair being addressed as well as the specific surgical or non-surgical option selected by the patient. Generally speaking, however, the doctor will work in concert with a team of nurses, medical assistants, and surgical assistants on the day of the procedure. The doctor will be responsible for designing the hair line that is acceptable to the client.  He/she is also responsible for administering anesthesia and ensuring minimal discomfort and pain to the client.  He/she then performs and oversees the harvesting and extracting grafts from the donor site and preparing them for insertion into the recipient site.

Overall, the hair transplant surgeon is responsible for the procedure from start to finish including oversight of the team.

What are a hair transplant surgeon’s credentials?

Hair transplant surgeons at MAXIM Hair Restoration are board certified surgeons and typically hold a specialization in plastic surgery, but it is not uncommon for hair transplant doctors to posses areas of specialization that include dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and general surgery. The doctors in New York, Greenwich, Connecticut: Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Norther Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, all possess extensive experience performing a wide range of hair transplant procedures and were trained and educated at some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide. In fact, many of MAXIM’s hair transplant surgeons are performing research on new methodologies that show a great deal of promise for the future, and several of MAXIM’s doctors have shared their findings in medical journals and other industry publications.

In addition to board certification in plastic surgery or other related areas of specialization, a hair transplant surgeon should also possess an extensive track record of successful hair transplant procedures clearly demonstrating the doctor’s ability to perform natural-looking hair restoration procedures. After learning more about a doctor’s exceptional academic credentials, professional certifications, and prior examples of the positive outcomes generated through a hair restoration procedure, a patient should feel a strong sense of confidence in their doctor. With all of this information at their disposal, patients can make a full assessment of a doctor’s ability to balance the art and science of a hair transplant.

Is a plastic surgeon better at hair transplants?

Many of the doctors at MAXiM Hair Restoration who perform hair transplant procedures are indeed plastic surgeons, but there is also quite a large percentage of highly qualified doctors who possess board certification in cosmetic surgery, general surgery, and dermatology, along with a number of other areas of specialization outside of plastic surgery. Patients considering a hair transplant procedure should be aware that there are quite a few factors to take into account when choosing the ideal hair transplant doctor, and a doctor’s background in plastic surgery is just one piece of information worthy of inclusion in this critical decision-making process.

After reviewing a doctor’s qualifications and medical credentials, patients should consider the extent of a doctor’s previous experience in performing surgical hair transplant procedures. It is especially critical that the doctor specializes in hair transplant procedures and is able to offer access to the most advanced practices and technologies available. This should include surgical options — such as FUE and FUT — as well as non-surgical options, including scalp micropigmentation.

Meet your Hair Transplant Surgeon

Meeting the doctor and his or her staff during an initial consultation at a hair transplant clinic in New York, Greenwich,Connecticut: Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C. and Norther Virginia; Houston, Dallas, Texas; Manila, Philippines; Dubai, Abu Dhabi,U.A.E.; and Karachi, Pakistan, is perhaps the best strategy for determining the most ideal doctor. During the course of this complimentary initial meeting, a patient can gain a great deal of insight into the quality of previous patient outcomes and will begin to develop a general understanding of the kind of care the doctor and his or her staff will be able to provide during the treatment process.

So even though many hair transplant doctors at MAXIM Hair Restoration are trained and board certified as plastic surgeons, there are countless other factors a patient must consider when selecting the best hair restoration doctor. A comprehensive review of the doctor’s qualifications, experience, level of specialization, access to advanced technologies and procedures, and the quality of previous patient’s results will go a long way toward selecting the best hair transplant doctor available.

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