The team at West End Plastic Surgery has positioned our practice as a safe, professional facility in which patients can undergo the procedures that will enable them to feel like their most authentic selves. We understand that gender-affirming procedures can be life-changing. An important aspect of gender transition is the appearance of the hair, which we address with gender affirmation with NeoGraft at West End Hair Restoration. With respect to the unique challenges our transgender patients face, we are proud to offer transgender hair transplant treatment using NeoGraft.
What is Gender-Confirming Hair Restoration?
A receding hairline, a bald spot, or thinning at the crown of the head continues to be a significant problem for patients. While wigs offer coverage, this approach does not resolve the problem in a meaningful way. After undergoing so much to affirm one’s gender, we believe they also deserve to enjoy their own hair styled in a way that looks completely natural. Gender confirming hair restoration creates a natural growth pattern that fits the individual.
Who is a Good Candidate for Transgender Hair Transplants with NeoGraft?
Most people who are dealing with hair loss can be good candidates for NeoGraft. The question we must answer is how successful the transplant procedure can be. To determine this, one of our experienced doctors performs a thorough consultation. During this visit, the doctor will inquire about the patient’s detailed medical history, including medication and supplement use. They also discuss the desires and goals that the patient has for their appearance.
An examination of the scalp is performed to observe the overall health of the hair and hair follicles. The doctor discusses the details of the procedure and may also discuss post-treatment strategies to maximize new hair growth. The NeoGraft procedure is explained in detail, including potential risks and complications of the procedure. Finally, pre-operative photos may be taken at that time.
What People Say About Us!
"I cannot say enough good things about West End! I have been going for about 2 years now and have had the pleasure of working with several of the fine professionals here. Quality, comfort, and absolute professionalism at its finest! They set me at ease from my first appointment. I always look forward to seeing the West End team!"
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Will NeoGraft Work for Transgender Patients Who Are Engaged in Hormone Therapy?
In many cases, hormone therapy may slow the progression of hair loss that has been ongoing. However, this treatment does not replace hair that has fallen out or thinned out. NeoGraft provides an excellent treatment option for patients as an integral part of their transition. Hormone therapy is usually not contraindicated for NeoGraft treatment.
How Can NeoGraft Benefit Female-to-Male (FTM) Transgender Patients?
Our female-to-male transgender patients may find it difficult to grow facial hair to the extent they would like, even with hormone therapy. In these instances, our doctors can use the NeoGraft FUE technique to fill in areas such as the upper lip, cheek, jawline, or chin. This hair transplant process can also be performed to create or enhance sideburns and to achieve an overall more masculine appearance. After facial hair transplant, the transplanted hair is expected to grow just like natural facial hair.
How Can NeoGraft Benefit Female-to-Male (FTM) Transgender Patients?
Male-to-female transgender patients, regardless of hormone therapy, may continue to struggle with male pattern baldness. While the use of hormones may arrest future hair loss, it cannot restore activity to dormant hair follicles. MTF patients may also want to create a hairline that is lower and more rounded to complete their facial feminization. The NeoGraft procedure can be used to fill in bald spots, areas of thinning, and also to create a hairline that more softly frames the face.
How Is the NeoGraft Procedure Performed?
The NeoGraft procedure is an FUE technique that is performed in the office using a local anesthetic that numbs the scalp. Follicular Unit Extraction takes single hair follicles from one area and places them where needed. NeoGraft technology removes healthy hair follicles from the back of the head using pneumatic pressure, which is gentle and precise.
How Long Does Transgender Hair Surgery Take?
Patients are advised to set aside the entire day for their NeoGraft procedure. The hair transplant can take five to eight hours. Our team discusses how to prepare for the appointment to be as comfortable as possible.
What is Recovery Like After an FTM Hair Transplant or MTF Hair Transplant?
One of the advantages of the NeoGraft procedure is that recovery occurs much more quickly than surgical hair transplant treatment. NeoGraft patients tend to have minimal pain. Swelling is also an expected side effect. The treatment sites typically heal in three to five days. The slowest part of recovery is waiting for the shaved hair at the donor site to grow out to match the length of the rest of the hair. In some cases, this can be hidden under longer hair. Trans or cis men may cut their hair short prior to their transplant procedure to reduce the time it takes for all hair to reach the same length.
Is Transgender Hair Surgery Safe for Both FTM and MTF Patients?
The NeoGraft procedure requires no incisions and no significant tissue removal. The conservative approach is carefully performed using the latest technology in hair transplant treatment. It is carried out by an experienced team of NeoGraft specialists who have been hand-picked for providing this service to our valued patients. This team has an extraordinarily high level of knowledge and experience that culminates in hair transplants that meet the natural growth patterns of the designated gender.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR NEOGRAFT PROCEDURE
We advise setting aside a full day for your appointment, as it can take five to eight hours, depending on the size of the desired coverage area. While the process may take some time, the good news is that it’s minimally invasive and involves very little recovery time.
Our team will use a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. The process will leave you with long-lasting, natural results that can last years.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR NEOGRAFT HAIR-TRANSPLANTATION PROCEDURE
The West End Hair Restoration team is happy to answer any questions you may have about what to expect long-term. In the meantime, here’s an overview of what you can expect in the months following your procedure. After your procedure, the implanted hair follicles should stay in place for around two to three weeks. Around that point, a normal shedding process will begin to occur.
Within the next three to four months, hair will naturally begin to replace the originally transplanted hair follicles. Once your new hair begins to grow, it should continue growing throughout your lifetime. In some cases, additional treatments or procedures may be needed to work around the natural hair loss process.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in gender-affirming hair transplants, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lexie Wang.