Hair Transplantation Portland

We design customized treatment plans for individual patients using the latest techniques and technology to successfully compensate for thinning hair or baldness. Treatments vary depending on the extent and pattern of hair loss and the patient's preferences, lifestyle and expectations.

The Hair Transplantation Procedure

In a hair transplant, thin strips of skin containing hair are removed from the scalp and replaced in tiny holes (often created with the use of lasers) in the bald or thinned area. The grafted hair falls out after the procedure but then grows back and should last as long as the hair from the area in which it was taken.

Procedures have improved to a new standard where great care and planning by the surgeon ensures a natural-looking hairline, as well as a full head of hair. These two goals are achieved through two different methods of grafting: mini-grafting and micro-grafting.

Micro-Grafting

In order to create a natural looking hairline, the hair placement by the surgeon must be both precise and slightly irregular. No person has a hairline of rigid angles or a conformed strip of hair, and the surgeon is well aware of this. This is why when preparing the donor grafts from the hair at the back of your scalp, your surgeon cuts very fine micro-grafts which consist of just one to four hairs each. These small grafts can be implanted at the desired hairline in a natural-looking fashion due to their small size.

Mini-Grafting

Although the fine nature of micro-grafts is quite natural-looking, they are also less voluminous. With less than five hairs per graft, it would take many hours to transplant a full head of hair, risking safety of the excised donor tissue and recently transplanted tissue. For this, the surgeon cuts mini-grafts of about five to twelve hairs each that can be used for the bulk of the balding skin, but behind the micro-grafts. This way, the fullness of the scalp is attained without sacrificing the meticulous work done with the hairline.

Recovery after Hair Transplantation

After surgery, Dr. Petroff may choose to apply a dressing for a day or two. Sutures are usually removed within 10 days. The second or third day after surgery, you will probably be allowed to shampoo. Your head and scalp may feel tight with some aching, but this can be controlled by medication. It is crucial that you follow the instructions for post-operative visits and care. Swelling or bruising in the area treated is minimal. Cold compresses may be recommended by Dr. Petroff.

The newly transplanted hair often falls out in the six weeks following the procedure. This, however, is absolutely normal. New hair growth will take about six to 12 weeks to develop. To attain a look of natural hair growth, it is often necessary to stage the hair transplant procedures. These touch-up procedures are to be expected and are an essential part of the whole picture of hair replacement surgery.

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