Nearly 80% of men and 50% of women experience hair loss. A hair transplant can be the perfect solution if you are worried about premature hair loss or want to alter your hairlines to achieve an attractive mane. A hair transplant is a surgical process that involves taking hair from thicker parts of the scalp and other body parts and grafting them on hairless portions. Board-certified Dr Ryan Heffelfinger and his team from Jefferson Facial Plastics have vast experience and training in hair transplant surgeries. 

Here’s an overview of how the procedure is performed at Jefferson Facial Plastics: 

What to expect during a hair transplant

A hair transplant is an outpatient procedure done at the plastic surgeon’s office. The surgery takes about 4 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the transplant you are getting and your hair type. The following are the steps to perform a hair transplant:

Step 1

Dr Heffelfinger and his team first clean your scalp and inject medicine numbing the back of your head.

Step 2 

Next, the doctor chooses one of the two methods for hair transplant:

• Follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS): With FUSS, your plastic surgeon removes a 6 to 10-inch strip of skin from the back of the head and sets it aside before closing the scalp. Dr Heffelfinger and his team will then divide the strip of removed scalp into several tiny grafts, each with a few hairs. 
• Follicular unit extraction (FUE): With the FUE procedure, the doctor and his team shave the back of your scalp and removes individual hair follicles from the shaved part. The scalp heals quickly, leaving small dots hidden by existing hair. 

Step 3

After step 1, both methods follow similar procedures. The doctor and his team prepare the grafts and clean and numb the target area. The doctor then creates holes or slits using a scalpel or needle and places each graft on the holes. The grafts are placed about one-eighth of an inch apart to maintain healthy circulation in the scalp. Dr Heffelfinger takes great care in removing and placing grafts to ensure the transplanted hair grows naturally. 

Step 4: After the grafting session, the scalp is cleansed and covered with gauze. You may need to wear a pressure bandage for 24-48 hours.

What is the recovery duration?

It takes approximately 10 to 14 days to recover from a hair transplant. During the recovery, expect the site to be red, scabby, and swollen. Dr Heffelfinger might inject triamcinolone into the area to reduce any swelling. You may feel pain or soreness at the transplant site and in spots where the hair was taken. However, these issues can be resolved easily with over-the-counter medications.

Get a hair transplant at Jefferson Facial Plastics.

Dealing with hair loss or thinning can be a challenge. Fortunately, a hair transplant surgery at Jefferson Facial Plastics can be an effective solution tailored to your unique situation. Dr Heffelfinger offers high-quality hair transplant treatments to enhance your appearance and self-esteem, resolve baldness and achieve better styling capabilities. Dr Heffelfinger is ready to discuss your best options. Schedule a consultation online or call us at 215-503-FACE.