More Common Questions

Q: Who is a good candidate for Hair Transplantation?

A: Most people with male-pattern baldness (MPB) are candidates for hair transplantation. Ironically, many women have male-pattern hair loss despite the phrase "male-pattern" baldness. Hair loss candidacy is a function of three elements: How much permanent hair you still have, how much baldness or thinning you have relative to the amount of hair you have, and your overall expectations. The patient’s expectations are the most important of the three elements. A patient's expectations and objectives must be realistic, and a frank discussion of possible future hair loss of the non-transplanted hair needs to occur.

Q: Is there an ideal age to begin Hair Transplantation?

A: This is an oft-debated issue among hair transplant surgeons. Current data indicates that transplanting in the early stages of hair loss make it easier to conceal. This allows the patient to limit the appearance of thinning over time. We recommend a thorough in-office examination of all prospective patients, especially patients under the age of 24. If the patient is a minor, we require a parent or guardian to be a part of the consultation and final decision.

Q: What is the difference between grafts and PAI Levels?

A: A graft can contain from 1 to 10 hairs in some cases. Most hair transplant clinics price their hair transplants by the graft. The problem with this approach is that since the numbers of hairs per graft can be over a large range, the patient doesn’t know how many hairs are being transplanted.

The PAI Levels show number of hairs, not grafts, and the general area to be covered. This forthright approach is much less confusing to the patient. Generally, the PAI Levels tend to be less expensive per hair than other approaches.

Q: How many hairs will I get?

A: One graft does not mean one hair. The PAI physician will harvest grafts from 1-7 hairs, depending on the area of distribution. Thus, 1,200 grafts will mean an average of 5,000 to 7,000 hairs. This number of grafts, well distributed, will produce a natural hairline and the desired density and coverage. If the procedure takes much longer than 6 hours, the number of hairs that will grow from the procedure can be dramatically reduced.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: One of the benefits of Multi-Unit Hair Grafting™ is that more hair can be moved in each procedure, thereby minimizing the number of procedures needed to achieve the patient's desired results. This trademarked procedure allows up to twice the hair volume compared to a more traditional Follicular Unit hair transplant and is a much better value. Patients often find that only 1 or 2 procedures are required to meet their objectives.

Q. How long after my hair transplant will I begin to see hair growth?

A: Generally, the hair begins to grow within 3-5 months after the procedure and the number of new hairs will continue to increase for 12 months.

Q: What type of postoperative care do you provide?

A: We follow up with you periodically throughout the growth process and recommend suggestions for optimum results along the way. We strongly recommend patients consider a hair loss prevention routine following the procedure to help maintain the non-transplanted hair. PAI offers options for hair loss prevention.

Q: How soon can I go back to work after the procedure?

A: Generally, you can return to work within a day or two following your procedure depending on your type of work and comfort level. However, any strenuous exercising or lifting should not be attempted for 10 days after the procedure or until your sutures have been removed.