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Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Restoration

At La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration, we believe in providing our patients with all the information they need to make informed choices about their care. We encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about the process: from how to choose a hair restoration plan, to what you can expect on the day of your surgery, to what happens after your procedure. Until we can address your queries in person at your consultation, here are some of our most frequently asked questions about hair restoration.

What Should I Know Before a Hair Restoration Procedure?

Am I A Good Candidate For Hair Restoration?

Both men and women may be candidates for hair restoration if they have adequate donor hair and are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Outcomes tend to be better for those with non-scarring forms of alopecia, but results may vary on a case-by-case basis.

There is no upper age limit for hair restoration, provided the individual is healthy enough to undergo outpatient surgery and has enough donor hair. We typically do not perform hair restoration procedures on those younger than 25, as their hair loss patterns are not yet fully developed.
The primary difference between Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction is that FUT harvests and relocates small strips of skin from the scalp, removes the hair follicles, and transplants them to the desired location while FUE relocates individual follicles.
FUT may be an excellent option for those needing a large number of grafts, and FUE may be the right choice for those requiring a smaller number of precisely placed grafts, with no visible scarring and less downtime. Your surgeon will help you determine which type of procedure is best suited to meet your hair replacement goals.
Today’s hair restoration procedures are safer and more comfortable than ever. Because surgery is performed under a local anesthetic, it bypasses the risks associated with general anesthesia. When performed by an experienced, qualified physician, hair restoration is considered quite safe. Prior to your procedure we will explain potential risks and side effects as well as proper aftercare that can help you avoid post-surgical complications.

What Should I Expect on My Surgery Day?

Is Hair Restoration Expensive?
Hair restoration is an investment in your appearance and self-confidence. We strive to provide treatments at a broad range of price points and are happy to advise you on financing options.
Hair restoration is considered elective and cosmetic by the insurance industry, so it is rarely covered. If you have an HSA or FSA, you may be able to use those funds for hair restoration treatments or procedures. Check with your HSA or FSA program.
Dr. Brandon M. Ross performs every surgery at La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration. Dr. Ross has dedicated his entire career to the field of hair restoration, ensuring that every patient benefits from his decades of experience and receives his undivided attention.
The length of a hair restoration procedure depends on the technique used, as well as the number of grafts to be transplanted. On average, a hair restoration session lasts between 4-8 hours. Extensive or complex procedures may take longer, sometimes up to 10-12 hours, which then are usually broken into two sessions.
Whether or not you will need to shave or cut your hair before a transplant depends on the type of procedure as well as your surgeon’s recommendation. Many FUE procedures do not require shaving, but doing so may allow for more precise harvesting and transplantation of follicles.
Hair restoration is performed under a local anesthetic, so you should feel no pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild sensations of tingling or pressure on the scalp during surgery, but these are not painful. If there is any temporary discomfort after the procedure, over-the-counter pain relievers are usually more than sufficient to alleviate it.

What Happens After My Procedure?

Are Hair Transplants Permanent?
Yes, hair transplants are permanent. Hair restoration procedures use donor hair from areas of the scalp that are not subject to the same hormonal factors that cause male/female pattern baldness. This means transplanted follicles will continue to produce hair indefinitely, especially if the patient follows aftercare instructions and maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Transplanted hair typically sheds within a month of transplantation. When it grows back, the new growth will be permanent.
Every patient is different but (in general) new hair starts to grow back in 3-6 months, with full, permanent regrowth occurring in 6-18 months.
Many patients require a single transplant, while others may need more than one procedure to address the extent of their hair loss or to create thicker hair density. We will work with you during pre-surgical consultations to set your hair replacement goals and to determine if they can be achieved in a single procedure.
Patients may encounter minor after-effects during the recovery process. These include itching, inflammation, discomfort, and minor bleeding (as scabbing heals). If you experience pain or see signs of infection, follow up with your surgeon immediately.
That depends, in part, upon the procedure you have – with FUE having slightly faster recovery times. On average (regardless of the type of transplant), the initial recovery period is 1-2 weeks, when swelling, redness, and scabbing diminish and then go away. You can resume most of your daily activities in 2-3 weeks. We will provide a full after-care protocol to let you know what to expect and when you can resume various activities.
Modern hair restoration is more natural looking than ever before. A properly performed FUE procedure should be unnoticeable after the scalp has healed and the grafts have completed their growth cycle. An FUT procedure will also be unnoticeable, although small, thin scars may be visible underneath the hair if one examines the scalp closely.
Depending on the type and extent of your procedure, you should be able to resume swimming 2-4 weeks after surgery. We will advise you how long you should wait in order to prevent infection and to protect your grafts.

Why Choose La Mesa Medical Hair Restoration?

Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ross.
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We are happy to answer any questions you may have about surgical hair replacement and hair growth treatments. From FUE and FUT hair restoration offering natural, permanent results, to medications and minimally invasive procedures that spur hair growth; La Mesa Hair Restoration wants to help you achieve a thicker, fuller head of hair. To learn more or to set up a consultation, call us at (619) 832-4885 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you.

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