Hair loss no longer needs to be a mark of shame. With the advent of new technology, patients now have a wide variety of treatment options to fight back against the natural shedding of their hair. Dr. Stephen M. Miller offers hair replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Call (702) 369-1001 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Miller!
What Can Hair Replacement Surgery Do?
The slow and insidious loss of hair in both men and women can change their social circles greatly. First impressions are important in today’s world, and the thinning of hair or a receding hairline can impart an older and less youthful appearance. This can cause loss of confidence in a patient, or lead then to utilize other cover up techniques, which may not be the best choice.
With the new technology now available which can transplant single and double strands of hair, a patient can regain the anterior hairline or gain greater density in their scalp which can simulate nature and avoid the “Barbie Doll Hair” that was the stigma of years gone past.
How can I prepare for a Hair Transplant?
Before a hair transplant, patients may be advised to take certain precautions. These are intended to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling and also to promote the best treatment outcome.
Two weeks before the procedure, patients should stop smoking and refrain from using medications and supplements that thin the blood. Examples include NSAIDs like Motrin (ibuprofen). Alcohol should also be avoided due to its blood-thinning effects. In the few weeks before surgery, patients should also enjoy healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Dieting is not recommended before undergoing hair transplant surgery because putting the body in a catabolic state could diminish its healing capacity.
How is Hair Replacement Surgery Performed?
The harvesting of follicular units, or the hair transplants are taken from a part of the scalp on the back, which is genetically destined not to fall out. This procedure is done under local anesthesia with some sedation to place the patient in a twilight sleep. Professionally trained cutters then prepare the hair transplants. Precise openings are then made by Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Miller to assure a natural orientation and appropriate density.
Typical patients can have anywhere from 500 to 1800 follicular units placed which can amount to 1000-3000 single hairs. The recovery involves some mild tightness in the donor site, which is easily controlled with oral medication. The normal progression is for the transplanted hair shaft to fall out but the transplanted hair bulb remains, and this is where the new hair will grow from.
Depending on the rate of each individual’s hair growth, a patient will see new hair start to grow in a few short weeks with full growth taking place by 6-8 months. Some individuals with advance hair loss need to have more than one session to achieve maximal results, but patients with smaller areas or women that merely need greater density, many times are satisfied after one single hair transplant session.
How long does the hair transplant procedure last?
The length of the hair transplant surgery depends on how many grafts are being transplanted. The procedure can take from 4 to 8 hours. During your consultation, the doctor can discuss the anticipated amount of time you should arrange to be in the office.
What kind of results can I expect from hair transplant surgery?
After the brief recovery period during which pain medication may be needed, patients can expect to go about their normal routine comfortably. It is possible to return to work in 2 to 5 days. The doctor may discuss certain activity restrictions, such as avoiding strenuous exercise, and for how long. Patients should expect their transplanted hair to fall out 2 to 3 weeks after their procedure. This is not a sign of failure but of shock to the transplanted follicles. In time, new hair growth occurs. According to studies, most patients experience 60% new hair growth after 6 to 9 months. This may be facilitated through the use of a topical or oral hair restoration product like minoxidil.
Can I still lose the hair after a transplant?
Technically, pattern baldness should not occur after hair transplant surgery. This is because the nature of the harvested hair follicles, taken from the back or sides of the scalp, are more resilient and resistant to loss. That said, it is possible that hair could thin over time.
Is there any pain involved with a hair transplant?
Hair transplant surgery is far more comfortable than most patients expect. Before the procedure, the doctor administers numbing medication to both the harvest area and the implant area. This is the same type of medication that a dentist uses before filling a cavity or performing a root canal. To numb the scalp, the doctor performs several injections using a very fine needle. It is during this part of the process that patients will feel minor discomfort. It is described as a momentary pinching sensation. Because the local anesthetic is powerful, its numbing effects begin to develop within just a couple of minutes, after which subsequent injections may be less noticeable. In 10 to 15 minutes, the anesthetic reaches full efficacy, eliminating the chances of pain during the transplant.
It is not uncommon for patients to experience minor soreness and tenderness after their anesthetic wears off. To manage this, the doctor may prescribe pain medication. The vast majority of patients need prescription-strength medication only for a day. By the following day, comfort should improve enough to manage with over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen.
How accurate is Hair Transplant Surgery?
The advancement in hair transplant techniques has significantly improved the accuracy and natural appearance achieved with hair transplants. Thirty years ago, hair transplants looked unnatural due to the use of large hair plugs. Today, doctors use micrografts that are extremely small, thereby enhancing the accuracy of placement. Dr. Miller uses extreme care to insert hair grafts in accordance with the natural orientation and pattern of the patient’s hair.
Patient Testimonials
“I had the best experience while i was under Dr. Miller’s care. His office staff is friendly and very professional. I felt comfortable the moment I met Dr. Miller and his assistant Lacy. They explained each phase of the process to me and was supportive. Thank you Dr. Miller and Lacy” – T.M.
” Dr. Miller is the best cosmetic surgeon in Las Vegas, NV, hands down. Dr. Miller and he was friendly and knowledgeable and the staff was great each time I went in to the office. I have recommend Stephen M. Miller, MD, PC, FACS – Plastic Surgeon to my friends, family and coworkers. Amazing and so satisfied with the results” – W.S.
” Dr. Miller and his whole staff are fantastic. Dr. Miller takes his time and explains the whole procedure step by step. I felt extremely comfortable. But what really speaks for itself is the results.” – D.L.
HAIR TRANSPLANT PHOTO GALLERY.
Call Dr. Miller For Hair Transplant Surgery In Las Vegas!
Learn about hair replacement surgery treatment in Las Vegas by calling 702-369-1001 today. Or, you can fill out our appointment request form by clicking here! Your initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Miller is free. We proudly serve patients in Henderson, Summerlin and nearby areas of Nevada.