HAIR TRANSPLANTS FAQs

DO WOMEN GET HAIR TRANSPLANTS?
Yes. Many women make excellent patients, providing they have a good donor area at the back or sides of the scalp. The final result can be styled, coloured and permed as many women like to do. Women can also use Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) to help maintain and possibly enhance their existing hair growth. Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is not effective and is contraindicated in women. It works by blocking the metabolism of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Note: this is not the pathway by which women lose their hair.

Will the transplanted hair begin to grow immediately?
The transplanted hair will initially fall out a few weeks after the procedure, but will begin to grow normally about 3 months after the procedure and will continue to grow normally after that, for a lifetime.

Will any one be able to tell I’ve had the procedure?
Likely the only people who can tell you have had a hair transplant are just the people you’ve told. The existing hair will cover the donor area at the back of the head. The area receiving grafts will initially be covered in small scabs or crusts, which will fall off within 7-10 days.

How much discomfort will I feel?
The procedure is performed under local anesthetic. You will experience some freezing injections to the scalp (similar to that experienced at the dentist), which will take 1-2 minutes to complete. After that, your scalp is numb and you will be completely comfortable.

Is my new hair my own naturally growing hair?
Transplanted hair is your own naturally growing hair. You may go swimming, play sports, wash it, perm it, dye it or style it any way you wish.

Do I need to care for the transplanted hair differently?
Once healing is complete, the transplanted hair needs no different care than you would normally give your hair, on a day to day basis.

Who will be performing the transplant procedure?
Dr. Cole performs all procedures with his fully trained nursing staff to assist him.

What should I expect following the procedure?
Immediately following the procedure you will have a dressing applied to your scalp which will be concealed by a bandana or toque (knitted cap). The next morning you will come back into the office and have the dressing removed and your hair washed. Strenuous activities such as lifting, bending, and straining should be avoided for 3-5 days to minimize any risk of bleeding in the scalp that may dislodge grafts. Sutures in the donor area will be removed 7-14 days after the procedure.

What medication will I need?
You will take an antibiotic to minimize risks of infection, prednisone to prevent facial swelling, and optional sleeping and discomfort medication to ensure your comfort for the first couple of nights. These medications will be provided for you on your procedure day.

Are there age restrictions to qualify for a hair transplant?
As long as a patient is in good health, no one is too old. My oldest patients are in their 80’s. My youngest patient was 6 years old. As soon as hair begins thinning, a person may be a candidate for a transplant. Younger patients under 25 often have overly high expectations of achieving great hair density and low hairlines. With proper education and counseling, even these younger candidates can make excellent patients. Starting on Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is an excellent alternative to surgery for younger male patients, and if enough pre-existing hair remains, should be tried first for many young patients before committing to a hair transplant.