Hair Transplant

HAIR TRANSPLANT IN BELLEVUE, KIRKLAND, AND LYNNWOOD

One of the most frustrating effects of aging and genetics is hair loss. It is natural for hair to thin with age, but some men and women lose a significant amount of hair that affects their physical appearance and self esteem. With modern plastic surgery techniques, there are many surgical and non-surgical options to restore hair and slow loss. Dr. Craig Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery performs many procedures to restore, slow, and promote new hair growth. Among one of the surgical options to restore hair is hair transplantation surgery. Dr. Jonov and The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers hair transplant to Bellevue, Kirkland, and Lynnwood.

UNDERSTANDING HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY

In a general sense, hair transplantation takes hair from donor areas and transplants it into areas of lost or thinning hair. Usually, the donor hair comes from the back and lower sides of the head. This is because these hairs tend to be resistant to DHT. 

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a hormone made from testosterone that is present in both men and women. This hormone is largely responsible for male and female pattern baldness. In most men, the hair along the back and sides of the head is mostly resistant to this hormone. This makes these hairs the perfect donors for hair transplantation.

There are two types of hair transplant surgeries. The first is known as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and the second is follicular unit extraction (FUE). Both procedures typically offer good results and are options for people experiencing hair loss. 

In general, many plastic surgeons and patients largely prefer the non-invasive methods of FUE over FUT. Historically, FUT was the only successful, surgical option for hair restoration. Modern technology has changed that and brought a new and improved hair restoration method known as FUE. 

FUT Hair Transplant

The FUT hair transplant method–sometimes called the strip method–consists of removing a strip of skin from the back of the scalp that contains healthy, DHT resistant hair. This strip of hair is then broken into tiny units that can contain a single hair or up to four hairs. These units are then transplanted into the area of hair loss. 

This method is rarely preferred over FUE, but for certain patients may have advantages like:

• Works well for those with longer hair
• Often provides a larger number of follicular units
• Does not require shaving the donor area
• More cost effective than FUE
• Lower risk of losing transplanted hair
• May be more effective for thick and/or curly hair
• Rarely requires multiple procedures
• Favored by many plastic surgeons due to the higher yield of grafts and sometimes increased results

FUE Hair Transplant

The FUE method harvest donor units one at a time, using an automated device. Dr. Jonov will then carefully transfer into the area of loss. This technique has grown more popular among hair transplant surgeons and patients alike. The procedure does require shaving at least the donor area, but sometimes the entire head. 

In most cases, Dr. Jonov may recommend FUE over the FUT method, or you may be better suited for FUE. This type of hair transplant also has some advantages like:

• No linear scar; risk of scarring is overall lower in most patients
• Shorter recovery and less downtime
• Better at harvesting thin hair
• Does not involve stitches
• Better for patients who prefer to wear their hair short
• Evidence of the surgery less obvious
• Hair can sometimes be harvested from areas other than the scalp
• Can return to normal routine nearly immediately

HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY: BEFORE AND AFTER

Before

There are many steps to take before undergoing hair transplant surgery in Kirkland. Once you determine the cause of your hair loss, you may schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov. 

At your consultation, Dr. Jonov will ask about your concerns, medical history, and the state of your hair loss. Depending on your age and specific cause, he may recommend trying non-invasive hair restoration methods like injectable or laser treatments. However, if your hair loss is advanced enough, Dr. Jonov may decide that hair transplant surgery is a good option.

Dr. Jonov will recommend a course of treatment that is individualized to your anatomy, health, and goals. You can also ask questions and work with The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery to understand financing the procedure.

During

The main difference between the old FUT method and FUE hair transplant occurs in how the grafts are harvested. Transplantation consists of roughly the same process. Both the FUT and FUE methods take two to eight hours due to the intricate nature of the surgery. 

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. In certain cases, general anesthesia can be utilized. Regardless, you will remain perfectly comfortable during surgery. 

Dr. Jonov will begin by harvesting the hair using the chosen method. In the past with the FUT technique, Dr. Jonov would remove a strip of skin from the back of the head.The size of the donor area varies depending on the number of grafts. He would then carefully separate this strip of skin into individual grafts which typically contain between one and four hairs. The final step is the meticulous process of transplantation.

The modern FUE hair transplant process is slightly different. The FUE method uses an automated handheld device to harvest grafts individually. This means that no unnecessary skin is excised and there is no linear scar following surgery. Like with FUT, grafts collected during an FUE procedure can contain anywhere from a single hair to four or so.

The device is then used to implant the grafts. This requires no touching of the scalp, which reduces the risk of contamination and infection. He will carefully place the hair grafts into the dermis of the scalp. Dr. Jonov will precisely place each graft to create the look you want and promote the best results.

After

Since an FUE hair transplant does not require an incision, recovery following the procedure is minimal. That said, you should limit any strenuous activities or exercise for around a week. However, patients can normally return to relative normal within a day or two. 

Experience some general discomfort and sensitivity following the procedure is normal. Also, you should avoid sun exposure to the area. Many patients do not require prescribed pain medication, although Dr. Jonov can provide one if needed. 

It is normal to see the transplanted hair fall out. This is due to the trauma of transplantation. You should see some of the hair return within one to three months.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

Hair loss has many causes and is associated with many medical conditions. When it comes to Bellevue hair transplant surgery, the biggest factor is genetics. Genetics are responsible for most hair loss, especially in men. Male pattern baldness runs in families and can begin just after the onset of adulthood. 

Before seeking out hair transplant surgery, you should determine the cause of your hair loss. Often, this can be as easy as looking at older relatives to see if they experienced similar hair loss. However, hair loss can have many causes outside of your genetic makeup. Treating these conditions or causes can result in hair restoration itself. Causes of hair loss can include:

• Hormonal changes (can be caused by pregnancy, menopause, thyroid problems, and other situations and medical conditions)
• Infections
• Certain medications
• Stress
• Tight or restrictive hairstyles
• Medical conditions like diabetes, lupus, and others
• Cancer treatment
• Lack of good nutrition

THE BEST HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGEON AT THE GALLERY OF COSMETIC SURGERY

Dr. Craig Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is an expert in surgical and non-surgical hair restoration options. When it comes to Bellevue and Kirkland hair restoration surgery, Dr. Jonov is the foremost plastic surgeon performing hair transplant.

Our office and surgical center offers a welcoming environment. Centrally located off I-5 in Lynnwood, we serve the Bellevue and Kirkland areas.  We aim to provide a seamless process from your consultation to your post-operative appointments. With offerings and amenities like a private elevator for after surgery and warm cookies in the waiting room.

Dr. Jonov offers many options for consultations, including in-person and virtual options. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov, call The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery at 425-775-3561 or contact us online.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives?

There are many non-surgical hair restoration options available. Most non-surgical hair restoration consists of injectable options that can reduce thinning hair and promote rejuvenation of the scalp. This can be performed after a hair transplant surgery to prevent future loss and promote good results.

When Is Hair Transplant Not Effective?

Hair transplant is the most effective hair restoration procedure. However, patients must have hair to transplant. Therefore, for patients who have experienced total hair loss, hair transplant will likely not be a viable option. Conversely, for those who have only begun to see thinning hair or a receding hairline, other non-invasive methods should be considered before hair transplantation. 

Is Hair Transplant Permanent?

No surgical or non-surgical procedure can totally stop hair loss. The hair harvested during hair transplant surgery is more resistant to the hormones that often cause hair loss. However, this does not guarantee that they will successfully grow, nor that they will not fall out in the future. Hair transplant gives the best chance of seeing 

Some patients may require multiple FUE procedures to see the results they want, or to maintain results through their lifetime. This varies based on the age of the patient, the cause of their hair loss, and other factors.

Where Else Can Hair Be Transplanted?

Dr. Jonov most commonly performs hair transplant surgeries on the scalp. However, the beard and eyebrows have become popular hair transplant sites. While technically possible with the strip method, excising a strip from the back of the head for beard or eyebrow transplant was often not worth it for patients. FUE makes this an easier and more feasible procedure.

What Are The Risks?

FUE hair transplant comes with fewer risks than traditional surgery because it uses non-invasive methods. It is possible to experience typical surgical risks like infection and scarring, but with proper technique and aftercare, this is unlikely. 

Other risks associated with FUE hair transplant surgery include follicle damage and an uneven, or patchy result. These risks are rare, especially when you choose a skilled surgeon like Dr. Jonov.

What Is The Price?

The cost of the FUE hair transplant surgery starts at $5 per graft with a set up fee of $350. The final cost of the procedure can be decided after an in-depth consultation where Dr. Jonov can more accurately determine the number of grafts you require.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery does work with three outside financing companies: Care Credit, Alphaeon Credit, and United Medical Credit. You can find more information about these financing options and direct links to apply on our financing page.

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