Hair Restoration Overview
The FDA has approved and extensively studied multiple medications for sustaining and growing hair. However, surgical hair restoration is the primary way to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results with a full head of hair. Hair restoration surgery is FDA-approved and is available for the vast majority of prospective patients.
Hair transplantation surgery is customized to match each individual patient’s goals. During the treatment, Dr. Salloum harvests healthy hair follicles from inconspicuous areas in the back of the scalp or sides of the head and transfers the follicles to balding or thinning areas to create fuller, thicker hair for men and women.
- Hair Restoration Overview
- Types of Hair Transplantation
- Benefits of Hair Restoration
- Candidates for Hair Transplantation Surgery
- Hair Restoration Consultation
- Hair Restoration Preparation
- The Hair Restoration Surgery
- Hair Restoration Recovery
- Hair Transplantation Surgery: Complications and Safety
- Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Restoration
Types of Hair Transplantation
The two main surgical hair transplant methods are follicular unit extraction (the FUE method) and follicular unit grafting (FUG). Both FUE and FUG provide men and women with thicker and fuller hair. However, Dr. Salloum recommends FUE for the majority of patients because it allows for the best results.
Follicular Unit Extraction
When doing a Follicular Unit Transplantation, Dr. Salloum systematically removes separate follicle groups from various areas of the scalp. Preparing these follicles, he carefully places them into parts of the scalp where there is a loss of hair. Patients can sport short hairdos since the system does not lead to significant scarring.
Follicular Unit Grafting
During follicular unit grafting (FUG), the hair restoration surgeon removes a long strip of individual hair follicles, which are then divided into smaller sections and placed into the bald or thinning areas. To cover up the scar created by the extraction, FUG patients generally opt for longer hairstyles.
Benefits of Hair Restoration
Dr. Salloum specializes in the FUE hair transplant procedure, an advanced technology that does not require stitches or cause linear scarring like FUG restoration. FUE restoration provides patients with natural-looking, undetectable results.
The many benefits of FUE restoration include:
- No visible scarring
- Natural-looking hairline
- No incisions or stitches
- Short recovery
- Pain-free procedure
- Same-day treatment
- Only local anesthesia needed
- Long-lasting or permanent results
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
Candidates for Hair Transplantation Surgery
Candidates for hair transplant surgery are typically those who have genetic hair loss, a common type of hair loss that occurs with age. The ideal candidate should have enough donor hair follicles to provide a fuller head of hair. The candidate should also have sufficient hair thickness. Additionally, the patient should not have significant health concerns and be free from any medical conditions that could interfere with the procedure.
Hair restoration is suitable for both men and women, regardless of age, as long as they meet the criteria mentioned above.
Hair Restoration Consultation
Dr. Salloum specializes in advanced hair restoration treatment using FUE technology and has a passion for helping hair transplant patients meet their cosmetic goals. Men and women interested in fuller, thicker hair can request a hair restoration consultation in Miami Beach, FL, with Dr. Salloum at the luxurious Miami Center for Plastic Surgery.
During a private consultation, Dr. Salloum examines the patient’s scalp and hair, discusses their beauty goals, and reviews their medical history. If they qualify as an ideal candidate, Dr. Salloum creates a customized treatment plan based on their pattern of baldness and family history of hair loss.
Hair Restoration Preparation
Dr. Salloum provides each patient with preparation instructions during the consultation. The following steps can help patients with their hair restoration procedure:
Massage the scalp
Patients may begin massaging their scalp two weeks before the procedure for 10 to 20 minutes daily to help stimulate the follicles and increase the scalp’s elasticity.
Avoid sun exposure
Patients should avoid sunburn and exposure to the elements by staying out of the direct sun or by wearing a hat before the procedure.
Avoid alcohol
Patients should avoid drinking alcohol for one week before the procedure.
Stop taking supplements
Dr. Salloum asks patients to stop taking all supplements, including vitamin E, vitamin A, cod liver oil, and ginkgo seven days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding or medication interference.
Pause medications as directed
Patients must discuss any current medications with Dr. Salloum during the consultation. In some cases, he may recommend pausing particular medicines.
Stop smoking
It is essential to stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure because it can affect the healing process and increase risks.
Avoid NSAID medications
To reduce bleeding risks, patients must avoid anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen, Advil, and aspirin, seven days before the procedure.
Ask about hair loss medications
Dr. Salloum will review any medications taken by the patient and provide pre-surgery instructions during the consultation.
*All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
The Hair Restoration Surgery
Dr. Salloum is double board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has extensive experience performing FUE hair transplants.
To begin, Dr. Salloum injects anesthesia to numb the donor area before gently removing the follicles. Then, he prepares the extracted follicles and numbs the treatment area before strategically implanting them in bundles of one, two, or three hairs per unit to ensure exceptional, natural-looking results.
The patient remains sedated and comfortable during the entire procedure. They are released to return home immediately after the surgery and given detailed recovery instructions.
Hair Restoration Recovery
Dr. Salloum provides aftercare instructions during the consultation for a hair transplant. Most patients experience minor discomfort, which is easily controlled with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. The extraction and transplant sites typically look like minor wounds, but they heal quickly and blend with the skin within a few days.
Patients usually resume their regular schedule within 2 to 3 days. However, they must avoid strenuous activities for 7 to 10 days after hair transplant surgery. The transplanted hair typically falls out shortly after the surgery. The hair regrowth begins within about two months. Patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Salloum and the helpful staff at the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery with questions or concerns after FUE restoration surgery in Miami Beach, FL.
Hair Transplantation Surgery: Complications and Safety
Hair restoration surgery is considered safe; only minor common side effects are expected, including tiny white scars in the donor areas. During the first few days after treatment, patients may experience some side effects. These side effects can include scalp sensitivity and numbness. It is unusual for patients to experience severe issues like infection or tissue death.
Dr. Salloum will carefully answer questions and explains the benefits and risks associated with hair restoration. Patients are encouraged to follow the doctor’s preparation and aftercare instructions to reduce complications and promote the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Restoration
The price of hair transplantation depends on the amount of hair extracted and transplanted; and the type of surgery you choose. The hair transplant cost may range from $4000-$15,000 per session, and multiple sessions are occasionally needed. Dr. Salloum and the friendly Miami Center for Plastic Surgery staff are happy to provide various payment options because they understand the vital impact hair treatment plan provides men and women experiencing hair loss. So be ready to discuss all your financial concerns.
Dr. Salloum designs a customized plan for each patient and explains the details of the surgery and recovery during the consultation. Most patients resume their regular schedule after two days. Patients must avoid intense exercise for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Dr. Salloum will explain your surgery during the consultation, such as how many follicles will be extracted and transplanted. He will numb your scalp with local anesthetic injections so that you do not experience discomfort during the treatment for hair loss. You may experience mild-to-moderate discomfort immediately after the surgery, which is easily managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
FUE restoration with Dr. Salloum is an effective hair transplant technique that provides exceptionally natural-looking results that may be permanent. The transferred hair follicles will remain healthy and continue to grow healthy hair, but patients may require an additional procedure in the future to maintain for future hair loss if other follicles become dormant.
There are multiple hair transplant options for advanced cases. Dr. Salloum may recommend transferring body hair from your chest or other areas if there isn’t enough hair from the donor site on the sides or back of your head.
Most patients experience the first signs of new hair approximately two months after FUE with Dr. Salloum. In about 5 to 6 months, a large majority of new hair will appear; after 8 to 10 months, the hair will be longer and thicker. The grafts will reach full maturity in approximately 12 to 18 months.
Dr. Salloum has over 15 years of experience performing facial plastic surgery, including cheek augmentation, facelifts, and rhinoplasty. Hair transplant surgery can be performed with another cosmetic procedure. Request a consultation at the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery with Dr. Salloum to discuss different cosmetic opportunities available to help you meet your goals.
Not necessarily, the procedure doesn’t always require shave, FUE can be performed with both minimal or no shaving.
Contact Us Today
Gabriel E. Salloum, M.D., F.A.C.S., specializes in hair restoration in Miami Beach, FL, for men and women experiencing thinning hair or baldness. Call 305-405-6910 to request a consultation with Dr. Salloum or visit the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery website to learn more about hair restoration.
