hair restoration

candidates for surgical hair restoration

Male pattern baldness is the primary indication for hair restoration surgery. Depending on the degree of hair loss, it can successfully be undertaken at almost any age. Individuals with areas of baldness since birth or baldness following trauma and surgery are also ideal candidates for surgical hair restoration.

preparing for surgery

On the night before your surgery we ask that you not have anything to eat or drink (including coffee, tea and juice) after 12:00 am. This allows your stomach to empty thereby minimizing any postoperative nausea.

Two weeks prior to your surgery all blood thinning medications and supplements (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, ginko, ginseng and vitamin E) must be stopped. This reduces the amount of swelling experienced postoperatively. A prescription for antibiotics and pain medication will usually be supplied to you during your consultation visit and should be filled before the day of your surgery.

If you color your hair, please do so at least 2 weeks before your surgery. By keeping the hair on the back of the head at least 1 inch in length, early signs of the surgery can easily be disguised.

A simple blood test to measure your hemoglobin level is performed prior to surgery and, if you are over 50 years of age, a cardiogram is required for your safety.

your surgery

All procedures are performed in our dedicated procedure room at Vancouver General Hospital under local anasthesia. Depending on the number of grafts being placed and the planned length of the surgery, light sedation may be given.

Unlike many hair restoration centers, Dr. Denton is present throughout the entire procedure.

follow-up

No bandage is applied following surgery. Stitches placed to close the donor site are removed in 12 to 14 days. During the first 24 hours the grafted area should be sprayed with a saline-filled mister every 3 to 4 hours. This keeps the grafts moist during the initial healing period.

resuming normal activities

Sleeping with two pillows under your head for the first 2 nights helps minimize swelling. Bending, lifting and straining are prohibited during the first 48 hours. Light non-cardiac exercise can be resumed after one week and increased over the ensuing 7 days.

Most patients are permitted to gently rinse their scalp with warm water 2 days after surgery and may gently wash their hair with mild shampoo 4 days after the procedure.

Very little discomfort is experienced following the procedure, but pain medication will be provided and should be taken if necessary. Moderate swelling of the forehead occurs occasionally and resolves over 1 to 2 days as the local anesthetic solution is absorbed. It is normal for small crusts to develop over the grafts and these will fall off spontaneously in 7 to 10 days.

Most patients are back at work within 3 to 7 days.

costs of hair restoration

The cost of hair restoration is based on the planned number of grafts. Following your consultation, a quote is given which is good for one year. Our quotes include all costs: pre-operative tests, anesthesia, facility charges, the services of our staff, and applicable taxes. You are encouraged to make cost comparisons. In comparing, be sure you determine the total of all costs related to the surgery.

A deposit is required at the time the surgery is scheduled in order to hold a specific date for you. The balance is due two weeks prior to your surgery. For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, VISA and debit cards.

We have arranged a financing plan for our patients with an outside financial institution. Ask our patient care coordinators for details about how to qualify.

alternatives to surgical hair restoration

Transplant surgery is the only technique available to permanently replace lost hair.

Two medications are presently available that, when used over an extended period of time, may slow and, in some cases, reverse baldness. Minoxidil, marketed as Rogaine™, is a topical preparation that is massaged into the scalp twice daily. Results are variable and treatment must continue to maintain any new hair growth. Finasteride, marketed as Propecia™, is taken once daily in pill form. Studies have shown a significant decrease in the rate of hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. Like Rogaine™, treatment must be continued to maintain any benefit.

Cosmetic enhancers include colored creams, sprays, and powders that when applied to the thinning scalp help to camouflage thinning areas, as long as there is still some hair present in the area. Hairpieces and weaves are a non-surgical means to restore hair by covering bald areas of the scalp.

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