Although usually thought of as a condition affecting men, hair loss is also a problem for many women. Women‘s hair loss can be the result of aging, heredity, medications, or an underlying medical condition. It can take the form of pattern baldness, patchy spots, or thinning hair, and can begin at any age.
Women with hair loss may benefit from the NeoGraft® Automated Hair-Transplantation System, which uses an innovative technology that makes hair transplantation less painful, and reduces post-procedure recovery time.
The NeoGraft system involves harvesting hair follicles for targeted placement in another area of the scalp. Once transplanted, the healthy follicles produce hair that should continue to grow for the rest of the patient‘s life.
Candidates for the NeoGraft Hair-Transplantation System
Ideal female candidates for NeoGraft hair transplantation include those with the following:
- Traction alopecia
- Hair loss from trauma
- Patches of thinning hair or bald spots
- A donor area not affected by androgenetic alopecia
- Had cosmetic surgery and wants to replace hair that has been lost around the incision sites.
With these types of hair loss, typically it happens in certain areas, not all over the head. This means the patient still has healthy hair follicles in other areas. NeoGraft utilizes the healthy hair and transplants it to the affected areas. Once transplanted, the healthy follicles produce hair that should continue to grow for the rest of the patient‘s life.
The patient below is 1 year post-op. She suffers from Traction Alopecia which is hair loss caused by repeatedly pulling on your hair. You can develop this condition if you often wear your hair in a tight ponytail, tight braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks.
The NeoGraft Hair-Transplantation Procedure
NeoGraft hair transplantation is gentler and less painful than traditional hair transplantation, which involves removing a large strip of hair and skin, and greatly reduces the risk of scarring. The NeoGraft system involves using follicular unit extraction (FUE), a surgical procedure in which hair is transplanted in individual follicular units. Each unit consists of one to four hairs that have been extracted from the donor area for placement in areas that need hair. The hair follicles are removed and placed using pneumatic pressure, which eliminates follicle-damaging pulling and twisting. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia.
Advantages of the NeoGraft Hair-Transplantation System
Advantages of using the NeoGraft system rather than traditional methods that remove a large strip of hair include the following:
- Quicker, easier recovery
- Sutures are not necessary
- There is no linear scar from the harvest area
Another advantage is that the complications (bleeding, or damage to the nerves and blood vessels) associated with the "strip" method are rare.
Are There Any Risks With the Neograft Hair Transplantation Procedure?
Although the NeoGraft procedure is less invasive than a normal hair transplant, it still may pose several risks that patients should be aware of before committing to their treatment. In addition to the common post-operation side effects such as temporary swelling, bleeding, itching, inflammation, and scalp numbness, the NeoGraft hair-transplantation risks include the following:
- Infection.
- Complications with wound healing.
- Scarring.
- Unnatural hairline.
- Shock hair loss.
However, under the care of our highly-skilled plastic surgeons, who draw from years of expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, many patients are able to properly handle their post-op side effects free of complications, avoiding these risks completely.
Is the Neograft Hair Transplantation Procedure Painful?
Compared to traditional hair transplant procedures, the NeoGraft is a less invasive treatment. Because of this, only minimal bleeding occurs, and very little discomfort should be felt during the procedure, especially since the patient’s scalp will undergo a numbing treatment before any part of the procedure takes place. After the anesthetic wears off in several days, patients may experience itching, swelling, or a sunburnt feeling on the scalp, which is normal and should subside once recovery is completed.
How Can I Prepare for My Procedure?
There are many ways patients can prepare their scalp ahead of time to make their NeoGraft hair transplantation procedure easier than ever.
Consider doing the following to prepare properly:
- Two weeks before your procedure, massage your scalp 10 minutes daily.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid dying your hair before your procedure.
- Avoid energy drinks at least three days before your procedure.
- Avoid eating spicy food the night before your procedure.
- Plan to wash your hair with shampoo two days before your surgery.
Results of the NeoGraft Hair-Transplantation System
According to system manufacturer NeoGraft Solutions, Inc., "Once the hair follicle has been implanted into the balding area, the grafted hair will stay in place for about 2 to 3 weeks before shedding. After shedding, the new growth will begin in 3 to 4 months; this is normal, and an important part of the new-hair growth process. After that time period, the hair will continue to grow normally." Although results of the procedure should last for the patient‘s lifetime, because hair loss continues post-transplant, maintenance treatments, including additional transplants and/or drugs that prevent hair loss, may be necessary.
Schedule A Hair Restoration for Women Consultation
To schedule an appointment for a Hair Restoration procedure for women or a consultation with a specialist, please call us at 202-785-4187 or fill out an online contact form to get a consultation with Dr. Lexi Wang. Thank you for choosing West End Hair Restoration in Washington, DC!