Hair replacement candidates should have some noticeable hair loss with healthy hair growth at the back and sides of the head to serve as doner areas.

A tube-like instrument punches round gafts from the donor site to be placed in the area where hair replacement is desired.

A tissue expander causes the skin of hair-bearing scalp to gradually expand.

When the skin beneath the hair has stretched enough, it is surgically placed over the bald area.

During flap surgery, a section of bald scalp is cut out and a flap of hair-bearing skin is sewn into its place.

The patterns used in scalp reduction vary widely, yet all meet the goal of bringing hair and scalp together to cover bald areas.

The results of hair replacement surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence.

A Follicular Unit Hair Transplant Surgery - Step by Step

The below step by step presentation shows how today's state of the art follicular unit hair transplant procedure is normally performed.

Today hair transplant surgery is a one day out-patient procedure requiring only local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort, if any, they experience during and after surgery. Many patients watch TV or nap during their hair transplant procedure.

	Patient is prepared for surgery During hair transplant surgery hair follicles from the back of the head that are genetically resistant to going bald will be removed and relocated (transplanted) to the balding areas.
	Donor area is trimmed Prior to surgery, the hair in donor area that will be surgically removed is trimmed.

	Donor area is prepared for surgery Once the donor area has been prepared it is given local anesthesia.
	Donor tissue is removed The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed. View an animation showing how the donor tissue is removed.
	Donor area is sutured The donor tissue containing the bald resistant hair follicles is then surgically removed.
	Hair combed over sutures When patient's hair is combed over the donor area the sutures are not visible. These sutures are typically removed approximately ten days after the hair transplant surgery.
	Donor tissue is trimmed into follicular unit grafts Surgical technicians then use microscopes to view the donor tissue in order to dissect and prepare follicular units hair grafts.
	Bald recipient area is prepared After being given local anesthesia, the balding recipient area is ready for surgery. No trimming or shaving of hair is needed in the top recipient area.
	Incisions are made in the balding areas Tiny incisions are made in the recipient areas in irregular patterns that mimic nature. The follicular unit grafts will then be placed carefully into these tiny incisions. View video showing how grafts are created and placed.
	Grafts are placed into the incisions Follicular unit grafts are gently placed into the recipient incisions.
	Grafts are placed in varying densities Typically the smallest one and two hair grafts are placed in the very front of the hairline, with three and four hair grafts placed behind them.
	Patient immediately following surgery Following surgery a patient will have hundreds of tiny incisions with short hair stubble showing from the new grafts.
	Close up of recipient area after surgery The tiny graft incisions heal rapidly. The redness and scabbing in the recipient area normally clears up within about one week.