Our Clinic
Skin Cancer Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery
Hair Transplantation
Laser Surgery
Facial Rejuvenation
Other Links
Teaching Website
Cosmetic Surgery Center
Division of Dermatology
Dermatologic Surgery Center
UW Medicine
Daniel Berg, M.D., FRCPC, Director
Clinic Appointments: (206) 598-6647
Information for Current Patients:
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-operative Instructions
Hair Transplantation
|
|
|
Hair Transplantation is an excellent option for the treatment of hereditary hair loss in many men and women. A pleasing, natural appearance is now the result as surgical techniques have improved vastly since the old days of "hair plugs". A consultation with Dr. Berg is recommended to discuss the specifics of your hair loss and to decide whether hair transplantation is a good option for you.
For more information, you may watch a video of Dr. Berg reviewing Hair Transplantation for Cosmetic Surgery Rounds at UWTV's website: "Cosmetic Surgery: A Multidisciplinary Approach". (Dr. Berg's portion of this hour-long program takes place at 30 minutes, 34 seconds through 46 minutes, 10 seconds).
You may also see a summary of the principles of the surgery with some of Dr. Berg's before and after photos by clicking on the following PowerPoint Presentation "Hair Transplantation" by Dr. Daniel Berg.
Our Approach
Hair transplantation at the University of Washington is approached as an important surgical procedure, in which the transplant recipient is viewed as a patient rather than a client. For these reasons, medical consultation and follow-up is always provided by the physician who will oversee the surgery, rather than a sales associate. The procedure itself is carried out by this physician with the assistance of experienced hair transplant technicians.
It is our philosophy to provide you with medically sound and realistic information. In keeping with proper medical standards, the possible negatives of transplanting, as well as realistic expectations, will be discussed with you prior to proceeding with your surgery.
What is hair transplantation?
Hair transplantation refers to the surgical movement of permanent hair with its roots to an area of bald or balding skin. Hair transplantation is an effective and permanent solution for hair loss.
How does it work?
In almost all cases of so-called "male-pattern baldness", there is a permanent fringe of hair along the side and back of the scalp. This hair demonstrates "donor dominance". This means it will grow permanently even if it is moved to an area which is bald or balding.
What does the procedure involve?
Hair transplantation is done under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Hair and follicles are removed from the "donor area" of permanent hair along the back and sides of the head. This area is immediately camouflaged by the surrounding hair.
The removed hair follicles are then divided into individual grafts of varying sizes. The smallest grafts contain 1-2 hairs and are often referred to as "follicular units" or "micrografts". Larger minigrafts may contain up to 6 hairs and can provide more density per graft. Choice of number and type of graft is made taking into account the patient's hair type, quality, color, and the area to be transplanted. Once prepared, the grafts (hair and its roots) are then inserted into the thin area.
How long does it take?
Hair transplantation is an office procedure that takes approximately four to eight hours depending on the extent of the planned procedure. Most people return to work two to five days after the surgery. Most people require more than one session, spaced at least six months apart, to complete the hair restoration in an area. The timing and number of transplants depends on the amount of hair you have when you start, how much is anticipated that you will continue to lose without transplanting, and how much hair density you desire.
Will it look natural?
Yes. In the hands of well-trained and experienced physicians, and using newer techniques with smaller grafts, the hair grows in the proper direction with a feathered hairline, and a highly aesthetic result.
The hair is your own, and just like all of your hair it grows, and can be washed, curled, permed, and styled as desired. Once the transplants are completed, no special maintenance is required.
Will it scar?
The donor site will have a fine line scar which will be hidden by permanent hair in the area. Where the grafts have been placed there will be tiny marks and initial crusting over (for 5-14 days), but after healing and hair growth, these areas are usually not detectable.
When does the new hair grow in?
In most cases, immediately after the transplant the hairs fall out of the grafts. They begin to regrow in 1-3 months, and will continue to grow as normal hair. With each session, you will have thicker hair.
I am a woman, can I benefit from hair transplantation?
Women with localized thinning on the top of their heads or thinning around the temples often make good candidates for hair transplantation. Prior to evaluation for hair transplantation, it is important for women to discuss your thinning hair with a dermatologist and/or endocrinologist to make sure there is no other treatable reason for the hair loss.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the amount of bald area that will need to be transplanted and the desired thickness. More grafts are necessary to cover more bald or thin areas and to maximize hair density. Because the procedure is individual, costs are usually determined individually. Hair transplantation is a cost-competitive solution for hair loss. Other hair replacement alternatives require additional maintenance over the years.
When should I consider hair transplantation?
Hair transplantation can be done both on patients with advanced baldness and earlier thinning. Newer treatments like Propecia for men, or Rogaine for both men and women should be considered as well, especially in patients with earlier thinning as these medications often significantly slow the progression of hair loss. In general, hair transplantation is not considered for patients younger than their mid-20s because of difficulty in predicting the ultimate extent of hair loss.
What qualifications should I look for in a doctor performing this procedure?
Hair surgery requires both medical and technical expertise, as well as an aesthetic appreciation of natural hair growth. At the University of Washington your transplant will be performed by a surgical team led by Dr. Berg, a recognized board-certified specialist in dermatology with training and experience in dermatologic surgery.
About Dr. Berg
Dr. Daniel Berg is a dermatologic surgeon experienced in hair transplantation as well as other cosmetic and reconstructive skin surgeries. He received his qualifications in Dermatology in 1991 and completed two further years of training in dermatologic surgery. Dr. Berg was trained in hair transplantation in both dermatology residency and dermatologic surgery fellowships where he worked with internationally recognized leaders in the field. He has continued with this work since his arrival in 1997 at the University of Washington, where he is the Director of Dermatologic Surgery.
More before and after photographs will be available at your consultation.
Note: Individuals must determine for themselves how to use the information provided on this website. When making medical decisions, a physician should always be consulted first.
University of Washington Medical Center
Roosevelt 1, Fourth Floor
4225 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Clinic appointments or more information:
Monday through Friday
9:00am to 4:30 pm
206-598-6647
Copyright © 2006 Daniel Berg, M.D.
Dermatologic Surgery
Contact the webmaster at:
danberg@u.washington.edu
Website designed by Cathi Carol
Last Updated: March 24, 2008