If you’re considering a hair transplant, you probably have lots of questions about how the procedure works and what you can expect afterward. Board-certified physician Martin Maag, MD, and the team at Honest Hair Restoration in Bradenton and Tampa, Florida, have you covered.
Our practice uses the best in hair transplant technology, combining follicular unit extraction (FUE), advanced NeoGraft® technology, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to give you optimal results and a fuller head of hair.
We’ve created this step-by-step guide to walk you through the process of your NeoGraft hair transplant. From pre-procedure preparation to your final results, keep reading to learn what you need to know every step of the way.
Keep in mind that Dr. Maag and the team give you a detailed pre-procedure plan, outlining the donor areas and plan for recipient sites, so you know what to expect.
Most Honest Hair Restoration hair transplant patients have their surgery completed in one day, with the length of time required dependent on the number of grafts needed for your unique transplant.
Your scalp treatment is completed under local anesthesia, so you’re able to drive. However, some patients prefer to have a friend or relative drive them.
Instead of the traditional method, which removes strips of hair and scalp, Dr. Maag and the team use the follicular unit extraction (FUE) process to individually remove each hair follicle graft unit using specialized tools.
Grafts of consistent size and quality are taken to increase the success rate of your transplant. And each extraction leaves only a microscopic scar that’s one millimeter or smaller in size, so you won’t have large, visible scars after your hair transplant.
During this part of the procedure, you can expect to rest on your stomach, so the Honest Hair Restoration team has easy access to the donor site. If you need a break at any time, simply let one of our team know.
Once the donor follicles have been extracted, your team prepares the recipient sites according to your personalized hair transplantation plan. The area is marked and numbed to receive small slits about one millimeter in size, which will take the donor grafts.
Before we place the donor hair, you have a chance to review the transplant design, including the placement of your new hairline. Once you are satisfied with the plan, you’re ready for graft placement.
The follicular units are bathed in a special solution to ensure they stay healthy during the placement process. The donor grafts are typically based on size, and your provider uses the NeoGraft device to create tiny punctures into which the grafts are placed.
This step requires patience and precision, but our experienced providers are skilled at performing hair transplants efficiently while using their artistic skills to give you natural-looking results.
Your blood has platelets, which contain growth factors that stimulate hair regrowth. Dr. Maag and the team use your platelets to ensure you enjoy optimal hair restoration results and to stimulate the regrowth of your hair.
First, we take a small amount of blood from your arm and place it in a centrifuge to create a plasma with 5-10 times more platelets than your blood contains naturally. Dr. Maag then injects the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) solution into your scalp at the site of your treatment.
After your treatment is complete, you receive detailed post-procedure instructions to make sure your scalp heals fully and to protect the newly implanted donor grafts. Initial recovery usually lasts 7-10 days, until the scabs that form at the extraction and recipient sites fall off.
Your recovery instructions cover many different things, including things such as washing your hair, resuming physical activity, sun exposure, wearing hats, sleeping positions, and more. If you have any unique requirements, your provider covers them at this time.
Even though you can expect immediate results, know that some transplanted hair may fall out before the regrowth begins. This is a normal part of the hair growth cycle and doesn't indicate a lack of success.
The transplanted follicles follow your natural hair growth patterns. About three to four months after your procedure, the growth cycle starts to kick in, and by six months, you'll have noticeable hair regrowth.
Full results are typically achieved within 12 months. You can expect to touch base with your provider at regular intervals to monitor your progress and give you guidance about what to expect as your hair regrowth progresses.
Learn more about what to expect with NeoGraft hair transplant, schedule a consultation online or over the phone with the Honest Hair Restoration team at the Florida office nearest you.
