Hair Restoration Surgery and Hair Replacement In Los Angeles: Hair restoration and hair replacement refer to any method, surgical or non-surgical, treating hair loss or baldness. While there a number of non-surgical cosmetic options can give the appearance of hair restoration, in most cases patients seek out surgical permanent solutions.
Common hair restoration options include:
- Surgical: Surgical method to restore hair.
- Non-Surgical: Alternative methods to surgical treatment. These include:
- Medical, which entails the use of oral and topical medications
- Laser, in which laser light waves stimulate hair regrowth
- Temporary and Artificial Hair Replacement: Refers to the nonsurgical use of temporary prosthesis for the purpose of covering or camouflaging hair loss. Some common examples include wigs, hairpieces, or toupees, and Hair loss concealers, such as Toppik
- Scalp Micropigmentation, or using permanent makeup by tattooing
- Prosthetic hair implantation. This surgical method implants artificial hair into the scalp. Because of a litany of complications that can result from implantation, most developed countries, including the United States, have banned the procedure.
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Crown of a Dr.UGraft Patient before and after hair restoration surgery.
Hair Restoration Surgery: The Different Methods
There are three different methods of hair restoration surgery:
- Hair Transplantation Surgery, of which there are two main types: Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS) method and the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method.
- Flap Surgery, including Temporoparieto-occipital (TPO) flaps and other variations of flaps.
- Scalp Reduction Surgery, commonly used in major reconstruction surgery.
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A patient of Dr. Umar displays the success in his hair transplant using the advanced FUE Dr UGraft method.*
Hair Transplant Surgery Overview
Hair transplant surgery, or HT surgery, involves taking hair from an area where hair fully, naturally grows and transplanting into an area of thinned hair or balding. At present, the procedure has become the most recommended for hair surgery. It considered the gold standard for restoring hair. Though once known for creating a doll-like appearance and “pluggy” hairlines, new methods that involve transplanting individual follicular units can now create a restored head of thick hair. There are two forms of Follicular Unit Transplant:
- Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS)
- Follicular Unit Extraction
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Hair restoration surgery by Dr.UGraft has many patients turning to hair transplants for natural looking results.*
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Before and after transformation by Dr.UGraft Hair replacement surgery.*
Understanding The Two Types of Follicular Unit Transplantation Surgery: FUSS vs. FUE
1. Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS)
The FUSS procedure method involves harvesting an elliptical strip of hair from the back or sides of the head. A surgeon then splits the strip into smaller grafts and sews it back to cover bald areas of the head. Doctors most frequently use a donor region located 1 cm above the top of the ears to harvest the follicular hair units.
Even though the FUSS method is considered the most commonly practiced method for hair restoration surgery, doctors have begun to recommend the procedure less and less because of the chance for complications top among which is the large linear visible scar where the surgeon harvested the grafts.
In recent years, however, many former FUSS patients have turned to no linear scar Dr.UGraft FUE to achieve better results and to help conceal scarring from earlier, more antiquated surgeries.
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The highly visible strip scar left over from previous surgeries left this patient dissatisfied with his results. With the help of Dr. Umar’s Dr.UGraft method, this only shows full coverage and no visible scarring.*
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Unlike the strip method, Follicular Unit Extraction FUE uses microscopic surgery, where a specialized instrument cuts around individual hair follicles. A doctor then takes individual hair follicles one-by-one from an area where hair existentially grows and harvests the grafts by using 0.8 – 1.2 mm punches. Since the surgery does not involve strip removal, FUE leaves only tiny wounds behind, unnoticeable to the public eye. Compared to the strip method, patients notice a dramatic difference with natural, healthy-looking scalp results. While basic FUE methods cannot meet the needs of severely bald patients. Advanced FUE using Dr.UGraft expands the benefits for many hair transplant cases.
FUE and Body Hair Transplants
Dr. Sanusi Umar’s innovation of the state-of-the-art advanced Dr.UGraft linear scar-free hair transplant method opens new doors by utilizing body hair as well as head hair for donor pools. By using beard, chest, arm, leg, and nape-of-the-neck hair as donors, many more patients have become candidates for a credible restoration surgery in even the most severely bald patients as well as donor depleted patients who need corrective hair surgeries to repair poor outcomes of prior surgeries that utilized antiquated methods.
Another advantage of the Dr.UGraft method over other basic FUE methods is in the ability to extract all tightly curled hairs by FUE including even the kinkiest Afro-textured hair due to Dr. Umar’s special invention of the Dr.UPunch Curl. Body hair transplantation
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Basic FUE methods cannot treat Afro-textured hair, but with the Dr.UGraft patients see real results.*
Examples of Dr.UGraft Hair Restoration Applications
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Using body hair transplantation with the Dr.UGraft method creates an unnoticeable transplant with natural looking hairlines.*
Dr.UGraft FUE procedure has also opened doors to hair transplant areas other than the head. Eyelash and eyebrow transplants utilizing nape and body hair now deliver soft and natural results. The image below shows how Dr.UGraft method can help gain fuller, longer lashes and eyebrows.
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The revolutionary technology of Dr.UGraft FUE allows for new kinds of hair transplants, like to the eyebrow. Results look totally natural.*
Outdated Methods to Restore Hair Loss: Flap Surgery & Scalp Reduction
With the development of FUE methods, older forms of hair surgery like flap or scalp reduction became a thing of the past. In fact, doctors rarely recommend these surgeries any longer, except in selected cases of burns victims, accidents, and congenital birth disorders. Both flap surgery and scalp reduction had a history of poor results and excessive, unnecessary scarring left behind. While Dr. Umar does not perform these procedures, he’s enjoyed success in repairing the poor outcomes that have resulted from these techniques. His revolutionary Dr.UGraft FUE has the ability to repair botched surgeries, as well as restore hair to the head.
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This patient had obvious scarring from a botched flap surgery. Dr.UGraft FUE not only restored his hair but concealed his scars as well.*
Flap Surgery: Frightening Results
To provide hair restoration using flap surgery, surgeons most commonly take flaps from the sides of the scalp. The surgeon then rotates the flaps to the front and mid-top portion of the bald or thinning head, harnessing them onto the temporal artery of the head to continue blood supply. Unfortunately, this method leaves an unappealing hard-lined hairline, visible scarring, and elevation in the ear and nape hairline area. Needless to say, this results in an unpleasing cosmetic appearance, as well as possible hypoesthesia. With all these possible aesthetic and health complications, doctors no longer use flap surgery.
Scalp Reduction Surgery: A Serious Risk
Doctors perform scalp reduction surgery with the goal of surgically reducing or removing the thinned-out or bald area in order to promote hair restoration. During the procedure, a surgeon cuts under the skin of the balding area as a way to loosen it for movement. The surgeon then pulls the remaining skin over the removed area and places the hair-bearing donor over the removed area, as well.
Surgeons once performed four basic types of scalp reduction surgeries based on the excision pattern.
- Midline Sagittal Ellipse
- Paramedian Pattern
- Circumferential Pattern
- The Y-Pattern
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Scalp reduction is a highly invasive procedure and is contraindicated in patients with impaired wound healing, tendency to bleed, or those on anticoagulant treatment.
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The slot deformity of the crown caused by scalp reduction is when the crown becomes oval shaped. In this before and after photo, the area is covered using body hair by Dr.UGraft.
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Crown Slot deformity caused by scalp reduction before and after photo, the area is covered using body hair by Dr.UGraft.*
Though scalp surgery can provide quick hair restoration appearances, much like strip surgery, doctors no longer favor it because of possible complications. In fact, cosmetic issues like vivid scarring and unnatural hairlines have many patients of scalp reduction surgery seeking help from Dr. Umar and Dr.UGraft. With the help of Dr.UGraft method, previously botched patients have finally had a successful hair transplant surgery that can do away with scarring, and with baldness.
Prosthetic Implantation as Hair Replacement Surgery
In this dangerous surgery, a doctor plants artificial fibers into the scalp. Prosthetic implants pose enormous problems for patients and frequent complications. Complications include but are not limited to infections, abscesses, scarring, foreign body reactions, and disfigurement.
The frequent potential complications of hair implants have led most major countries, including the United States, to ban the practice altogether. In Japan, however, prosthetic implants remain legal and popular, with the NIDO procedure particularly favored. Dr. Umar has had to surgically remove these implants from a number of patients as part of Dr.UGraft repair process.
Medication for Temporary Hair Replacement
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Finasteride is commonly used in hair restoration but needs to be taken daily, the results are not guaranteed, and the medication can have serious side effects. Permanent results with the advanced FUE by Dr.UGraft method allows no daily hassle.
Doctors prescribe hair loss medication to slow the thinning or balding of the hair. In some cases, the medication can increase the chance of growing new hair and enlarging existing hairs. However, the FDA has only approved two medications for the use of hair restoration: a topical solution, minoxidil, and an oral drug, finasteride.
Rogaine has already achieved a degree of pop culture notoriety. Patients apply the medication twice a day by either spraying or rubbing the medication in the needed area. Patients take the oral prescription finasteride daily to help increase the chance of re-growth. Even in the best cases, patients seldom see a full head of hair after using these medications. Results with these medications vary. Even worse, these medications do not have permanent effects. If a patient stops taking the medication at any point, all benefits vanish within a span of four months.
The Use of Lasers in Hair Restoration Surgery
Surgeons currently use laser energy in two different forms for hair loss restoration: the stimulation of hair follicles and in creating incisions for recipient grafts, either laser combs or laser helmets. However, Dr. Umar shies away from the use of lasers, as they have ineffective and unimpressive results in the few patients who have growth. Lasers may ye prove effective in maintaining and slowing the rate of hair loss, at present, they do not meet the standards of hair transplant surgeries.
Hair Loss Concealment Methods
Similar to hairpieces, hair loss concealers offer temporary hair replacement solutions for hair loss. Today, the most popular hair concealment brands include Toppik, DermMatch, COUVRé, and Nanogen, all of which use artificial materials designed to mimic the appearance of hair. These concealers come as powders, lotions or makeup, all of which claim to resemble consistency and color of real hair. Unfortunately, concealers can become caked-on after being applied too often, and become expensive when used every day. The unnatural appearance and visibility of hair loss concealers also deter patients struggling with hair loss from using them.
Popular hair loss concealers include:
- Hairpieces
- Hair loss concealers, e.g. Toppik
- Scalp Micropigmentation
Fortunately, the advanced Dr.UGraft method uses real hair from the body to create fuller, natural hair in the depleted area. Rather than covering up those thinned-out areas, body hair transplantation by Dr.UGraft FUE restores the fullness and density of real hair to a bald spot.
Hairpieces
Hairpieces, also known as toupees, are commonly used as a transitional piece for those looking for a quick camouflage. This hair replacement approach entails sewing the toupees and hairpieces onto the scalp. Simple, inanimate objects, they simply cover the appearance of baldness. However, hairpieces do not offer a long-term solution for hair loss. Worse, hairpieces are often detectable with the naked eye. Their Unnatural appearance makes it especially difficult for users who have completely lost their hairline and hair around the temple areas. In fact, Dr. Umar has treated many patients looking to free themselves from the unreal, hassle of the average hairpiece. Dr.UGraft method allows patients to say goodbye to their toupee and hello to flowing new hair.
The patient in the photo below had undergone this antiquated procedure. In his case, doctors sewed the hairpiece to his hairline at a clinic in New Jersey. The patient endured infections, abscesses, and scarring in the hairline as a result. These kinds of complications also led the procedure to be banned in the United States.
Subsequently, this same patient underwent Dr.UGraft body hair transplant repair with a successful outcome:
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Men’s Hair Replacement: Before seeing Dr. Umar, the patient suffered complications of hair replacement in which a hairpiece was sewn unto his hairline. Dr.UGraft FUE restored his hair and corrected his botched surgery.
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How much does hair restoration cost? Often times a new outlook on life can supersede the cost of hair restoration surgery.*
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Dr.UGraft for the restoration of missing temple points and hairline for integration with a hairpiece for a more natural look.*
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
Concealing baldness with scalp micro pigmentation simply involves getting a medical tattoo over balding areas or scalp scars. During the process, a surgeon injects natural pigments at the epidermal level of the scalp, replicating the natural appearance of hair follicles. The success of SMP depends on specific factors, though, including the deepness of the ink pigment and unique characteristics of the scalp and oil glands. Over time, however, many individuals start to discoloration that makes the procedure obvious. Issues with matching SMP to the natural color of hair often poses a significant obstacle for patients.
Patients who have strip scars from previous hair transplants should not expect complete invisibility with this method, either. Fortunately, Dr. Umar has years of experience treating many prior SMP patients using the Dr.UGraft method.
The Future: Gene and Cell-Based Hair Restoration
Medical science continues its ongoing search to find new ways to restore your hair with advanced development and technology. At present, scientists have shown interest in several theoretical methods of gene and cell-based hair restoration which hold promise.
Researchers have shown particular interest in developing sciences for hair cloning using stem cell research. Specific factors, such as prostaglandins, wnt-catenin, and gene-based research, currently aim to grow hair based on gene manipulation. Should the technology progress, doctors will have the ability to clone hair cells and reapply them to the head, allowing men and women to regrow hair in bald areas. Furthermore, one day scientists might prevent baldness altogether by detecting and blocking the genes for hair loss. Even better, gene therapy could offer a painless, reliable cure for men and women who have already suffered hair loss. In theory, these patients could regrow their hair with only minimal treatment.
It is important to remember, however, that these methods remain the stuff of science fiction at present. None of these methods have shown foolproof results, let alone progress to the point of commercializing for public consumption.
The Best Hair Restoration Surgery
For men and women already suffering from hair loss, Dr.UGraft method has become the best hair replacement option today. The minimally-invasive procedure has already offered hope to patients with severe balding and donor depletion, as well as patients with even modest hair loss. Dr. Umar’s advanced FUE method using Dr.UGraft has a recorded stunning and consistent success rate in restoring even the worst cases for the past 10 years.
Whether patients are looking for a new way to get their natural hair back or are simply trying to conceal previous botched results, Dr. Umar and Dr.UGraft can offer a final, relieving solution for all cases. Patients interested in hair restoration surgery and doing away with baldness once and for all should contact Dr. Umar for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hair Restoration Surgery and Hair Replacement:
How much does hair restoration cost? How much does hair replacement cost?
The cost of hair restoration surgery with Dr.UGraft varies on a patient by patient basis, depending on the level of baldness the patient has experienced, and the number of grafts needed to restore hair loss. Patients should have a free consultation with Dr. Umar to discuss the best options for hair replacement surgery, and to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. If cost is a factor for a patient, Dr. Umar can develop a plan which takes financial burden into account, while still allowing for the best possible restoration of hair.
I’m considering traveling abroad to seek out more experimental options to restore hair loss… why should I consider hair restoration surgery with Dr.UGraft instead?
To begin with, foreign travel for hair surgery tourism can drastically increase the cost of a procedure, even when promoted as far cheaper than one performed in the United States. Additionally, surgeries in foreign nations do not conform to FDA standards, which can increase the chances for complications and infections after surgery. Moreover, seeing a doctor for follow up work, or to treat complications becomes next to impossible when venturing out of the country.
By contrast, undergoing a hair transplant in the USA gives the patient the legal protections of the US government in the unlikely case of a problem. Performed in an office setting, Dr.UGraft offers dramatic results and has little risk of complications as well.
I’ve noticed some results with nonsurgical treatments to restore hair loss, like concealers and medications… why should I consider hair restoration surgery with Dr.UGraft?
As previously stated, hair loss concealers only hide hair loss, rather than restore hair loss. In addition, concealers often do not match the color or look of natural hair growth and can become a source of embarrassment for a user. Moreover, hair loss concealers and hair loss medications can both become expensive over time. If a patient discontinues medication, hair loss will resume in a matter of months.
Dr.UGraft addresses all of these issues, restoring healthy, growing hair to a balding area with a totally natural look, and requires only the cost of the procedure. Patients no longer need to worry about how natural a hair concealer looks, or the long-term cost and side effects of prescription medications. By far, it is the best hair restoration available today. Dr. Umar performs hair restoration surgery in his Los Angeles office with Dr.UGraft; no hospitalization is required.
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