1. Can someone else' s hair be transplanted to my head?

In most cases, no. Believe it or not, each hair is it' s own little organ unit, like a heart or a liver, with stem cells that are unique and help it to regenerate once transplanted. But those same cells also make any body (except yours!) recognize it as foreign tissue, which the immune system will then set out to destroy as a "foreign invader." The only exception to this rule is if you have an identical twin who is willing to be a hair donor! If that is the case, the hair will grow just fine and you are one lucky individual!


2. How many hairs survive?

All of them depending on the technique and expertise of the doctor and staff. Some studies have even shown that you get MORE hair post transplant (113-134%) but these are very limited experiments with selected patients. In the real world, you should expect to get no less than 95% growth for an average hair restoration surgery from a dedicated and specialized hair surgeon and her team.


3. Will the clients have enough (thick) hair?

The vast majority of patients do end up having enough. This is the most important question a patient needs to answer with his or her surgeon, though, and in large part it depends on where the person is starting from and where they are trying to get to! For instance, for those with very fine or no hair remaining in the area of concern, the surgeon will have to evaluate the "donor area" in the back of the head to see whether they have enough hair to realistically meet their goals. For those who have a more focal or limited area that needs hair, the supply is usually not a problem.


4. Are the clients kept conscious during the procedure?

Yes. Since the procedure takes all day, it is not uncommon for a patient to take a nap or to "zone out" watching movies. However, you are not "put under," and in my practice experience many patients report it is quite a relaxing and enjoyable day!


5. What are the hair loss management solutions widely available?

Hair replacement surgery is the most effective option when you have already lost hair. The results are almost universally natural and successful. Rogaine (minoxidil), Propecia (finasteride) are the only medications that work to slow or stop hair loss (and in limited cases can even re-grow hair). Laser hair therapy also has limited effectiveness and has the advantage that it can be used by those who have no other medical or surgical options. Finally, non-surgical hair replacement - wigs or hair systems - can provide good cosmetic benefit when all of the preceding options are exhausted. There are few cases for which we cannot at least provide some improvement, so I find it rare to recommend a wig. All of these are widely available with the possible exception of hair growth laser treatments which have to be in a physician' s office.


6. Of the above, what do you recommend?

If my patient has already lost hair, hair surgery with or without medications (such as Propecia or Rogaine) is what I recommend. Remember, though, that each patient is different and there is no single plan that I recommend universally. Each patient' s treatment plan is unique and developed to meet their particular cosmetic goals. Good Luck!