The Hair Transplant Procedure in our Edison, NJ Office.
The hair transplantation procedure usually takes place in the morning and lasts approximately 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted. Patients are asked to eat a hearty breakfast and come in with their hair washed. Before the patient is prepped for hair restoration surgery, pictures are taken by a trained photographer using a studio light setup. The use of photography allows IHSG and the patient to accurately document their hair restoration progress.
PHASE 1: PATIENT PREPARATION
Each patient is prepped for surgery and allowed to relax in a comfortable seated position. We offer a wide selection of newly released DVD movies and even encourage patients to bring their own. A complimentary assortment of drinks and snacks are at the patient’s disposal to ensure their absolute comfort. [Pre & Post Operative Instructions]
PHASE 2: ANESTHESIA AND DONOR HAIR REMOVAL
The patient is anesthetized with a local anesthetic. IHSG utilizes a four-step anesthetizing process, incorporating the Wand and cold numbing solution, which eliminates any major discomfort during the anesthetizing process. Once the area is completely numb the donor hair is removed. The area of removal is then sutured closed and the removed tissue is carefully dissected by surgical technicians.
PHASE 3: DONOR HAIR DISSECTION
One of the most critical steps in hair transplantation is dissection of the donor hair. Each graft must be cut precisely to fit into the recipient site without compression or pitting. If there are too many hairs transplanted to a single site or too much surrounding tissue and skin, the grafts will appear compressed and plug-like.
PHASE 4: RECIPIENT SITE
The recipient site is prepared by strategically placing small incisions in thinning areas and along what is to become the new hairline. Each incision is carefully planned by Dr. Schwinning to ensure a natural-looking recreation of the hairline, whether it be for a temporal hair line or delicate brows. The grafted follicular units are then placed into their designated incisions.
PHASE 5: RECOVERY
Approximately 5-6 hours the patient will experience the medication wearing off. Expect to feel a bit of tightness near the suture area. Typically, the top area where the grafts are placed will remain numb for several days following. Each patient is provided medication and detailed instructions of post-operative care.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Hair usually takes about 6 months to grow in. Some hairs that were transplanted during the procedure will stay and continue to grow, most will fall out and begin regrowth in 10-14 weeks. The average growth rate is about 1/2 inch a month, this is why a 6-month follow up scheduling is a good time to see your progress and discuss results with the doctor.