American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Hair Transplantation and Restoration

Surgical Hair Replacement

Hair transplant surgery involves removing small pieces of hair-bearing scalp grafts from a donor site and relocating them to a bald or thinning area.

What are the risks of hair transplant surgery?

Hair transplant surgery is normally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced board- certified plastic surgeon. Still, individuals vary greatly in their physical reactions and healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.

As in any surgical procedure, infection may occur. Excessive bleeding and/or wide scars, sometimes called "stretch-back" scars caused by tension, may result from some scalp-reduction procedures.

In transplant procedures, there is a risk that some of the grafts won't "take." Although it is normal for the hair contained within the plugs to fall out before establishing regrowth in its new location, sometimes the skin plug dies and surgery must be repeated. Sometimes, patients with plug grafts will notice small bumps on the scalp that form at the transplant sites. These areas can usually be camouflaged with surrounding hair.

When hair loss progresses after surgery, an unnatural, "patchy" look may result-especially if the newly-placed hair lies next to patches of hair that continue to thin out. If this happens, additional surgery may be required.



Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Larry Lickstein Headshot

Larry Lickstein, MD

U.S. Board Certified
21021 Sycolin Road, Suite 001
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1571440-5005

Michael Brown Headshot

Michael Brown, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 125, 45155 Research Place
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703726-1175

Jamal Yousefi Headshot

Jamal Yousefi, MD

U.S. Board Certified
502 Maple Avenue W.
Vienna, VA 22180
United States

1703255-4922

Byron Poindexter Headshot

Byron Poindexter, MD

U.S. Board Certified
1825 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, VA 20190
United States

1703879-8245

Phillip Chang Headshot

Phillip Chang, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 350, 19500 Sandridge Way
Lansdowne, VA 20176
United States

1703729-5553

Khalique Zahir Headshot

Khalique Zahir, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 100, 20745 Williamsport Place
Ashburn, VA 20147
United States

1703208-0783

Logo

Patient Care Center