Your hair can speak volumes about you and even showcase your personality. Men and women can experience hair loss due to genetics, medications, stress, and pregnancy, which can result in embarrassment and loss of confidence. We offer hair restoration procedures at our Barrington, IL, plastic surgery practice for men and women who want to enjoy thicker, natural-looking hair.
Hair restoration is often an uncertain territory, and if you are contemplating the procedure, you will have many questions. Our team is here to cut through the confusion and provide helpful information on hair restoration.
How Does Hair Restoration Work?
The goal of hair restoration is to preserve the hair you already have and promote new hair growth. We have two hair restoration procedures available at our practice.
NeoGraft Hair Transplant
During a NeoGraft procedure, your plastic surgeon will individually harvest hair follicles from the back of your head and transplant them to sparse areas. NeoGraft uses a device that gently extracts these hair follicles so you can minimize scarring compared to other harvesting methods.
During your procedure, the plastic surgeon will numb your scalp using a local anesthetic. They will then transplant around 500 to 2000 grafts to the desired areas. The procedure will only take a few hours and has minimal downtime.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Restoration
A great hair restoration option available at our practice is PRP hair restoration. During this procedure, particles of your blood are used to stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. Your plastic surgeon will extract a portion of your blood and separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma will then be injected into sparse areas of the scalp to encourage hair growth.
Similar to NeoGraft, your plastic surgeon will administer a local anesthetic for a PRP procedure. This procedure can often be completed in as little as 30 minutes with only mild pain at the injection site.
What Can You Expect After NeoGraft Hair Restoration?
Your recovery process after NeoGraft hair restoration is usually fast and easy. Most men and women experience mild numbness or discomfort that can be managed with medication. According to Healthline, your scalp will start to scab a few hours after the procedure, and it’s important not to interfere with the scabs in any way.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you on how to clean your scalp during the 24 hours after your procedure. It’s important to treat your scalp gently and avoid headwear for several days for optimal recovery.
What To Expect After PRP Hair Restoration
Fortunately, there is minimal downtime after a PRP procedure, and you may be able to shower and care for your scalp as usual. Your plastic surgeon will advise you to avoid hair care products with harsh chemicals that may aggravate the scalp. Some men and women may begin to notice an improvement in hair growth a couple of weeks after the procedure, but it may take a few months to see your full results.
How Long Do NeoGraft Hair Restoration Results Last?
Your NeoGraft results are very long-lasting, but you may need several treatment sessions depending on the area you want to have treated. If you only want to transplant hair to a small area on your scalp, you may only require 1 to 2 sessions. You should also be aware that it may take up to 4 to 6 months for new hair to appear on your scalp, and there may be a period of shedding a few weeks to a couple of months after your treatment.
How Long Do PRP Hair Restoration Results Last?
Your PRP hair restoration results can last up to 18 to 24 months. However, it’s important to note that the longevity of your results will depend on your body’s healing properties, overall health, and a variety of other factors. You will likely need treatments every few months to maintain hair growth.
How To Optimize Your Hair Restoration Results
You are thrilled with your fuller hair, but what steps can you take to make your results last? An important step is to follow your plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Additionally, protecting your scalp from the sun should be a priority so your hair follicles are not affected during the growth process.
It’s also essential to follow a nutritious and well-balanced diet to boost healing in your scalp and help with new hair growth. You should also refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol after your procedure, as those activities may affect your blood flow and impede the healing process.
PRP and NeoGraft hair restoration are two very different procedures with the similar goal of encouraging hair growth and boosting your confidence. Your plastic surgeon can discuss which treatment will work best for your scalp and hair goals. If you are ready to start your hair restoration journey, request a consultation or call us at (847) 382-4400 to schedule an appointment.
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