There can be exceptions to shock loss, but it is best to expect it to occur. Sometimes the trauma can result in shock loss of some of the native hair (i.e. hair we did not transplant) but it is expected to grow back unless it was about to fall out due to genetics. And, genetics can be combated with the use of finasteride. Dr. Keene is very careful to avoid transecting any existing hairs when she transplants hairs in between them, but trauma occurs with any incision and any surgery. So while the risk is minimized for temporary shock loss, it may still occur–so don’t panic if it happens! It will typically start to grow back within a few months. This transitional phase after surgery is the hardest part, but the wait is worth the results.
Frequently asked Questions
What causes hair loss?
In order to successfully treat hair loss, it is essential to understand it. Androgenetic Alopecia, often referred to as male pattern hair loss, can occur in either men or women. In male and female pattern hair loss, baldness occurs when hair follicles in the front of the scalp, crown or both areas are genetically programmed to stop producing hair in response to dihydrotestosterone (a by product of testosterone). The gene that makes this happen can come from either parent, and frequently the hair loss pattern is similar among extended family members. Only the follicle is affected; the scalp itself is generally completely healthy. Androgenetic alopecia can occur in both men and women, but the patterns tend to be different.
Here, the Norwood-Hamilton Scale shows common patterns of male pattern baldness.
Some women experience male pattern hair loss with the same patterns as above. But often, women experience androgenetic alopecia with gradual thinning at the part line, followed by increasing diffuse hair loss from the top of the head. There are many potential causes of hair loss, including medical conditions, medications, and physical or emotional stress. Learn more about women’s hair loss here Women
Patterns of female hair loss
What is the cost?
Pricing
Prices range from $5 to $3 per graft for FUT on an incremental basis, depending on graft numbers and from $7 to $3.50 per graft on an incremental basis for FUE. We include a $500 travel discount for out of state patients.
Are you a candidate for a hair transplant?
There are three main factors we consider in determining a good candidate for hair transplant surgery: current hair loss pattern, health, and future hair loss.
Since hair transplant surgery is a surgical technique using local anesthetic, good candidates for this procedure are reasonably healthy, have significant thinning and hair loss, or hairline recession. We can also repair scars left by other cosmetic surgeries such as a face lift, or from other causes.
There are no age restrictions, but it is preferable that a patient be 25 years of age or older before considering the surgical option. There may be exceptions, one being if the medication stabilizes the pattern. During the initial hair transplant exam, Dr. Keene will evaluate existing hair loss and will estimate future hair loss based on your risk factors. Since hair is normally transplanted from the sides and back of the head, it is important that you have sufficient hair available to achieve your desired results. Dr. Keene will provide each patient with information so that they can determine whether hair transplant surgery and/or medical treatment may best suit their needs.
Women may have other factors to consider, so refer here for recommendations for women.
Estimating number of grafts needed for a hair transplant
Each patient can determine the number of grafts he or she will need for a particular level of density or area of coverage. A patient will base his or her decision on density preferences and current hair loss area as well as estimates of future hair loss. We can not give the same number of hairs as nature did originally, because we are working to redistribute diminished existing hair. But since hair loss is virtually undetectable until approximately 50% of the hair is lost, it is possible to achieve the same appearance of density as a natural head of hair. Other factors include:
- Hair color – Lighter hair (decrease in contrast) requires fewer grafts than darker hair (increased contrast).
- Hair caliber – Straight or curly hair – curly hair covers more effectively than straight.
The following are a range of follicular unit grafts necessary to achieve density. This is based on follicular units, not individual hairs. One haired grafts do not yield the same results. More one haired grafts per square centimeter are required than the follicular units of 2-4 hairs, so the numbers below only give you a vague estimate. Dr. Keene will give you an estimate using the minimum numbers of grafts you should have to achieve a density that will make a significant aesthetic difference, and up to the amount she considers safe for you based on your future hairloss, laxity, budget, and other factors. For ex., with limited donor availability in one surgery, depending on our hairloss pattern, you may prefer to focus density in your frontal area, and still want thinning coverage in the crown area.
- Thin: 20 grafts per square cm on average – provides contour and thinning coverage, see through in certain lighting.
- Moderate: 25 – 30 grafts per square cm on average – moderate coverage and contour.
- Cosmetically Dense: 35-40 grafts per square cm on average –though not the
Keep in mind that the numbers of hairs per graft impacts the density of the procedure. For example, fifteen 3-4 haired grafts (yielding 45-60 hairs) will produce as much or more hair density as thirty 1-2 haired grafts (yielding 30-60 hairs) , and thirty 3-4 haired grafts (yielding 90-120 hairs) will produce as much or more density as 60 1-2 haired grafts (yielding 60-120 hairs). Dr. Keene focuses on 3-4 haired grafts as much as possible, but the ability to achieve the higher numbers of hairs per graft varies between patients. Greater numbers of grafts per sq cm are needed if more 1 to 2 haired grafts are used.
*During your hair transplant consultation, Dr. Keene will help you determine what density is necessary to achieve your goals.
Who will actually be performing my hair transplant procedure?
Dr. Keene is the only person who will make any excisions or incisions on her patient. She supervises every aspect of the hair transplant surgery, utilizing assistants to assist in hair transplant surgery, not perform it. Dr. Keene has an experienced and skilled surgical team with extensive hair transplant training, some of whom have been assisting her in hair transplants for over a decade. However, she feels that if it were herself or a family member, she would want the medical doctor to actively participate in all of the vital aspects of the surgery, including placement of the grafts, regardless of the fact that the staff is skilled–so this is what she does in her clinic. Dr. Keene’s technicians are some of the most experienced and skilled technicians in the hair transplant industry, but she will be the primary person doing your hair transplant. Part of the reason you rarely see Dr. Keene blogging is because she spends so much time in surgery. She will perform all aspects of the surgery, with assistance from her experienced hair technicians.
How soon after hair transplant surgery will I see the new growth?
When hair is surgically moved from the back of the head and redistributed into the areas of hair loss, the transplanted hair experiences trauma. This typically causes what is referred to as shock loss, causing the shaft of the hair to fall out in about 1 to 6 weeks after surgery, while the root remains behind. The newly growing hair will begin to gradually emerge in about 3 months after surgery, depending on your rate of growth. By 6 months you will se significant regrowth, but it will usually be finer in caliber. The hair continues to mature and add density for up to a year.