Hair Transplants : The Process

Follicular Unit Grafting
In today's modern process, skin containing the permanently growing hair is harvested from the donor area of the back and side of the scalp, and divided into its naturally occurring follicular units containing 1-4 hairs. Smaller follicular units containing 1-2 hairs are used to create a natural hairline in balding frontal areas. Follicular units containing 2-4 hairs are used over the rest of the balding scalp to create a combination of naturalness and fullness.

Stereoscopic Microscope Dissection and Backlighting Technique
Another revolutionary improvement has been the incorporation of stereoscopic magnification and backlighting to assist Dr. Cole and his staff in providing high quality follicular unit grafts. The backlight is an illuminated surface on which grafts are dissected. Magnification and backlighting increase the precision in creating the follicular unit grafts. The improved visibility reduces the risk of damage to the follicles while they are being prepared. The experience of Dr. Cole and his nurses contributes to the great results they achieve.

The Consultation
At the Cole Clinic, you are given a warm reception in a very comfortable, friendly office setting. The personal and professional attention you receive will put you at ease and allow you to ask questions that you have. The staff will greet you and assist you in completing your medical and hair loss history. This information will be used by Dr. Cole to assist in determining your health status, degree of hair loss, risk of further balding, and other possible causes for your hair loss. Dr. Cole will then meet with you for a personal 20-30 minute consultation. This is where Dr. Cole discovers your individual goals, desires, and wishes and combines them with his knowledge, experience and artistic skills to provide you with one of the most state-of-the-art hair transplantation procedures in the world.

He may also make recommendations to you regarding the use of medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia), before proceeding with a hair transplant, or in combination with it. Dr. Cole's attention to detail in the planning stages ensures a natural appearing final result as well as the most fullness possible to complement your hair styling. During the consultation he will be able to give you recommendations on the number of grafts, where the hairline should be placed, the number of procedures possible, your hair type and degree of coverage to be expected with each session, the number of sessions likely required to meet your expectations, and the costs involved. He will also give you an indication of how hair colouring, hair styling, and medication may help to enhance and maintain your final result.

The Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Cole and review the details of the surgery. You may also have more questions that need to be answered. He will sketch the hair line on your scalp and discuss it with you using a mirror to ensure your ideas are being understood. Dr. Cole will remove the donor tissue from the back and sides of the scalp once it has been numbed with a local anesthetic. This tissue will be cut into follicular units by his nursing staff. He will close the donor site with sutures that will be removed 7-14 days later. The recipient area of the scalp will then be numbed and Dr. Cole will create tiny slits in the balding scalp where the prepared grafts will be inserted. It is at this time that Dr. Cole’s skill and artistry will become apparent, along with the great team work of his nurses. In the front hairline, the small slits will be placed in a planned, but random pattern to make the hairline appear very natural. The graft insertion process typically lasts 1-3 hours. There is no discomfort during the procedure, except for the few moments at the beginning when the local anesthetic is being given.

During your procedure you may watch a DVD, listen to your iPod, engage in conversation, or just relax (and often even nap) during this time. You will be encouraged to get up frequently throughout the session for stretches, walks to the bathroom, and be offered snacks throughout the procedure.

Once all the grafts are inserted, a dressing will be applied to your scalp, and a toque (knitted cap) or bandana will be placed over this for your return home. You will be given the medications you will need, and be asked to return the next day for your shampoo and aftercare teaching.

Shampoo the Following Day
The next day, one of the staff will remove your dressing, wash your hair, and teach you how to care for your transplant during the next several days. Many male patients wear an adjustable ball or golf cap during this time. Women tend to use a scarf or style their existing hair to cover the area.

Suture Removal
Between 7 and 14 days after your procedure, you will return to the office to have the sutures removed. This only takes 10 minutes or so.

After Care
24 hours after your surgery, small crusts will form on each graft. These will heal and fall off within 7-14 days. It is important that you do no strenuous lifting, bending or straining for the first 3-4 days. Activities can be resumed gradually. Many patients return to work within 3-4 days. The grafted hairs will fall out after 1-3 weeks, and then start to grow again 2-3 months later, and will continue to grow for your lifetime. The staff will be in contact with you over the following year to check on your progress and answer any questions you might have. You may also call or make an appointment at any time.