| Dr. Richard P. Giannotto is a Member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, The American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, and the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Hair transplant.
Q. Please explain the primary procedures performed by your practice.
A. The surgical procedures performed at HRG include Microscopic Follicular Unit Implantation using the slit extraction method, and Follicular Unit Extraction. In the former method, the grafts are harvested from the donor area by extracting a strip of hair bearing tissue about 10mm in width and the length depending upon the patient’s density. The follicular units are then dissected from the strip under the microscopes and implanted into the affected areas of the scalp. The donor defect is sutured and once it heals, leaves a pencil thin line which is covered by the patient’s own hair.
In Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) the individual units are removed from the donor area leaving 1mm puncture wounds that heal without sutures. This method is ideal for cases of 1500 grafts or less. In order to perform this procedure efficiently, we use the NeoGraft System, which facilitates the harvesting and subsequent implantation of the Follicular Units. The pros and cons of each procedure are discussed with each patient depending upon the number of grafts needed and other patient variables regarding one’s particular situation.
Non-surgically, we offer Low Level Laser Light Therapy either in office or as an outpatient using the Laser Comb. This type of therapy has been used in Europe for over 12 years and can stop the progression of hair loss as well as strengthen the hair follicle and thicken the hair shaft. In approximately 10% of individuals, we see new hair growth. In a study performed using the laser comb, 100% of women, and 86% of men using the comb got one or more positive results. CBS (WUSA) recently did a news special on Laser featuring me and several patients. You can access this on the web site. There is also a wealth of information on our website at www.dchairdoctor.com. The site is undergoing renovation daily.
Q. How long does a hair transplant procedure take?
A. A transplant procedure can take as little as two hours and as long as four to five hours depending upon the number of grafts implanted during the procedure. Our patients are sedated and given a choice of video entertainment while in the operating room. They are encouraged to bring a DVD if they desire.
Q. What is the PRP treatment?
A. PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma, is created from a little of your own blood prior to the procedure. The platelets, which are part of your blood and help with wound healing, are separated to form a solution called "Platelet Rich Plasma". The follicular Units are bathed in this prior to implantation, and the solution is injected into the donor scar and the recipient sites. The main advantages are supposedly to enhance donor wound healing, to decrease infection and scarring and to enhance healing. Most of these complications are not encountered in Today’s Hair Restoration Procedures. The real use for PRP is where hair flaps are created. The PRP method adds a cost of $500-$1000.00 to the procedure when done.
Q. Are the clients kept conscious during the procedure?
A. During the procedure, clients are sedated with Valium and a drug called Versed. The patient is monitored on a cardiac and blood pressure machine, which also measures Oxygen Saturation. In 50% of the cases, the patient falls asleep during the procedure, while the other 50% are engaged in conversation or audio and video entertainment.
Q. When will the newly transplanted hair start to grow?
A. Patients will notice new hair growth within 4 months but most growth will not occur until 8-12 months after surgery. Post surgical laser therapy, which is included in the price of surgery at HRG, will accelerate growth.
Q. When can the clients resume normal activities like washing the hair, going in the sun, etc.
A. Normal activities are resumed within 3-5 days after surgery. The patient can shampoo the very next day, and we encourage the patient to return to the clinic for his/her first shampoo. Our surgical assistants do an excellent job of cleaning the scalp the day after surgery.
Q. Are there any simple outpatient procedures available?
A. The only outpatient procedure producing good results is the use of the Laser Comb. This is a portable version of the in clinic laser which gives the patient all of the benefits of laser at home. |
